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Best Web Design NZ has to offer in 2025

Posted on by Phil

Are you searching for the best web design NZ has to offer? Your search ends here.

But before we highlight who tops our list, let’s discuss the qualities that distinguish great web design companies from the rest.

What Makes an Exceptional Web Design Company?

First, an outstanding web design agency needs to have proven expertise and extensive experience in creating visually appealing, user-friendly, and conversion-focused websites. They should stay current with web design trends, UX/UI best practices, and emerging technologies, ensuring your site not only looks good but performs exceptionally.

Customer service is another crucial factor. Does the team listen carefully to your goals and understand your unique needs? Are they responsive and committed to delivering an outstanding final product?

The best web design agencies in NZ and around the globe, prioritise client satisfaction and should provide ongoing support well after your site is live. This is because a website is never really ever complete. If you treat your website like the 24/7 staff member you never knew you needed – and work on continual improvement, it will pay off in the long run.

In addition, that agency will understand the importance of seeing a website as an investment. Therefore wanting to help you gain a return on said investment (ROI). The best web design companies will recommend solutions tailored to your budget, ensuring maximum value without compromising quality.

Now, let’s introduce some of the best web design agencies in NZ:

1. Back9 Creative

Based in Invercargill and Christchurch, we specialise in Growth-Driven Design (GDD), creating websites that evolve continuously based on real user data. From UX/UI Design to Fully custom web development, we help businesses build their digital assets into an ever-evolving competitive edge. As a NZ’s WordPress Experts and leading digital agency in Southland, at Back9 we cutting-edge design with strategic insights to ensure your website generates measurable results and growth.

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2. White Rabbit

White Rabbit, based in Auckland, crafts stunning, custom websites designed to enhance user experience and drive conversions. With an emphasis on creativity and innovative design, they deliver websites that align perfectly with your brand identity and business objectives.

3. The Web Guys

Located in Parnell, Auckland, The Web Guys excel at creating engaging, visually impressive digital experiences. From strategy and design to development and deployment, they provide comprehensive services designed to inspire your audience and drive meaningful results for your brand.

4. Kiwi Website Design NZ

Kiwi Website Design is an Auckland-based agency with a reputation for building professional, affordable, and responsive websites. Specialising in customised solutions for businesses of all sizes, their dedicated team ensures your website stands out in today’s competitive online market.

5. Hart Design

Hart Design, based in Auckland, takes pride in delivering beautifully crafted websites designed to perform exceptionally. Their experienced team is known for combining aesthetics with functionality, creating websites that enhance your online presence and drive business growth.

6. Zesty Design

Zesty Design provides vibrant, innovative website designs in Auckland tailored specifically to small and medium-sized businesses. They prioritise clarity, user engagement, and effective design strategies, ensuring your site stands out and generates real business results.7.

7. Lucid Media

Lucid Media, based in Auckland NZ, offers professional web design services aimed at boosting your brand’s visibility and user engagement. They focus on creating modern, responsive, and visually striking websites that deliver an optimal user experience across all devices.

8. Meta Digital

Meta Digital, create custom websites in Christchurch. They design dynamic, responsive websites with a strategic focus on driving leads and conversions. Their collaborative approach ensures websites not only reflect brand personality but also effectively engage target audiences.

9. Slightly Different

Based in Nelson, Slightly Different is known for their unique approach to custom web design and development. With a commitment to personalised service and distinctive design, they deliver high-performing websites that truly set businesses apart online.

So Who is the Best Web Design Company in NZ?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. Whether you prefer working with a local provider or looking for a particular design style, each of these agencies offers impressive capabilities and expertise.

Explore your options, talk to the agencies, and choose a company that aligns perfectly with your vision and expectations. Good luck with your search!

When the Wrong Agency Gets It Wrong: The Harsh Cost of Poor SEO Decisions

Posted on by Phil

The cost of Poor SEO Decisions haunt us… So there’s a graph we keep on file — not to gloat, not to throw shade, but as a harsh reminder of what can happen when good SEO work gets undone by poor decisions.

Graph showing the decline and cost of poor SEO

The graph shows a rise from obscurity to visibility: organic rankings that grew steadily, peaking at around 11–12% visibility nationally. That growth didn’t happen overnight. It came from months of careful strategy, content development, technical SEO, and consistent, behind-the-scenes graft. That visibility translated into 80–100 genuine leads per month — real conversations with people ready to buy.

Then, it all came crashing down.

In December 2024, a new agency convinced the client to transfer their business to them and rebuild the website from scratch. That’s fine, we’ve always maintained that we don’t own anyone as a client and business is not a given… But since that launch, as you can clearly see on the chart, their visibility fell off a cliff. It’s now sitting at around 0.8%. Leads? From what we understand, they’re down to a trickle — maybe 5 to 10 a month if they’re lucky.

And look — we’re not here to say “told you so.”

We’re gutted.

Because behind that SEO performance was a team who genuinely cared. Who poured their energy, time, and experience into helping a business grow. We treat our clients’ brands like our own, and seeing our work unravel because someone else promised shortcuts or shiny new things? It stings.

This is why choosing the right digital partner matters. SEO isn’t a tick-box exercise. It’s not just about having a “nice” website or stuffing a few keywords into a page. SEO is technical. It’s strategic. In fact it’s bloody complex. And furthermore, it absolutely cannot be handed off to a provider who doesn’t understand how SEO works, how Google indexes sites, or what happens when you launch a new website without a proper migration plan.

There’s a harsh truth here: not all digital agencies are created equal. Some can sell ice in the arctic — and unfortunately, they’re better at selling than they are at delivering. It’s not just frustrating — it’s costly. Costly in leads, costly in ranking, and costly in lost opportunity.

If you’re thinking about changing providers or launching a new site — stop. Ask the hard questions:

  • What is your SEO migration plan?
  • How do you measure and track performance?
  • Can you show me results from other clients?
  • Do you actually understand what’s at stake?

Because getting it wrong doesn’t just set you back a month or two — it can erase a year (or more) of growth in a single stroke. And that’s the intangible Cost of Poor SEO.

We share this not to scare you — but to protect you. And if you’re reading this thinking, “This sounds familiar…” — we’re here. No judgment. No sales pitch. Just straight-up advice.

Because at the end of the day, results speak louder than promises. And that chart? That chart speaks volumes.

Best Mobile App Design NZ: Top 5 Companies to Work With

Posted on by Phil

Are you looking for the best mobile app design company in New Zealand? Choosing the right team is crucial for success. A well-designed app enhances user experience, improves engagement, and drives business growth. Here are the top five companies offering world-class mobile app design in NZ.

1. Back9 Creative

Back9 Creative is a leading name in mobile app design in New Zealand. They focus on creating intuitive and high-performing apps. Their approach revolves around Growth-Driven Design (GDD), ensuring apps evolve based on user data. They work closely with businesses to develop digital products that engage users and deliver results.

Why choose Back9 Creative?

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2. Sush Labs

Sush Labs is a mobile app development agency known for building innovative and scalable solutions. They create apps for startups, enterprises, and government organisations. With a strong focus on user experience and functionality, their apps are both visually appealing and highly efficient.

Why choose Sush Labs?

  • Custom app development
  • Expertise in Android and iOS platforms
  • Strong user experience focus

3. Boost

Boost is a well-respected mobile app development company in NZ. Their team builds apps using an agile process, ensuring quick iterations and improvements. They work with businesses of all sizes, offering custom mobile solutions that align with business goals.

Why choose Boost?

  • Agile app development process
  • Focus on business needs
  • Expertise in cross-platform app development

4. Orchid

Orchid designs and develops custom mobile apps that stand out. They focus on delivering seamless user experiences across all devices. With a strong portfolio of successful projects, they help businesses create engaging and functional mobile applications.

Why choose Orchid?

  • User-focused app design
  • Customised solutions
  • Expertise in multiple industries

5. Catch Design

Catch Design is a creative digital agency specialising in mobile app design and development. Their team creates apps that are visually stunning and functionally robust. With a strong emphasis on usability, they deliver mobile apps that users love.

Why choose Catch Design?

  • Focus on user-friendly design
  • Expertise in digital experience
  • Custom mobile solutions

Selecting the Best Mobile App Design Company in NZ

Choosing the right mobile app design company is vital. Consider experience, design expertise, and development approach. Look for a team that understands your business needs and creates an app that delivers value.

New Zealand has several top-tier mobile app development companies. Whether you need an intuitive app for users or a complex digital solution, these companies can help. Each one brings a unique approach, ensuring you find the right fit for your project.

Looking for expert mobile app design? These top five companies in NZ have the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Finding the Best Web Development Agency in Christchurch: Why Custom Development Matters

Posted on by Phil

At Back9 Creative, we are strong advocates that a strong online presence is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. For businesses in Christchurch, investing in professional web design and development can mean the difference between thriving online and getting lost in the competition. But not all websites are created equal. If you’re serious about scalability, SEO, and long-term success, you need to look beyond templated website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Elementor-based WordPress sites. While they may offer convenience and cost savings upfront, they come with significant limitations that can hinder your business growth. Instead, custom-developed websites provide flexibility, performance, and adaptability to meet evolving business needs.

The Importance of Custom Web Design and Development in Christchurch

For businesses in Christchurch, standing out in a competitive market requires more than just a basic online presence. A well-crafted website must balance aesthetics, functionality, and performance to make a lasting impact on visitors.

Today’s consumers demand fast, intuitive, and visually engaging websites. This is where custom web design and web development shine. Unlike templated solutions, a custom website allows for complete control over your brand’s online experience, ensuring:

  • Tailored user experiences: Custom sites are built around your business needs, ensuring better conversion rates.
  • Optimal performance: No unnecessary bloat from excess plugins or pre-built components.
  • Scalability: Grow your website as your business evolves without restrictions.
  • SEO advantages: Search engines favor clean, well-structured code over bloated page builders.

By working with a professional web development agency in Christchurch, businesses can secure a future-proof digital presence that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly.

Why You Should Avoid Templated Website Builders

Templated website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and Elementor-based WordPress sites might seem like a quick and easy solution, but they come with hidden costs and pitfalls:

1. Poor SEO Performance

Many website builders produce bloated code, which negatively impacts page load speed—one of Google’s key ranking factors. In contrast, custom-developed websites are optimised for speed and structured properly for search engines, ensuring better rankings and visibility.

2. Limited Customization & Scalability

While templates offer drag-and-drop convenience, they often restrict businesses from making advanced customizations. As your business grows, you may find yourself hitting a wall, unable to implement the features you need. A custom website, however, is built to scale with your business, allowing for new integrations and functionality without compromise.

3. Security Risks & Ownership Issues

Proprietary platforms like Wix and Squarespace control your hosting and data, meaning you don’t have full ownership of your website. If these platforms change their policies or shut down, your website is at risk. With a custom-developed site, you have complete ownership and control over your digital assets.

4. Dependence on Third-Party Limitations

Many website builders rely on plugins and third-party apps for functionality. These can become outdated, conflict with updates, or require costly subscriptions. A custom-built site eliminates these dependencies, ensuring seamless functionality without ongoing third-party constraints.

The Role of Front-End and Back-End Development in Custom Websites

A high-performing website is the result of strong front-end and back-end development. Understanding these components can help businesses make informed decisions when choosing a web development agency in Christchurch.

Front-End Web Development: The User Experience Layer

Front-end development focuses on what users see and interact with. A skilled front-end developer ensures:

  • Responsive design for optimal viewing across all devices
  • Fast-loading pages with clean, optimized code
  • A seamless, engaging user experience

Back-End Web Development: The Power Behind the Website

Back-end development involves the server, database, and application logic that make a website function. A well-built back-end:

  • Ensures security and data integrity
  • Enables scalability for future business growth
  • Supports integrations with CRM, eCommerce, and custom applications

Choosing a Christchurch-based web development agency that specializes in both front-end and back-end development ensures a well-rounded, high-performance website tailored to your business needs.

Choosing the Right Web Development Agency in Christchurch

With so many agencies offering web development services, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your business goals. Consider the following when making your decision:

  • Custom Development Expertise: Ensure the agency specializes in custom web development rather than relying on templates.
  • SEO and Performance Optimization: A good agency builds websites with clean code, optimized for search engines.
  • Proven Portfolio and Client Reviews: Look at previous work to gauge the agency’s capability.
  • Long-Term Support and Scalability: Your website should grow with your business; choose an agency that offers long-term support.

By investing in a Christchurch web development agency that focuses on custom solutions, businesses can create a website that is not only visually stunning but also high-performing, scalable, and SEO-friendly.

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Digital Presence

If you want to dominate your industry online, a templated website simply won’t cut it. Custom web development provides the flexibility, performance, and SEO advantages that businesses need to succeed in the long run. By partnering with a Christchurch web development agency that prioritizes tailored solutions, you ensure that your website is built to adapt, scale, and outperform the competition. Don’t settle for limitations—invest in a website that truly works for your business.

How to Monetise your Mobile App

Posted on by Phil

So you’re wondering how you can monetise your mobile app or mobile app idea? According to Statista, 61.85% of all web traffic in 2024 came from Mobile Phones. In addition to that though, a staggering 92.3% of internet users access the internet using a mobile phone. Furthermore, research from Backlinko indicates that globally, smartphone users typically spend around 3 hours and 45 minutes a day on their devices, and over 90% of that time is devoted to mobile apps. Which means, mobile browsers account for only about 10% of the total usage time. This is an great indication why Mobile apps have become a lucrative business. Yet, turning an app into a revenue-generating tool can still be challenging.

Understanding how to monetise your mobile app is pretty important. It can significantly boost your return on investment (ROI) and ensure your app’s sustainability.

This article will guide you through various strategies to effectively monetise your mobile app. It aims to provide actionable insights to help you maximise your app’s earning potential.

Understanding Your Audience

Knowing your audience is vital for mobile app monetisation. Tailor your strategies to meet their preferences and needs.

Analyse user demographics and behaviour. This can help you craft a more personalised experience that resonates with users.

Use analytics tools to gather insights about your audience. This data is invaluable for refining your app’s monetisation strategy.

Monetisation Strategies Overview

Monetising your app requires selecting the right strategies. Different approaches cater to diverse app categories and user preferences.

You can mix and match various strategies to maximize revenue. Align them with your audience needs and app objectives.

In-App Advertising

In-app advertising is a popular monetisation method. It offers options like banner ads, interstitials, and video ads.
In saying this, however, for longevity in terms of lifetime value and user satisfaction, you may not want to be advertising too much. Balancing ad frequency is crucial to avoid disrupting user experience. Too many ads can simply drive users away.

Choose ad networks that align with your app’s content. This can ensure relevance and higher engagement.

In-App Purchases

In-app purchases let users buy additional features or virtual goods within the app. This method works well for gaming apps.

Providing diverse purchase options can enhance the user experience. Offer items that add value or fun.

Ensure the purchasing process is smooth and secure. Users are more likely to spend when transactions are easy and safe.

Subscription Model

Subscription models provide continuous revenue streams. They are ideal for content-rich or service-focused apps.

Encourage users by offering exclusive content or features. This adds value to the subscription.

Regularly update your content to keep subscribers engaged. Fresh content can reduce churn rates.

Freemium Model

The freemium model is effective in attracting a broad user base. It offers basic features for free, with paid premium options.

This approach encourages users to try before they buy. It can lead to higher conversion rates.

Provide compelling reasons for users to upgrade. Premium features should be valuable and clearly superior.

Paid App Model

With the paid app model, users pay upfront to download the app. This can limit your user base but guarantees initial revenue.

Ensure your app stands out to justify the cost. Highlight unique features and benefits.

This model suits highly specialized or niche apps where users see direct value.

Maximising ROI on Mobile Applications

To maximise ROI on your mobile app, focus on understanding user behavior. Analyze patterns and preferences for better monetisation strategies.

Regular updates and innovations keep your app relevant. Engaged users are more likely to spend and stay loyal.

App Store Optimization (ASO)

App Store Optimization improves your app’s visibility. It helps attract organic users naturally, boosting downloads.

Optimize keywords and visuals for better search results. Your app must stand out in a crowded marketplace.

User Engagement and Retention

Increase engagement by encouraging interactions within the app. This can include gamification elements or social features.

Retaining users is key to long-term success. Consistent value and excellent support foster loyalty.

Conclusion

To monetise your mobile app effectively, it requires a thoughtful strategy. Not only that but quality UX/UI design coupled with skilled Mobile App Development are also key! Combine diverse monetisation models to cater to varied user preferences.

Focus on user satisfaction and engagement for sustainable revenue growth. By optimising strategies, you enhance your app’s potential to generate significant returns.

Google Ads Strategies for New Zealand Businesses

Posted on by Phil

A Google Ads specialist can help you get found online, without a doubt! At Back9 we believe in today’s online world, visibility is key. This means when it comes to Digital marketing, not only does a website need to be optimised for SEO, it should be an ever evolving asset for for New Zealand businesses.

In order to evolve the key is to understand how users are finding your website in the first place. Secondly, what they are doing once they find you. And most impportantly are they contacting you.

To understand and measure some of that information, ultimately you need website visitors. And the more data you have, or more site visits the better your sample size. In short you need website visitors to turn in to leads and in turn, become customers!

Google Ads offers a powerful tool to reach potential customers.

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But how can you ensure your ads are effective?

A Google Ads specialist in NZ can help. They understand the local market and can tailor strategies to your business needs.

In this article, we’ll explore Google Ads strategies for New Zealand businesses, and the value of working with a specialist.

Understanding the Importance of Google Ads in NZ

Google Ads plays a crucial role in online marketing NZ businesses. It helps companies gain visibility and reach their target market efficiently.

With rising internet usage, many Kiwis search online for products and services. Google Ads provides a direct path to these users.

For businesses in New Zealand, investing in Google Ads means staying competitive. This platform offers targeted advertising that can boost brand recognition and sales.

The Role of a Google Ads Specialist

A Google Ads specialist in NZ can significantly enhance ad campaign performance. Their expertise in digital marketing NZ ensures your ads reach the right audience.

They optimize campaigns by adjusting bids, keywords, and ad formats. This maximizes ROI and improves results.

Hiring a the best Google Ads Agency in New Zealand also means better understanding what you want to achieve. This will help determine the best fit for you. Ultimately, this leads to more effective and relevant advertising tailored to your New Zealand audiences and your goals.

Tailoring Google Ads to the NZ Market

Understanding New Zealand’s unique market dynamics is crucial. Google Ads can be customized to target specific local demographics.

Tailoring ads according to regional interests helps engage potential customers effectively.

A well-crafted campaign addresses local preferences and trends. This boosts both engagement and conversions.

Geo-Targeting for Local Reach

Geo-targeting lets businesses focus on specific regions. It’s essential for engaging the right audience in New Zealand.

By focusing ads on local areas, businesses can enhance relevancy. This approach often results in higher conversion rates.

Keyword Research for NZ Audiences

Effective keyword research uncovers terms locals frequently use. It helps identify what potential customers in NZ are searching for. How iften they are searching and what their intent is for that search.

Choosing the right keywords boosts ad visibility. This ensures ads appear in relevant search queries by New Zealanders.

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Crafting Compelling Ad Copy

There are many ways to be successful with Google Ads when is comes to your copy. Firstly, Creating engaging ad copy is essential for attracting attention. Use language that resonates with the local New Zealand audience for maximum effect.

Secondly, highlighting unique selling points in your ads can differentiate you from competitors. Focus on what makes your product or service stand out.

And thirdly, ncorporate a strong call-to-action to drive engagement. Clear prompts encourage potential customers to take the next step, such as clicking your ad.

Optimising for Mobile Users in NZ

With mobile usage skyrocketing, optimising your ads for mobile devices is crucial. This ensures that your ads display correctly on all screens.

Mobile-friendly ads load faster and look appealing, improving user experience. Consider mobile-specific ad formats to increase engagement among New Zealand’s mobile users.

Leveraging Different Ad Formats

Utilising the variety of Google Ad formats can enhance your marketing efforts. Different formats meet distinct marketing goals and audience preferences.

In New Zealand, combining search, display, and video ads can effectively capture diverse audience interest. This multi-format strategy ensures wider reach and improved engagement.

A/B Testing and Performance Analysis

A/B testing helps refine your Google Ads strategies. It provides insights into what works best for your audience.

In New Zealand, businesses can benefit significantly from these tests. Through testing, you can compare different elements of your ads to identify the most effective approach.

Regular performance analysis using Google Analytics is crucial. This ongoing analysis helps optimize campaigns, increasing return on investment for New Zealand companies.

Conclusion: The Value of a Local Google Ads Specialist

Hiring a local Google Ads specialist in NZ can offer distinct advantages. Their understanding of the local market ensures more effective campaign strategies.

Additionally, a local specialist can provide personalised support and guidance. This can significantly boost your online marketing efforts within New Zealand.