At one of our recent NZ Business Women networking meetings, I was invited to share some practical advice on websites, SEO, social media, and digital marketing.
It doesn't matter whether you’re an artist, accountant, creative, panel beater, real estate agent, or small business owner one of the biggest questions I get is:
What actually works when it comes to building an online presence that attracts the right clients?
Here’s a round-up of the most common website and marketing questions I hear – and the straight-up answers to help you get visible and grow your brand online.
What’s better for attraction marketing: a beautifully branded website or a content-rich blog-style site?
In an ideal world, both. A beautifully branded website builds trust and credibility fast – especially important in trust-based industries like real estate or finance.
But content-rich pages (like blog posts, suburb guides or FAQs) help you rank on Google and position you as an expert in your field.
If you’re just starting out, prioritise branding – then layer in strategic content over time.
How often should I update my website to keep it client-friendly and SEO-ready?
Try to refresh your key pages or add new content every 3–6 months.
Even small updates – like a new testimonial, blog post, or recent project – show clients you’re active, engaged, and trustworthy. They also help boost your search visibility.
Don’t leave your website untouched for years – tech and algorithms evolve quickly.
Top 3 SEO tips to attract more business leads online
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps your site get found by people actively searching for what you offer.
Here are three quick wins:
Use relevant keywords – What are your ideal clients typing into Google? (e.g. “Napier mortgage adviser”)
Optimise your Google Business Profile – It’s free, local, and powerful
Write for people first, not just Google – Clear, helpful content always performs best.
What is SEO, really?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation – the process of helping Google (and other search engines) understand what your site is about, so they can show it to people who are searching for your services.
When someone types in a phrase like “best mortgage broker Napier”, your website’s SEO determines whether you show up.
Good SEO means being clear, helpful, and relevant – so the right people find you, trust you, and choose to work with you.
Is social media better than newsletters, radio, or newspapers?
It depends on your audience and your goals.
Social media is great for brand awareness and visibility – especially when you post consistently
Newsletters are brilliant for staying top-of-mind with past clients and building relationships
Traditional media like radio or newspapers still work for some markets
Best results come from using a mix that fits your audience.
How do I start advertising on social media?
Choose one clear message
Target by location, life stage, or interest (e.g. first-home buyers or refinancing)
Use everyday language and a clear call to action (e.g. “Book a free mortgage chat”)
Video testimonials or client stories can be especially powerful
Start small, test what works, and tweak your approach over time.
Is AI a good tool for marketing?
Yes – as long as you stay in control.
AI can help speed things up: generating ideas, drafting social posts, writing newsletters, or repurposing content.
But always personalise what it writes. Keep your voice, values and tone consistent.
Think of AI as a smart assistant – not a replacement for your knowledge.
What’s the best way to promote my website and get to the top of Google?
Short of paying for Google Ads, local SEO is key:
Use real keywords across your site (especially in headings, page titles and image alt text)
Keep your Google Business Profile up to date
Share posts and updates to your profile regularly
Get backlinks – links from other trusted websites or directories
Make sure your business name, address and phone number match everywhere online.
Local SEO builds visibility for searches in your area – and brings in more of the right people.
Plus, add content to your Google Business Profile
Here’s a helpful guide: How to add posts to your Google Business Listing
Why choose Rocketspark over Squarespace, Wix, WordPress or Shopify?
Rocketspark is a NZ-based website platform – designed for small business owners who want great-looking websites without the tech stress.
Here’s why I often recommend it:
NZ support team (and I’m a local design partner, too!)
Beginner-friendly with full creative freedom
Great for service-based or product-based businesses
Better SEO control than Wix or Squarespace
No plugins to update like WordPress
Built-in ecommerce – and no transaction fees
Transparent pricing in NZD – no hidden costs or exchange rate shocks
Most importantly, you’re not alone – real support is just a call or email away.
Want to take the next step?
Reach out for a free chat – if your website needs a refresh, you're not sure where to start, or you'd just love some help navigating all this digital stuff.