How Much Does a Tradie Website Cost in NZ? (2026 Pricing Guide)
If you're a tradie in New Zealand thinking about getting a website, the first question is usually: "How much is this going to set me back?"
It's a fair question. The answer ranges from free to $10,000+ depending on how you do it. This guide breaks down every option so you can make an informed decision without getting ripped off.
Option 1: DIY Website Builders ($0-$50/month)
Platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and WordPress.com let you build a website yourself using templates and drag-and-drop editors.
Costs
- Wix: Free plan available, paid plans from $17-37/month
- Squarespace: From $23-65/month
- WordPress.com: Free plan available, paid plans from $7-45/month
- Domain name: $15-25/year for a .co.nz domain
Pros
- Cheapest upfront cost
- Full control over content and updates
- No waiting on someone else to make changes
Cons
- Takes significant time to learn and build (10-30+ hours)
- Results often look amateurish if you don't have design skills
- Ongoing monthly costs add up ($276-780/year)
- SEO setup is on you — most tradies don't know how to optimise for Google
- You're spending time on your website instead of on the tools earning money
Best for
Tradies who are tech-savvy, enjoy tinkering with websites, and have spare time. Not ideal if you'd rather spend that time doing actual paid work.
Option 2: Freelance Web Designer ($1,000-$3,000)
Hiring a freelance designer to build your website is a step up from DIY. You'll get a more professional result without doing the work yourself.
Costs
- Typical range: $1,000-$3,000 for a small tradie website
- Ongoing hosting: $10-30/month
- Updates and changes: Usually charged per hour ($50-100/hour)
Pros
- Better design quality than DIY
- Someone else does the work
- Can usually get basic SEO included
Cons
- Quality varies enormously — hard to judge before you pay
- Changes and updates often cost extra
- If the freelancer disappears (it happens), you're stuck
- Still relatively expensive for what you get
Best for
Tradies who want a custom design and have budget to spend, but should get references and see examples of previous work first.
Option 3: Web Design Agency ($3,000-$10,000+)
Agencies offer the most complete service (design, development, SEO, copywriting, photography, and ongoing support).
Costs
- Typical range: $3,000-$10,000+ for a tradie website
- Ongoing costs: $50-200/month for hosting, maintenance, and support
- SEO packages: Often an additional $500-2,000/month
Pros
- Highest quality design and development
- Full service including SEO, copywriting, and strategy
- Ongoing support and maintenance
- Professional photography sometimes included
Cons
- Very expensive — especially for a sole tradie or small team
- Long timelines (4-12 weeks is common)
- Monthly costs can be significant
- Often overkill for what a tradie actually needs
Best for
Larger building or trade companies with marketing budgets. Overkill for most sole traders and small teams.
Option 4: SiteSorted (from $299)
We built SiteSorted specifically because we saw the gap in the market. Tradies need professional websites but shouldn't have to pay agency prices for them.
Costs
- Website: from $299 one-off
- What's included: Professional design, project gallery, services list, testimonials, service area, contact form, mobile responsive, SEO-optimised
- Free preview: See your website before you pay
Pros
- One-off cost — no ongoing monthly fees to us
- Professional quality designed specifically for tradies
- Fast — your website can be ready in days, not weeks
- No tech skills required — just answer a few questions
- SEO fundamentals built in
- See a preview before you commit
Cons
- Less customisation than a fully bespoke agency build
- You'll need your own hosting (we can help set this up)
Best for
Any tradie in New Zealand who wants a professional website without the agency price tag. Builders, plumbers, electricians, painters, landscapers, roofers, tilers — anyone in the trades.
Price Comparison at a Glance
| Option | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Cost | Year 1 Total | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY (Wix/Squarespace) | $0 | $23-65/month | $276-780 | Low-Medium |
| Freelancer | $1,000-3,000 | $10-30/month | $1,120-3,360 | Medium |
| Agency | $3,000-10,000 | $50-200/month | $3,600-12,400 | High |
| SiteSorted | from $299 | Optional $49/mo | from $299 | Professional |
The Real Question: What's the ROI?
Forget about the cost for a moment. Think about the return.
If you're a plumber and your website brings in one extra emergency callout worth $300, you've already recovered more than half the cost. If you're a builder and your website generates one kitchen renovation worth $30,000, the $299 investment is a rounding error.
A website isn't an expense — it's an investment that compounds over time. The leads it generates in year one continue in year two, year three, and beyond.
Still Not Sure?
We offer a free preview. Answer a few questions about your trade business, and we'll generate a preview of what your website would look like. No payment required. If you like it, plans start from $299. If you don't like it, you've lost nothing.