# WordPress development done right Source: https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/wordpress-website-development/ WordPress done properly is fast, secure, and easy to maintain. We write custom theme code for everything from simple sites to complex builds. No bloated themes, no plugin sprawl. [Get Your Free Website Audit](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/wordpress-website-development/#booking) [View All Web Development Services](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/) ## Sound Familiar? These are the problems we solve every day for businesses like yours. ### Your WordPress site is painfully slow Bloated themes and excessive plugins create slow load times that frustrate visitors and hurt your Google rankings. ### Security vulnerabilities keep appearing Poorly coded themes and outdated plugins leave your site exposed to hackers, malware, and data breaches that damage customer trust. ### Developers left you with a mess A previous developer built your site with shortcuts and poor coding practices, making it expensive and frustrating to maintain or extend. ### Your site cannot do what your business needs Standard WordPress functionality falls short of your requirements, and hacking together plugins creates unstable, unpredictable behaviour. Of websites run on WordPress 43% Years building WordPress for New Zealand businesses 7+ Unnecessary plugins in our builds 0 WordPress coding standards compliance 100% ## What's included Here's what the work covers. 01 ### Custom Theme Development Themes written from scratch for your brand 02 ### Plugin Development Custom functionality without relying on third-party plugins 03 ### Performance Optimisation Fast-loading sites that rank well in search 04 ### Security Hardening Protection against common WordPress vulnerabilities ## What You Get Clean, fast code without theme bloat A secure WordPress build you can trust Custom functionality that fits your needs exactly Maintainable code that future developers can work with ## Our Approach WordPress has a reputation problem. It gets associated with cheap template sites, but properly developed WordPress is a different product entirely: fast, secure, and capable of serious complexity. The difference is the quality of the code underneath. We write custom theme code that does exactly what you need, without the overhead of a multipurpose theme. Our WordPress development follows WordPress coding standards and best practice. Custom post types and taxonomies organise your content logically. Advanced Custom Fields or custom meta boxes give your team structured, safe editing interfaces. Custom Gutenberg blocks let you build pages from pre-designed components that keep the design consistent across the whole site. For New Zealand businesses that depend on WordPress, code quality is not an abstract concern. A well-developed site loads faster, ranks better, and costs less to maintain over its lifetime. We also build sites other developers can understand and extend, so you are never locked into a single provider. ## How It Works Our simple process gets you from enquiry to results without the runaround. 1 ### Discovery Call We learn about your business, goals, and challenges in a free 30-minute consultation. 2 ### Custom Proposal You receive a detailed proposal with scope, timeline, and a clear investment breakdown within 48 hours. 3 ### We Get to Work Once approved, we start immediately with regular updates and check-ins throughout. 4 ### Launch & Support We deliver, launch, and provide ongoing support to ensure long-term success. ## Why Choose Lucid Media for WordPress Dev? We focus on results, not just deliverables. Every project we take on is designed to help your business grow. As an Auckland-based agency, we understand the New Zealand market and work with businesses across the country to achieve their digital goals. You get agency-quality work without the agency price tag or timeline. We use smart tools to work faster, so you see results sooner. ### What this means for you Expert guidance Work with specialists who understand the nuances of wordpress website development. Clear communication No jargon, no confusion. We explain everything in plain language. Ongoing support We do not disappear after launch. We are here when you need us. Proven results Our track record speaks for itself. Real outcomes for real businesses. Free download ## Planning a new website? Start with a brief A fill-in template for your goals, pages, content, features and budget, so every web team quotes the same job. [Get the free template](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/resources/website-project-brief-template/) Free template, 12 pages ## Real results from real campaigns See what we have achieved for businesses like yours, with real outcomes we can point to. Real Estate ### [AT Realty: instant commission figures in front of vendors](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/case-studies/ray-white-commission-app/) Agents no longer do maths in front of vendors during a pitch Mobile App Development + UI/UX Design Read case study → E-commerce ### [TSB Living: refunds handled in one system instead of spreadsheets](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/case-studies/tsb-living-refund-system/) No more copying refund details between spreadsheet tabs by hand 80% Faster Processing Read case study → E-commerce ### [Five tracking systems unified into one portal for TSB Living](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/case-studies/tsb-living-multi-carrier-tracking/) Customers no longer need to guess which carrier has their order 5 Tracking systems unified behind one search box Read case study → Technology ### [PlastiCard: a full rebuild with feature parity on iOS 26](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/case-studies/plasticard-app-upgrade/) A faster, more reliable way for customers to order custom ID cards Mobile App Development + React Native Upgrade Read case study → [View All Case Studies](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/case-studies/) ## Other Web Development Services [View all](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/) ### [Web Apps](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/custom-web-application/) Off-the-shelf software makes you work around its limitations. We build custom web applications around the way your business actually runs, from internal tools to customer-facing platforms. ### [E-commerce Dev](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/ecommerce-development/) An online store is a system: checkout, payments, stock, orders, and shipping all working together. We build that system properly, on Shopify, WooCommerce, or a custom platform. ### [Plugin Dev](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/wordpress-plugin-development/) When nothing in the plugin directory does what your business needs, we build the plugin that does. Clean, secure code that extends WordPress exactly how you need. ### [Responsive Dev](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/services/web-development/responsive-web-development/) We build websites and applications that work properly on every screen: phones, tablets, and desktops. Tested on real devices, not just emulators. ## What our clients say Real reviews from the businesses we have built, ranked and run campaigns for. 5.0 from 70+ reviews > “Our CPA dropped by 66% and lead quality increased 200-300%. Not only almost immediately, but consistent for the last few months.” Paul Zellman BDM, Austar Property Services Jaide Wooler Executive Assistant, Tom Rawson > We’ve been working with Jason from Lucid Media and couldn’t recommend him more. He’s been a fast communicator, proactive, and always willing to help. Jason goes above and beyond with providing recommendations and support. > > The websites he’s built and implemented for us have been excellent. He has captured our business perfectly and ensured that it is user friendly on both desktop/mobile. Fantastic service! Google review Terry Bradley Director, Precision Building Inspectors > Jason and his team have been fantastic to work with from the initial website design and with the ongoing maintenance. They built us a really professional and well-designed site that represents our business well and it has been great having their continued support. > > It is nice to know someone reliable can manage our website and make sure it stays ranking on Google. They are always responsive when we need updates or changes made, and their technical expertise gives us peace of mind. Google review > “I’ve had around 10 websites developed over the years, and Jason is by far the best web developer I’ve ever worked with.” Andrew Baker Owner, Electrical Plus Mitch Taylor Director, Horton Taylor > I have been working with Jason for a year now and he is absolutely brilliant, honest and reliable. His client first approach has meant his work is always on time and to a high standard. > > Most of all he actually gets the results he says he will. Google review Grace Zhang Sunshine Mortgages > Communication with him is always smooth and effortless. The website he created for me exceeded my expectations in every way. I’m genuinely impressed with both the design and the overall structure. > > I’m looking forward to seeing what else the website can bring to me. If you’re thinking about building a website, Jason is definitely the person to go to. Google review > “Absolutely great in delivering our e-commerce website. A great experience from start to finish, and even beyond.” Harry & Maria Owner, Pots of Joy Samir Khanna Director, Professional Financial > Working with Jason @ Lucid Media on our website was a great experience from start to finish. Jason brought our vision to life with creativity and professionalism; he understood what we were after, and this could be seen in the result. > > The design is clean and modern, and the functionality is exactly what we needed. Communication was smooth throughout the entire process, and deadlines were always met. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-tier web design and development. Google review Alex Mayo Owner, Playceholdr > I had Lucid Media do some SEO work for us and I'm super impressed with the results. Jason also took the time to educate me deeply on the topic so I didn't feel like everything was smoke and mirrors like I have had with previous agencies. Google review Britta Friedrich Manager, MagicGerman > Working with Lucid Media was an excellent experience from start to finish. They took the time to thoroughly analyse our previous website, understand our product, and align with our company goals before creating a new, professional layout and copy. > > They truly went above and beyond, exceeding expectations at every step. I genuinely enjoyed the collaboration and look forward to working with them again in the future. Google review Melitta Adam Founder, Melitta Skin > I had a call with Jason and was so impressed by how in-depth it was. He really listened, understood where I’m at, and gave me a clear action plan that I can actually use. > > It was practical, straightforward, and made me feel confident moving forward with my ads. I couldn’t recommend working with him enough. Google review > “We wanted to bring our idea for an app to life. He turned our ideas into reality.” Alana Saunders Business Manager, A T Realty Andrew Harvey Director, AES Comp > Lucid Media provides great service, quickly establishing and refining our website. They are always available to us when we need changes made. > > Expert in SEO which is critical, our company now ranks at the top of Google searches, alongside our international suppliers but ahead of other agents around the world. We totally recommend Lucid as a highly competent and committed website developer and manager. Google review Ratu Tau Trekway Shuttle > We had previously used another digital company for our website and digital marketing… things went downhill quickly, and our business suffered badly. > > Within 30 minutes, we were on a Teams meeting discussing the problems we were facing. By 2am, Jason had sent us a detailed report… By 4pm, our Google Ads were back up and running. > > Everything was turned around in less than 24 hours… seeing results that quickly was honestly incredible. > > Jason and the team at Lucid Media have helped get our business back on solid ground… Young, full of energy, passionate, and genuinely driven to help businesses succeed. Google review Alex Fladgate Owner, JunkBoss > Jason created our JunkBoss company website from start to finish. He always responded immediately, shared great ideas, and the final site looks spectacular!! > > Highly recommend to anyone looking to get their website done. Google review > “They took the time to understand our vision and business needs, translating them into a stunning, user-friendly website.” Dev Dhingra CEO, Fundmaster Isaac Smith Managing Director, PSI > Communication was insanely good, the work Jason provided me with was on a new level and blew me away. If you’re looking for someone who will go above and beyond for you then he is your man. Google review Tyler Newman Tillen Finance > From the start, Jason has taken the time to understand my business properly rather than just pushing a generic marketing setup. We’ve built out a new website, landing pages, CRM integration, Google Ads and Meta campaigns, and the attention to detail across everything has been excellent. > > What stands out most is his responsiveness and willingness to adapt quickly. Any time we’ve needed changes or seen something in the data, he’s on it straight away and is always looking for ways to improve performance rather than just letting campaigns run. > > The key difference is that he genuinely feels invested in the success of the business, not just running ads in the background. Google review > “He was really acting in our best interests and went beyond what we were expecting him to achieve.” Brianna Hoy Managing Director, PplPeople Fiona Ashford Manager, Fee Funders > When the finance company I manage, Fee Funders, changed ownership, Lucid Media took over all aspects of our IT and technology, and the impact has been outstanding. Jason quickly learned our legacy systems, implemented critical changes during the transition, and then led the development of our new software platform and reporting systems. > > Jason is exceptional across all areas of technology, both front-end and back-end. He’s practical, solutions-focused, and genuinely understands business needs as well as the technical side. Google review Lynnae Sands Manager, Windsor Industries > Jason has been awesome to work with over the last few months. Whenever we've had any sort of issue with our website, he is extremely prompt in resolving it. Very professional and helpful, I highly recommend. Google review > “Jason is exceptional, excellent communications, a highly motivated individual. Such rare traits - very happy with his development work for us!” Eddie Director, PlastiCard Joel D'leema Director, TSB Living > Jason has been awesome in the work he has done for us. He is fast, very responsive and professional. Would highly recommend. Google review J-Tip It Google review > The team at Lucid Media have provided excellent service while recently coming in to help position J-Tip It to where they need to be! > > We are absolutely blown away with their quick responses, smooth customer service and their initiative to stay 10-steps ahead at all times. Results are immediate and the cost is undeniably justified. > > If you want to be in safe hands, choose Lucid! Google review > “The site looks clean, professional, and easy to use. He made the whole process super simple and stress-free.” Aidan Fraei Agent, Ray White ## Frequently Asked Questions Got questions? We have got answers. Here are some common questions about working with us. [Ask a Question](https://www.lucidmedia.co.nz/contact/) **Do you use page builders?** We can implement page builders when client self-editing flexibility is a top priority, but we generally prefer custom development for significantly better performance and security. Page builders like Elementor and WPBakery add substantial code bloat that slows your site and can introduce security vulnerabilities. We discuss the trade-offs openly and choose the approach that best fits your team, your budget, and your long-term goals. For many New Zealand businesses, custom Gutenberg blocks offer a strong middle ground between flexibility and performance. **How do you handle WordPress updates?** We build every WordPress site with update compatibility in mind, following coding standards that ensure core, theme, and plugin updates do not break your site. Our maintenance packages include regular updates applied in a staging environment first so we can catch any conflicts before they affect your live site. Packages also include daily automated backups, uptime monitoring, and security scanning. For New Zealand businesses that depend on their website for leads and sales, this proactive maintenance approach prevents the costly downtime that comes from neglected updates. **Can you work with my existing WordPress site?** Yes, we regularly improve, extend, and rebuild existing WordPress sites for New Zealand businesses. We start with a thorough assessment of your current site covering code quality, performance, security, and functionality gaps. Based on this assessment, we recommend the most cost-effective approach, whether that is targeted improvements to the existing build, adding new features, or a complete rebuild if the underlying code is beyond rescue. We are honest about which approach will deliver the best long-term value rather than always pushing for a full rebuild. **What about Gutenberg and block editing?** We build custom Gutenberg blocks tailored to your design when you need flexible content editing capabilities. This gives your team the ability to build and rearrange pages using a curated set of pre-designed components that maintain visual consistency across your entire site. Unlike generic page builders, custom blocks are lightweight, load only the code they need, and match your brand perfectly. We can create blocks for any content pattern your site uses, from team profiles and testimonials to pricing tables and call-to-action sections. **How much does WordPress development cost?** WordPress development costs depend on build complexity, custom feature count, and integration requirements. Across the New Zealand market, a custom-developed WordPress site typically starts around $5,000 for a smaller site and ranges to $25,000 or more for complex builds with custom plugins, e-commerce, or third-party integrations. Lucid Media provides detailed, itemised quotes after a free discovery call so you can see exactly where your investment goes. Custom development costs more upfront than a template-based approach but delivers significantly better performance, security, and long-term maintainability. **How does your WordPress development affect SEO?** Properly developed WordPress sites are excellent for SEO because the clean code, fast load times, and semantic HTML structure we deliver are exactly what search engines reward. We build with proper heading hierarchies, structured data markup, optimised image handling, and fast server-side rendering. We also configure SEO plugins, XML sitemaps, and robots.txt files as part of every project. For New Zealand businesses targeting local search rankings, the performance advantage of a well-developed WordPress site over a bloated template build is a genuine competitive edge. **Do you offer WordPress hosting recommendations?** Yes, we recommend hosting providers that we have tested and trust for New Zealand WordPress sites. Our recommendations typically include providers with servers in Australia or New Zealand for low latency, strong security features, automatic backups, and reliable uptime. We can set up hosting on your behalf as part of the project, including configuring SSL certificates, caching, and CDN integration for optimal performance. Good hosting is one of the most cost-effective performance improvements you can make for a WordPress site. **What ongoing support do you offer for WordPress sites?** We offer tiered maintenance packages that cover WordPress core, theme, and plugin updates, daily backups, security monitoring, uptime checks, and a monthly allowance of development hours for content changes or minor enhancements. For businesses that prefer ad-hoc support, we also offer a pay-as-you-go option at our standard hourly rate. Every WordPress site we build comes with documentation and training, so your team can handle day-to-day content updates independently while we take care of the technical maintenance that keeps your site secure and performing well. ## Ready to Plan your? get your free strategy session. Tell us about your WordPress build and we'll show you how we can help you Plan your. Free consultation & quote Response within 24 hours No obligation to proceed [info@lucidmedia.co.nz](mailto:info@lucidmedia.co.nz) [+64 27 582 4369](tel:+64275824369)