Custom Web Applications
Portals, booking systems, dashboards, or anything custom for your business. Built for when your needs go beyond what an off-the-shelf website can handle.
Applications Built Around How You Work
Off-the-shelf tools get you most of the way, then stop right where your business is most particular. A web application picks up where the templates give out: the booking flow, the client portal, the dashboard that pulls everything into one place.
We design and build that software end to end, from the interface your users touch to the database and integrations underneath it.
Everything That Goes Into a Working Application
From interface and prototyping through to databases, integrations, and the infrastructure that keeps it running, here is what sits under a web application build with us.
Web applications we have actually built
Real platforms solving real problems, from booking systems to custom portals. Have a look at what this turns into.
Carepatron
Rebuilt a healthcare SaaS platform to scale 10k to 500k monthly sessions
Orana Car and Truck Rental
A future proof bespoke vehicle rental system for Orana
Resilience Web
Building the world’s first resilience directory
Let’s Build Something Great Together
A rebrand. A new website. A custom app. A better way to show up online. Whatever's next, let's make sure your digital presence is ready for it.
Build a web application that does the heavy lifting
When your business logic outgrows what a website or a SaaS subscription can handle, you need software built for the way you actually operate, not a workaround stitched together from plugins.
At What IF Web we build custom web applications for businesses in New Zealand and beyond, from Christchurch to California. We work in stacks like Vue and Laravel, with secure architecture, clean code, and integrations that hold up. We have built everything from rental car booking systems to client portals with membership and authentication, complex filtering, and the database work that sits behind them.
If you already have designs, we can move straight into development. If you need the lot designed and built from scratch, that is our usual starting point. Either way you deal directly with the people writing the code.
People Like You Who Asked Themselves “What IF ?”
"I approached Isaac on behalf of our organisation after we were experiencing bandwith issues that resulted in large bills each month. Isaac quickly identified the problem and sorted it out for us immediately, resulting in our monthly bills being cut in half."
"We were blown away by Isaac and the team who worked on our project. Super responsive, helpful and a tightly run ship, will definitely work with again."
"I've worked with many developers over the years; these guys were one of the easiest and communicated better than anyone I've ever seen."
"They produced A+ outcomes within the timeline and budget agreed upon. I highly recommend them to anyone needing a Webflow build or redesign."
"The team did a great job delivering a great website experience. They are very responsive and great to work with.
"I highly recommend What IF Web to anyone seeking a professional service and a finished product that effectively attracts the right users to your platform."
"I can confidently recommend the What If Web team to any business looking to stand up a modern, great looking and well crafted site."
"I worked with What IF Web to turn my design into reality, and I’m so happy with how it turned out! They really took my ideas and added their own magic."
"Isaac and Tom with What IF Web were phenomenal to work with, point blank. The website they designed, and developed through Webflow was more than I could've imagined."
"They are quick to respond and action work requests to a high standard, creates helpful guides and is extremely professional in all they do."
"Isaac has worked with my team for the last few months and has been dedicated and diligent, even when briefs are light and time is tight!"
"The team and I highly recommend Isaac and the What IF Web team. He is using the absolute top techniques and processes available."
"Great web design and development service - very proactive and always provide really useful input and feedback throughout the whole process."
"They are a really creative and imaginative team, but most importantly, they are a pleasant team to work with."
"The What IF team's dedication and proficiency in utilizing Webflow have truly exceeded our expectations, making them a top choice for website development services."
"What If provided an exceptional development experience. Not only were they transparent about pricing, but they also delivered our website swiftly while maintaining open communication."
"What IF captured what I needed perfectly. Their meticulous attention to detail made everything user-friendly. Their combination of technical prowess and genuine care truly sets them apart."
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“Isaac and his team have been delivered an outstanding result for us in what was a complex build across multiple platforms. I can't recommend them highly enough.”
"The What IF Web team is awesome. I will be referring them to others who need websites and my company will definitely be using them for all of our website updates."
"Super knowledgeable with great technical skills, but most importantly communicates quickly and thoughtfully, so we get great advice as well as top-notch service."
The Tech Stack
Take a peek inside of some of the tools we use.
Vue JS
Vue JS
Front end JavaScript framework.
Laravel
Laravel
PHP based backend web framework.
Laravel Nova
Laravel Nova
Build production-ready administration panels using Laravel.
Inertia JS
Inertia JS
Framework that enables seamless single-page app experiences by connecting frontend JavaScript frameworks with backend frameworks, without requiring a traditional API.
Sentry
Sentry
Real-time error tracking and performance monitoring to diagnose and fix issues faster.
Tailwind CSS
Tailwind CSS
A utility-first CSS framework for building responsive and highly customizable user interfaces.
AWS
AWS
A scalable cloud computing platform offering secure hosting, storage, and powerful serverless solutions.
Typescript
Typescript
A strongly typed programming language that enhances JavaScript with better maintainability and scalability.
JavaScript
JavaScript
The programming language of the web.
Cloudflare
Cloudflare
A global content delivery network and security platform that optimizes performance and protects against online threats.
Zapier
Zapier
Smart automation platform connecting apps to streamline workflows.
Make
Make
No-code automation platform that allows users to connect apps and services.
Airtable
Airtable
Cloud-based project management & database platform.
Wized
Wized
Innovative platform enabling low-code web applications to be built on top of Webflow.
Why go with What IF Web for your web application
You deal directly with the developers building your app, you own everything from day one, and we tell you what is realistic before you have spent the budget finding out.
Built by Webflow Premium partners
You’re getting expertise from certified professionals who know how to craft high-quality, scalable Webflow sites.
No Hidden Costs
Transparent pricing and honest timelines, with no sneaky surprises.
Honest and Open Communication
We keep you in the loop, without the jargon.
No Monthly “Maintenance” Fee
Your site is yours to own and manage. No locked-in contracts, no
Other Services
We're a New Zealand creative studio building online presences for companies that are ready to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a web application?
A web application is software that runs in the browser and does a job, rather than a website that mostly presents information. Think booking systems, client portals, dashboards, and internal tools. If your users log in, enter data, or get something back, you are likely looking at a web app rather than a website.
How is a web application different from a website?
A website tells people about your business. A web application does work for them. The line is whether the user is reading or doing. A marketing site is built around content and pages; an app is built around logic, data, and what happens when someone clicks. Apps cost more to build because there is far more going on under the surface.
How much does a custom web application cost?
More than a website, and it varies a lot with scope. The price is driven by how much custom logic, how many user types, and how complex the data and integrations are. A simple internal tool is a different conversation to a multi-sided booking platform. We scope each build properly and quote it, rather than pretending there is a one-size number.
How long does a web application take to build?
Longer than a website, usually a few months rather than a few weeks, depending on complexity. We often start with the core that delivers the most value, get it working, then build out from there. That way you have something real in front of users sooner instead of waiting for the whole thing to land at once.
Can you start with an MVP and build from there?
Yes, and we usually recommend it. Building the smallest version that solves the real problem gets it in front of users faster and tells you what to build next. It also avoids the most common and expensive mistake, which is building far ahead of what the product actually needs yet.
Do I own the code for my web application?
Yes. What we build for you is yours. You are not locked into us to keep it running, and you are free to take it elsewhere. We would rather you stay because the work is good, not because you are stuck.
How do you handle security and data in a web application?
Security is built in from the start, not bolted on at the end: secure authentication, sensible data handling, and an architecture that does not leave obvious holes. The right level of hardening depends on what the app does and what it stores, and we scope that with you up front rather than assuming.
Can a web application integrate with our existing tools?
Usually, yes. We connect to third-party platforms and APIs so your app fits the systems you already run rather than forcing you to start again. If something cannot be integrated cleanly, we will tell you that early rather than after the budget is spent.
