Strategic Marketing for Small Business Owners in NZ
You know something's not right with your marketing — but can't see what needs to change.
Advertising & Publishing Background | Whangārei-Based
5.0★ Google | Working Nationwide
Get Found & Win Customers
You're Busy Running Your Business. So Marketing Gets Left Behind.
I see this all the time: businesses with a website that doesn't reflect who they are, social media that lacks direction, and a Google Business Profile that's barely updated.
The platforms exist, but they're not working together. There's no coordination. No strategy.
That's where I come in. I don't just create content or tick boxes. I help you see what's actually holding you back — then we build a strategy that works. Where everything connects and supports your growth.
We start with strategy, not tactics, because most businesses are solving the wrong problem.
Based in Whangārei. Working with NZ businesses nationwide.
Why Your Small Business Marketing Isn't Working (& What To Fix First)
Most businesses think they need tactics when what they actually need is a strategy.
You might think you need a new website. Better content. More social media presence.
And you might be right.
But here's what I've learned: your messaging tries to appeal to everyone, so it attracts no one. Your brand positioning doesn't match your pricing. You're competing on the wrong things.
That's why I always start with a strategy session — to figure out what you actually need (not what you think you need).
Then we implement it.
Fuel Growth with Strategic Marketing Services
After we identify what's holding you back, here's how I can help. Once we know what you actually need, I can help implement it. Whether that's blog content, website updates, social strategy, or ongoing management, we'll know it's the right move because we've diagnosed the real problem first.
Blog & Content Writing
Inform. Educate. Engage. Reach your target audience via SEO-friendly blogs, articles, and case studies. Position your business as a trusted information source for people, Google, or AI search engines.
Perfect for: anyone who understands that building your business starts online with the sharing of fresh, engaging content.
Copywriting Services
Persuade. Convert. Sell. As an SEO copywriter in NZ, I use words that prompt action — whether updating website copy, designing brochures or creating sales material for your team.
Perfect for: those after a reliable writer and quality work that helps generate more customer enquiries or sales.
Social Media Management
Finding it hard to grow your reach? Let’s get you sorted with a personalised strategy that helps you target the right platforms, improve brand awareness, and build customer loyalty and leads.
Perfect for: small business owners struggling to do it all and who are unsure of what to post and where.
Google Business Profile
People are already searching online for your products or services — don't you want to make it easier for them to find you? That's what Google Business Profile updates are for (to help you show up).
Perfect for: small businesses that rely on attracting more local customers or foot traffic to keep their business growing.
Website & On-page SEO
Website underperforming or content outdated? I offer a range of cost-effective solutions, whether you need help improving your SEO, fresh website copy, a website audit, or a new website.
Perfect for: businesses wanting to improve online visibility with better content, SEO, and website performance.
Graphic Design & Print
My strategic marketing approach and design skills equip you with custom social media graphics and print media to attract your ideal customers and ultimately boost sales.
Perfect for: anyone requiring affordable graphic design services, including print media or social media digital assets.
Unsure what you need? That's ok — ask me anything!
Kind Words From Happy Clients
For more testimonials and a case study, you can now visit my Reviews page
Online Articles Prove Popular
"Maree has produced four high-quality articles for local organisations, with the most recent article on Artel (Art Gallery) moving from Otaki back to Waikanae, receiving over 40,000 views across our social media pages in just a few days."
Tony Cutting, Tony Cutting Digital (abridged testimonial)
Copywriting for Niche Industry - Nailed It!
"That's it! A very well thought out presentation that you've created and one that we're very pleased with. Thank you, Maree. It's been so easy to work with you on this. The most outstanding difference is you worked hard to understand our unique difference in what's a difficult market. Then you nailed it!"
Steve Lovell, V3 Group Ltd (abridged testimonial)
Winning Social Media Campaign
“We have enjoyed working with Maree. She has grown our online presence through engaging social media content. Her campaigns helped us win the SBA franchise Customer Choice Awards two years running and were recognised for our high social media profile at our regional conferences.”
Julie Rooney, SBA Small Business Accounting
Authentic Storytelling Grows Client Base
"Maree wrote an insightful and informative article that really caught the essence of what I do here at Bee & Bloom. As a result, I received considerable interest locally, connected with many new customers, and gained new followers on my social media. I would highly recommend Maree, her professionalism and ability to capture my business perfectly is really stand-out."
Alison Watts, Bee & Bloom
Versatile Wordsmith & Content Creator
"Maree is a great wordsmith who is able to create adverts, documents, website copy, social media posts which have impact and attract attention. She has written several items for Secure Time and her attention to detail is awesome. I cannot recommend her enough."
Cliff Gott, Secure Time
Poster Design a Real Winner
"Maree was asked on short notice to design an eye-catching poster for a Camp Quality Lions Quiz night. The poster was great, it had all the info, but some fun elements in it as well.
She captured the mood I was trying to get across, that the quiz is a fun night and well worth supporting. My Lions club in Paraparaumu really thought it was a winner.
So thanks, Maree, for donating your time and experience for such a good cause."
Lindsey Gott, Lions Club Paraparaumu
Copywriting Project Hits the Spot
"Maree from Spread The Word is a real joy to collaborate with! One of the things she does well is communication. She is always happy to ask questions and clarify things, which I found very beneficial, as someone who isn't a writer. She is patient and thoughtful with her suggestions and responses (especially to some of my semi-coherent ramblings), which I appreciate. Always a pleasure to do a project with a professional like Maree. They are few and far between. Cheers Maree - Keep it up!"
Robin Luigi Dal Din, Artel Gallery & Store
Fundraising Effort Pays Off
"Maree wrote an article about our not for profit service in order to raise public awareness around our services and our current funding situation... We're very happy with the article, which when published resulted in the generation of new supporters and financial donations and raised awareness in our community of the work that we do. We would recommend Maree and her services highly."
Sarah Yuile, Te Ara Korowai Creative Wellbeing Centre (abridged 5-star Google Review)
Maree Gately — that's me — the only person you will be dealing with from start to finish.
How To Get Started
Growing your business starts with the right support — not an order taker, but a partner who helps you use your online platforms more strategically. I provide personalised packages tailored to your needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Free Discovery Call: Let's talk about your business - what's working, what's not, and what you want to achieve. This helps me understand if I can help and what you actually need.
Marketing Strategy $2,499 + GST: I prepare a personalised marketing strategy and walk you through it step by step. You leave with a clear roadmap and understanding of what needs to change - and why.
Next Step: You can implement the strategy yourself or engage me to handle specific areas, such as content, website audits, or monthly management.
Why Work With Me?
Straight Talk. Strategic Thinking. Real Results.
Strategic diagnosis first
Tactics second. The right words and content only work if your positioning is right. We start there to avoid you wasting time and money.
Personalised Support
Personalised, not cookie-cutter. I take time to understand your business, so every recommendation serves a purpose and fits your goals.
Results-Driven Approach
Practical solutions that boost visibility and growth, not just pretty content that sits there. I ensure you understand what we're doing and why.
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Because you want to beat your competitors, right?
Contact
Call me: +64 21 272 0042
Email me: maree@spreadtheword.nz
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