Straight answers
20 questions to ask before you hire a website company
The real questions natural health practitioners, coaches and clinics ask before they choose a website partner — answered in plain language, with numbers you can actually use.
Choosing a website company feels harder than it should. Every studio uses different words, hides costs in different places, and promises slightly different things. These questions cut through the noise — whether you end up working with us or not.
- 01
How much does a website cost?
Most small wellness businesses in New Zealand invest between $3,500 and $12,000 for a professional website. The exact figure depends on the number of pages, whether you need booking integration, and how much of the content and photography is ready.
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How much does it cost to build a website?
Building a website includes strategy, design, development, content, testing and launch. For a practitioner or clinic, expect roughly $4,000–$8,000 for a focused lead-generation site, and more for multi-practitioner clinics or advanced features.
- 03
How much does a website cost per month?
Ongoing costs include hosting, security updates, backups and support. Budget $30–$150 per month for hosting, or $67–$147 per month for a care plan that keeps the site updated, monitored and backed.
- 04
How much does it cost to maintain a website?
Maintenance ranges from $30 per month for basic hosting to $150+ per month for a full care plan that includes edits, updates, security monitoring and support. A site that is not maintained slowly drifts out of date.
- 05
How much does website hosting cost?
Hosting for a small business website typically costs $20–$80 per month in New Zealand. Managed hosting on a modern edge platform usually sits at the higher end but includes faster speeds, SSL and daily backups.
- 06
How do I choose a website design company?
Look for a team that understands your audience, shows real work in your industry, explains their process in plain language, and gives you a clear scope and timeline. Ask for references and a written proposal.
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How do I choose a website designer?
Choose a designer whose portfolio includes businesses like yours, who asks about your goals before talking about colours, and who can explain how the design will turn visitors into enquiries.
- 08
Who are the best website design companies?
The best company for you is one that specialises in your sector, communicates clearly, meets deadlines and supports you after launch. Awards matter less than relevant experience and a process you understand.
- 09
How do I find a good website designer near me?
Search for designers who work with your type of business, read their case studies, and book a short call. Geography matters less than it used to, but a New Zealand-based team understands local compliance, hosting and audience expectations.
- 10
What should I ask a web designer?
Ask about their process, timeline, what is included, who writes the content, how changes work after launch, and what ongoing support costs. Also ask how they measure whether the site is successful.
- 11
What does a web designer do?
A web designer plans the structure, creates the visual design, chooses typography and imagery, and ensures the site feels trustworthy and easy to use. They focus on how the site looks and how visitors move through it.
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What does a web design company do?
A web design company usually covers strategy, design, development, content guidance, testing, launch and ongoing support. Some also handle SEO, photography direction and integrations such as booking or email marketing.
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How long does it take to build a website?
A typical small business website takes 4–8 weeks from signed proposal to launch. Delays usually come from late content, unclear feedback or extra features added mid-project.
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Will I be able to update the website myself?
Most modern sites are built so you can edit text, swap images and add blog posts without touching code. Ask for a handover session and written instructions so you feel confident making small changes.
- 15
Should I use Squarespace, Wix, or a custom-built site?
DIY builders work well for simple sites when you have time to learn them. A custom or studio-built site is better when you need unique branding, faster performance, stronger SEO or integrations that the builders do not offer cleanly.
- 16
What's the best website builder for a small wellness business?
The best builder is the one you will actually keep updated. For many practitioners, a professionally built site on a modern platform beats struggling with a DIY builder that never quite looks right.
- 17
Do I need a web designer if I can use a template?
Templates are a good starting point, but they rarely fit your brand, your clients and your booking flow without compromise. A designer adapts the structure so the site works for your specific business.
- 18
Will my website actually bring in new clients?
A website brings clients when it ranks for the right searches, speaks directly to the visitor's problem, and makes booking or enquiring easy. Design alone is not enough; the strategy behind it matters.
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How much does it cost to hire a website designer?
Hiring a website designer for a full project usually costs between $3,500 and $12,000 in New Zealand. Hourly or day-rate support is often $100–$200 per hour. A fixed project price is usually easier to budget for.
- 20
What happens after the site goes live?
After launch you need hosting, security updates, backups and occasional content changes. Some businesses handle this themselves; others use a care plan so nothing falls behind while they focus on clients.
Next step
Not sure which questions matter most for your practice?
Our free website review runs through the ten that affect your business most — and you'll leave with a plan whether or not you work with us.