A website builder like Wix or Squarespace costs around NZ$300 to NZ$600 a year once you add your own domain, and you build it yourself. A web designer charges more upfront but saves you the time. If you enjoy it and have a few free weekends, a builder works. If your time is better spent on your business, pay someone.
The two options
| Website builder | Web designer | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Wix, Squarespace, GoDaddy, Dazzly | Freelancer, studio or agency |
| Upfront cost | Low or none | A one-off fee |
| Yearly cost | Around NZ$300–600 with your domain | Hosting and domain; maintenance if you want it |
| Who builds it | You | They do |
| Who owns it | You rent it on the platform | Usually you, if it’s built on WordPress or similar |
| Can you move it? | Not easily | Usually yes |
Builder cost: Impact Websites. Builders usually bill monthly or yearly in US dollars, so the NZ price moves with the exchange rate.
When a website builder makes sense
- You enjoy design and have time to learn the tool.
- You need something very simple, like a single page with your contact details.
- You’re testing an idea and may change direction soon.
- You’re happy to pay a monthly or yearly plan for as long as you use it.
When paying someone makes sense
- Your time is worth more running your business than learning a website tool.
- You want it done properly the first time: fast, mobile-friendly and set up for Google.
- You want to own your website and be able to move it.
- You’d rather have one fixed price than a plan that keeps growing.
The hidden costs of doing it yourself
- Your time. Most people spend 20 to 40 hours on their first website, often more.
- Upgrades. Removing the builder’s branding, adding a store or extra features usually means a more expensive plan.
- Lock-in. Leaving a builder often means rebuilding your website from scratch somewhere else.
- The basics people miss. Page titles, descriptions, image sizes and a clear call to action make the difference between a website that brings enquiries and one that doesn’t.
The three-year view
Compare the total over three years, not month one. A builder plan at NZ$400 a year is NZ$1,200 over three years, plus your time. A fixed-price website plus two years of hosting can cost about the same, with none of your weekends.
At Upfront Sites, the price of your website includes the first year of hosting and your .nz domain, and from year two the optional care plan is one yearly payment. See every price on our prices section.
Compare our three websites side by side, prices and all.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wix or Squarespace better for a small business?
Both are good. Squarespace is known for polished templates; Wix for flexibility. Try the free trial of each before you commit.
Can I move my Wix website to WordPress later?
Not directly. You can copy the text and images, but the website itself has to be rebuilt.
Is WordPress free?
The software is free. You pay for hosting, your domain, and anyone who builds or maintains it for you.
