Choosing someone to build your website is a big decision. It's not just about finding someone whose portfolio you like – it's about finding someone who has a clear process, communicates well, and builds a website that will continue to work for your business long after launch.
Here are some important questions worth asking before you commit.
Who will own the domain name?
Your domain name (for example, yourbusiness.co.nz) is one of your most valuable digital assets.
It should always be registered in your name, using an email address that you control. Your website designer can certainly help purchase and manage it for you, but you should remain the owner.
If someone else owns your domain name, changing designers or platforms later can become far more complicated than it needs to be.
What platform will the website be built on?
Not all websites are built the same way.
Some are custom coded from scratch, while others are built on content management systems (CMS) or website platforms such as Rocketspark, WordPress, Wix or Shopify. Each has its own strengths, and the right choice depends on your business and how you plan to use your website.
I build websites using Rocketspark because I believe it's one of the best platforms for New Zealand small businesses and organisations.
Here's why I choose it:
It's straightforward for clients to update themselves - whether that's changing text, adding photos, or publishing a blog post.
It includes reliable New Zealand-based hosting, so there's no need to organise separate hosting.
They look after backups, security, and all the tricky techy stuff, so you only need to worry about content.
Their New Zealand support team is exceptional. If you ever need help, you can access an extensive online help centre, email support, or speak to a real person in New Zealand on their 0800 number.
Rocketspark is continually improving the platform and introducing new features, giving your website room to grow alongside your business.
They're passionate about helping small businesses succeed, and that philosophy aligns closely with my own.
Before hiring a website designer, ask why they've chosen the platform they work with. The answer should be about what's best for you and your business, not simply what they're most familiar with.
Who will own the website?
This depends on the platform your website is built on.
I build websites using Rocketspark. While Rocketspark websites aren't designed to be exported to another platform, you will own your Rocketspark account. That means you have complete control over your website and can choose who has access to it.
I'll add your website to my Design Studio account so I can build it and provide ongoing support. If you ever decide you no longer want me to have access, you can simply remove me. (Although I would be great if we continue working together!)
Owning your account means you're never locked out of your own website.
Can I update the website myself?
I wish everybody would ask this question before hiring a designer. I hear far too many stories of businesses getting fleeced everytime they need something changed.
Some designers build websites that require you to contact them every time you want to change a sentence or swap a photo. I suggest you stay away from this option.
Others build websites that are easy for business owners to maintain themselves.
It is very important that you have full access to make changes to your own website. Being able to update your own website gives you greater control over your business. You can quickly:
Update your opening hours or contact details
Add a new service or product
Publish a blog post
Change prices or special offers
Upload photos from a recent project
Announce upcoming events
Correct mistakes as soon as you spot them
It also saves money. If every small update requires your designer to make the change, those costs can add up over time. While it's reassuring to know your designer is there for larger updates or technical support, everyday content changes should be something you can handle yourself if you choose.
Will the website work on phones and tablets?
More than half of all website visits now happen on mobile devices.
A good website shouldn't simply "fit" on a phone, it should be designed to work beautifully on smaller screens. Navigation should be easy, text should be readable, buttons should be large enough to tap, and forms should be simple to complete.
What legal documents will my website need?
This is often overlooked. Many business owners don't realise that most websites need more than just great design. Depending on what your website does, you may need legal documents such as:
A Privacy Policy if you collect personal information through contact forms, newsletter sign-ups or online enquiries.
Website Terms of Use explaining how visitors may use your website and its content.
Terms and Conditions of Trade if you sell products or services.
E-commerce terms, refund policies or disclaimers where appropriate.
As part of my website packages, I provide Website Terms of Use and Privacy Policies written by a lawyer. These are an important part of every business website and help explain how your website may be used and how personal information is collected, stored and managed.
If your business needs more specialised legal documents such as Terms and Conditions of Trade, e-commerce terms or industry-specific agreements, I recommend having these prepared or reviewed by a legal professional.
What other costs should I budget for?
A website quote doesn't always include everything.
Depending on your project, you may also need to allow for:
Professional photography
Copywriting
SEO research and content
Domain name registration
Website hosting
Email setup
Stock photography
Ongoing maintenance and updates
Knowing these costs upfront helps avoid surprises later.
What about accessibility?
This is one question very few people ask, but they should. It is far easier and cheaper to build accessibility into a website from the beginning rather than add it later.
Ask your designer whether they understand the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). If a designer has never heard of WCAG, that's a concern.
Accessibility isn't about making your website look different. It's about making sure more people can actually use it, including people with vision, hearing, mobility or cognitive impairments.
Accessibility is also becoming an increasingly important legal consideration. While New Zealand doesn't currently have specific legislation requiring most business websites to meet WCAG standards, many other countries do. If your business serves customers overseas, or plans to expand internationally, your website may need to comply with accessibility requirements in those markets.
Even if your business operates solely within New Zealand, building accessibility into your website now is a sensible way to future-proof your investment. As digital accessibility continues to gain attention around the world, it's possible that New Zealand's expectations or legal requirements will evolve over time. It's far easier—and usually more cost-effective—to build an accessible website from the beginning than to retrofit one later.
Be cautious if the solution offered is simply adding an accessibility widget or overlay. These tools don't fix the underlying issues and can actually create new barriers for some users. Accessibility should be built into the website itself, not added as an afterthought.
How many revisions are included?
Projects without clear boundaries have a habit of dragging on for months.
Ask how many rounds of revisions are included and how feedback should be provided.
Having a structured process helps keep the project moving, ensures everyone knows what to expect, and prevents endless tweaks that delay your launch.
Who will actually build the website?
The person you're talking to may not be the person building your website.
Some agencies have in-house designers and developers. Others outsource work locally or overseas.
There's nothing inherently wrong with either approach, but it's good to know who you'll be communicating with and who is responsible for the finished product.
What's the timeline, and what will you need from me?
Every website project relies on input from both the designer and the client.
Ask what information you'll need to provide, such as:
Text
Photos
Branding
Logos
Feedback and approvals
Most website delays aren't caused by the designer; they happen because everyone is waiting on content or approvals. Knowing what's expected from the beginning helps keep everything on schedule.
Will external links open in a new window?
This is a surprisingly important detail and a real bugbear of mine.
If someone clicks a link to another website, opening it in a new tab or window means your website remains open in the background. It's much easier for visitors to return to your website afterwards, rather than having to hit the Back button several times, or forgetting where they started altogether.
Internal links within your own website should normally stay in the same tab, while links to external websites generally work best opening in a new one.
Is SEO included?
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) doesn't happen automatically just because a website goes live.
A good website platform like Rocketspark provides the tools, but someone still needs to do the keyword research, write search-friendly content, optimise page titles and descriptions, and structure the website properly.
In my projects, the SEO research and planning is typically carried out by the copywriter, while I make sure the website is set up correctly to support it.
Be wary of anyone promising to get you to the top of Google. No reputable designer or SEO specialist can guarantee a first-page ranking.
What happens after the website goes live?
Launching your website isn't the end of the project. Ask what support and training is included after launch.
For my projects, I include up to two weeks for minor tweaks and adjustments after your website goes live. After that, I'm still available if you need help, want updates made, or simply can't remember how to do something yourself.
I provide a training session that takes an hour to show you how to make changes yourself, how to add blog posts, how to add a new page and how to use the SEO tools. This gives you the confidence and know-how to look after the basics yourself.
Because I build on Rocketspark, you also have access to their excellent New Zealand-based support team, including an extensive online help library, email support, and an 0800 phone number where you can speak to a real person.
