Top 5 Website Builders For New Zealand Businesses In 2024

This article explores the top 5 website builders for New Zealand, shedding light on their features, pros, and cons.

Key Takeaways

• Shopify: Best for overall creating website with drag and drop feature
• Wix: Design flexibility, user-friendly features, and customizable templates
• HubSpot: Integrated website building and marketing solution
• HitPay: Free setup, affordable transaction fees, and powerful payment tools 
• Weebly: Simple and user-friendly drag-and-drop builder

Shopify 

Explore the prowess of Shopify, a leading website builder in New Zealand designed to elevate your online store and increase conversion rates. 

Pros & Cons 

Let’s weigh the advantages and drawbacks of Shopify to help you make an informed decision. 

Pros 

• Full customization capabilities.
• Extensive theme, app, and integration options.
• Varied app selection for unique online store functionality.
• Effortless ecommerce store creation.
• Engaging online presence for customer captivation.
• No-code website building convenience.

Cons

• Cumulative monthly subscription expenses.
• Insufficient trial duration for thorough exploration.

Shopify’s Website Builder Features 

Explore the robust features of Shopify’s website builder, designed to elevate your online presence.

How to select a website host and custom domain name 

1. In your Shopify admin, navigate to “Settings” > “Domains.”

2. Enter your desired domain in the Domain name field under the Domains section.

3. Click “Buy new domain.”
4. Input the domain name you wish to purchase.
5. Review available domain extensions and their prices.
6. Click “Buy” next to your chosen domain.

7. If the domain is unavailable, try an alternative one. 

How to choose a layout and theme

1. In your Shopify dashboard, go to “Online Store” > “Themes.”
2. Click “Visit Theme Store” for all themes or “Explore free themes” for no-cost options. The Theme Store offers categories based on your store’s needs, like international sales or in-person transactions.
3. If you obtained your theme from the Shopify Theme Store, find it in your dashboard’s theme library.

4. Click “Customize” to start personalizing. To make it your current theme, click “Actions” and then “Publish.”

5. For themes from third-party sites, upload them by going to Online Store > Themes. Click “Add Theme” in Theme Library.

6. Choose “Add file,” upload your zip file, and click “Upload file.” Once done, could you find it in your theme library? Simple steps for your Shopify theme!

How to add pages and product information 

1. In your dashboard, go to Products. Click “Add product.”

2. Fill in the title, description, and images.

3. Enter necessary product details.

4. Click “Save” to add the product to your store.

How to configure tax settings and also add payment details

1. In your Shopify dashboard, click “Settings” and navigate to “Taxes and Duties.”

2. Under the United States, choose states for tax collection, input your sales tax ID, and explore new options.

3. Click “Collect Sales Tax” and select states for tax collection.

4. Manage product categories for tax purposes by clicking on “Manage categories.”

5. Edit product variants to specify tax collection by checking the box “Charge tax on this product.”

6. Under “Settings,” click on “Locations” to add warehouse locations.
7. For tax-exempt customers, go to “Customers,” then “Add Customer” to mark them as tax-exempt.

8. Ensure compliance by collecting tax-exempt certificates from eligible customers. 

How to optimize SEO for your website 

1. Optimize Collection Title and Description
   • Craft a specific collection title that includes relevant keywords (e.g., “Women’s Shoes” instead of just “Shoes”).
   • Write a description providing valuable information about the products, incorporating keywords naturally.

2. Add Relevant Product Tags
   • Select highly relevant product tags for each item in your inventory.
   • Ensure tags accurately represent the product and its intended audience (e.g., “men’s clothing” for a men’s clothing section).

Personal review

I love how user-friendly Shopify is for creating a stunning website – no coding skills required! The flexibility to edit HTML and CSS files is fantastic for those with coding know-how. But even if you don’t, the easy drag-and-drop WYSIWYG functionality empowers you to design your website exactly how you envision it.

Customer Reviews

Capterra brings valuable perspectives on Shopify:

“I love that I could personalize my ecomm store exactly as I wanted, with an array of templates to choose from. The abundance of apps is a great support, and the shipping discounts and flexible payment plans are fantastic options.” – Kelly C., Owner and COO.

“As a Shopify user, I find it easy to get help when I’m in need. The 24/7 customer service is accessible through email, chat, or phone, ensuring all issues are resolved quickly and effectively.” – John K.

Wix

Wix empowers creativity and online presence where design flexibility and ease of use converge to make your website stand out.

Pros & Cons 

Consider the pros and cons when evaluating Wix as your website builder.

Pros 

• Powerful infrastructure for scalability
• Seamless growth with built-in solutions
• Diverse and customizable templates
• Smart drag-and-drop editor
• Full-stack web development tools
• AI technology for automated site creation

Cons

• Prominent free version advertisements
• Higher-priced premium plans

Wix’s Website Builder Features

Explore the key elements that make Wix a leading choice for website creation.

Select templates

As I explored the various templates, the diversity in designs impressed me. Each template came with a preview option, allowing me to assess its suitability before deciding.

Step 1: Choose Your Template

Select a professionally designed template from our extensive collection, including portfolio options, business services, eCommerce, and more.

Step 2: Copy Elements from Old Site

Simplify the process by copying and pasting elements or reusing design assets from your old site, depending on your Editor version.

Step 3: Import Media

Access your existing site’s media in the Site Files folder of the Media Manager. Easily import any needed files to your new site.

Step 4: Transfer Additional Features

Be mindful of the features that can and cannot be transferred when transitioning to a new template. Adjust accordingly for a seamless transition.

Design flexibility 

How to place an element on one side of the screen 

The horizontal and vertical offset sliders provide fine-tuned control, allowing me to create a visually appealing and well-balanced design.

• Step 1: Right-click on the desired element in your Editor.
• Step 2: Click “Pin to screen” from the options.

• Step 3: Choose a position on the grid under “Set position.”
• Step 4: Adjust the horizontal position by dragging the slider or entering a specific number.

• Step 5: Fine-tune the vertical position using the slider or inputting a specific number.

How to edit website elements such as text, images, buttons, galleries, menus, and lists

1. Open the Editor and navigate to the left side.
2. Click “Add Elements.”
3. Choose “Embed Code.”
4. Select “Custom Element” to add it to your page.
5. Click “Choose Source.”
6. Opt for “Server URL” and input the URL with the file name. 
7. Enter the “Tag Name.”

Personal review

The abundance of templates made the process enjoyable, ensuring I found the perfect fit for my style and industry. With over 900 free, customizable templates designed for various sectors, Wix provides a headstart for anyone, whether you prefer a pre-designed template or starting from scratch.

Customer Reviews

According to Trustpilot reviews:

“Wix has an incredibly easy-to-use website builder interface with beautiful, functional templates. I tried a different host first and failed to create a website there. The customer service people sorted out the mess, moved the domain I bought, and now arranged a cheaper renewal price. It is easy to use, with 24/7 support from knowledgeable staff if you need it. And the prices are reasonable too. Thanks so much!” – Faburt.

“We switched our community site to Wix about three years ago, and the ease of use combined with their excellent customer service makes it a pleasure to upgrade our website. The live chat help function is great when I can’t find or do something, usually due to my lack of expertise. When new features are introduced to the web builder, they help make life easier.” – Sarah and Guy.

Hubspot 

Explore HubSpot’s website builder to empower businesses with intuitive tools for creating, customizing, and optimizing impactful online experiences.

Pros & Cons

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of Hubspot

Pros 

• User-Friendly Interface
• Customization Options
• Mobile Responsiveness
• SEO Capabilities
• Integrations and Plugins

Cons

• Higher Cost Than Competitors
• Free Version Displays HubSpot Branding

Hubspot’s Website Builder Features

Unlock the potential of your online presence with HubSpot’s intuitive website builder. Empower your business or personal brand with powerful features to enhance user experience and drive engagement.

Choose templates & layout

• Step 1: Click the Create dropdown menu in the top right and choose “Website page” or “Landing page.”
• Step 2: Enter a page name in the dialog box and click “Create page.”
• Step 3: On the theme selection screen, hover over a theme. Click the “Preview” theme to see a preview or Set it as the active theme by default.
• Step 4: After setting a theme, for future changes, click the “Theme” dropdown, choose “Change theme,” and repeat the preview or set as active theme steps.

Customize your website builder 

• Add and edit modules

Step 1: Navigate to Marketing > Files and Templates > Design Tools in your HubSpot account.

Step 2: Click the File dropdown at the top of the finder and select “New file.”

Step 3: In the dialog box, choose Module from the What would you like to build today? A dropdown menu and click “Next.”

Step 4: Select the content types (pages, blog posts, blog listings, emails, or quotes) where your module will be used.

Step 5: Choose whether the module will be local or global. Global modules update every instance when edited.

Step 6: Enter a file name for your module and click Create.

• Create and customize pages 

Step 1: Hover over the desired page and click “Edit.”

Step 2: Click the Settings menu and choose General.

Step 3: In the dialog box, provide an internal name in the Internal page name field (not visible to visitors).

Step 4: Enter an external name for the page in the Page title field (visible in the browser tab).

Step 5: Select the hosting domain from the Domains dropdown in the Page URL section and enter a URL slug in the Content slug field.

Step 6: Enter a Meta description for search results.

Step 7: To associate the page with a campaign, choose a campaign from the Campaign dropdown or create a new one by selecting Add New.

• Edit logo, favicon, and brand colors

Edit logo:

Step 1: In your HubSpot account, click the settings icon in the main navigation bar.

Step 2: In the left sidebar, go to Account defaults.

Step 3: Click the “Branding” tab.

Step 4: Choose the brand kit you want to edit.

Step 5: In the Logos section, add a new logo:

• To use an existing image, click “Browse Images.”
• To upload a new image, click “Upload.”
• Enter the Logo name (required), alt text, and URL.
• Adjust dimensions in the Width or Height field.
• To add more logos, click “+” Add; hover over and click “X” to delete.

Step 6: Click “Save” when finished.

Note: You can override default logos for specific content in the content editor or design manager by toggling the Override default logo switch and uploading a new logo.

Edit your favicon

Step 1: In your HubSpot account, click the settings icon in the main navigation bar.

Step 2: In the left sidebar, navigate to Account defaults.

Step 3: Click the Branding tab.

Step 4: Choose the brand kit you want to edit.

Step 5: Click “+” Add to add a new favicon in the Favicon section.

Step 6: Add your new favicon:

• To use an existing image, click Browse Images.
• To upload a new image, click Upload.
• Ensure the favicon is saved as a 48 by 48 px image in .ico, .gif, or .png format.

Step 7: Enter the Favicon name.

Step 8: Click Save when finished.

Edit your brand colors

Step 1: In HubSpot, go to Account defaults > Branding.

Step 2: Select your brand kit.

Step 3: Under Colors, set your primary color using a hexadecimal code or the color picker.

Step 4: Add more colors by clicking “+” Add.

Step 5: Optionally, import colors from a live page.

Step 6: Click “Save” when done.

Personal review

I love how HubSpot makes setting up a custom domain for my website a breeze. It’s relieving not to worry about connecting it to my CMS or dealing with extra upgrade fees. The fact that I can do it for free in just a few simple steps is a game-changer. Now, I can focus on where it truly matters – building an outstanding customer experience.

Customer Reviews

According to GetApp reviews:

“We’ve grown our business immensely internally and externally. From how we relate to our customers and keep them organized, to the internal organization for our employees, it’s a dream come true when you’re dealing with so many systems and processes, to have them all under one roof.” – Geertje C.

“The best part I love is the smart content option where the content is displayed based on the country and the IP address. Easy to create workflows to engage with the subscribers and website visitors.” – Wazeer H.

HitPay

Discover the innovative website builder of HitPay, simplifying the process of crafting professional and visually appealing websites for individuals and businesses.

Pros & Cons

Explore the pros and cons to make informed decisions about using this platform for your online store.

Pros 

• Free setup and zero subscription or set-up fees.
• Integrated payment gateway with multiple payment methods.
• Free, power-packed payment tools.
• Wide range of no-code customization options.
• Unique password protection for digital items.

Cons

• A newer player in the market with a smaller feature set.

HitPay’s Website Builder Features

HitPay’s website builder empowers users with advanced features, making it an ideal choice for various online sellers. 

Select templates

Selecting templates in HitPay’s website builder is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Click on “Homepage” in the menu.
2. Navigate to the “Theme” section.

3. Choose your theme by selecting one of the options provided:

• Default: Featuring a dark blue button and a white background.

• Light: With a grey button and a white background.

• Custom: Allows you to define your own background and button color.

Design flexibility

Designing on HitPay offers remarkable flexibility. Let me guide you through the steps. 

Place an element on one side of the screen 

Placing an element on one side of the screen in HitPay involves the following steps:

1. Navigate to “Content Pages” and click “Add a Page.”

2. Provide the page title and description, then click “Done.”

3. After making all desired changes, click the “Save” button.
4. Finally, click the “X” button to return to the HitPay Dashboard.

These steps guide you through adding a page, customizing its details, and saving your changes efficiently.

Edit website elements such as text, images, buttons, galleries, menus, and lists

Step 1: Access Your HitPay Web Dashboard

• Log in to your HitPay account and navigate to the Web Dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to Business Settings

• Click “Settings” and choose “Business” from the menu options.

Step 3: Upload Your Logo

• Locate the “Upload” button within the Business settings.
• Click the button to add your company or brand logo effortlessly.

Personal review

I love HitPay’s online store builder because it offers advanced features for free. With unlimited products and orders, customizable themes, Meta Pixel integration, and support for global delivery, it’s a game-changer. 

Customer Reviews

According to the Trustpilot reviews: 

“Every Boutique Fairs we take the help of HitPay in order to be able to accept credit card payments from our customers. It’s been great every time! It’s so easy to use and the HitPay team offers superb support in case we have any questions or need help with anything. We are happy to highly recommend HitPay!!!” – Anna Bervander.

“The enrollment process was a breeze and the credit card mdr is very competitive. All the essential information is available on their website as it should be. I’ve already used the payment link, I trust the payout will equally be smooth sailing!” –  Jessie Koh.

Weebly

Weebly, a user-friendly website builder empowers individuals and businesses to effortlessly create a stunning online presence.

Pros & Cons

Let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros 

• User-friendly interface for easy website creation.
• Extensive collection of responsive and customizable templates.
• Built-in e-commerce capabilities with various payment options.
• Drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the design process.
• Affordable pricing plans suitable for different needs.
• Integrated SEO tools to enhance website visibility.
• Reliable and secure hosting
• Mobile app available for on-the-go website management.

Cons

• Restricted Theme Selection
• Advertisements on Free and Basic Paid Plans
• Basic SEO Features

Weebly’s Website Builder Features

Wix offers a versatile website-building platform with various features catering to diverse needs. 

Drag & Drop editor 

Weebly’s drag-and-drop website builder simplifies creating a robust and professional website, even for those without technical skills.

Leverage your site with elements

Content elements (text, photos, videos) 

1. Access the “Build tab”.
2. Drag and drop the desired element onto your page.
3. The page section dynamically expands to accommodate additional elements.
4. Use the Sections element to add multiple content sections.
5. Choose “Pre-made layouts” or start from scratch when adding a new section.
6. Customize elements within the pre-made layouts.
7. Elements can be positioned side by side or stacked vertically, guided by blue lines indicating placement.

Video backgrounds

Adding a video background to a section in Weebly is quick and easy:

1. Select the desired section.
2. Click on “Edit Background.”
3. Choose “Video Gallery” or “Upload Video” in Add Video.

4. Pick a video from the gallery or upload your own by clicking “Upload Video” and selecting the file.

5. While the video uploads, you can continue working on other aspects of your page in the editor.

Custom headers

1. By default, each new page has a built-in header.
2. Navigate to the Pages tab.
3. Select the desired page and change its header type.

• Note: Splash pages and No Header pages have specific styles and limitations.

4. Remember that Splash pages are designed for minimal content with a single background image, and No Header pages exclude a header altogether.

Full-width image and color backgrounds

1. Click on the section you want to customize.
2. Select “Edit Background” and choose “Color.”
3. Click “Change Color” to open the Color Picker.
   1. Use the spectrum bar to select the color.
   2. Fine-tune lightness and saturation in the color gradient field.
   3. Alternatively, type the hex code directly.

4. Adjust font colors by selecting text and using the color options in the toolbar if needed.

Personal review

I appreciate the distinctive feature of advanced animation effects on Weebly, which allows my website to stand out dynamically. The ease of integrating these animations into different elements adds a layer of creativity and engagement, enhancing the overall user experience. 

Customer Reviews

According to the Sitejabber 

“Weebly was my first attempt that actually worked for creating a blog. It’s easy for non-techs to understand, and the results look nice” – Richard I.

“I have helped many establish webpages with weebly! They were great!

They are impossible to reach by phone, email yo-yo omg! They removed all my pages after 8 years! High school page, Historical Pages with pictures that cannot retrieve! They say for $80. They will bring my page back! They have my $80. And I still have not gotten the page back! I found an email from hem in spam mail? I get weebly.com mail, or used too! These folks need to be investigated!” – Christine H.

In Conclusion 

Exploring the website builders New Zealand discussed, including Shopify, Wix, HubSpot, HitPay, and Weebly, reveals various platforms catering to multiple needs.