In this blog, we break down what a web development company actually does, the questions you should ask before hiring one, how to evaluate portfolios, and what typical costs look like in New Zealand.
We’ll also share how Somar Digital approaches web development with services like design, development, hosting, and ongoing support, helping you find the right fit for your business.
What Does a Web Development Company Do?
A web development company provides the technical expertise and creative design needed to bring a website to life. Services often include:
- Custom website design tailored to your brand.
- Front-end and back-end development to ensure your site runs smoothly.
- Content management systems (CMS)(external link) setup for easy content editing.
- Mobile-first, responsive design for all devices.
- Ongoing support and maintenance for stability and security.
What Should I Look For in a Web Development Company?
Choosing the right web development partner goes beyond just technical ability. You want a team that understands your business, works collaboratively, and delivers a website that serves your users well.
Here are some of the key things to look for:
- Experience and expertise: proven track record across projects similar to yours.
- Strong portfolio: examples that show variety and quality, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
- User-centred(external link) approach: a focus on accessibility, usability, and design that works for real people.
- Transparent process: clear project management, communication, and realistic timelines.
- Ongoing support: the ability to maintain, improve, and scale your site after launch.
Finding a company that ticks these boxes helps reduce risk and ensures your investment delivers long-term value. At Somar Digital, we place equal emphasis on technical excellence and building strong partnerships with our clients.
How Do I Evaluate a Web Development Company’s Portfolio?
Look at past projects to see whether their work reflects quality, usability, and creativity.
Consider if they’ve worked with organisations similar to yours and whether their solutions solve real user needs.
What Questions Should I Ask a Web Development Company?
Examples include:
- What industries do you have experience in?
- How do you approach accessibility and compliance?
- What project management process do you follow?
- Do you provide hosting and long-term support?
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Web Development Company in New Zealand?
The cost of hiring a web development company in New Zealand varies widely depending on the type of website and the provider you choose.
The figures below are indicative ranges based on industry norms, not specific pricing from Somar Digital. Every project is unique, and actual costs will depend on scope, functionality, and long-term support needs.
| Website Type | Typical Cost Range (NZD) | Example Use Case |
| Small business brochure | $8,000 – $15,000 | Local trades, professional services |
| Mid-size organisation | $20,000 – $60,000 | Nonprofits, SMEs, regional councils |
| Large enterprise | $80,000 – $200,000+ | Government portals, e-commerce, apps |
When evaluating costs, it’s important to look beyond the upfront figure. A well-built, future-proofed website often saves money over time by reducing maintenance headaches and ensuring your site grows with your organisation.
Somar Digital: Your Web Development Partner
At Somar Digital, we have delivered websites for clients such as Greater Wellington Regional Council, Cancer Society NZ, and Citizens Advice Bureau. Our approach combines user-centred design, robust technology, and ongoing support to help our client partners deliver impact online.
Explore a couple of our web development projects below:
Why Somar Digital is the Right Web Development Company for You
Choosing the right web development company is about more than ticking technical boxes. It’s about finding a partner who understands your organisation, your users, and the goals you’re working towards.
At Somar Digital, we’ve been building websites for more than 17 years, working alongside government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses across Aotearoa. What sets us apart is our focus on people: designing and developing digital experiences that are accessible, reliable, and built to last.
When you work with Somar, you get a team that listens, collaborates, and responds quickly when you need us. From discovery workshops through to design, build, and ongoing support, we’re with you every step of the way.
Here are just some of the web development services we provide:
- Custom website design that reflects your brand and sets you apart.
- Front-end and back-end development to make sure your site looks great and performs seamlessly.
- Content management systems (CMS) expertise, including Silverstripe, for easy site management.
- Responsive, mobile-first design so your site works perfectly on every device.
- Ongoing support and maintenance to keep your website secure, stable, and up to date.
If you’re looking for a web development company in New Zealand that delivers value for money, takes accessibility seriously, and creates websites that actually work for your users, let’s talk.
Conclusion
Finding the right web development company comes down to knowing what to look for and asking the right questions. From reviewing portfolios and understanding costs through to considering long-term support, this blog has covered the key things you need to know when choosing a partner.
At Somar Digital, we combine design, development, hosting, and ongoing support into a collaborative service that ensures your website not only launches successfully but continues to perform for your organisation. If you’re looking for a trusted web development company in New Zealand, we’d love to chat about how we can support your next project.
If you'd to talk to someone about our Web Development services follow the link below!
