Client Testimonials & Reviews from Around New Zealand
What clients say about working with Spread The Word — and the results they've seen
Real businesses, real challenges, real outcomes
Strategy-first approach across every engagement
Clients from Whangārei to Wellington and beyond
What People Say About My Strategic 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.
Looking for Case Studies & Results?
You'll find them under my About page or via this Portfolio link here.
Personalised Marketing Strategy Work Feedback
A selection of clients who engaged my marketing services and were happy to share their experiences.
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 covering brand positioning, target market, and marketing fundamentals.
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 — copywriting and strategic layout.
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.
Copywriting & Writing Reviews
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. Refer portfolio.
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. Refer portfolio.
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. Refer portfolio.
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.
Social Media Management Reviews
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 strategy and management.
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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