Key takeaways
- Get clear on the main job your website needs to do before you talk to any designer.
- Make sure your domain name, hosting and logins are in your name, not the designer’s.
- Ask for an itemised quote so you know exactly what’s included and what costs extra.
- Check what happens after launch, including updates, security and who you call when something breaks.
Choosing a website designer in NZ isn’t about finding the cheapest quote or the flashiest portfolio. It’s about finding someone who understands what your business needs, explains things in plain English, and hands you a site that’s properly yours. Get that right and everything else gets much easier.
In this post, I’ll show you what to sort out before you start looking, the questions I’d ask any designer (including me), and the warning signs that should make you think twice. It’s the stuff I wish more small business owners knew before they paid a deposit.
Know what you need before you start
Most website projects go sideways because nobody was clear on the goal at the start.
Before you contact anyone, write down the one main job your website needs to do. For most service businesses, that’s getting enquiries: phone calls, quote requests or bookings. A plumber in Hamilton needs a very different site from a bookkeeper in Nelson who gets most of her work through referrals.
Then jot down a few basics: the services you want to show, roughly how many pages, and two or three websites you like (and why you like them). Half a page is plenty. A good designer will thank you for it, and you’ll get far more accurate quotes.
Questions to ask when choosing a website designer in NZ
Once you’ve got a shortlist, have a quick call or coffee with each one. You’re not just checking their skills. You’re checking whether you can work with this person for the next few months, and possibly the next few years.
First, who will own the website? You want the domain name (your web address), the hosting and every login in your name. More on that in a minute.
Second, what’s included in the price? Think pages, design, copywriting, photos, basic SEO (search engine optimisation, which helps Google understand and show your site), contact forms and training so you can make small updates yourself. Don’t assume anything’s in there unless it’s written down.
Third, who’s writing the words? This is the one that stalls most projects. If you’re supplying the text, agree a date. If the designer is writing it, ask whether that’s included or extra.
Fourth, what happens after launch? Websites need software updates, backups and security checks. Ask what that costs each month and exactly what’s covered.
To be honest, how they answer matters as much as what they say. If they can’t explain something without jargon now, that’s a fair preview of what working with them will be like.
Make sure you own your domain and logins
I can’t stress this enough. Your domain name should be registered to you or your business, not to your designer.
The Domain Name Commission, which oversees .nz domains, advises that if your web developer is listed as the registrant (the legal holder of the domain), you should get it changed to your name. If you don’t, renewing or switching providers can get complicated, and your website and email could be down for days.
You can check yours in a couple of minutes with a free search on the Domain Name Commission website. Then ask for admin access to your hosting and your website, and keep those logins somewhere safe, like a password manager.
A good designer will be completely relaxed about all of this. If someone gets cagey, that tells you something.
Read next: Why WordPress Is a Solid Choice for NZ Websites
Look past the portfolio
Every designer’s portfolio looks great. That’s rather the point of a portfolio.
So dig a little deeper. Open a few of their recent sites on your phone, because that’s how many of your customers will find you. Do they load quickly? Can you find the phone number straight away? Would you know what to do next?
Then ask for one or two past clients you can ring. A five-minute chat with another small business owner will tell you whether the designer meets deadlines and answers emails, which no portfolio can show.
It also helps if they’ve worked with New Zealand businesses before. They’ll already know things like showing prices including GST and getting you found in local searches.
Compare quotes properly
When the quotes come in, resist the urge to grab the cheapest. A site that never brings in an enquiry is expensive at any price.
Lay the quotes side by side and check they’re actually quoting for the same thing. One might include copywriting and a year of hosting, while another is design only. An itemised quote, where each part has its own line and price, makes comparing much easier. If a quote is just one number, ask for a breakdown.
Check the payment terms too. Most designers ask for a deposit, with the balance due at launch. I’d be wary of paying the whole lot before any work has started.
If you’d like to see how I approach it, here’s how my small business website design and build service works.
Read next: How Much Does a Website Cost in NZ? 2026 Prices
Warning signs worth questioning
A few things should make you pause: a designer who won’t put the domain in your name, no written quote or agreement, a promise of “page one on Google”, or a custom system that only they can update. None of these automatically mean someone’s dodgy. But they’re worth a straight question before you sign anything.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a small business website take to build?
For a straightforward service business site of five to ten pages, a few weeks to a couple of months is common. The biggest hold-up is usually waiting for content, so have your text and photos ready early.
Do I need a local website designer?
It helps, but it isn’t essential. A designer who knows New Zealand businesses understands GST, local search and your customers, and being in the same time zone makes calls easier. Clear communication matters most.
Can I build my own website instead?
You can, with tools like Wix, Squarespace or WordPress. It’s a sensible option if money’s tight and you have time to learn. Just be realistic about the hours it’ll take away from paying work.
What should a website design agreement cover?
The pages and features, price and payment terms, timeline, who supplies content, who owns the site and domain, and what happens after launch. If it’s not written down, assume it isn’t included.
This week, look up your own domain on the Domain Name Commission website and check whose name is listed as the registrant. If it isn’t yours, email your provider and ask them to change it.
And remember, do a little marketing every day. Being consistent is the key to marketing success.
If you’re weighing up website designers and want a second opinion on a quote, email me at help@smashingselfemployment.com and I’ll give you an honest take.
