Hiring a web developer is one of the most important decisions your business will make. The right website can attract customers, build credibility and grow revenue. The wrong one can drain your budget, frustrate your team and limit your business for years to come.
In New Zeal and’s competitive digital landscape, it is not enough to choose a developer based on price or personality. You need to ask the right questions to uncover whether they can deliver a website that works for your goals.
This guide walks you through 15 essential questions every NZ business should ask a web developer before signing a contract in 2025.
1. What experience do you have with businesses like mine?
Industry knowledge matters. A developer who has worked with businesses similar to yours will underst and your challenges, whether that is setting up an online booking system, managing e-commerce, or building a platform for a service business. Ask for specific examples that align with your needs.
2. Can I see examples of your previous work?
A strong portfolio demonstrates both skill and reliability. Look for live websites, not just screenshots and explore them on mobile and desktop. Check if the sites are fast, easy to navigate and visually aligned with the client’s brand. If they cannot provide examples, consider it a red flag.
3. What platforms or technologies do you specialise in?
Not every platform is right for every business. Some developers focus on WordPress, others on Shopify, while some offer fully custom builds. The wrong choice can create unnecessary costs later. For example, an e-commerce retailer may outgrow a template solution too quickly, while a small service provider may not need the complexity of a custom build. Make sure the platform matches your future needs.
4. How do you approach mobile-first and responsive design?
Over half of NZ web traffic now comes from mobile devices. A mobile-first approach ensures your site is designed for smaller screens from the start, rather than being adapted later. Ask how they test responsiveness across different devices and whether they design for accessibility as well as aesthetics.
5. How do you handle SEO during the build?
Search engine optimisation is often overlooked during development, yet it should be built into the site from day one. Ask whether they:
- Optimise site speed and structure
- Use proper heading hierarchy
- Create clean, crawlable code
- Provide basic metadata setup
A website without SEO foundations will struggle to rank and attract traffic, no matter how good it looks.
6. What is included in your pricing and what isn’t?
Transparency with pricing prevents costly surprises. Does the quote cover:
- Domain registration
- Hosting
- Ongoing security updates
- Content population
- Training
Clarify what is included upfront and what will be billed separately. Some agencies only quote for the build, leaving you to discover extra costs for essentials like hosting or support.
7. Will I own my website and domain?
Ownership is critical. Some agencies register the domain or site in their own name, which ties you to them indefinitely. Always ensure you will own the website, content and domain outright. You should have full access to hosting and CMS logins.
8. What is your process and timeline?
A structured process signals professionalism. Ask how they manage each stage, from discovery workshops to design, development, testing and launch. Clarify milestones, approvals and deadlines. If their process sounds vague, your project may run late or go over budget.
9. How will I be involved in the process?
Good developers work collaboratively. You should know when you will need to provide content, give feedback, or approve designs. Clarify how often they will update you and through what channels. Without clear communication, projects often stall.
10. How do you ensure website security?
Cyber attacks are a growing risk in New Zeal and. Ask whether they provide:
- SSL certificates
- Regular software updates
- Daily or weekly backups
- Malware monitoring
A secure website protects not only your business but also your customers’ data.
11. What content management system (CMS) will I get?
Your team should be able to update the website without technical help. Ask what CMS will be used and whether training is provided. A good CMS allows you to update text, images and blog posts easily, reducing long-term costs.
12. Do you provide ongoing maintenance and support?
A website is not finished at launch. Updates, bug fixes and improvements are part of its lifecycle. Ask whether they provide ongoing support packages, ad-hoc maintenance, or both. Be clear about response times for urgent issues.
13. What happens if something goes wrong after launch?
Even with thorough testing, issues can appear once a site is live. Ask if they offer a warranty period to fix bugs free of charge and whether they have service level agreements in place. Knowing this upfront avoids stress when problems arise.
14. How do you measure success after launch?
A website should be tied to business goals, not just aesthetics. Ask how they measure success:
- Google Analytics setup
- Conversion tracking
- Performance reporting
This ensures you can track whether the site delivers a return on investment.
15. Can you provide references or client testimonials?
Hearing from past clients provides reassurance. Ask for references and, if possible, contact them directly. Check whether the developer delivered on time, stayed within budget and provided reliable support after launch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many NZ businesses make the mistake of choosing based on the lowest price, assuming all developers offer the same service. Others fail to confirm ownership or ongoing support, leaving them stuck with hidden costs. By asking the 15 questions above, you will avoid these pitfalls and make an informed choice.
Conclusion
Your website is one of the most important investments your business will make. Choosing the right web developer requires more than comparing quotes it requires asking the right questions.
By covering experience, pricing, ownership, process, security and support, you will ensure your site is built for long-term success. Take the time to ask these questions before signing a contract and you will save your business time, money and stress.
Looking for a trusted web developer in New Zeal and? At Activate, we create websites that are mobile-first, SEO-ready and fully owned by you. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a tailored proposal.
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