What You Actually Need to Get Your Business Online in New Zealand
Your simple guide to launching with confidence — without the overwhelm.
Starting a new business is exciting — but getting it online can quickly feel overwhelming. Do you need a logo? A website? A Google listing? What even is SEO?
At onLine you, we work with Kiwi businesses every day to help them take those first steps online the right way — clearly, confidently, and without wasting time or money.
Here’s your no-fluff guide to what you actually need to get your business online in New Zealand.
1. Choose a Business Name and Domain
Before anything else, pick a business name that:
- Reflects what you do
- Is easy to spell and remember
- Has a matching domain available (ideally .co.nz for local trust)
Tip: Use tools like Domain Name Commission to check if your ideal domain is available.
2. Set Up a Professional Email
Skip the @gmail and go for something like hello@yourbusiness.co.nz — it builds credibility instantly.
You can set this up using:
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive)
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, OneDrive)
- IT Angels Hosting (Starter -5 email addresses and web hosting)
Need help setting this up? We’ve got your back.
3. Build a Website That Works
Your website doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to be clear, useful, and easy to navigate.
At a minimum, it should include:
- Home page (what you do + who you help)
- About page (your story, your “why”)
- Services or products
- Contact page or form
- Booking or enquiry option
We’ll help guide you through content, layout, and getting it live — without jargon.
4. Create Basic Branding
You don’t need to spend thousands on branding when starting out — but you do need consistency.
Start with:
- A clean, clear logo
- A simple colour palette
- Fonts that match your vibe
- Brand photos if possible (or high-quality stock)
Don’t have branding yet? We can help you build one that grows with your business.
5. Set Up Google My Business
This free tool helps you show up on Google Maps and in local search results.
Add:
- Your business name
- Service area or physical location
- Hours, phone, website, and photos
- A short description of what you do
Pro tip: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews — they boost your visibility big time.
6. Choose the Right Social Media Channels
You don’t need to be everywhere — just where your ideal clients are.
Examples:
- Facebook: great for local service businesses
- Instagram: ideal for visual brands (creatives, beauty, food)
- LinkedIn: best for B2B or consultants
We help you set up the right profiles, write your bio, and create branded content templates.
7. Accept Payments and Bookings Online
Whether you’re selling products or services, make it easy for people to pay or book you.
Popular tools:
- Stripe or PayPal for payments
- Calendly, Square, or Acuity for bookings
- Ecwid, WooCommerce, or simple payment forms
We’ll help you choose the right tools — and set them up.
8. Know What’s Working
Once your site is live, you’ll want to know:
- Are people visiting?
- How did they find me?
- What are they clicking on?
Use free tools like:
- Google Analytics
- Google Search Console
We can help you set these up and teach you how to read the data without needing a degree in digital marketing.
9. Know When to DIY — and When to Ask for Help
Starting lean is smart — but some things are better (and faster) with help.
DIY when:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You have time to learn
- You’re testing a new idea
Ask for help when:
- You want to look professional from day one
- Tech stresses you out
- You want to grow quickly and confidently
That’s exactly what we do at onLine you — help small Kiwi businesses build a strong, simple online presence that works.
Ready to Launch Your Business Online?
Whether you’re just getting started or need to get unstuck, we’re here to help.
Book a free discovery chat
Or email us at hello@onlineyou.co.nz
We’ll help you figure out the best next step — no pressure, no tech talk, just friendly advice that works.