Client Testimonials & Reviews from Around New Zealand
What clients say about working with Spread The Word — and the results they've seen
Case study with measurable outcomes
Client testimonials across a range of industries
Proof that strategy and great content deliver
What People Say About My Content & Marketing Services
Running a small business isn't easy — and getting noticed online can feel even harder. I help businesses across New Zealand improve their visibility, attract more customers, and build a stronger presence over time.
Here's what some of my clients had to say about working together, and the results they achieved.
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 entrepreneur, the goal was to create clear, trustworthy messaging across all digital channels, making it easier for locals to find and choose Secure Time over competitors.
The Approach
A tailored content marketing and SEO strategy focused on three areas: a professional website, consistent social media content, and Google Business Profile optimisation.
The Results
Within months of implementing the strategy, Secure Time achieved measurable growth, and the benefits continue to grow as we work together. Results include:
Steady lead generation while other businesses were 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 grow visibility and leads with the right content marketing and SEO strategy. By combining 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 personalised approach — not one-size-fits-all.
What's possible for your business? Contact me to discuss your strategy or to ask about my case study writing services.
Social Media Management Testimonials
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.
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 GBP strategies.
Blog & Content Writing Customer 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. Read article here.
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. Read article here.
Stand Out Content
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 article 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.
Copywriting Services Client Testimonials
Versatile Writer & Content Creator
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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 - Owner, Secure Time
Project: Website copywriting as part of a larger website optimisation project, including on-page SEO.
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.
Copywriting Project Hits the Spot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can content marketing help my small business get more leads?
Content marketing helps small businesses generate leads by building online visibility, trust, and brand awareness. Well-optimised website copy, SEO-friendly blogs, social media content, and Google Business Profile updates all work together to attract enquiries, increase engagement, and position your business as an industry expert.
Every business is unique, so a tailored approach is essential. I start by understanding what makes your business stand out, then create content that speaks directly to your ideal customers. If you’re unsure where to start, we can begin with a free chat to explore how content marketing can make a real difference for your business.
How long does it take to see results from SEO copywriting and content marketing?
When your website content, social media, and Google Business Profile all work together as part of a coordinated strategy, results tend to compound over time — as Secure Time's case study shows.
Start with a free chat, and we'll work out what a tailored approach could look like for your business.
What makes your content marketing service different from generic copywriting?
My content marketing service is tailored to your business, combining website copy, blogs, social media posts, and Google Business Profile management into an integrated strategy that drives measurable results. Unlike generic copywriting, my approach focuses on SEO, audience targeting, and brand voice to ensure your content not only gets found but also converts.
I take the time to understand your business and create content that resonates with your ideal customers. This approach improves local search visibility, strengthens your online reputation, and increases the chances of showing up in Google and AI-generated search results.
How do I get started with your content marketing services?
Getting started is easy — and there's no pressure. Simply get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat about your business and what you're hoping to achieve online. From there, I'll recommend the services that make the most sense for where you're at right now. Whether you need a full content marketing strategy or just a single piece of the puzzle, we'll figure out the best place to start together.
Need My Help?
Spread The Word offers you a wide range of marketing solutions for small NZ-owned businesses.
Let me help you so that you can focus on what matters.
Contact
Call me: +64 21 272 0042
Email me: maree@spreadtheword.nz
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