— Web design & development

Custom-built websites that grow your business

Ready to grow online with a swanky new website that works well, looks great, and helps you stand out in a crowded market? Well, you’re in luck! At Sidebar we don’t just design pretty websites. We’re a team of web designers and developers that build good-looking, high-performing websites that work for your business. If you’re over the DIY route and want a professional site without the agency-sized price tag, you’ve found the right team.
A laptop displaying the Collinson Forex website.

Building from the ground up

A website that grows with you starts with a solid foundation. That's why we build from scratch on leading CMS platforms like WordPress, Webflow, WooCommerce, and Shopify. Each platform offers unique strengths, and we'll help you choose the one that best suits your business needs.
  • WordPress: The powerhouse of content management, perfect for businesses looking for flexibility and scalability.
  • Webflow: Ideal for design-centric businesses that need pixel-perfect precision and interactive experiences.
  • WooCommerce: Your go-to solution for creating robust and user-friendly online stores.
  • Shopify: Streamlining e-commerce with its intuitive interface and powerful features.

Designing by merging aesthetics with functionality

Design isn’t just how it looks, it’s how it feels to use. Clunky user experience loses customers fast. That’s why we master the latest design trends to create thoughtfully crafted experiences that make your site feel modern, easy to navigate, and true to your brand. Our focus?
  • User-Centric Design: Creating intuitive navigation and seamless user experiences.
  • Responsive Design: From mobile to desktop, you’ll have a website that looks and performs flawlessly across all devices.
  • Brand Consistency: Keeping your visual identity consistent across every touchpoint.
  • Accessibility: Making your website accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
A laptop displaying the GeekHQ website.
A laptop displaying the Oakview website.

Customising advanced features to fit your flow

Need unique interactions, smart animations, or that one element to pop at exactly 23% scroll? That’s where we level things up. We build strategic connections above and beyond surface level features. That same chatbot on your site? It can power internal workflows too, creating a streamlined system that scales with your business. These aren’t simply add-ons. They’re how we can take your website from a basic digital brochure to an intelligent tool that goes deeper into your operations. No clunky plugins, no messy code. Just faster, cleaner websites built to stand out. And to keep things easy we include training, plus step-by-step guides for any custom features we build.

Optimising your online store for conversions

Selling your products online? We understand the unique challenges of online retail, and we're here to help you navigate them. From layout to checkout, we build e-commerce websites that look good, designed to convert visitors into customers.
  • Product Listings: We'll help you set them up and showcase them in a way that makes people want to buy.
  • Secure Payment Gateways: For a safe checkout experience that just flows.
  • Inventory Management: Keeping stock in check, so nothing slows down your orders.
  • Marketing Integrations: Connecting your e-commerce platform with your marketing tools that drive traffic and sales.
A laptop displaying the Sharp Serviettes website.

Our build process

Discover & define

We start by getting to know your business, your goals, audience, and what makes you different. This is where the right questions get asked to build a clear brief.

Design with purpose

From wireframes to high-fidelity mockups, our tech team focuses on clean visuals, intuitive flow, and smart user experience. It’s not just about looking good. It’s about working better.

Develop & build

Your site’s then custom-built on reliable platforms like Webflow, WordPress, Shopify, or Woo – fast, secure, and easy to manage.

Test & refine

The next step is testing across devices and browsers, fine-tuning performance, and making sure everything just works – fast load times, smooth animations, no weird glitches.

Launch & support

Once your site's live, you're in full control: updating content, tweaking designs, managing products, all with simple clicks and drags. Need help or short on time? We're here whenever you need us, no questions asked.

Why choose us?

Not sure which plan’s right for you? Here are the questions we get asked most, along with our straight-up answers. 

With you beyond the launch

Our relationship with you doesn't end when your website goes live. You’ll have access to ongoing support and maintenance to keep your website performing at its best.

Custom without compromise

“We can customise anything” means your boldest vision built, exactly as you imagined it – no technical limits.

You’ll always know where things stand

You’re kept in the loop every step of the way, from initial concept to final launch. Because great partnerships don’t leave you guessing.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Here are the questions we get asked most, along with our straight-up answers.

Do you work with businesses outside of Christchurch?

Absolutely. From NZ, Australia, the US, and Europe. We partner with clients all over the world. For us location isn’t a barrier to great results.

Can you redesign an existing website?

Yes. Our redesigns improve functionality, conversions, and user experience. Tell us what’s not working, and we’ll make it work better.

Do you provide training on how to use my new website?

Absolutely! We include hands-on training, plus easy-to-follow guides for all your custom features. Think of us as your permanent backup team – we're here for ongoing support, not just while you're learning.

Will my website be mobile-friendly?

Yes, all our websites are designed to provide the best experience across all devices, because your customers expect nothing less.

What’s the cost of building a website?

Prices vary based on what you need, but most basic business websites start in the $3,000-$5,000 range. The best way to get your exact number? Let's chat about your project and we'll give you a no-obligation estimate.

What’s the timeframe for your web builds?

Our typical custom website takes 8-10 weeks from planning to launch. If you need advanced custom features or if we're waiting on content, it might take a bit longer, but we'll keep you updated every step of the way.

Do you offer website maintenance and support?

Our website hosting plans come with server maintenance covered, and you can upgrade any plan to include WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates too (though standard plans don't include these by default). No need for support retainers – just reach out whenever you need us and we'll be there.

Do you offer SEO services?

Yes. We provide on-page SEO, off-page SEO, and technical SEO to help your site rank higher and attract more qualified traffic. Our approach combines content optimisation with behind-the-scenes technical improvements for lasting results.

Do you provide content writing services?

We do. We partner with skilled copywriters who can handle everything from SEO-optimised web copy to conversion-focused content, all tailored to your brand voice and business goals.

What platforms do you specialise in?

We specialise in Webflow, WordPress, WooCommerce, and Shopify. The four best options for most businesses. Each has its strengths (and quirks), so we'll recommend the perfect fit based on your goals and growth plans.

Can I update the website myself after launch?

Absolutely! Your website will have an intuitive visual builder where you can make changes without needing to know how to code. We can even create a few reference video clips that walk you through making updates yourself.

See what others are saying:

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
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
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
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
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