Squarespace Websites for Central Otago Accommodation Businesses
Drive More Direct Bookings with an AI-Ready, Conversion-Focused Website
You don’t just need an attractive website; you need a digital front desk that operates 24/7.
I create and enhance practical, results-oriented Squarespace websites specifically for boutique lodges, accommodation providers, and tourism operators in Central Otago.
Stop losing revenue to OTA commissions and start capturing direct bookings with a site designed for modern search and AI assistants.
Be the Obvious Choice for Local Search and AI Assistants
When a traveller asks an AI assistant to find "bike-friendly accommodation near the Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail" or a "boutique stay on the Clyde," your property should be the top recommendation. I connect clean design with technical SEO, ensuring that your Squarespace site is perfectly structured for both potential guests and search engine algorithms.
The Modern Squarespace Website Refresh
Mobile, Google Business &usly. My Modern Squarespace Refresh tunes up your visual layout, sharpens messaging, and fixes underlying code so local clients and AI assistants like ChatGPT find and recommend AI Search Tune-Up for Central Otago Small Businesses
Is your older site losing revenue because it's clunky on phones? If you're updating today, your website needs to be built for mobile usability and AI search bots simultaneod you first.
Drive More Direct Bookings for Your Canterbury Hospitality Business
MOST POPULAR
Custom Squarespace Website
The Complete Modern Foundation with Local SEO, Google Business & AI Visibility
Ready to replace an outdated site with a professional powerhouse? A custom Squarespace Website Rebuild gives your business a modern, mobile-friendly foundation that is easy to manage yourself.
I handle the entire customer journey, optimise your Google Business Profile, and fully optimise your site for local SEO and AI search so clients find you first.
Future-Proof Your Central Otago Tourism Business with a Modern Website.
Is Your Outdated Website Costing You, Guests in Central Otago?
In the hospitality industry, friction can be costly. If your website takes too long to load on a smartphone, or if the 'Book Now' button is difficult to find, potential guests may be booking with your competitor instead. Let's identify and fix the leaks in your booking funnel.
Is a Website Refresh Right for Your Business?
✓ Your website is more than 5 years old
✓ It isn't mobile-friendly. (where 70%+ of travel bookings happen).
✓ Your services, pricing, or seasonal offerings are out of date.
✓ Your website is missing out on the backend data loop required to be found by AI smart assistants.
✓ Your site looks dated, but the structure is solid
✓ No clear Call to Action - ‘Book Now’
Future-Proof Squarespace Web Design
Built for AI Search & Conversions
The landscape of search is evolving. Tools like Google's AI Overviews and ChatGPT are beginning to bypass traditional websites that lack clear, structured data. I don't just focus on aesthetics for your site; I also implement essential technical architecture, such as local schema, that positions your business as the top recommendation for AI engines.
What’s Included in Your Future-Ready Package:
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Homepage update
Fresh layout, current messaging, and implementation of clear call to action buttons (e.g., "Call Now", "Book Now")
One additional page refreshed
(About, Contact, Services - you choice)
Additional pages can also be updated at this time, for an additional charge.
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Adding specific code is like a digital translator for AI. While humans see a beautifully designed webpage, search engines and AI assistants (like ChatGPT or Google Gemini) see rows of text. Adding code explicitly labels that text so AI doesn't have to guess what your website is about. Your Squarespace website must be on a CORE subscription or higher to inject advanced code into your site.Here is exactly how it helps your business:
It Eliminates the Guesswork: Instead of allowing an AI agent to guess what your business does, this specific code clearly articulates it.
It Provides Exact Details: AI thrives on accuracy. Schema code provides precise, undeniable data points about your business—such as your exact brand name, physical location, operating hours, and services.
It Boosts Your Chances of Being Cited: AI assistants prefer pulling answers from sources they can easily read and trust. By cleanly labelling your Squarespace site with schema code, you heavily increase the odds that an AI will recommend your business and cite you as the source.
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Modern, clean design
User-focused navigation
Clear calls-to-action
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Modern Websites Built for Google & AI Search
The way people search online is changing.
While Google is still important, more people are now using AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google's AI search results to find businesses, products and services.
That means having a modern website is no longer just about looking good. It's about making sure your business can be found and understood by both search engines and AI tools.
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You may already have a Google Business Profile set up for your business, or you may not.
This is a critical step for Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO).
When users ask conversational AI tools (like Google’s AI Mode, Gemini, or Perplexity) for local recommendations, these tools don’t just scan the website; they treat your Google Business Profile as a primary source of information.
Linking your Google Business Profile to your website creates a powerful data loop that enhances your visibility in AI-driven searches.Note that if you set up a new Google Business Profile, business verification may take up to 3 weeks.
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Post-update support includes a 7-day window to address any technical or display issues strictly on the Home Page and [2nd page] that were modified during this project. It does not cover updates, bug fixes, or maintenance for the remainder of the website, nor does it include uploading new content.
Shift just a handful of OTA bookings to direct bookings, and this refresh pays for itself in a single season.
Starting from $750.00 +gst
Specialised Web Design for Central Otago Tourism and Hospitality Businesses
A website rebuild is an opportunity to create a professional online presence that reflects where your business is today and helps support where it's going next.
Whether you're starting from scratch or replacing an existing website, I'll guide you through the process and make it as simple and stress-free as possible.
What's included - Future-Ready Website Package
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I will take care of everything from domain registration to website hosting (for one year), ensuring a smooth online presence for your business.
If you already have your own domain, no problem, we can link that in. Additional hosting can be purchased during the website build or at a later date.
Includes Sqaurespace Core hosting plan for 1 year.
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Including a blog with up to 3 posts or a portfolio with up to 3 projects (typical pages include Home, Services, About, Blog/Portfolio, and Contact)
Additional pages can be included for an additional fee.
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Modern, clean design
User-focused navigation
Clear calls-to-action
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Modern Websites Built for Google & AI Search
The way people search online is changing.
While Google is still important, more people are now using AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Google's AI search results to find businesses, products and services.
That means having a modern website is no longer just about looking good. It's about making sure your business can be found and understood by both search engines and AI tools.
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Currently, over 70% of New Zealand's tourism traffic occurs on mobile devices, yet most operators are losing bookings because their websites freeze on patchy rural 3G networks.
To fix this, I will strip away your desktop-heavy clutter, compress your imagery for instant loading, and anchor a sticky 'Book Now' bar to the bottom of the screen so passengers can book a room one-handed from the road.
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Seamless booking engine integration and streamlined, mobile-ready contact forms designed to capture traveller inquiries instantly.
If you are still relying on manual emails and want to finally upgrade to an automated system, I will consult with you to select the perfect booking engine for your property and handle the complete technical integration.
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Using your supplied documentation, otherwise this can be generated; additional charges may apply.
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Website testing
Mobile optimisation
Launch assistance
Handover support
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Post-launch support includes a 30-day warranty to fix any broken links, mobile display issues, or technical glitches at no cost.
It does not include new design work, adding new pages, or uploading new content. Additional design work can be booked at my hourly rate.
Shift just a handful of OTA bookings to direct bookings, and this website rebuild pays for itself in a single season.
Starting From $2,300+gst
BRANDS I’VE WORKED WITH
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BRANDS I’VE WORKED WITH 〰️
Including website refreshes, copy creation, content updates, digital improvements and online strategy support.
A Simple, Stress-Free Process for Busy Operators
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Strategy & Blueprint
I begin by auditing your current digital presence to pinpoint where you may be losing traffic. We will outline your ideal customer journey and focus on the high-intent search terms travellers typically use when they are ready to book an experience like yours. No fluff, just strategy.
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Assets & SEO Content
Design is meaningless without trust. You provide your raw knowledge, photos, and authority signals, such as Qualmark logos. I take these assets and transform them into persuasive, SEO-optimized copy that meets both Google’s ranking algorithms and your customers’ need for immediate trust.
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The Mobile-First Build
I build your new site on Squarespace for performance. We prioritize fast load times on mobile and embed your booking engine (such as Rezdy or AbodeBooking). The goal? A completely frictionless checkout experience that makes booking direct easier than going back to an OTA.
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Launch & Ongoing Growth
Before going live, the site undergoes technical testing to ensure that search engines can crawl and index it without any issues. After launch, a 30-day performance check confirms that your new digital asset is effectively generating visitors.
WHY CHOOSE ME?
From The West Coast to All of Aotearoa
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Unlike many website designers, I've spent decades running and working in tourism and hospitality businesses.
I understand the daily juggle of balancing customers, operations, staff, and marketing, all while trying to keep the rest of the business moving.
I know exactly what it's like to need a website update but never quite find the extra time or budget to make it happen.My goal is to help small New Zealand business owners build an online presence they're truly proud of, one that reflects all the hard work they put into their business, at a price that's actually affordable.
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A good website is about so much more than just looking professional.
It’s really about understanding how your customers actually find you and what information they’re searching for. Whether they’re trying to book a stay, plan a visit to your showroom, or give you a call to set up an appointment, the site needs to make that next step feel easy for them.
Because of my background in tourism, accommodation, and visitor experiences, I tend to look at websites through the eyes of the customer. For me, it’s never just about making things look pretty; it’s about making sure the experience actually works for the people using it.
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I've spent years building websites, but more importantly, I’ve spent those years actually running businesses.
I have a clear understanding of the daily mechanics, from customer behaviour and bookings to inquiries, operations, and overall growth. Every recommendation I make is grounded in your specific business goals. I'm also very familiar with booking platforms and have worked with all the major players, including FareHarbor, Rezdy, Siteminder, and AbodeBooking. I can help you figure out how to serve your customers best and get your time back, so you can generate bookings while you sleep.
I pride myself on being a dynamic operator who evolves alongside the industry. With the rapid shifts in AI Search and optimisation, I’m committed to staying ahead of the curve to ensure your business stays visible and relevant online.
Things are moving fast right now. Let me handle the technical side of things so you can focus on your best work, running your business.
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Websites shouldn't be built just for today; they need to support where your business is heading tomorrow.
Whether you're just starting out, evolving your services, or planning for major growth, I focus on building sites with the future in mind. I also make sure you’re fully set up to manage your own content and updates whenever you like. This gives you the freedom to keep your site fresh and up to date as your business grows.
If you're flat out and don't have the time, I'm just a phone call or email away to get things updated and refreshed as needed.
Common Questions About Squarespace, SEO and AI Search
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If you ask an AI assistant for a recommendation and your business doesn't pop up, it usually boils down to three main culprits:
The "Silent Website" Problem: AI can't read images or "vibes." If your Squarespace site relies heavily on beautiful imagery but lacks clear, descriptive text, the AI literally doesn't know what you do.
Conflicting Data: If your website states that you operate in Auckland, but your Google Business Profile lists Wellington, and an outdated directory mentions Hamilton, it creates confusion for AI. When AI is uncertain, it tends to play it safe by recommending a competitor with consistent information.
No Digital "Word of Mouth": AI engines check various sources to determine a business's trustworthiness. If you have no Google reviews or if other local websites or blogs do not link to you, the AI presumes you are neither active nor trusted.
My package hunts down these exact issues, cleans up your digital footprint, and feeds the AI engines the clear, structured facts they need to confidently recommend you.
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Think of traditional search engines as digital yellow pages: users enter keywords, and Google provides a list of blue links. In contrast, AI search systems (like ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Google’s new AI summaries) act more like a smart assistant. For instance, if someone asks, "Who is the most reliable electrician in Hokitika, West Coast, for emergency repairs?" the AI scans the entire web, not just your website, collects relevant information, and recommends a specific business.
This package optimises the structure and content of your Squarespace site, making it easier for these AI crawlers to read, trust, and recommend your business over your competitors.
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Relying solely on Squarespace is not enough. While the platform handles the technical essentials, like automatically generating your sitemap and providing clean HTML for bots to crawl, it isn't a complete solution for modern AI search optimisation.
Out of the box, Squarespace provides clean code that AI crawlers can easily read, as long as the settings are enabled. However, for these AI engines to effectively interpret your pages, your site must be free of broken links, oversized image files, and poor page structure.
I bridge this gap by organising your text and backend settings so AI engines can immediately understand what you sell and where you operate. I enhance your content with custom code, conversational text, concise descriptions, clear H1 tags, and strategic FAQs. Achieving this level of visibility requires manual input to build the trust and nuance that AI models look for.
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If you're a local Kiwi business, everything hinges on your online presence! When someone searches for local services (e.g., "Luxury Lodge, West Coast"), AI systems cross-reference Google Maps and your Google Business Profile (GBP). If your GBP is neglected, outdated, or doesn't match the information on your website, AI crawlers may perceive your business as untrustworthy. I optimise your profile and website to ensure you appear in both local map packs and AI-generated search results.
Don't have a Google Business Profile yet? No problem! We can set this up together to ensure your business is visible.
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I don't recommend competing with billion-dollar online travel agency (OTA) marketing budgets for generic search term Cromwell hotel." Instead, I advocate for a strategy that truly enhances profit margins: the goal is to shift 10% to 15% of your costly OTA bookings to commission-free direct bookings.
We achieve this by targeting high-intent, hyper-local travellers, like someone asking an AI search assistant for a "boutique stay near the Little River Rail Trail." By combining fast page speeds, compelling property storytelling, and a seamless direct booking button, I create a digital asset designed to capture guests that OTAs often miss. This approach ultimately reduces your customer acquisition costs.
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Not at all; it actually enhances them significantly. The factors that AI search engines prioritise, such as clear headings, fast loading times, mobile-friendly designs, and direct answers to customer inquiries, are the same elements that traditional Google Search values. By optimising your site to be "AI-readable" and friendly to AI crawlers, we simultaneously improve your traditional SEO. It's a win-win situation.
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Traditional SEO can take a few months, but optimisations for AI and Google Business Profiles can sometimes trigger shifts in a matter of weeks. Because AI answers are "dynamic" (they change depending on how a user phrases their question), success can be tracked in your Google Search Console data to see if your impressions are up, alongside manual "prompt testing" to ensure AI bots are pulling your business as a top recommendation.
Regularly updating your website is essential to maintain AI citations and mentions.
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IteVery little! I'll handle the technical heavy lifting inside your Squarespace DNS settings, your Google accounts, and your page layouts. All I'll need from you is access to your Squarespace account, a quick chat about your target customers, and a few high-quality photos if I need to refresh your Google Business Profile.m description