Agency Research Report
Brisbane Custom Web Development Agency Shortlist
This report identifies Brisbane-based or Brisbane-present agencies with evidence of delivering custom development beyond WordPress and no-code platforms.
The reviewed capabilities include Laravel applications, headless CMS architectures, React and Next.js front-ends, Drupal programs, and enterprise CMS or DXP implementations. Agencies whose primary public offering appears to be WordPress or no-code were excluded. Where an agency offers WordPress alongside custom development, this is clearly flagged.
Executive Summary
Enterprise Headless CMS / DXP
For portals, integrations, security requirements, multi-channel publishing, and complex enterprise workflows.
Custom Commerce & Marketplaces
For bespoke checkout flows, marketplace logic, shipping constraints, and requirements that exceed packaged platforms.
Drupal at Scale
For government, higher education, managed hosting, compliance, and long-term support programs.
Recommended Shortlist
Best fit for Drupal at scale, government, higher education, hosting, and long-term support.
Best fit for enterprise headless CMS, DXP, integration-heavy portals, and security-first delivery.
Best fit for bespoke Laravel builds and custom commerce or marketplace requirements.
Best fit for Drupal and React delivery from a local Brisbane team, with WordPress also offered.
Best fit for React, Next.js, dashboards, portals, and application-style web builds.
Methodology
Agencies were included only where public evidence supported custom web application delivery, explicit use of non-WordPress technologies, enterprise CMS or DXP implementation, or a demonstrated Brisbane presence.
- Custom web application delivery beyond templated website builds.
- Explicit use of Laravel, React, Next.js, Drupal, or headless CMS platforms.
- Enterprise CMS, DXP, portal, or integration-heavy implementation experience.
- Brisbane location, Brisbane team, or demonstrated Brisbane market presence.
Market Observations
In Brisbane, non-WordPress development commonly falls into three categories: Drupal for enterprise and public-sector scale, headless CMS for performance and multi-channel publishing, and framework-led builds using Laravel, React, or Next.js for application-style requirements.
Where agencies offer both WordPress and custom stacks, the custom approach is usually justified by integration complexity, marketplace logic, security requirements, performance needs, or editorial workflows that go beyond theme-based CMS delivery.
Agency Profiles
We Are Pixel
Positioned around web design, eCommerce, and custom web development. Its strongest non-WordPress signal is bespoke Laravel application delivery.
- Best fit: Laravel applications, custom commerce, marketplace logic, and platform limitations.
- Technology evidence: Laravel custom web applications.
- Example project: Dress for Dignity.
- Pricing signal: Published Laravel ranges.
- WordPress status: Non-WordPress custom delivery is clearly evidenced.
Digital8
Offers web development, apps, design, UI/UX, and digital marketing. Its portfolio shows delivery across Drupal, React, React Native, and Bootstrap.
- Best fit: Drupal and React projects with adjacent design, app, and marketing support.
- Technology evidence: Drupal, React, React Native, Bootstrap, and Node.js.
- Example projects: Australian Taxation Office, Bond University, and Qscan Group.
- Pricing signal: Quote-based.
- WordPress status: Mixed offering. Non-WordPress scope should be specified clearly.
BFJ Digital
Combines digital marketing, web development, CRM, automation, and headless web delivery.
- Best fit: Headless websites, HubSpot CMS builds, SEO, CRM, and marketing-led web programs.
- Technology evidence: Next.js, Payload, Sanity, HubSpot CMS, and headless CMS architecture.
- Example projects: Griffith University, Endeavour Foundation, and Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson.
- Pricing signal: Third-party pricing signals available.
- WordPress status: Mixed offering. Non-WordPress or headless requirements should be stated explicitly.
Revium
Positioned for enterprise websites, portals, headless CMS, DXP implementation, integrations, and long-term support.
- Best fit: Enterprise headless CMS, DXP, portals, security-first delivery, and integration-heavy projects.
- Technology evidence: Storyblok, Contentful, Optimizely, Kentico, APIs, and portal architecture.
- Example projects: Great Wall Motor, Direct Connect, and Real Estate Institute of Victoria.
- Pricing signal: Enterprise quote-based delivery.
- WordPress status: No evidence that WordPress or no-code is the primary offering.
PreviousNext
Strongly positioned around Drupal, government, higher education, cloud hosting, and long-term support.
- Best fit: Drupal at scale, government, higher education, compliant hosting, and support programs.
- Technology evidence: Drupal, React, headless CMS, Go, and AWS-based hosting.
- Example projects: Brisbane City Council and public-sector Drupal programs.
- Pricing signal: Public-sector panel rates and support packages.
- WordPress status: No evidence that WordPress or no-code is the primary offering.
Team 400
Positioned around React, Next.js, and modern web applications. Most relevant when the website behaves more like a product, dashboard, platform, or portal.
- Best fit: React, Next.js, dashboards, app-style UX, portals, and platform engineering.
- Technology evidence: React, Next.js, TypeScript, Python, and D3.js.
- Example projects: PWA builds, bespoke platform work, and AI-related software projects.
- Pricing signal: Third-party sources indicate project minimums and hourly-rate ranges.
- WordPress status: No evidence that WordPress or no-code is the primary offering.
Comparison Table
| Agency | Primary Model | Technology Evidence | Pricing Signal | WordPress Offered? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| We Are Pixel | Custom web apps and bespoke commerce | Laravel | Published Laravel ranges | Not indicated as primary |
| Digital8 | Drupal and React web projects | Drupal, React, React Native, Bootstrap | Quote-based | Yes |
| BFJ Digital | Headless and marketing-integrated builds | Next.js, Payload, Sanity, HubSpot CMS | Third-party pricing signals available | Yes |
| Revium | Enterprise headless CMS, DXP, and portals | Storyblok, Contentful, Optimizely, Kentico | Enterprise quote-based | Not indicated as primary |
| PreviousNext | Drupal at scale, headless, and hosting | Drupal, React, Go, AWS hosting | Panel rates and support packs | Not indicated as primary |
| Team 400 | React and Next.js application-style builds | React, Next.js, TypeScript, Python | Third-party pricing signals available | Not indicated as primary |
Selection Guidance
Choose PreviousNext when...
You need high-assurance Drupal delivery, public-sector experience, managed hosting, compliance, and support.
Choose Revium when...
You need enterprise headless CMS, DXP, portals, security maturity, and complex integrations.
Choose We Are Pixel when...
You need bespoke Laravel development for custom commerce, marketplace workflows, or platform limitations.
Choose Digital8 when...
You want a local team with Drupal, React, app, design, and marketing capability under one roof.
Choose Team 400 when...
The project is closer to a web application, dashboard, product platform, or app-like interface.
Choose BFJ Digital when...
You need a non-WordPress build combined with SEO, CRM, analytics, automation, and growth marketing.
If you're passionate about creating thoughtful, user centred digital experiences, building custom products, or collaborating on projects where design and development go hand in hand, I'd love to connect. Whether it's to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, or collaborate on something meaningful, feel free to reach out.
