What does a website replatform actually cost?

"How much will this cost?" is usually the first question. It's a fair question, and it deserves a straight answer.

The short version: a replatform typically costs less than a redesign, because you're keeping your existing design and content and replacing the infrastructure underneath. But the exact number depends on your site's size, complexity, and what you want to improve along the way.

Here's where the money actually goes.

The main cost areas

Every replatform follows roughly the same phases, and understanding them helps you see why costs vary so much between a 20-page brochure site and a complex membership platform.

  • Before any build work starts, we need to understand what you've got. This means auditing your existing site: what content exists, what templates and page types are in use, what integrations are running, and where the pain points are.

    For a straightforward site this might take a day or two. For a complex site with member functionality, multiple integrations, and years of accumulated content, it takes longer.

    This phase also includes planning the content model for the new CMS — deciding how your content will be structured as reusable building blocks rather than rigid page templates. Getting this right up front saves significant time and cost later.

What drives the cost up or down

Not all replatforms are equal. Here's what makes the difference:

FactorLower costHigher cost
Page templates5–10 unique layouts20+ unique layouts
Content volumeUnder 50 pagesHundreds or thousands of pages
IntegrationsBasic (forms, analytics)Complex (member systems, payment, APIs)
Custom functionalityStandard content siteFiltering, calculators, dashboards
Design approachKeep existing designTargeted improvements alongside
Content qualityClean, well-structuredYears of accumulated, inconsistent content

How AI reduces the cost

Our team works with AI tools throughout the replatform process to speed up the repetitive, time-consuming tasks — content migration, QA preparation, documentation. AI supports the work; our team makes the decisions and ensures the quality. The efficiency gains are passed on to you, meaning a lower project cost than a traditional approach.

Ballpark ranges

Every site is different, but to give you a sense of scale:

Site typeTypical range (NZD)
Small content site (under 50 pages, few integrations)$15,000 – $40,000
Medium site (50–200 pages, some integrations, some custom functionality)$40,000 – $100,000
Complex site (200+ pages, member functionality, multiple integrations, custom features)$100,000 – $300,000+

Interested in learning more?

See further readings that might be of interest to you.

Website replatforming - a general guide on replatforming

What is a website replatform and when does it make sense? — a plain-language explainer on replatforming vs redesign.

SilverStripe alternatives: a guide for NZ organisations considering a move — a quick review of what is out there.

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