Clear website timeline

Prototype, Year 1, launch, and maintenance each have a clear boundary.

The complimentary prototype happens before the paid Year 1 term. After prototype and scope approval, the first 50% starts production and starts Day 1 of the 12-month Year 1 website-service term. The remaining 50% is due at completed domain launch. Launch does not restart the anniversary.

Pricing workflow updated August 22, 2026

Compare Year 1 Website Packages Maintenance vs. No Maintenance
Year 1 website service ≠ Platform Maintenance

The selected website package establishes the Year 1 website-service lane. Platform Maintenance is a separate post-launch technical-care option. Requested changes after launch are maintenance or separately scoped work.

1. Prototype

$0 complimentary

Work through the website direction, site map, customer path, and representative imagery before the Year 1 clock begins.

See prototype process

2. First payment

50% starts Year 1

After prototype/scope approval, the first 50% begins production and starts the 12-month Year 1 term on that payment date.

See Year 1 timing

3. Launch

50% final balance

The remaining 50% is due when the approved finished website launches or is connected to the client's domain. The anniversary date does not reset.

See launch boundary

4. Maintenance

Separate post-launch

Requested edits and ongoing technical care after launch are handled through Platform Maintenance or separately scoped work.

Compare maintenance options

What Year 1 website support can include

Important: requested post-launch content changes, image swaps, pricing updates, new pages, new sections, and feature changes are maintenance or separately scoped work rather than part of the original website build.

What website support does not automatically include

  • Unlimited changes, pages, or redesigns
  • CRM or custom CRM workflow development
  • Website Assistant setup
  • Business web apps or mobile apps
  • Paid ads, platform fees, API usage, SMS/email, telecom, or app-store charges
  • Large custom photography/content projects
  • Platform Maintenance or emergency restoration unless selected

What happens before extra work

If a request materially expands the approved website scope, we identify the change and provide the applicable hourly rate, starting price, or fixed quote before the additional work begins.

No-surprise rule: a larger request should not quietly turn into an invoice after the work is already complete.

The Year 1 anniversary stays tied to the first payment

The 12-month Year 1 website-service term ends 12 consecutive months after Ell Vii's Automations receives the first 50% production payment. Launch does not restart or extend that term unless a written agreement specifically says otherwise.

That makes the prototype the place for the longer design conversation. Once the direction is approved and Year 1 starts, timely client feedback, images, content, and approvals help move the site live sooner so more of Year 1 is spent with the finished website working for the business.

With Platform Maintenance

$397/month or $3,970/year prepaid

  • Routine/automated monitoring of supported systems
  • Up to 2 hands-on maintenance hours per month
  • Reasonable requested post-launch changes within maintenance scope
  • Troubleshooting of supported existing functionality
  • Patches, dependency/security upkeep, and connection checks
  • Additional scheduled maintenance at $198.50/hour
Critical restoration with maintenanceFrom $500/hour with a 2-hour minimum, currently $1,000 minimum.

Without Platform Maintenance

$0 recurring maintenance charge

  • No included monthly hands-on maintenance hours
  • No preventative technical review under the maintenance plan
  • Support is requested as needed and handled when availability permits
  • On-call support: $794/engagement for up to 2 hours
  • Additional on-call time starts at $397/hour
Critical restoration without maintenanceCurrent minimum: $2,794, consisting of a $794 activation plus a 2-hour minimum at $1,000/hour.

Questions customers should be able to answer before buying

Does the free prototype use Year 1 time? No. The standard complimentary prototype happens before the first production payment.

When does Year 1 start? The date the first 50% production payment is received after prototype/scope approval.

When is the second half due? At completed domain launch.

Does launch restart Year 1? No. The anniversary remains 12 months from the first payment unless the written agreement says otherwise.

What happens to requested changes after launch? They are maintenance or separately scoped post-launch work.

Does maintenance guarantee 24/7 human response? No. A guaranteed response-time SLA exists only if a separate written service agreement specifically provides one.

Want the website direction settled before Year 1 begins?

Start with the complimentary prototype, then begin the 12-month term only after the production direction and scope are approved.

View Full Website Pricing