Frequently asked questions about the website deisgn process and how much it can cost to design and develop a website in New Zealand.

If you’re thinking about a new website or need help with an existing one, you may have a few questions. Here are some answers to help you decide what you need and what to expect when working with Web Matters.

Getting started

Do I need to know exactly what I want before I get in touch?

No. A general idea of what you want your website to achieve is a helpful starting point, but you don’t need to know the technical details. We can talk through your options and work out what would suit your business.

What happens when I contact you?

We’ll start by discussing your business, your goals and the help you need. For a website project, I may ask you to complete a questionnaire so I can understand your requirements before preparing a proposal.

What information should I prepare before getting in touch?

It’s useful to have your current website address, if you have one, an idea of your goals, examples of websites you like, an approximate budget and a list of any features you need. You don’t need to have everything worked out before we talk.

Do you offer a free consultation?

Yes. You can book a free Zoom, Google Meet or phone call. It’s a chance to talk through your business and what you need from your website, then decide on the best next step.

Can you help if someone else built my website?

Yes. I can help with existing websites, including troubleshooting, updates and practical improvements. If it’s a WordPress website and you’re unsure about its condition, a website checkup can be a useful first step.

Is Web Matters a good fit for my project?

A lot depends on the nature of the project. If I realise the project doesn’t fit my skill set, I won’t quote on it and may refer you to another provider. I work best with clients who value clear communication, the human touch, practical advice and a collaborative approach. I’ll guide you through the process and explain the options, costs and decisions along the way.

Website projects

Do you just work with WordPress?

Yes. In the past I have worked with Shopify and Squarespace, but have decided (as of 2026) to only offer WordPress services.

Do I need to provide the website content?

Yes. You’ll provide the final text and any photos, logos or product information. I’ll organise the content and work out how it should be presented on the site.

Do you write website copy or design logos?

I don’t offer logo design or full website copywriting. For website copy, I recommend working with a specialist copywriter. I can help structure your pages and suggest what each page should include.

What images should I provide?

Good-quality photos of your team, premises, products or work are ideal. If you don’t have suitable images, I recommend stock photography where needed.

Can you help organise the pages on my website?

Yes. Site structure is an important part of the process. I can help organise pages, navigation and content so the site is easier for visitors to understand.

Do you use AI when building websites?

I use AI tools to help with some parts of the web development process, such as drafting or refining CSS styles and, occasionally, creating code for a custom plugin. I come up with the final design, build the website and bring all the pieces together.

How long will my website project take?

Most projects take between four and six weeks. The timing depends on the size and complexity of the website, and how quickly content and feedback are provided. I’ll discuss the likely timing with you before work begins. Preparing content, including text and images, can take longer than people expect.

What can cause a website project to be delayed?

Common delays include missing content, slow feedback, decisions taking longer than expected, changes to the project scope, or waiting for access to domains, hosting or other services.

Will I be able to review the website before it goes live?

Yes. You’ll have a chance to review the website and provide feedback before launch. Your proposal will explain the review stages and what changes are included.

Can you launch the website for me?

Yes. I can help with the launch, including connecting the domain and checking that key pages are ready to go live.

How much does it cost to build a website in New Zealand?

The cost depends on the size of your website, the planning and design involved, and what you need it to do. A simple website with a few pages will cost less than a larger site with custom features, online booking or e-commerce.

If you’re considering a quote below $1,000 for a website with four or more pages, check carefully what’s included. A budget at that level usually means a tightly limited project, such as using a pre-designed theme, with little room for custom design or revisions.

Some lower-priced websites are also outsourced to overseas contractors. That isn’t automatically a problem, but ask who will be doing the work, how the project will be managed, and who you can contact if something needs fixing.

I’ve rebuilt websites that were built very cheaply and needed substantial work to fix. Going cheaper can be a costly mistake.

Before choosing a quote, ask what pages and features are included, who is responsible for the content, how much design and testing is covered, and what support you’ll receive after launch. I provide a clear proposal so you can see what your project includes and what it will cost before work begins.

Is it cheaper to redesign an existing website?

Not generally. Websites age quite quickly, so there may not be much that is useful to keep. Many web designers will treat a redesign as a new site build.

It may be closer to a visual refresh if you decide to keep the existing page names, menu system, text and images, and mainly change the site’s appearance.

Pricing and payment

How much does a website cost with Web Matters?

On average, I charge approximately $2,000 + GST for a website. The price varies depending on the number of pages and the complexity of the project. I’ll provide a proposal or quote that sets out the scope, deliverables and costs.

What is your hourly rate?

My standard rate is $110 + GST per hour. The minimum charge for smaller jobs is $65 + GST. I’ll explain how I recommend charging for your work before I start.

Do you require a deposit for website projects?

Yes. Larger projects require a deposit or staged payments. The payment schedule will be included in your proposal.

When is payment due, and how can I pay?

Invoices are sent through Xero and are due within seven days unless otherwise agreed. You can pay by internet banking or by credit card using the Pay Now link on the invoice.

After your website launches

Can I update the website myself?

In most cases, yes. I can show you how to make common updates to your website, and one-to-one WordPress training is available if you’d like more guidance.

What happens after my website goes live?

I can provide training, ongoing support or a WordPress care plan, depending on what you need. Your website may also need future updates, content changes and improvements as your business changes.

Do you offer WordPress care plans?

Yes. Care plans provide ongoing WordPress maintenance and support. The inclusions depend on the plan and may include hosting, updates, backups, monitoring and support.

Can you host my website?

Yes, I can. All hosted sites include daily off-site backups and security scans.

Do you provide email hosting or general IT support?

I don’t provide email hosting or general IT support. A dedicated IT provider is best placed to help with those services. I can assist with website contact form delivery and email setup where needed.

Can I contact you if something breaks later?

Yes. I provide support for existing websites, including troubleshooting, fixes and practical improvements. Get in touch with a description of the issue, and I’ll let you know the best next step.

Scroll to Top