Hiring a web team for the first time raises a lot of questions. One of the biggest is about money. When do you pay? What does the deposit cover? What happens if the project runs long?
At 1REALTOUR, we keep it simple. This post walks you through how payment works on a typical website project, so you know exactly what to expect before we start.
The 50/50 structure
We use a straightforward split:
- 50% deposit - paid when you sign on. This secures your slot in our schedule and starts the design phase.
- 50% balance - due at final approval, just before we launch your site.
That is the whole structure. No complicated milestone billing. No surprise invoices in the middle of the project.
What the deposit covers
The deposit does two things. First, it locks in your place on our calendar. Web design projects are scheduled work - designers, developers, and marketers all need dedicated time on your build. The deposit reserves that time for you.
Second, it starts the design phase. Once your deposit is in, our team gets to work on the look and feel of your site. You will see designs, give feedback, and we will refine together.
What the balance covers
The remaining 50% is due only when you have approved the final site. That means you have seen the designs, the pages have been built, and the site works on every device. You sign off, we launch, and the balance is settled.
We think this is fair to both sides. You never pay for a finished product you have not seen. We never start the significant build work without a commitment.
How long your project might take
Payment timelines connect to project timelines, so it helps to know how long your build might run. It depends on complexity:
- "Essence" one-page site - typically 2 to 3 weeks
A one-page site for a local business is a different job from a custom web application with an online store. We scope each project before we quote it, so the timeline we agree on reflects what you actually need.
Why we keep it this simple
We have been building websites, running SEO, and managing ads for over 5 years. Over that time we have learned that unclear billing causes more stress than any technical problem. Businesses want to know one thing: what am I paying, and when?
A 50/50 split answers that in one sentence. It also lines up incentives. We do most of our work before the second payment, so we have every reason to get your sign-off quickly and launch a site you are happy with.
Payment is one part of a bigger picture
Money is only one question. Here are a few others we hear often, with short answers.
Can I update the site myself after launch?
Yes. We build sites on user-friendly content management systems, and we provide training at handover. You can update text, swap images, and publish blog posts without writing any code.
Do you handle hosting and maintenance?
Yes. We offer fully managed, high-performance hosting. Our "Managed Growth" plan includes daily backups, security updates, and LiteSpeed server access. You do not have to think about servers.
What about marketing after launch?
That is where the "under one roof" part matters. Alongside web design and development, we handle SEO, Pay Per Click advertising, Google Ads management, eCommerce marketing, conversion rate optimization, and graphic design. Many clients start with a website and grow into ongoing marketing with the same team.
What working with one team looks like
A lot of businesses juggle separate providers. One company builds the site. Another hosts it. A third runs the ads. A fourth handles SEO. Every handoff is a chance for things to slip.
We bring all of it together. Your designer knows what your ads need. Your developer builds pages that rank. Your SEO and your eCommerce growth strategy draw from the same understanding of your business. For online stores in particular, this matters - a store's design, product pages, ad campaigns, and conversion rates all affect each other, and one team can see the whole picture.
The process from first call to launch
Here is how a typical project flows:
- Conversation - we learn about your business, your goals, and your customers.
- Scope and timeline - we agree on what we are building and how long it will take.
- Deposit - 50% secures your slot and starts design.
- Design and build - you review designs and give feedback; we refine and build.
- Approval - you confirm the finished site works for you.
- Launch - the balance is paid, and your site goes live.
- After launch - training, hosting, maintenance, and marketing when you are ready.
Each step is clear before we move to the next. You always know where your project stands.
Questions about your project?
If you are weighing a new website, an online store, or a marketing push, we are happy to talk through timelines and costs before you commit to anything. No pressure, no jargon.
You can reach us at hello@1realtour.com or call +1 (619) 315-4591. You can also find us at 734 University Ave Suite 205, San Diego, CA 92103.
Plain pricing, clear timelines, and one team for your entire online presence. That is how we have worked for over 5 years, and it is how we will work with you.