One of the most common questions I get from business owners is, “How much does a website actually cost?” And the truth is… it depends.
But don’t worry, let’s break down what really goes into the price of a website so you can make a smart, confident investment.
The Short Answer
In New Zealand, a basic small business website usually starts from around $1,000 to $3,000, while more advanced sites with extra features (like e-commerce or custom integrations) can range from $3,000 to $10,000+.
At Hands Free Marketing, we offer websites starting at just $1997 + GST, with optional add-ons depending on your goals and how hands-on you want to be. We keep the process simple, clear, and focused on bringing in leads or sales, not just looking pretty.
Yes, you can probably find some young University kid out there who can build you a website for $500, but would you let just the apprentice build your entire new home? Of course not. We all know the saying “You get what you pay for”.
If you just want a website that is nothing more than an informative flyer to send some people to, that’s great. But if you want a website that attracts organic traffic from search engines, and converts viewers into leads and drives sales, then you’re going to need a professional. A good website will pay for itself in no time because it’s selling for you 24/7.
What Affects the Cost of a Website?
1. Design & Customisation
- Are you using a template or going fully custom?
- Do you want animation, motion effects, or custom graphics?
Custom designs cost more, but they’re also more flexible and unique to your brand.
2. Number of Pages
More pages = more time = higher cost. A standard 5-page site (Home, About, Services, Contact, Blog) is enough for many small businesses. But if you need service landing pages, team profiles, or portfolios, your quote will increase accordingly.
3. Features & Functionality
This includes:
- Online booking forms
- E-commerce stores
- Payment gateways
- Membership areas
- Live chat and integrations
Advanced features usually fall into a Premium Website build, which is where we take your site to the next level with added tools and lead-generation strategies.
Ongoing Costs (Don’t Forget These)
Building the site is one thing, but you’ll also need to factor in:
- Domain name ($20–$50/year)
- Website hosting (we offer fast & secure hosting or can work with your current provider)
- Maintenance & security
- Ongoing marketing like SEO services or Meta & Google Ads is a great way to guarantee you keep a high number of visitors coming to the website and secure a steady stream of quality leads.
Template vs Custom Website: What’s Right for You?
If you don’t have a strong brand yet, or you just want a simple but effective online presence, we offer template-based websites starting at $1997 + GST. These are fast to build and still mobile-friendly, Google-ready, and capable of converting leads.
Want something more custom? We’ll design a site tailored to your branding and content. Perfect if you’re ready to scale your business and make a bigger digital impact.
Explore your options with Hands Free Marketing’s Web Design Services.
So, What Are You Really Paying For?
At the end of the day, you’re not just paying for a website.
You’re paying for:
- More leads
- More sales
- Better visibility on Google
- A professional online presence that builds trust
And if your current website isn’t doing that, you’re probably overpaying already.
Want a Quote? Let’s Talk
Whether you’re after a basic site or a fully loaded lead machine, we’ll make sure your website is built to work for your business, not just sit there looking pretty.
Book a free 15-minute consultation here: https://www.handsfreemarketing.com/web-design-hawkes-bay/