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Maybe your marketing isn't the problem. Your strategy is.

Marketing Strategy for NZ Small Businesses

The strategy behind better marketing results

  • I diagnose what's holding your marketing back

  • We build a strategy around how you want to run your business

  • You walk away knowing what to do, why to do it, and what to do first

Stop Marketing Blind — Get a Strategy That Actually Fits

You're investing time and money in your marketing, but you're not seeing a return. The effort is there. The results aren't.

What you think is a content problem is usually a strategy problem — no clear direction, and no way to know what's actually working.

That's what this is for — a personalised marketing strategy. We'll look at where you are, who you're talking to, what makes your business different, and what actually needs to change.

No jargon. No overwhelm. Just clarity on what to do and why.

Ready to find out what you actually need? Start with a free chat.

What a Personalised Marketing Strategy Looks Like

No two businesses are the same — and neither are the strategies I build

maree gately marketing consultant and strategist from spread the word in whangarei nz

What You Get

A comprehensive, personalised marketing strategy document. It covers everything from where you stand right now to who your ideal customers are to how your competitors are positioned and where the gaps are.

You'll walk away with a clear framework for your messaging, your platforms, your content, and your visibility — including SEO and discoverability — plus a prioritised action plan so you know exactly what to do first.

The strategy is presented in a 1-hour walkthrough, so nothing gets lost in translation — and you'll leave with both a detailed reference document and a visual summary to refer back to.

How It Works

Getting started is pretty straightforward, and there's no commitment until you're ready.

Free Discovery Chat: We talk about your business — what's working, what's not, and what you want to achieve. This helps me understand if a strategy is the right next step and what it needs to cover. In person, over the phone or online.

Your Personalised Strategy: I research, diagnose, and build a strategy around your business. When it's ready, I walk you through it step by step so you leave with a clear direction and the confidence to act on it.

Your Next Step: You can implement it yourself or engage me to help with specific areas. Either way, you'll know exactly what to do and why.

maree gately marketing strategist with client in whangarei nz

Is a Marketing Strategy Right for You?

If any of these sound familiar, the answer is probably yes

Lack of Focus

You're busy and doing a bit of this and a bit of that — when you remember. But you lack consistency and a clear direction, so you're not sure what's working and what's not. 

Lack of Results

You're putting in the effort — posting, updating, showing up — but the enquiries aren't coming. Something's not connecting, and you don't know what.

Need a Refresh

Rebranding, repositioning, or starting something new — and you want to get the strategy right before you do anything else.

You need a fresh perspective.

See What Others Have Experienced

[Link to reviews] [Link to portfolio]

What's Not Included - But Can Be

The strategy is the foundation. What happens next depends on what you need.

The strategy doesn't include content creation — but it gives you the overarching framework that guides every marketing decision you make.

Some clients handle implementation themselves. Others engage me to help with specific areas. 

Either way, you'll have a clear plan and know exactly what needs doing — and why.

maree gately marketing consultant at spread the word in whangarei nz

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from hiring a marketing agency?

Agencies are typically set up for larger businesses with bigger budgets — and you're often paying for a team, overheads, and services you may not need. A personalised strategy engagement like what I offer here is built around your specific business, your market, and what you can realistically implement.

No retainer, no lock-in, just clear direction you can act on straight away — with or without my ongoing involvement.

How long does a marketing strategy take to complete?

Every strategy is personalised, so timelines vary depending on the complexity of your business and market. As a guide, most strategies are completed within two weeks of the deposit being paid and the pre-strategy questionnaire being completed. You'll be kept informed throughout.

What if I only have a small budget for marketing?

That's exactly why a strategy matters. A limited budget needs to work harder — and a strategy ensures every dollar goes toward the right thing rather than being spread across platforms that may not be right for your business. The sooner you implement, the sooner it pays for itself — and for most small businesses, it only takes one or two new clients to do that.

Do I need to be based in Whangārei or Northland?

No — while I'm based in Whangārei, I work with small to medium businesses across New Zealand. Strategy sessions and walkthroughs are conducted via Google Meet or phone, so location is not a barrier. If you live locally, we can even meet over coffee.

How much does a marketing strategy cost?

Every business is different, so the rate depends on the scope and complexity of your situation. Get in touch for a free discovery chat, and I'll give you a clear picture of what's involved and what it would cost for your business specifically.

Need Some Direction?

Activity doesn't equate to results.

Let's build a strategy that puts your marketing to work.