Website design & development

Custom-built websites that grow your business
Is your current website failing to convert visitors into customers? If potential clients are landing on your site and leaving immediately, you're losing valuable business opportunities every single day. We specialise in website design that doesn't just look professional, it converts visitors into paying customers. Our Christchurch-based team has helped hundreds of Kiwi businesses transform their online presence from an underperforming asset into their most effective sales tool. Whether you're a local tradie or a nationwide enterprise, we'll create a website that delivers real results.
A browser view of a website design builder with a blank project and a new website build checklist in progress of being completed - made by Sidebar.

What makes the websites we build different?

While other web agencies are producing generic sites that all look the same, we focus on two critical elements: creating websites that look absolutely stunning and building smart technology that works for you continuously. Your new website becomes a dedicated sales team member that never takes time off. It captures leads around the clock, answers customer questions automatically, and guides visitors exactly where you want them to go. We don't just build websites – we create digital assets that generate measurable returns.
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Built on the latest platforms that deliver

We work with proven platforms that deliver real results, not whatever's trending this month:

Webflow - Perfect for custom website design that needs premium aesthetics and superior performance
Shopify - Industry-leading e-commerce platform that maximises online sales conversion
WordPress - Reliable, flexible solution ideal for businesses requiring regular content updates

No more being restricted by inflexible website limitations. We select the optimal platform for your specific business goals and requirements.
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A diagram showing Sidebar connected to Webflow, Figma, Elementor, WordPress, WooCommerce and Shopify - made by Sidebar.
A snapshot of a website on a browser and a mobile device showing responsiveness - made by Sidebar.

Accessible & responsive for all visitors

Every website we design functions perfectly whether someone's browsing on their smartphone during lunch or viewing it on a large desktop monitor. Your website will look professional and load quickly across every device, because today's customers expect seamless mobile experiences. We also ensure your site welcomes all kiwis by using the latest accessibility techniques.
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Our work speaks for itself

Check out the websites we've built for businesses across New Zealand. Our portfolio shows real results – increased leads, better conversions, and businesses proud to share their web address.
A screenshot of the Collinson Forex website.A screenshot of the FND Group website.A screenshot of the Rick Wells Insurance website.A screenshot of the Olette website.A screenshot of the Toitoi website.A screenshot of the Conductive Solutions website.A screenshot of the Sharp Serviettes website.A screenshot of the Vietflames website.A screenshot of the GeekHQ website.

Our proven 5-step process

No mysteries, no confusion – just a straightforward process refined over hundreds of Kiwi business projects where you'll know exactly what to expect at each stage.
Discovery
We sit down for a proper chat about your business, goals, and what success actually looks like for you. No fancy questionnaires – just honest conversation.
Design
Our creative team crafts stunning visual concepts that capture your brand and speak directly to your ideal customers in language they understand.
Build
We bring those designs to life with rock-solid code and smart functionality, ensuring everything works smoothly across all devices.
Fine-tuning
We test everything thoroughly and fine-tune based on your feedback. It's your business, so your website needs to be spot on.
Launch
Go-live day! We handle all the technical stuff and make sure your new website launches without any dramas.

Answers to your website design questions!

Here are the questions we get asked most about website design, along with our straight-up answers.
  • How long does website design and development take?

    Most projects wrap up in 4-6 weeks, depending on how complex your requirements are. We could rush it, but like good Central Otago wine, quality websites are worth the wait. We'll give you realistic timelines upfront with no nasty surprises down the track.
  • Do you work with small Christchurch businesses?

    Too right we do! We work with businesses of all sizes, from one-person operations in regional towns to large nationwide enterprises. Small businesses often see the biggest boost from professional website design – you don't need deep pockets to get serious results.
  • Will my website work properly on smartphones?

    Absolutely guaranteed. Every website we design is fully responsive and looks brilliant on phones, tablets, and desktops. With most Kiwis browsing on mobile these days, it's not optional – it's essential for staying competitive.
  • Can I update the website content myself?

    You bet! We build sites with user-friendly systems that make updates easy as. We'll also train you up so you can make changes confidently without needing to give us a bell every time.
  • What if something goes wrong with my website?

    We offer ongoing support packages to keep everything running smoothly. Plus, we build sites properly from day one, so major dramas are pretty rare. But if something does go pear-shaped, we'll sort it out quick smart.
  • How much does professional website design cost?

    Investment depends on what you need, but we're always straight up about pricing. No hidden costs or surprise bills later on. We'll chat about your budget early and design a solution that gives you maximum bang for your buck.

See what others are saying:

I'm very impressed with Sidebar, their service is consistently excellent whenever I need help. My site experienced zero downtime and loads much quicker than previously, which has helped drastically with user experience. Their customer service is fantastic, responses are quick and are genuinely helpful resolving any questions I have. I wholeheartedly recommend them for anything website related!
Rebecca
GeekHQ
My site was painfully slow, and my hosting provider was useless. Sidebar offered dedicated hosting for barely more than I was paying for shared hosting, and migrated me across. The speed improvements impressed me – way beyond what I expected. And Lane's a genuinely nice guy who's super responsive, and always generous with his time and advice. I'd absolutely recommend them.
Lisa
Copy By Kudo
Working with Sidebar on our custom dashboard was a great experience. They integrated all our existing applications and created a central hub that changed how we operate across our group of companies. Their team was very collaborative, skilled at solving problems, and full of fresh ideas that really improved our vision. We couldn't be happier with the results!
Mitchell
Optimus Group
The biggest challenge you helped us solve was ensuring our website remained functional, up to date, and aligned with our goals - something we didn't have the in-house expertise to manage effectively. What you delivered that exceeded our expectations was your ongoing support. That kind of follow-through is rare and really appreciated. We would absolutely recommend you and your company to anyone needing a website, support with an existing one.
Louise
SAM Property
I moved my webhosting late 2024 and after 6 months something wasn't working right. I meet Lane at Sidebar and then he worked his magic!! I say that because in the 6 weeks or so since Sidebar has been hosting my website, business has taken off - Literally. Like turbo charged. Lane says he only did what should have been done. But he knows what needs to be done and completed the change over without fuss. Thank you!!
Rob
BuildQual NZ
We recently worked with Lane for our new website build. From the moment he came in for the initial meeting, I knew he was the right man for the job. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional and efficient. The website is now complete and looks amazing. If anyone I know is ever needed a website build or update, I will have no hesitation in recommending Lane & Sidebar to complete this job. One of the best in the business.
Sean
Collinson Forex

Ready to transform your online presence?

Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business, so make it count with a custom-designed website that drives results.
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