Website Design Checklist for NZ Businesses (2024)
Everything you need to cover before, during, and after building a website — so nothing important gets missed.
Whether you're briefing a web designer or building something yourself, this checklist covers every important detail. Save it, print it, or share it with your web team. It's the same checklist we run through on every Scaled Solutions project.
Pre-design checklist
Design checklist
Content checklist
SEO checklist
Conversion checklist
Post-launch checklist
What to ask a web designer before hiring them
Can I see 3–5 recent NZ websites you've built?
A portfolio tells you more than any conversation. Check that the sites load fast, look good on mobile, and belong to real businesses.
What platform will the site be built on, and can I migrate it?
You need to own your website. Avoid locked-in platforms where the designer owns the hosting and you can't move it.
What SEO work is included?
Many web designers build beautiful sites with no SEO work at all. Clarify exactly what's included: keyword research, meta data, schema, Google Search Console setup.
Who writes the content?
Copywriting is the most underestimated part of a website project. Understand whether it's included, optional as an add-on, or your responsibility.
What happens after launch?
Ongoing support, hosting, updates, and security patches all cost time and money. Get the plan in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to build a website for a NZ business?
A standard business website (5–10 pages) takes 3–6 weeks from kickoff to launch with a professional agency, assuming content is ready. The most common delay is waiting for content — photos, copy, and logo files — from the client. Having these ready before the project starts can cut timelines significantly.
What hosting should I use for a NZ website?
For speed in NZ, choose a host with Australian or NZ-based servers. Good options include SiteGround (AU servers), Cloudflare for CDN, or any host that allows you to specify the server region. Avoid shared hosting for business-critical sites — managed WordPress or a platform like Vercel or Netlify for custom builds perform much better.
Do I need a privacy policy on my NZ website?
Yes. Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, any business collecting personal information (including contact form submissions or email addresses) must have a privacy policy that states what information you collect and how it is used. This is a legal requirement, not just good practice.
What questions should I ask a web designer before hiring them in NZ?
Key questions: Can I see 3–5 recent NZ websites you've built? What platform/CMS will my site be on, and can I migrate it if needed? What does the post-launch support include? Who owns the website and domain — me or you? What SEO work is included? How will we handle content — do I need to write it or will you help?
What is the most important page on a business website?
Your homepage is the most visited, but your individual service pages are the most important for SEO and conversions. Each service page should target a specific keyword, explain the service clearly, address common concerns, show social proof, and have a clear call-to-action. A good service page converts better than a generic homepage.
Need help with this?
Ready to build a website that actually performs?
We cover every item on this checklist as standard — plus ongoing support so your site keeps performing after launch.
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