SimonSAYS + RELAY
Website Knowledge Base

1. Websites

How much does a website cost?

It depends on what you need the website to do.

A simple website that explains your business will cost less than an e-commerce site, booking platform, or website with custom integrations.
The best place to start is a quick chat. We will ask what you want the site to achieve, who it is for, and what functionality you need. From there, we can recommend the right approach and give you a realistic estimate.

You do not need to arrive with a perfect brief. Helping you define that is part of the job.

How long does it take to build a website?

Most business websites take around one to three months.
The timing depends on the size of the site, the functionality, and how quickly content and approvals are available.
If your copy, images, and product information are ready, things can move quickly. More complex websites can take longer because there is more to build, test, and approve.
Once we understand the scope, we will give you a realistic timeline upfront.

I need a new website. Can you help?

Yes. Absolutely.
If you already have a website, we will normally look at that first. You may not need to start again.

Sometimes a site only needs better content, a clearer structure, stronger calls to action, improved performance, or better search visibility.
If the current platform is holding you back, we can build a new site. The aim is to solve the problem, not to sell you a rebuild you do not need.

My website isn't getting results. What should I do?

There could be a few reasons.

People may not be finding the site. The message may not be clear. The site may be slow, difficult to use on mobile, or not give visitors a strong reason to take the next step.
We would first look at what you already have. We can then identify the biggest gaps and fix those before you spend more money driving traffic to the site.
Sometimes the answer is a new website. Often it is not.

What happens after my website goes live?

Going live is the start of the next phase, not necessarily the end.

Your website still needs to stay healthy, relevant, and easy to find. Depending on your business, that may mean maintenance, content updates, SEO, Google Ads, analytics, or ongoing digital marketing.
We can help you decide what is worth doing and what can wait.

2. SEO and Google Ads

How long does SEO take to work?

SEO takes time.

Google can find and re-index changes fairly quickly, but stronger search rankings usually build over a longer period.
How quickly you see movement depends on your market, your competitors, the quality of your website, and how much work is needed.
We prefer to track whether you are becoming more visible for the searches that matter to your business rather than promise a fixed deadline.

Is SEO worth it?

Yes, especially if people search online for what you sell.

SEO helps Google understand your website and helps the right people find you without paying for every click.
It is not a once-off fix. Search habits change, competitors change, and your website changes. A little ongoing attention usually works better than doing a big SEO push once and forgetting about it.

How much does SEO cost?

It depends on the condition of your website and how competitive your market is.
Some sites only need light ongoing work. Others may need technical fixes, better content, and a more active search strategy.
We would rather look at your site first and tell you what is actually needed than put you into a package that is too big or too small.

Is Google Ads worth it?

Yes, it can be.

Google Ads works well when people are already searching for the product or service you offer and you want visibility quickly.
It is also measurable, so we can see what people are searching for, what they click, and what leads to an inquiry or sale.
The important thing is not simply being at the top of Google. It is getting the right person to the right page with the right message.

How much does Google Ads cost?

There is no fixed amount.

The cost depends on your market, the keywords you want to target, how competitive they are, and how widely you want to advertise.
We can work with an agreed daily or monthly budget and adjust it as we learn what is working.
The aim is to spend sensibly, not simply spend more.

How much should I spend on Google Ads?

Start with what you want the campaign to achieve.

A local business in Gqeberha may need a very different budget from a company targeting South Africa nationally.
We look at the audience, competition, search demand, and the value of an inquiry or sale. Then we recommend a sensible starting point.
You can start smaller, learn from the data, and grow the budget if the campaign is working.

How long does it take to see results from Google Ads?

You can start getting visibility and traffic quite quickly once the campaign is live. Good performance takes a little longer because we need enough data to see which searches, ads, and landing pages are working best.

The first few weeks are usually about learning and improving.
We focus on the result that matters to you, such as inquiries or sales, not just clicks.

What's the difference between SEO and Google Ads?

Both help people find you on Google, but they work differently.

SEO builds your organic visibility over time. You are improving your website so Google can understand it and rank it more strongly.
Google Ads is paid visibility. You pay to compete for selected searches and can start reaching people much faster.
For many businesses, the best answer is a mix of both.

Which is better, SEO or Google Ads?

It depends on what you need.

SEO is important for building a strong long-term search presence. Google Ads is useful when you want faster visibility.
If your website has obvious problems, we would usually fix the important basics first. Then we can decide whether paid search makes sense.
You do not have to choose one forever. They can work very well together.

Which is better, social media or SEO?

They do different jobs.

SEO works well when people are already searching for something you offer.
Social media is useful for building awareness, staying visible, and showing people what your brand is about.
The right mix depends on where your customers are and how they usually find businesses like yours.

3. Digital and Social Media Marketing

How much does digital marketing cost?

Digital marketing can mean a lot of different things, so the cost can vary.

It could include social media, Google Ads, YouTube, LinkedIn, email, content, video, remarketing, or a mix of channels.
The first thing we need to understand is what you want to achieve, who you want to reach, and whether that audience is local, national, or international.
From there, we can build an approach that fits your objective and your budget.

How much does social media marketing cost?

It depends on how much support you need.

A few well-planned posts each month are very different from daily content, videos, community management, and paid campaigns across several platforms.
We look at the platforms, the amount of content, how often you need to post, and whether media spend is included.
Then we can suggest a package that fits. You do not need to buy more than you need.

Is digital marketing worth it?

Yes, when it has a clear purpose.

One of the best things about digital marketing is that we can measure it. We can see reach, traffic, enquiries, leads, and conversions.
That gives us a chance to learn, make changes, and put more budget behind what is working.
We are less interested in impressive-looking numbers and more interested in whether the marketing is helping your business.

How much should I spend on digital marketing?

There is no one number that suits every business.

Your budget depends on your audience, your market, the channels you want to use, and how quickly you want to grow.
It also helps to separate the cost of creating and managing the marketing from the money paid to media platforms.
If you give us a comfortable budget range, we can help you use it where it is most likely to make a difference.

I need help with my digital marketing. Where do I start?

Start with the problem you want to solve.
Do you need more inquiries? Better visibility? More sales? A stronger online presence?
Once we know that, we can look at what you are doing now and where the biggest opportunities are.
You do not need to know which platform or service you need before speaking to us. We can help you work that out.

I want more people to find my business online.

We can help.

The right solution may be SEO, Google Ads, social media, local search, content, or a combination of channels.
We would first look at where you are visible now, what people are searching for, and where the gaps are.
Then we can focus the budget on the areas most likely to help, rather than trying to be everywhere.
I want to improve my online presence.
That normally means looking at the full picture.
Your website, Google visibility, social media, paid advertising, content, and online reputation all play a part.
We can help you identify what is strong, what is missing, and what should be prioritized first.
You do not need to fix everything at once.

4. Marketing Strategy and Campaigns

How much should a small business spend on marketing?

There is no perfect number.

Your budget should match what you want to achieve, who you need to reach, and how competitive your market is.
It also helps to remember that a marketing budget usually has two parts: the work needed to create and manage the campaign and the media spend used to put it in front of people.
You can start conservatively, test what works, and grow from there. Small budgets can still work well when they are focused.

What should I budget for marketing?

A broad range is enough to start the conversation.

You might say you are comfortable around R2,000-R10,000, R10,000-R20,000, R20,000-R50,000, or R50,000-R100,000.
That helps us understand what is realistic without you needing to know exactly how the budget should be split.
We can then recommend where to use it and where not to waste it.

How much does a marketing campaign cost?

It depends on the campaign.

A local campaign can cost very differently from a national or international one. The creative requirements, media channels, and length of the campaign also make a difference.
We separate what it costs to create and manage the campaign from the media spend needed to reach the audience.
Once we know your objective and budget, we can build a practical plan around it.

My marketing isn't working.

There could be a few reasons, and spending more is not always the answer.

The message may be wrong. The audience may be too broad. The media may not suit the customer. The website may not be converting. Or there may simply be no clear way of measuring what is working.
We would first look at what you are doing now. Then we can identify the biggest issue, test improvements, and build from there.
Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.

My business needs better marketing.

We can help you work out what 'better' should actually mean.

It may mean more inquiries, stronger awareness, a clearer brand, better digital results, or a more consistent communication plan.
We would start with the business need and then recommend the right mix of strategy, creative, digital, and media.
You do not have to know the answer before you talk to us.

I don't know what marketing my business needs. Can you help?

Yes. That is a very normal place to start.

Tell us what is happening in the business and what you want to improve.
We can look at where you are now, what your customers need to hear, and where the biggest gaps are.
The right answer may be simpler than you think.

I don't know where to start with marketing.

Start with one question: what do you want the business to achieve?

More customers? More sales? Better awareness? A stronger brand? A new market?
Once that is clear, we can help you work out who you need to reach, what you need to say, and where you should say it.
You do not need to start by choosing a platform.

I need more customers. Can you help?

Yes.

The first thing is to understand who your best customers are and how they currently find you.
Then we can look at where people may be dropping off and what could help move them closer to an enquiry or sale.
That might involve your brand, website, search, social media, advertising, or a mix of channels.
The goal is not just more reach. It is more of the right customers.

I want more customers.

Marketing can help, but we want the right customers, not just more people seeing your name.
We start by understanding who you want to reach, what matters to them, and why they should choose you.
Then we build the right route to reach them consistently and make it easy for them to take the next step.

5. Branding and Design

How much does a logo cost?

A logo can be a small part of a much bigger brand job.

Before we design anything, we want to understand your business, your audience, and what the brand needs to say.
Sometimes you only need a focused identity update. Sometimes the business needs a broader brand refresh with colors, typography, messaging, and clear guidelines.
Once we know what is needed, we can give you a realistic cost.

How long does it take to design a logo?

It depends on the scope.

A good logo needs a bit of thinking before the design starts. We need to understand the business, the audience, and where the identity needs to work.
Once the direction is clear, we can develop and refine the identity and make sure it works in the real world.
We will give you a realistic timeline once we know what the job involves.

How much does branding cost?

It depends on how much needs to change.

Sometimes a brand just needs an evolution: keeping what people already know but making it more current and consistent.
Sometimes it needs a bigger rethink.
The cost depends on whether we are working on strategy, identity, messaging, guidelines, and how many places the new brand needs to be applied.

We will help you define what is really necessary before we quote.

How much does a rebrand cost?

A rebrand can be small or extensive.
You may only need to modernize an existing identity, or you may need to rethink how the business is positioned and presented.
The cost depends on how much strategic work is needed and how many brand touchpoints have to change.
We would first understand why you want to rebrand, then recommend the right level of work.

How long does a rebrand take?

It depends on how much is changing.

A focused evolution can move fairly quickly. A larger rebrand with strategy, a new identity, messaging, and multiple applications will take longer. We would rather get the direction right than rush it.
Once we understand the scope, we will give you a clear timeline.

I need a new logo. Can you help?

Yes.

We can create a new identity, but we will first want to understand why you need it and what the brand needs to communicate.
You may need a completely new logo. You may only need to improve what you already have.
We will help you make that call before you spend money unnecessarily.

I need help with my brand.

Yes. We can help.

Your brand may feel outdated, inconsistent, or unclear. Or the business may simply have grown beyond the identity it started with.
We can look at what you have now, what is worth keeping, and what needs to change.
The aim is to make the brand clearer, more relevant, and easier to use consistently.

I need to rebrand my business. Can you help?

Yes.

The first thing we would ask is why you want to rebrand.
Maybe the business has changed. Maybe you are entering a new market. Maybe the identity feels dated or no longer reflects who you are.
Once we understand the reason, we can recommend whether you need a careful evolution or a bigger change.

I want to improve my brand.

You may not need to start again.

Often a brand can improve through better consistency, clearer messaging, a stronger visual system, or a more modern application of what already exists.  We can help you work out what is worth keeping and where the biggest improvements can be made.

My brand looks outdated.

That does not automatically mean you need to throw it away.

If people already know and trust the brand, there may be real value in keeping some of that recognition.
We can help modernize the identity while protecting the parts that still work.
Sometimes evolution is stronger than revolution.

Is branding worth it?

Yes.

A strong brand helps people recognize you, remember you, and understand what you stand for.
It also gives your marketing a clear foundation, so everything feels like it comes from the same business.
Branding is not just about making things look good. It is about making the business easier to understand and trust.

What's the difference between a logo and branding?

A logo is one part of a brand.

Your brand is the bigger picture. It includes how you look, how you speak, what you stand for, and how consistently customers experience you. The logo helps people recognize you. The brand gives that logo meaning.

What's the difference between branding and marketing?

Branding defines who you are.

Marketing helps you tell people about it.

Your brand sets the positioning, personality, identity, and message. Marketing uses websites, advertising, social media, search, video, and other channels to take that message to your audience.
They work best together.

How do I choose a branding agency?

Meet them.

You are going to work closely together, so the relationship matters.
Look for an agency that wants to understand the business, not just redesign the logo. Look at the quality of the work, how brands are used in the real world, and whether the team can explain the thinking behind what they do.
Branding should be an exciting process. You want an agency that brings energy to it and cares about the result as much as you do.

What should I look for in a branding agency?

Look for three things: good thinking, good work, and a good fit.

The agency should understand your market, explain the thinking behind its recommendations, and show that it can apply a brand consistently across different touchpoints.
You should also feel comfortable working with the team.
A good relationship makes the whole process better.

How much does graphic design cost?

Graphic design costs depend on what you need.

A new campaign concept or brand look needs more senior creative input than resizing or rolling out approved artwork.
We structure the work so the right level of designer is used for the right part of the job.
That keeps the quality high without using expensive senior time where it is not needed.

6. Video and Photography

How much does a corporate video cost?

It depends on the type of video.

A simple interview-led video will cost less than a multi-location production with actors, specialist equipment, voice-over, animation, and extensive editing.
The first thing we do is understand what the video needs to say and where it will be used.
From there, we can recommend the right level of production and give you a realistic estimate.

How much does professional photography cost?

Photography is normally priced around the brief and the time needed.
A half-day shoot will cost differently from a full-day campaign. Equipment, lighting, locations, models, styling, makeup, travel, and editing can also affect the cost.

Tell us what you need the images for, and we can help scope the shoot properly.

7. Choosing and Working With SimonSAYS

What does SimonSAYS do?

SimonSAYS is a strategic creative agency.

In simple terms, we help businesses work out what they need to say, who they need to say it to, and how best to get that message out.
That can include brand strategy, marketing strategy, creative campaigns, graphic design, websites, digital marketing, social media, SEO, Google Ads, content, video, photography, and traditional media.

We have specialists across these areas who work together, so you do not have to manage a different supplier for every part of the job.

What marketing services do you offer?

We cover the main areas needed to build and market a brand.
That includes strategy, branding, creative campaigns, graphic design, websites, SEO, Google Ads, social media, content, video, photography, and media.

You do not need every service.

Tell us what you want to achieve, and we can help you choose what is actually useful.

What services do you offer?

We can help with strategy, branding, creative, websites, digital marketing, social media, SEO, Google Ads, design, video, photography, content, and media.

If you are not sure what you need, that is fine.
Tell us the business problem first, and we will help you find the right starting point.

What can you help me with?

A lot, but we do not expect you to know which service to ask for.

You might need a stronger brand, a better website, more inquiries, a campaign, better online visibility, or simply a clearer marketing plan.
Tell us what you are trying to achieve, and we can help work out the best next step.

How do I choose a marketing agency?

Start by looking at the work, but do not stop there.

A good agency should want to understand your business before suggesting a solution. It should be able to explain why it is recommending something and how it will help your objective.
Case studies are useful because they show how an agency thinks and manages a real brief, not just whether the final work looks good.
It is also worth meeting the team. Good agency relationships are built on trust, communication, and a shared interest in getting the result.

What should I look for in a marketing agency?

Look for a team that understands business as well as marketing.
They should be able to think strategically, create strong work, manage budgets responsibly, and measure what matters.
Just as importantly, you should be comfortable working with them.
The best relationships feel collaborative. You should be able to talk openly, ask questions, and challenge each other when needed.

How do I get a quote?

Start with a short conversation.

A quote is much more useful once we understand what you want to achieve, who you need to reach, and what is involved.
You do not need to have every detail worked out before you contact us.
Give us the basics, and we can help shape the brief, then put a realistic cost against it.

Can I get a quote?

Of course.

For a simple requirement, we may be able to give you a quick estimate.
For a bigger website, campaign, rebrand, or digital project, a short chat first will give you a much more accurate number.
You do not need to arrive with a perfect brief. We can help with that.

How can I contact you?

The easiest way is through the contact options on the SimonSAYS website.
If you are not sure who to speak to, just tell us what you need help with and we will make sure it gets to the right person.
You can also keep asking RELAY questions first if you want to understand something before you contact us.

Where can I find your contact details?

You will find the current SimonSAYS contact details on our website.
If you are using RELAY, you can also ask for the best way to get in touch, and we will point you in the right direction.

8. Where We Work and Who We Work With

Do you work with businesses elsewhere in South Africa?

Yes.

We work with businesses across South Africa and internationally.
A lot of strategy, design, and web and digital work can be managed easily through online meetings and digital presentations.
If a project needs us on-site for filming, photography, workshops, or activations, we simply plan that into the job.

Do you work with businesses in Gqeberha?

Yes. Very much so.
SimonSAYS is based in Gqeberha, and we are proud of our city.
We work with many local businesses and enjoy being part of the growth happening here.
Helping local businesses grow also helps create opportunity and employment in the city, which matters to us.

Do you work with businesses in Port Elizabeth?

Yes.

Port Elizabeth is the former name of Gqeberha, where SimonSAYS is based.
We work with many businesses in the city and surrounding region and are proud of our local roots.

Do you work with businesses outside Port Elizabeth?

Yes.

Although we are based in Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth, we work with clients across South Africa and internationally.
Your location does not stop us from helping with strategy, branding, websites, or digital work.
Where we need to be physically on site, we plan that around the project.

Do you work with new businesses?

Definitely.

Working with a business from the beginning can be a great opportunity because we can help build the brand and marketing foundations properly from day one.
That might include the positioning, identity, website, and the first communication plan.
We can also scale the work to suit where the business is now, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Do you work with small businesses?

Yes.

Small businesses matter, and many big businesses started small.
We know budgets can be tighter in the early stages, so we try to help clients focus on what will make the biggest difference first.
You do not need a huge marketing budget to start making progress.

9. General Growth Questions

I need help with my business.

Tell us what is not working or what you want to improve.
You may need more customers, a stronger brand, a better website, clearer marketing, or simply a fresh view of what you are doing.
We can help you work out where the real opportunity is.
You do not need to know which service to ask for.

I want to grow my business.

That is exactly the kind of conversation we can help with.
Growth starts with understanding who you want more of, what they value, and why they should choose you.
From there, marketing can help create awareness, build trust, and generate inquiries or sales.
We can help you put a practical plan around that, based on your market and your budget.

10. About RELAY

What is RELAY?

RELAY is the AI-powered knowledge assistant on the SimonSAYS website.
It helps you find answers about our services, websites, branding, marketing, SEO, Google Ads, digital activity, and other information we have made available.

Think of it as a quick way to get a useful answer before you decide whether you need to speak to someone.
If your question needs a proper brief, quote, or more detailed advice, RELAY will point you towards the SimonSAYS team.