The verdict in three sentences
A governed multi-brand corporate platform costs between 35,000 and 90,000 EUR in 2026, depending on the number of sites and level of customisation. A proprietary design system (7,000-17,000 EUR) and a headless CMS with multi-level editorial workflow are the two line items that separate an unmanageable patchwork from clean governance. Mutualisation of components cuts the marginal per-brand cost by 40 % and shortens each new launch to a few weeks.
What a communications director actually pays for
A group communications director's budget is not just design. It funds a reusable foundation: a design system, a headless CMS (Sanity or Strapi), a deployment pipeline and content governance. Each subsidiary then inherits that foundation.
| Line item | 2026 range (EUR) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Core corporate platform | 35,000 - 90,000 | Multi-site architecture, EU hosting |
| Proprietary design system | 7,000 - 17,000 | Tokens, components, documentation |
| Headless CMS + editorial workflow | 9,000 - 22,000 | Sanity/Strapi, multi-level approval |
| WCAG AA accessibility | 4,500 - 13,000 | Audit + remediation |
| Migration + content transfer | 5,500 - 16,000 | Depends on existing page volume |
| Dedicated project manager (4-6 months) | 13,000 - 32,000 | Governance, steering, UAT |
The typical timeline is 4 to 6 months for the first platform, dedicated project manager included. Each additional subsidiary added afterwards ships in 3 to 6 weeks.
Mutualised vs separate sites: the 40 % gap
The core question: one site per brand, or a single platform with variants? On a 4-subsidiary group, mutualisation radically changes total cost of ownership.
| Scenario | Initial cost (4 brands) | Cost / brand | Annual maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 separate sites (different agencies) | 135,000 - 200,000 EUR | 34,000 - 50,000 | 27,000 - 44,000 EUR |
| Mutualised platform (core + 4 skins) | 80,000 - 125,000 EUR | 20,000 - 31,000 | 13,000 - 22,000 EUR |
| Saving | ~ -40 % | -40 % | -45 % |
Mutualisation imposes one constraint: a shared technical core. But it delivers brand consistency, a single maintenance contract and the ability to launch a new brand without starting over.
Mini case study
Helen, communications director of a 4-subsidiary industrial group in London (construction, energy, services, holding), compares two quotes. The 4-separate-sites option comes to 165,000 EUR upfront and 35,000 EUR/year maintenance. The mutualised platform comes to 100,000 EUR upfront and 17,000 EUR/year.
Over 3 years: 165,000 + (35,000 x 3) = 270,000 EUR versus 100,000 + (17,000 x 3) = 151,000 EUR. A 119,000 EUR saving over 3 years (44 %), plus the guarantee that the 5th brand launches in 4 weeks, not 4 months.
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FAQ
How much does a multi-brand corporate site really cost in 2026?
Budget 35,000 to 90,000 EUR for the core platform, plus 7,000-17,000 EUR for the design system. A 4-brand mutualised group lands around 80,000-125,000 EUR total.
Why a headless CMS rather than WordPress for a group?
Headless (Sanity/Strapi + Next.js) enables a multi-level approval workflow, stronger security and reuse of the same content across sites. The 20-30 % initial premium is absorbed within 2-3 years by a lower TCO.
What is the timeline for the first platform?
4 to 6 months with a dedicated project manager, weekly steering and sprints. Each subsidiary added later ships in 3 to 6 weeks thanks to the shared core.
Is WCAG AA accessibility mandatory?
Yes for public bodies and strongly recommended for large exposed groups. Budget 4,500 to 13,000 EUR for audit and remediation, with an accessibility statement produced.
Can we launch one brand at a time?
Yes. We ship the core plus a first brand, then roll out the rest in waves. Each wave costs 9,000-19,000 EUR depending on customisation.
Let's scope your project. Tell us the number of subsidiaries, target languages and launch calendar, and we'll price the core platform and the marginal cost per brand. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
