Client Testimonials & Reviews from Around New Zealand
What clients say about working with Spread The Word — and the results they've seen
Proof that strategy and great content deliver
Case study with measurable outcomes
Client testimonials across a range of services and industries
What People Say About My Content & Marketing Services
If you're considering working together, it makes sense to want proof — not just promises.
The businesses below came to me at different stages, each with its own challenges. Some knew their marketing wasn't working but couldn't pinpoint why. Others had the platforms in place but no real strategy behind the content they were creating. A few needed a more coordinated approach and a deeper understanding of what they were doing and why.
Whatever the business, whatever you need, the approach is always the same — strategy first, execution second.
Here's what they experienced.
Case Study - Small NZ Business
Boosting the conversion rate to 90% and local visibility for Secure Time
About Secure Time
An owner-operated security business based in Kāpiti wanting to strengthen its online visibility, generate more consistent local enquiries, and stand out in a small but competitive market.
The Challenge
As a solo operator in a competitive local market, the challenge was clear — stand out, build trust, and give people a reason to choose Secure Time over its many local competitors.
The Approach
A tailored marketing strategy built around clear, trust-building messaging and point of difference — bringing all key platforms together so Secure Time was easier to find and harder to overlook.
The Results
Within months of implementing the strategy, Secure Time achieved measurable growth — with results that continue to build over time. His results include:
Steady lead generation while other businesses are quiet
90% conversion rate from enquiries to booked work
3–4× more website impressions since mid-2024
60–85 website clicks per month — with the strategy deliberately prioritising calls over clicks for better conversion on a personalised service
28% increase in impressions since February 2025 (when I started managing social media)
Stronger, more professional online presence that inspires trust
"Secure Time" is their top search query, highlighting how locals are searching for them by name, showing that social media is building brand awareness
Even during an extended overseas trip, with a revised social media strategy, enquiries continued — with 70% of leads happy to wait until Cliff returned
Client Feedback
“People need to feel that they know you, like you and trust you so that they feel they will get a good result from dealing with you.
Maree has been able to showcase my ability to find the best solution for my clients. This is shown by the quality leads I get with a 90% conversion rate to actual work and the trust people have in what I am advising.”
— Cliff Gott
Secure Time, Kāpiti Coast
🔑 Key Takeaway
Secure Time’s experience shows that even small, owner-operated businesses can increase visibility and generate leads with the right marketing strategy. By combining clear positioning, professional copywriting, local SEO, and consistent social media, it’s possible to build trust, attract more enquiries, and stand out from competitors. But it requires a strategic and personalised approach — not one-size-fits-all.
What could this look like for your business? Get in touch to start the conversation.
Personalised Marketing Strategy
Niche Industry - Nailed It
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"We highly recommend Spread the Word for cogent creative marketing strategies.
Maree's ability to accurately portray our unique needs with design and copy helped us to rapidly inform our clients and widen our media presence."
Steve Lovell - Owner, V3 Group
Project: Assist with logo and graphic design. Create a strategic marketing document to highlight Steve's expertise. See portfolio.
Brand Positioning & Target Market
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"I just had a content marketing session with Maree and got so many great pointers on how to get my brand out there!
You definitely got my brief on brand positioning and target market.
Thanks for talking it through in plain English. This is a field that I have regarded as way above my head, but now I'm keen to get out there and try it!"
Karen Latimer, Mortgage Labs — Whangārei
Project: Marketing strategy session and coaching on marketing fundamentals, including brand positioning and target market.
A Great Team Effort
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"It was a pleasure collaborating with Maree from Spread the Word. We recently worked together on a brochure for a security firm. Maree supplied the copy and content strategy and I put the brochure together, ready for print.
As a graphic designer with many years of experience, I understand that a brochure must be visually attractive and grammatically correct. The content must also be concise, read well and contain accurate information. Maree achieved all of this.
I look forward to using her services on future projects."
Gail Mylne - Owner, Mixed Media Design
Project: Sales brochure, including copywriting, content strategy.
Creative Storytelling Strategy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"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, Kāpiti-based Artist
Project: Strategic storytelling and website copywriting for Artel.
Strategic Content & Copywriting
Authentic Storytelling Resonates
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"Maree wrote an article for me that created considerable interest locally, connected me with many new customers, and gained me new followers on my social media.
Not only did it 'get my name out there,' but it also provided me with a very valuable article that I can use on my website and on my social media platforms. I would highly recommend Maree; her professionalism and ability to capture my business perfectly are really stand-out."
Alison Watts - Owner, Bee & Bloom
Project: Online article to promote Alison's local Kāpiti business. Picked up by Professional Florist Inc. Full article in portfolio
Fundraising Article Pays Off
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"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)
Project: Online article to encourage donations and overall awareness of the mental health facility. Full article in portfolio.
Content Strategy Created Buzz
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
Maree is a star! She first knocked it out of the park with the article she created for us when we relocated from Ōtaki back to Waikanae. What initially stood out about Maree was how she just got us – she really has a way with words and captured the heart of what we were looking to put out there. The results of this lead to a noticeable jump in our online engagement and local foot traffic at the new location.
A bit more to say...
We also love how Maree is full of fun and creative ideas for social media promotion, which amplifies our engagement and arty buzz even further.
But honestly, it’s not just about the numbers; working with Maree is always easy and stress-free. She's not just a pro at what she does, but also a lovely person who understands and cares about her clients. We always look forward to working with her where we can.
If you’re looking to get your story or message out there, we absolutely recommend Maree and Spread the Word!
Maude Heath - Owner, Artel Gallery & Store
Project: An article to promote their relocation. Read it here.
Cost-Effective Evergreen Content
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"The Kapiti Deerstalkers club engaged Maree to write an article outlining our nationally recognised HUNTs Course.
Her piece was well-written and concise and effectively promoted the course to potential trainees. Because of this, we have added it to the organisation's national website."
Gwyn Thurlow, CEO NZDA Incorporated
Project: Short online article to promote a course aimed at training ethical and safe hunting practices. Read article here.
Online Articles Prove Popular
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
Maree has provided me with a number of engaging articles which has helped my business grow and maintain an audience on our local sites.
Tony Cutting, Tony Cutting Digital (abridged testimonial)
Project: Several online articles, including one about Artel Gallery's relocation, which generated close to 30,000 views in 24 hours, and over 40,000 in a few days. Read article here.
Versatility & Results
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"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
Project: Strategic website copy as part of a larger website optimisation project, including on-page SEO.
Targeted Social Media Management
Built Trust & Brand Awareness
“Since working with Maree, more people are finding me online and reaching out. She has created strong brand awareness and established me as a trustworthy, credible security professional.
When I meet customers, my expertise or recommendations are rarely called into question, and I believe this is due to the clear messaging Maree continues to deliver.”
Cliff Gott - Owner, Secure Time
Project: Social media management and local marketing strategies, including Google Business Profile management.
Winning Social Media Campaign
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Google Review
"Maree worked on our social media content for over two years. She was amazing and easy to work with.
She helped my SBA franchise win Customer Choice Awards two years in a row. I have no hesitation to recommend Maree to help with your business online marketing."
Julie Rooney - Owner, SBA Small Business Accounting Kāpiti
Project: Social media management and content creation.
Reaching Target Audience
"Maree was employed as a volunteer freelance marketing copywriter (and social media manager) for the Kapiti Foodbank.
As Manager, I found her work outstanding as it was consistently creative, informative, professional & concise. She has the ability to reach a wide audience as her eloquent style is notable, readable & relatable."
Kerry Lovell - Kapiti Foodbank Manager (Former)
Project: Manage Facebook page, create content, manage PR and fundraise. Volunteer position held for three years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you work with businesses outside Northland?
Yes, while Spread The Word (that's me — Maree Gately) is based in Whangārei, I work with small to medium-sized businesses across New Zealand. Marketing strategy sessions and discovery calls are conducted in person, via Google Meet, or over the phone, so location is no barrier to getting the right marketing support for your business. A free phone call can start the ball rolling, so feel free to reach out.
How is a marketing strategy different from just getting help with content?
Content without strategy is just activity. A marketing strategy first identifies who you're talking to, what makes your business different, and what you're trying to achieve — then determines which content or channels are worth considering. Without that foundation, most marketing effort gets wasted on the wrong things.
What does the process look like when we start working together?
It starts with a free discovery chat to understand your business, your challenges, and what you're trying to achieve. From there, I'll recommend the right next step — whether that's a full marketing strategy, a specific project, or something else entirely. Nothing is prescribed before I understand what you actually need. This conversation can happen over the phone, online or in person if you live in Whangārei.
How do I know if I need a full strategy or something smaller?
If your marketing feels scattered, inconsistent, or you're not sure why it isn't working, a full strategy is usually the right starting point. If you have a clear direction but need help executing a specific area, a one-off project may be enough. Sometimes business owners are unsure about marketing fundamentals or how their online platforms work together — and that gap directly affects how, or even if, you show up in search results, including AI summaries. The discovery chat helps work that out, with no obligation.
Need My Help?
Access a wide range of marketing solutions for small NZ-owned businesses.
Get a personalised marketing strategy you can implement now.
Contact
Call me: +64 21 272 0042
Email me: maree@spreadtheword.nz
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