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Baywatcher

Freelance writer in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand

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Freelance writer + photographer | Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Quick 1-minute marketing tips

These free marketing tips are designed as small, easy-to-action segments. I’ve worked in marketing for over 23 years and very often it’s the small, basic things that are overlooked because we’re in such a hurry to get things done.

The videos on this page are just one-minute long, but each one delivers advice that can make the difference between gaining sales – or losing sales.

I hope you find the marketing tips useful (go ahead and binge watch them!) and please do share them with anyone who could benefit. 🙂

The topics covered include:

  • Customers and pricing
  • Website tips
  • Photography tips
  • Social media guide

Introduction to the 1-minute marketing tips series

Here are bite-sized marketing tips that you can implement quickly – and at no cost – so you’re maximising every opportunity.
 

 

Customers and pricing

Have you checked if your target market is viable?

Before you make any decisions about the rest of your marketing, you need to think carefully about your target market, as the rest of your marketing will be geared to their wants and needs. It’s a good idea to revisit this from time-to-time, especially when there are changes in the economy, such as we’re experiencing now.
 

 

Why someone who buys from you once isn’t a customer

And it’s a very good reason why you need to work at getting repeat business.

There are various tools you can use to help with customer retention, such as email marketing, social media, direct mail, entertaining, phone follow ups, and special customer events. 

Also – do a primo job so you get repeat business AND referrals. That’s certainly the lifeblood of my own business!

 

Website tips

Does your website display OK on mobile devices?

You’d be amazed at how many websites don’t display properly on mobile phones, and don’t function properly. Don’t risk losing sales or enquiries because you haven’t checked on your mobile site recently!
 

 
 

Photography tips

A picture really does speak a thousand words!

There’s bit of tough love in this marketing tip. But I’ve heard too many business owners make excuses about this over the years!

PS. Your local photography club is also a great resource to improving your photography skills. If you’re local, check out the Bay Of Islands-Kaikohe Photography Club. 

 

Shhhh, here’s a photography secret…

The app I mention is called Snapseed, and yes, it’s free for both iPhones and Android. 🙂
 

 
 

Social media guide

Which is the best social media channel?

The best social media channel totally depends on your industry and business! Here’s how to figure out which channels to consider using for your marketing.
 

 

Why I both love and hate Facebook

Yep, Facebook drives me craaaaazy! Here’s why it’s helpful for marketing your business – and also why it can be incredibly frustrating.
 

 

My #1 Facebook tip for local businesses

Here’s where to find the gold in Facebook if you’re marketing to a geographically defined audience.
 

 

Why I love Instagram

Insta’s been good to me. Here’s a quick overview on how to make it work for you, too.
 

 

Here’s my favourite social media hack

This saves a heap of time – and frustration. 🙂
 

 

Have you included your location in your social media bio?

I honestly cannot understand why people don’t do this!
 

 

Your 60-second guide to LinkedIn

Here’s a quick intro to LinkedIn. It’s a great social media channel if you’re offering a service of any kind, or targeting other businesses in your marketing.
 

 

15 inspiring content ideas for social media

If you’re posting 3 times a week, for example, this is enough content to keep you going for over a month! When you’re done, simply repeat these themes.
 
Pro tip: Have a big brainstorming session (with wine or coffee in hand) and write down all your ideas under each of these headings. You will probably generate enough content ideas to last you for a number of months. Then use any down time to pre-prepare your content. Blitzing it in this way is absolutely invaluable when you get busy with ‘real’ work.
 

 

Did you find these marketing tips helpful?

 
Cornelia Luethi, creator of words and photos that tell your story.
Cornelia Luethi, creator of words and photos that tell your story.

Please do share them with people who’d also benefit from them. And if you’d like personalised help with your marketing, drop me a line.

 

Cornelia Luethi BSc (Hons), DipM

Freelance writer + photographer in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, New Zealand… working with clients throughout Northland, Auckland, and around the globe. 🙂

Contact Cornelia at Baywatcher.nz → 

 

About me

Cornelia Luethi at Baywatcher.nz creates words, pictures and websites for clients throughout New Zealand, and worldwide. Find out more →

Latest Instagram pics

A short but sweet marketing tip. 🍬 But you’d A short but sweet marketing tip. 🍬 But you’d be amazed at how often this is overlooked! 😱

If you need help with your marketing or want a review of what you’re doing (and pointers as to what to focus on), drop me a line at cornelia@fxmarketing.co.nz. 😊
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

A couple of years ago I was asked to photograph @boi_farmers_market and its stallholders. You might recognise Brett from @avoman_superfruit, @blueriverorchard and Helen from Puriri Ridge Eggs.

The Kerikeri farmers’ market might be small, but the produce is top quality, super tasty, and ultra fresh. Great prices too - it pays to eat seasonally. I love popping in to the market on a Sunday morning. 🥑🍅🌶👍

➡️ If you need words or photos for your website, hit me up - I’m for hire. 😊
Have you tried promoting your local business in co Have you tried promoting your local business in community groups (if they allow it)? 

It can be as simple as sharing an appropriate, good quality post from your Facebook Page to a group, with a short introductory blurb that entices people to read your original post. 😊

This can dramatically improve the organic reach of your posts. 👍

If you’re not yet doing this, search for local groups that allow businesses to promote themselves. Depending on where you are, the group could be specific to your street, suburb, or town/village. 🏡

No suitable groups? Consider starting one. 🙂
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Kerikeri artist, Jayne Maria Sprott, who sells her gorgeous native bird jewellery and hand painted art online at https://artandprintsnz.com. Plus you’ll also find her at The Old Packhouse market every two weeks - she will be there this coming Saturday, 4 July. 😊

Her range also includes cards and framed mounts of Northland landscapes and native birds. Great for gifts, and really good value. 👍

And how gorgeous is her watercolour box, and rag?! A work of art in itself. ❤️🎨

Photos by me. 📷
Oh, Facebook... 😫 Once you know its pros and c Oh, Facebook... 😫

Once you know its pros and cons, you can use it accordingly. 👍
Congratulations to my repeat customer, @lcdesigner Congratulations to my repeat customer, @lcdesignerhomes on the launch of their beautiful new website! 🤩

SEO website copy was written by yours truly. Web design by my go-to designer, @trishacupra . Together we’d created the previous website, which was performing well, but a rebrand and shift in target markets meant a new, upmarket look and brand message was needed.

The client was worried about retaining Google rankings; I was able to advise them on what to do, and the new site has seen a 182% increase in new users, a 215% increase in page views, and an 83% increase in average session duration. 😊

PS. If you’re in Auckland and looking for a custom dream home, check out lchomes.co.nz. They can take care of the architectural design in-house (complete with 3D walkthroughs), as well as building it for you. 🏡
Small business marketing tip: Use the social media Small business marketing tip: Use the social media channels that your customers use! 
It’s all too easy for to stay in our comfort zones and then fail to engage with our target market. 🤨

Be brave - ask your customers what they use, and then check out those channels. 😊👍 Examples of social media channels include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, and Reddit. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll need to use all of them (nor should you). 😁
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Whangarei-based @grinninggeckocheese which I photographed and interviewed for a magazine article on the ‘Northland Cheese Trail’. 🧀🧀🧀 This award-winning cheesery is crafting products on a par with Europe’s finest. 🏆

The cheeses are uniquely creamy, thanks to the ultra-fresh, export-grade organic milk from a local herd of Ayrshire cattle. Try it; it’s absolutely delish! 😋🧀
What are you doing in your business to get repeat What are you doing in your business to get repeat customers?

Tools you might look at include email marketing, social media, direct mail, entertaining, phone follow ups, and special customer events. 🙂

Also - do a primo job so you get repeat business AND referrals. That’s certainly the lifeblood of my own business! 🌟😊
In my drive to support local businesses, I’m int In my drive to support local businesses, I’m interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

Today it’s Keith’s Cabin, a cute AirBnB in Kerikeri. I took fresh photos and wrote the listing blurb. The owners now enjoy plentiful bookings and Super Host status. 🤩 (Want to check it out? Just Google: Keiths Cabin AirBnB Kerikeri. ) 👍
Stuck for ideas for your social media content? Her Stuck for ideas for your social media content? Here are 15 ideas to choose from - pick the ones that are right for your business, and repeat! Use photos and videos as well as words. 📷

If you’re posting 3 times a week, for example, this is enough content for over a month! 😁

1. You/your team in action. 
2. Your product/service.
3. Showcase a customer.
4. Behind the scenes, e.g. tools of your trade, or showcase your area.
5. Share industry news.
6. A special offer or promotion.
7. A helpful tip.
8. Ask a question or run a poll.
9. Announce a competition.
10. Competition reminder.
11. Announce the competition winner.
12. Client testimonial.
13. Humour.
14. Inspirational quote.
15. Cute pets!

PS. Know any business owners who’d find this useful? Tag them or share this post!
In my drive to support local businesses, I will be In my drive to support local businesses, I will be interspersing the Marketing Tips series with photos showcasing awesome Northland businesses that I’ve had the pleasure of working with in some capacity.

I was asked to photograph stallholders at @boi_farmers_market for the market’s website. Some of the faces may have changed in the meantime, but Kerikeri farmers’ market is still an awesome place to support local growers - and get the tastiest food and produce. 🍊🌶☕️😋
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