How we engage
What it costs, and how it works
We do not publish a price list, because a number without a scope is worse than no number. What we can be straight about is how engagements are structured, what moves the cost, and how to get an estimate you can actually rely on.
Engagement models
How we work
Four straightforward ways to engage us. Pick the one that fits, or mix them as your needs change.
Staff Augmentation
Add experienced Shakewell developers, designers or specialists directly to your own team. Engagements typically run three to twelve months, but can be as short or long as you need — you get the skills without the commitment and cost of hiring full-time.
About staff augmentationFixed-Scope Projects
Have a defined outcome in mind? We scope it, price it and deliver it as a project — a clear timeline, agreed milestones and a single point of accountability from kickoff to handover.
Embedded Delivery Teams
For larger or longer-running work, a cross-functional Shakewell team — development, design and delivery management — plugs in as your delivery arm, working to your priorities and your reporting cadence.
Support & Maintenance
Already live? We keep websites, stores and apps secure, updated and performing through ongoing retainers — business-hours support as standard, with 24/7 coverage available for critical issues.
About support & maintenanceWhat moves the cost
Page count is rarely the driver. These four are, in roughly this order.
Discovery and design depth
A build from an existing brand and a clear sitemap costs less than one that needs research, journey mapping and a design system from scratch. Discovery is what stops you paying for the wrong build — its depth should match the risk of getting it wrong.
Integrations
CRMs, marketing automation, booking engines, payment gateways, member databases, single sign-on. Each one is a project inside the project, and it is the most common reason two similar-looking websites are priced tens of thousands apart.
Content and migration
Who writes the copy, how many pages or products move across, and whether they need restructuring on the way. Migration is the line item most often underestimated.
Non-functional requirements
Performance budgets, WCAG accessibility compliance, security review, multilingual support. Invisible in a screenshot, very visible in a quote — and usually worth it.
How to get a number you can trust
01
Write down outcomes, not features
“Members can find a document in under a minute” tells us more than a forty-line feature list, and it survives contact with reality better.
02
Separate must-launch from can-follow
Phasing is the most reliable cost lever there is. Deciding what does not need to be in version one is usually worth more than negotiating the rate.
03
Ask what is excluded
Content entry, migration, browser support, accessibility level, post-launch support. The difference between two quotes usually lives in the exclusions rather than the inclusions.
04
Compare process, not just price
Ask how a team handles discovery, feedback rounds and change requests. That is what you are actually buying, and it is what determines whether the number holds.
Cost, timelines and process
How much does it cost to work with Shakewell?
Shakewell offers two primary compensation models for our services: a fixed retainer model and a performance-based model, where compensation is determined by the growth we drive for your business. The performance-based model is available upon application.
How long does it take to develop a website or app?
The timeline for development varies depending on the complexity and scope of the project. Simple websites can take 4-8 weeks, while more complex apps or platforms may take several months. After understanding your project requirements, we’ll provide a detailed timeline and milestones to keep everything on track.
What is the typical process for developing a website or app?
Our development process generally follows these key stages:
- Discovery & Planning: We gather requirements, set project goals, and create a roadmap.
- Design & Prototyping: We create wireframes and design mockups for your approval.
- Development: Our team builds the front-end and back-end of your platform.
- Testing & QA: We conduct thorough testing to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Launch: Once approved, we deploy the website or app and ensure a smooth launch.
- Post-Launch Support: We provide ongoing support and maintenance.
Each project is unique, and we adapt the process to meet your needs.
How do you ensure successful project delivery?
At Shakewell, we believe in clear communication and collaboration throughout every project. We work closely with clients from start to finish, ensuring that your goals are understood and met. Our process includes detailed planning, feedback loops, and performance tracking to ensure that every campaign and design is executed with excellence.
Do you offer custom solutions or use templates?
We specialise in creating custom solutions tailored to your business. Whether it’s a website, mobile app, or web app, our developers and designers work closely with you to ensure that your platform meets your specific requirements. While we can work with pre-built frameworks or platforms (like WordPress or Shopify), we customise everything to fit your brand and functionality needs.
How are website support services typically structured?
Website support services are typically offered through service agreements that outline the scope of work, response times, and the level of support provided. These services are essential for maintaining a secure, high-performing, and user-friendly website, and they allow businesses to focus on their core activities while their online presence is well taken care of.