Google’s new Search Generative Experience (SGE) is officially live—and it’s already shaking up search results. If your rankings have shifted recently, or your traffic’s taken a sudden dive (or spike), SGE could be the reason why.
So, what the heck is it? Let’s break it down through the lens of this search generative era.
What is Search Generative Experience (SGE)?
SGE is Google’s AI-powered upgrade to search. Instead of just showing you a list of links, Google now uses artificial intelligence to generate quick, conversational answers directly in the results, crafting a new generative search experience for users. These AI Overviews appear right at the top of the page—often above the traditional ‘blue links.’
Think of it like this: You ask Google a question, and instead of sending you off to a bunch of websites, it gives you a tidy summary right then and there.
Sounds helpful, right? It is—but for businesses and content creators, it’s also a game-changer with this new search generative technology.
Why Does SGE Matter for Your Website?
Because people might never click through to your website again in this search generative era.
SGE pulls answers directly from existing web content—your content. But it doesn’t always credit the source clearly, and often, users don’t scroll past the AI Overview. This means fewer clicks, even if your information is being used.
That’s a big shift. Your website might still be providing value, but getting none of the traffic due to the search generative experience.
So yes—SGE matters. A lot.
How Search Generative Experience Affects SEO
With SGE in play, traditional SEO isn’t dead, but it’s definitely evolving. Here’s how this generative experience is changing SEO:
Position Zero is now AI: Featured snippets used to be the top prize. Now, AI Overviews are taking that spot.
Long-form queries rule: The AI tends to surface in response to detailed, complex questions. This favours in-depth, conversational content.
Semantic search is key: SGE relies on meaning, not just keywords. So content has to be clear, structured, and genuinely helpful.
Click-throughs are dropping: Even if you rank well, fewer people might be clicking—because they’re getting what they need from AI.
What You Can Do About It
You don’t have to panic—but you do have to adapt. Here are three ways to stay ahead during this search generative shift:
Optimise for AI Overviews Create content that answers questions directly, using simple language and clear structure. Use headings (like this), bullet points, and natural-sounding FAQs.
Go deeper AI Overviews often summarise the basics. To compete, your content needs to offer depth, insight, or unique perspectives that readers do want to click for.
Double down on E-E-A-T Google still values Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Make sure your content reflects that—especially in competitive niches that are adapting to the search generative experience.
Don’t Get Left Behind
The Search Generative Experience (SGE) is no longer “the future”—it’s the new normal. If you’re not adjusting your content strategy for AI-first search, you’re going to fall behind.
That might sound harsh. But with the right approach, it’s also a huge opportunity. Less clutter, more relevance—and if you get it right, a stronger connection with your audience.
So: SGE is here. Now you know what the heck it is.
The next step? Ensure Google knows what you know—and why your content deserves to be seen in this search generative framework.
At Back9, we believe a strong online presence is vital for businesses in New Zealand. Implementing the best SEO strategies is crucial. SEO, or search engine optimisation, plays a key role in achieving this. It helps businesses increase visibility and attract potential customers.
This guide explores proven SEO strategies tailored to the New Zealand market. We’ll cover everything from local SEO to technical optimisation.
Whether you’re a business owner or a marketing professional, these insights will help enhance your online presence.
Let’s dive into the world of SEO NZ and unlock new opportunities for your business.
Why SEO Matters for New Zealand Businesses
SEO is essential for visibility in today’s competitive digital market. It ensures your business appears when potential customers search for your products or services.
For New Zealand businesses, local SEO is especially important. It helps target nearby audiences more effectively, boosting both engagement and conversions.
One of SEO’s greatest strengths is cost-effectiveness. Unlike paid ads, SEO delivers long-lasting results.
Businesses that invest in SEO often see higher rankings and more website traffic. This visibility can lead to more sales and sustainable growth.
In the NZ context, SEO involves tailoring these strategies for local audiences and search behaviour.
Key components of SEO include:
Keyword research
Creating quality content
Technical performance
Effective SEO means aligning with both search engine algorithms and user expectations. Done well, it improves traffic and conversions—delivering solid ROI.
Local SEO: Reaching Your New Zealand Audience
Local SEO is crucial for businesses that want to attract nearby customers.
It starts with location-specific keywords. But it goes beyond that. You also need to:
Keyword research is the foundation of every successful SEO strategy.
It identifies the words and phrases your audience is searching for, helping you create relevant content that gets found.
Focus on both broad and long-tail keywords. Long-tail terms often have lower competition and higher conversion rates.
Use SEO tools to find trends and update your keywords regularly.
Tips for better keyword research:
Identify real search queries
Target long-tail keywords
Refresh your keyword list often
On-Page SEO: Optimising Your Website Content
On-page SEO refers to everything you do within your website to improve rankings.
Important elements include:
Page titles
Headings (H1, H2, etc.)
Meta descriptions
These should include target keywords in a natural way.
Quality content is just as important. It needs to be relevant, useful, and engaging. Include images with proper alt text, and structure your content clearly.
Also, use internal links to help users and search engines navigate your site.
To stay competitive, businesses must go beyond traditional SEO and adapt to how search and discovery are evolving across both search engines and generative AI platforms.
Choosing the Best SEO Company or Agency in NZ
The right SEO partner can make a big difference.
Look for an agency that:
Has a proven track record
Offers clear communication and reporting
Tailors their strategy to your business goals
A good SEO agency understands the NZ market and helps you reach your audience effectively.
Graph of Online Visibility of the Best SEO companies in NZ
Common SEO Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls:
Skipping mobile optimisation
Ignoring local SEO
Letting content go stale
These mistakes hurt rankings and user experience. Stay proactive to maintain your SEO momentum.
Future Trends: What’s Next for SEO NZ?
To stay ahead, NZ businesses should prepare for what’s coming.
Key trends:
Voice search optimisation
AI-powered content and search analysis
Personalised search experiences
Adapting early can give you a significant competitive advantage.
Conclusion: Taking Your NZ Business to the Next Level with the Best SEO
Effective SEO isn’t a one-off task—it’s a long-term investment.
By applying the right strategies, you can boost visibility, attract the right customers, and grow sustainably.
Stay consistent. Stay updated. And work with experts who understand your market.
Employing the best SEO Strategies (especially from the start) is your ticket to long-term digital success.
Building a website isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a business investment. But how much does a website cost in NZ? The answer depends on several factors—some obvious, others less so.
In this guide, we break down the real costs behind web design in New Zealand. From one-pagers to custom-built eCommerce sites, you’ll get a clear view of what affects price, what’s worth investing in, and what to avoid.
Why Website Costs Vary in NZ
Not all websites are created equal… And neither are their price tags.
Here’s what can push your website cost in NZ up or down:
Size and complexity – More pages and features = more time = higher cost.
Design approach – Custom UX/UI design costs more than using a theme.
Functionality – Booking systems, online shops, or custom forms all add to the bill.
Content – If you need copywriting or images, factor that in too.
Who builds it – A pro agency costs more than your mate from uni.
Think of your site like building a house. The structure, finish, and who builds it all affect the final price.
Common Website Types and What They Cost
Here’s a rough guide to website costs in NZ based on your business needs:
Website Type
Best For
Typical Cost (NZD)
One-page website
Startups, portfolios
$1,000 – $3,000
Brochure-style site
Tradies, small businesses
$3,000 – $6,000
Multi-page website
Growing businesses
$5,000 – $10,000
eCommerce site
Online stores
$7,000 – $20,000+
Custom web app/site
High-spec functionality
$15,000 – $50,000+
Prices vary depending on scope. More pages and features = more cost.
Key Cost Drivers to Be Aware Of
Here’s where the dollars stack up:
Design complexity
Number of pages
Mobile responsiveness
SEO setup
Custom features (e.g. bookings, logins)
Know what’s essential. Don’t burn budget on features that don’t support your goals.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a One-Off Website Anymore
Here’s the hard truth: traditional website projects, where you pay once, get a site, and walk away, are broken.
Why? Because static websites don’t evolve. You launch them… and they just sit there. No updates or ongoing improvement. And generally, no performance tracking either!
Hiring a pro gives you strategy, polish, and long-term results.
How to Get an Accurate Website Cost Quote in NZ
To avoid surprises:
Define your scope – What do you want the site to do?
List must-haves vs nice-to-haves
Request quotes from multiple providers
Ask what’s included – content, revisions, SEO, support?
Clarify ongoing costs
More detail = better quote accuracy.
Tips to Maximise Your Web Design Budget
Start small, scale smart – Launch a solid base and improve over time.
Focus on value – Don’t overinvest in bells and whistles.
Think long-term – A good site should support you for years.
Budget for updates – Websites are never “done.”
You don’t need to overspend—just spend wisely.
Website Cost NZ FAQs
How much does a website cost in NZ? Realistically website cost in NZ can be anywhere from $1K to $ 20K+. Whilst ther are exceptions, the sweet spot for most growing businesses for a launchpad website is $5K–$10K.
Can I lower the cost? Yes, use a template, reduce the number of pages, or write your own content.
Is SEO included? Not always. Especially for cheap websites…Ask upfront. A site that looks great but can’t be found won’t do you much good. SEO is key to being found online. And if you are replacing an old site, make sure you’re getting your content and SEO migrated properly. That’s even more important if you are replacing domain names or changing page structure. Poor Website migration can harm your SEO and visibility within weeks, if not days. Trust me, I’ve seen it first hand!
Final Thoughts on Website Cost in NZ
If you want a site that works with your business, not just for it, plan ahead, budget smart, and avoid the trap of the one-and-done model.
Done right, your website should be an evolving tool that grows alongside your business and delivers real results.
A smart investment now beats a redesign every two years. Don’t just build a website… Build your ongoing digital competitive advantage.
Let’s be honest. Everyone wants a website (even a cheap website) that looks sharp, works perfectly on mobile, ranks on Google, converts leads, loads fast, tells their brand story, and even makes money while they sleep.
And yet… people still ask if it can be done for three grand or less.
Spoiler alert: No. It can’t. Not if you want it to actually work. And certainly not if you want to grow.
So let’s unpack what really goes into a website build—and why a cheap website might cost you more in the long run.
1. Strategy Isn’t Just “Having a Meeting”
A proper website starts well before the design phase. That means:
Discovery sessions
Audience and persona research
SEO and analytics audits
Mapping business goals to user needs
This isn’t fluff—it’s the foundation. Skip it, and you’re building a house with no real objectives, or plans.
2. Design That Converts (Not Just a “Looks Nice” Cheap website)
Sure, your mate’s cousin can throw something together in Canva. But real web design involves, and takes into account:
All of these make a massive difference—and none are included in a barebones quote.
So, What Does a Proper Website Cost?
It depends, but to give you a ballpark:
Launchpad websites (lean, strategic, and scalable): From $6,000–$10,000+
Growth-Driven Design retainers: From $1000–$10,000/month
If you’re thinking about a full custom build with all the trimmings, launched in one big bang and never touched again?
Save your money. Honestly.
That “perfect website” doesn’t exist, and chasing it is a fast way to blow your budget and end up with a site that’s outdated the day it goes live.
We don’t do bloated, traditional builds. We do smart, strategic websites that evolve over time, fuelled by real data and real user behaviour.
You’re not just buying a website. You’re investing in a digital asset designed to grow with your business.
The $3K (or less) Cheap Website Trap
Let’s be real. If someone’s quoting:
$3K or under
No research or strategy
A templated theme
No plan for growth
You’re not getting a business tool. You’re getting a digital pamphlet with an expiry date. Probably even pre-launch, if you’re taken too long to go live. Don’t let your website become outdated! Especially before you even launch it.
What You Should Expect from a Quote
A proper proposal should include:
Strategy and discovery
Design and user experience
Development and content population
SEO setup and analytics
Testing and launch support
Ongoing, Continuous improvements and support (where you can set the budget)
And it should align with your business goals—not just a list of pages.
Final Thought: Cheap Websites Cost More Over Time
Whether you’re launching a new business or refreshing your brand, here’s the deal:
If you want a website that delivers real results, you can’t treat it like a one-off cost.
Before you go hunting for the cheapest deal, ask yourself:
Do I want a cheap website, or do I want one that works?
Now, in the interest of fairness: There is one exception to the “$3K won’t cut it” rule…
The Only Smart Way to Launch on a Lean Budget?
A Growth-Driven Design (GDD) Launchpad Website.
This isn’t a full-scale, every-bell-and-whistle build. It’s a strategically slimmed-down site focused on launching quickly with just the essentials to start collecting data, testing what works, and building from there. And there is a chance you may be able to launch something basic for around 3k…
But there’s a catch (a good one):
You need to commit to ongoing improvements.
That means:
Monthly optimisation
SEO and content growth
UX testing and refinements (Continuous Improvements)
New pages and features based on actual performance
It’s not a “set-and-forget” website. It’s a launch-and-learn platform.
So yes, a Launchpad site might get you off the ground for a lower upfront investment, but it only works if you keep improving it.
Otherwise, it’s just a half-built plane you never finish.
Ready to Build Something Worthwhile?
At Back9, we don’t do cheap websites, or cookie-cutter. We do strategy, creativity, and Growth-Driven Design… Backed by data and focused on results.
For years, traditional web design involved following the same tired formula: get a brief, disappear into a dev cave for 3 months, launch a shiny new site, and then… walk away.
In a fast-moving digital world where customer expectations, search algorithms, and technology are constantly evolving, a “set and forget” approach just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Let’s call it what it is: a big, expensive gamble.
You pay thousands (sometimes tens of thousands) for a site based on assumptions, internal opinions, and one-off strategy meetings. Then, you wait.
3–6 months later, the site goes live. It’s technically “finished”. But by the time it launches, some of the content is more than likely already out of date, half the ideas you thought were brilliant aren’t actually working, and there’s no plan in place to improve it.
So it sits there. A digital business card collecting digital dust.
Track real user behaviour and performance from Day One.
Make regular improvements based on data, not assumptions.
Instead of a bloated site with features no one uses, you get a high-performing, constantly improving digital asset that actually grows with your business.
Why Traditional Web Design Fails (Almost Every Time)
Takes too long to launch
Goes over budget
Built on assumptions, not evidence
Has no post-launch improvement plan
Doesn’t adapt to user behaviour or business changes
It’s like buying a brand new car and never servicing it. Eventually, it just stops performing – or working at all.
Why Growth-Driven Design Works
1. Launch Faster
You get to market quicker with a Launchpad site that focuses on core functionality and immediate impact.
2. Data Drives Everything
No more guessing. You improve based on actual analytics, heatmaps, user feedback, and conversion rates.
3. Reduces Risk
Smaller up-front investment. Smarter long-term growth. No “all or nothing” website relaunches.
4. Continuous Improvement
Your website becomes a living, evolving sales tool—not a static brochure. Regular updates = better performance = more leads.
It’s Not Just About “Having a Website” Anymore
These days, your website is often the first point of contact someone has with your business. In fact it’s like the 24/7 Employee you didn’t know you needed… It needs to work hard:
Attract the right visitors
Educate them
Build trust
Convert them into leads or sales
Integrate with your CRM, email, or booking system
If you treat it like a one-off design project, you’re wasting its potential.\
Who Should Be Using Growth-Driven Design?
Businesses that want to scale
Companies who value measurable ROI
Teams frustrated with their current underperforming site
Anyone who knows they need to stay ahead of competitors
Traditional Web Design vs Growth-Driven: A Quick Comparison
Feature
Traditional Web Design
Growth-Driven Design
Launch Time
3–6+ months
30–45 days
Upfront Cost
High
Lower
Based On
Opinions
Data
Post-Launch Plan
None
Continuous improvement
Outcome
Static website
Evolving sales tool
Final Thoughts
If you’re still investing in websites the way you did five or ten years ago, you’re already behind.
Traditional Web Design is the past, but Growth-Driven Design isn’t the future… It’s the now!
It helps you stay relevant, stay competitive, and stay connected to the people who matter: your customers.
Want a Website That Actually Performs?
Given you may have realised by now, we don’t believe in Traditional Web Design. As such, we don’t build online brochures. We build digital growth engines.
Let’s talk about how Growth-Driven Web Design can help your business evolve online, without blowing the budget or the timeline.
You’ve likely heard of Mailchimp, Hubspot, Constant Contact, Klaviyo, and Campaign Monitor to name a few… Yep they are all email marketing tool (of sorts). So it might not be the newest channel in the digital stack—but when it comes to ROI and nurturing real customer relationships, email marketing still punches well above its weight.
And that’s exactly why Back9 is a proud Klaviyo Partner.
Among other email tools, we use Klaviyo but because it plays a crucial role in any smart, Growth-Driven Design (GDD) strategy. Particularly, but not limited to, E-commerce. It’s personal, highly measurable (and we’re geeky about stuff like that 🤓). It’s also scalable, and it delivers results you can take to the bank.
Let’s break down what makes Klaviyo such a weapon for eCommerce, how it stacks up on pricing, and why it’s our go-to email tool for brands who want more than just a newsletter.
What Is Klaviyo?
Klaviyo (pronounced clay-vee-oh, if you’re wondering) is an advanced email and SMS marketing platform built specifically for eCommerce. It integrates with tools like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento to let you send smarter, more targeted campaigns using real-time customer data.
But Klaviyo isn’t just about sending emails. It’s about using automation, segmentation, and personalisation to drive revenue—not just open rates.
Key Features That Make Klaviyo a Game-Changer
Whether you’re a start-up or scaling fast, Klaviyo offers features that make your marketing work harder:
Advanced segmentation – Target based on purchase history, site behaviour, or even how often they open your emails.
Pre-built flows – Think welcome series, abandoned cart, post-purchase follow-ups… all set and ready to go.
Dynamic email content – Personalise content without manually editing every send.
Real-time analytics – Track performance on the fly and optimise for conversions.
SMS marketing built in – Reach your customers where they are, beyond just the inbox.
Add in deep integration with your store, and Klaviyo becomes a data-rich marketing engine that works while you sleep.
Email Marketing + GDD = Smart Growth
Here’s where things get exciting. In a Growth-Driven Design approach, your website is just the start. It’s the launchpad.
Email is where the nurturing, retention, and re-engagement magic happens.
Instead of relying solely on ads or hoping people keep visiting your website, Klaviyo helps you build automated touchpoints that:
Convert more browsers into buyers
Re-engage cart abandoners
Turn first-time customers into repeat ones
And it does it all based on actual user behaviour, not guesswork.
Pricing: Is Klaviyo Worth It?
Short answer? Yes.
Klaviyo’s pricing is based on how many contacts you’ve got in your list. Here’s a quick overview:
Free Plan: Up to 250 contacts and 500 monthly emails
Paid Plans: From $20 USD/month, scaling as your list grows
Custom Pricing: Available for larger or high-volume brands
It’s not the cheapest option out there—but when you factor in the ROI, it’s more than fair. Better targeting = better results = better returns.
And compared to platforms like Mailchimp or ActiveCampaign, Klaviyo’s data-driven focus and native eCommerce integration puts it in a league of its own.
One of the biggest upsides? You’re not flying blind.
Klaviyo gives you access to real-time performance metrics across every flow and campaign. Open rates, clicks, revenue attribution—you name it.
Plus, with built-in A/B testing, you can test subject lines, CTAs, or even entire email layouts to find what works best.
No more guessing. Just data-backed decisions.
Is It Easy to Use?
Yep. Despite all the power under the hood, Klaviyo’s interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Even beginners can jump in and start sending professional, on-brand emails.
Their support is solid too—with live chat, email help, and tonnes of step-by-step guides, webinars, and community support.
Why We’re a Klaviyo Partner (And Why It Matters)
We’re not just recommending Klaviyo because it’s trendy—we’re official Klaviyo Partners. That means:
We’ve done the training and know the platform inside-out
We get early access to new features
You get expert-level setup, strategy, and optimisation
We can help you build a system that grows with your business
Think of us as your in-house email team—minus the payroll overhead.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use Klaviyo?
If you’re serious about using your website and digital channels to drive real growth, then yes—Klaviyo is worth a look.
It’s not a silver bullet. But paired with the right strategy and the right GDD mindset, it’s one of the best tools in the shed.
And when we set it up and optimise it for you? Even better.
Want to see how Klaviyo could work for your business?
Let’s have a chat. We’ll show you how email can go from “meh” to metrics and money-making.
