Learn how Compass Production structures website pricing, what’s included in each subscription tier, and how renewals, add-ons, and upgrades work over time.
Overview: How Compass Production Pricing Works
Compass Production uses a subscription-based model for website projects. This keeps your upfront cost predictable while ensuring your site continues to receive updates, security care, and support over time.
Instead of a one-time “build and disappear” fee, you pay an initial setup cost (if applicable) plus an ongoing subscription that bundles hosting, maintenance, and support into a single, predictable payment.
Key Components of Your Website Cost
Your total website cost is made up of several building blocks. Not every project uses all of them, but it helps to understand each piece.
1. Strategy and Discovery
Before design or development begins, we clarify your goals, audiences, and required features. This phase may be included in your package or scoped separately for complex projects.
- Brand and content review
- Site map and feature planning
- Technical requirements (integrations, special functionality)
2. Design and Build
This covers the actual creation of your WordPress site, including page layouts, styling, and core functionality.
- Custom page templates and layouts
- Mobile-responsive design
- Initial content placement (copy and images you provide)
- Configuration of key plugins and tools
3. Hosting and Infrastructure
Your subscription includes managed hosting on a WordPress-optimized server. This is where your site actually lives.
- Server resources sized to your traffic and site complexity
- SSL certificate for secure browsing (HTTPS)
- Server-level caching and performance tuning
4. Maintenance and Security
Ongoing care is built into your subscription so your site stays secure and functional.
- Core WordPress, theme, and plugin updates
- Security monitoring and malware protection
- Regular backups and recovery support
5. Support and Content Changes
Most subscriptions include a defined level of support time for content edits and troubleshooting.
- Help with minor content updates
- Assistance with basic layout adjustments
- Technical troubleshooting if something breaks
Subscription Tiers: What’s Typically Included
Exact names and details of tiers may vary by proposal, but most Compass Production website subscriptions fall into three general levels.
Starter Tier: Essentials for Smaller Sites
Best for small organizations, simple brochure sites, or early-stage projects.
- Managed WordPress hosting
- Core maintenance and security
- Limited monthly support time for small edits
- Access to standard theme and plugin stack
Ideal if: You need a professional presence online with low complexity and predictable costs.
Growth Tier: More Support and Flexibility
Designed for organizations that update content more frequently or need more hands-on help.
- Everything in Starter, plus:
- Increased monthly support time
- Priority response for support requests
- More flexibility for additional page templates or features
Ideal if: You publish content regularly, run campaigns, or need help implementing changes.
Advanced / Custom Tier: High-Touch and Complex Sites
For sites with advanced functionality, heavier traffic, or specialized workflows.
- Everything in Growth, plus:
- Higher-performance hosting resources
- Support for complex integrations or custom features
- More frequent strategy and performance check-ins
Ideal if: Your website is mission-critical for revenue, operations, or media delivery.
How Billing and Renewals Work
Your subscription is billed on a recurring schedule, usually monthly or annually, depending on your agreement.
Billing Frequency
- Monthly billing: Predictable, smaller payments; easier to budget month-to-month.
- Annual billing: One payment per year; often more cost-effective over 12 months.
Your proposal and service agreement specify which option applies to you.
Renewal Process
Subscriptions renew automatically until you change or cancel your plan, so your hosting and maintenance are never interrupted.
- Upcoming renewals are based on your original start date.
- Any price adjustments are communicated in advance.
- You can request a review of your tier if your needs change.
What Happens If You Cancel
If you choose to cancel your subscription, the following typically applies:
- Hosting and maintenance services end at the end of your paid period.
- We can coordinate a site export or migration if you move to another host.
- Any custom terms will be detailed in your service agreement.
Add-Ons and One-Time Costs
Some needs fall outside the standard subscription tiers and are handled as add-ons or one-time projects.
Common Add-Ons
- New feature development (e.g., booking systems, directories)
- Major design refreshes or new page templates
- Advanced integrations with third-party tools
- Content writing or large-scale content migration
How Add-Ons Are Priced
Add-ons are typically scoped as separate mini-projects with their own estimate. Once completed, ongoing maintenance of those features is usually covered by your existing subscription, unless they require special infrastructure.
Upgrading or Downgrading Your Subscription
Your needs will evolve over time. Compass Production’s subscription model is designed to flex with you.
When to Consider an Upgrade
- You’re consistently using more support time than your plan includes.
- Your traffic or content volume has grown significantly.
- You’re planning a major new initiative (campaigns, media, or features).
When a Downgrade Might Make Sense
- Your site is stable and changes are infrequent.
- Some advanced features are no longer needed.
- You’re simplifying your digital footprint.
Upgrades can usually be applied mid-term. Downgrades are often scheduled for the next renewal date so you can fully use your current plan.
What You Should See on Your Proposal
Your Compass Production proposal or agreement should clearly outline the financial details of your website subscription.
- One-time costs: Any initial build or special project fees
- Subscription tier: Starter, Growth, Advanced, or a custom label
- Billing frequency: Monthly or annual
- Included services: Hosting, maintenance, support, and any specific commitments
- Optional add-ons: Listed separately with their own pricing
If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before you approve the proposal. A shared understanding up front prevents surprises later.
How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Organization
Use these questions to align your subscription with your real-world needs:
- How often will we update content or run campaigns?
- How critical is uptime and performance to our operations?
- Do we expect to add new features in the next 12–24 months?
- Who on our team will handle day-to-day edits?
Share your answers with Compass Production so we can recommend the tier and structure that best fits your goals and budget.
