Now is the time to plan your marketing for the next few months. This is especially key if you are a business operator specialising in tourism or retail who is looking to reclaim the tourism market that will be in full swing this summer. Even the big brands - such as Coca-Cola, Adidas, Kmart, New World - still do branding, to keep their name at the front of people's minds & instantly recognisable.

Good marketing is all about repetition. It takes eight touch points to make a sale.

Check out our tips & tricks for great marketing below!

If you’re already on Instagram, then you’re among the 1.4 billion users making it the fourth most ‘active’ social media platform. With a more visual format, it’s also one of the easiest to get right. Here’s the latest insight from Insta expert, Tasha Meys, who co-hosts the top ranked Instagram podcast, Ace The Gram.

Does every business need to use Instagram?
If you're a ‘business to customer’ business and not utilising Instagram, you're missing out on valuable marketing opportunities. Not only does Instagram allow you to get in front of people in a place where they're already scrolling (unlike a website) but people often use Instagram as social proofing* pre or post purchase.

How is it good for your bottom line?
For many brands we know, Instagram is one of their primary traffic drivers to their website. It can easily translate directly to sales or act as a powerful community builder for your brand.

What makes the best content?
Your content will only perform well if it's giving value to your audience in some form. This could be through humour, aspiration, education, creativity, or inspiration.

Do I need to be a pro camera person?
If you're a super high-end brand where your target audience expects high-end content, then yes. Otherwise just match your content to your brand personality.

What are some tips and tricks?
Use reels. They're the best way to grow right now as they're shown to more people than your followers and the algorithm loves them.

What makes it easier for business owners?
Schedule posts so you don't have to spend your life on Instagram. Batch content from photoshoot days then schedule them.

Where should business owners go for inspiration?
Spend time mindfully on Instagram and pay attention to which brands and people you enjoy following. Analyse why you like their content and brainstorm how you could use that inspiration to uplevel your own strategy.

*Social proofing is an extra check to get a feel for a brand. It can cause a feeling of unease or distrust if a business doesn’t have an Instagram account or if they have a ‘bad Instagram’ while an account with great photos reinforces positive feelings and trust.

If you’re on a tight budget, blogs are an effective way to build trust, boost your reputation, and provide value while subtly promoting your business. Not a writer? Too hard basket? Spending time pulling together a few words to educate, inform, inspire your customers or clients is worth the effort.

1. Blog writing is a chance to establish yourself as an authority in your area of expertise and educate people about your industry.

2. You can use blogs for announcements, celebrating business milestones, and showcasing events or staff gatherings.

3. Choose a topic you can write easily and passionately about and don’t worry too much about word count. As a guide, 300 words is a five-minute read but don’t worry if it’s twice or three times that length - as long as you break it up with subheadings and it’s bringing value to your client, let it flow.

4. Keep it relaxed and conversational. If you write as you speak, your customers will feel like they know you and be more likely to want to do business with you.

5. Try a simple ‘how-to’ or ‘tick-list’ style post or offer your perspective on a trending news article.

6. Avoid technical jargon or in-house jokes in your blog articles.

7. Check out your competitors to see what they’re writing about, then make sure you’re bringing fresh ideas, insight, and ideas to your blog.

8. Remember to direct followers to your blog on your social media platforms.

9. Consider SEO. Including keywords throughout your blogs will help your Google search ranking. For example, if you’re a roofer in Wellington, make sure you include words like “roofer Wellington” or “best roofer in Wellington” because these are the words people use when searching for businesses like yours.

Gone are the scattergun style leaflet drops. Now, Facebook targeted advertising allows you to choose your audience and track the success of each post. Facebook automatically shows your ads to people most likely to find them relevant, but you can also further target your ad delivery in three ways.

Core Audiences: Define an audience based on criteria such as age, interests, and geography.

Custom Audiences: Get back in touch with people who have engaged with your business.

Lookalike Audiences: Reach new people whose interests are similar to those of your best customers.

It’s recommended you post 1-3 posts per week (minimum) to touch base with your customers. If you’re new to Ads Manager, go through Facebook to get started and set up your account.

Facebook - the original platform for brands looking to attract Baby Boomers and Gen X (people aged 40 - 70).

Twitter - where you can chime in on any conversation.

Pinterest – more female-focused with content on design, fashion, fitness, lifestyle, and food.

Instagram - your best photos and video clips for the older millennial demographic (people aged mostly 30 - 40).

YouTube - useful for vlogging or video diaries.

Snapchat – tell a fun, authentic story to a millennial audience.

LinkedIn - the B2B social network professionals.

Tumblr - a micro-blogging site for niche audiences.

TikTok - short-form user videos aimed at the younger market.

Questions or queries about marketing your business? Make sure you get in touch with your client manager.