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The latest advice on web design, e-commerce, and digital marketing for NZ businesses

Stay up to date with practical tips, fresh ideas, and straightforward advice on web design, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your online business further, you’ll find real-world strategies and useful insights tailored for New Zealand businesses.

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The Toy Box website.
Best Practice

10 Essential Website Design Tips Every Small Business Needs to Boost Online Presence

Drawing from over 20 years of building successful businesses including Dpod and The Toy Box, I'll share the 10 most critical website design principles that actually make a difference for New Zealand small businesses.
Andrew Nalder
June 24, 2025
Web design

How Much Does a Website Cost in New Zealand?

Wondering what it really costs to build a website in New Zealand? This article breaks down the different options - from free DIY platforms to high-end agencies - and what you actually get for your money. We cover the real pros and cons of each, using real-world Kiwi examples and a no-nonsense approach. If you want an honest look at web design pricing in NZ and what to watch out for, you’re in the right place.
Andrew Nalder
June 11, 2025
Best Practice

Best strategies to create a highly converting ecommerce home page

The homepage is the virtual storefront of your ecommerce website, serving as a pivotal touchpoint in the customer journey. It plays a crucial role in creating a positive first impression
Andrew Nalder
May 14, 2025
Ecommerce

7 Essential Pages Every Ecommerce Website Should Have

A successful ecommerce website requires more than just an attractive design and an extensive product catalogue. To provide a seamless shopping experience, it's crucial to include essential pages
Andrew Nalder
April 15, 2025
Best Practice

How to Build an E-commerce Website: My Lessons from The Toy Box

Are you looking to create a website to sell your products but don't know where to start? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to create a
Andrea Cummerfield
April 14, 2025
Woman looking frustrated at her computer.
Ecommerce

Common Ecommerce Mistakes to Avoid

Ecommerce has revolutionised the way we shop, offering unparalleled convenience and endless choices. However, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. For online retailers, it's crucial to
Andrea Cummerfield
March 3, 2025
Shopify theme.
Design

How to Choose the Right Theme for Your Shopify Store

Selecting the perfect theme for your Shopify store is a critical decision that can significantly impact your ecommerce success. The right theme sets the tone for
Andrew Nalder
February 26, 2025
Best Practice

Basic Guide to Setting up a Shopify Store

This in-depth guide provides a detailed overview of how to create, manage, and optimise a Shopify store for lasting e-commerce success. Covering essential topics such as store setup, customisation, product management, payment and shipping, marketing, analytics, customer support, and scaling, this guide empowers you with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the competitive online marketplace.
Andrea Cummerfield
February 5, 2025