As a small business owner in Tairāwhiti, you don’t have hours to spend wading through complex marketing strategies. You need quick wins that drive immediate results. But are you overlooking the “low-hanging fruit” – the simple fixes that make you look professional and help local customers find you right now?
From double-checking your trading hours on Google My Business to ensuring customers aren’t hitting dead ends due to broken links on your website, these small errors can create big friction. The good news is, the fixes are quick – and if you don’t time to spare for them; Waimata Creative is here to step in, get these things done, and ensure your online presence is accurate and effective
Here’s our checklist for tidying up your business marketing.
1. Check Your Google Business Profile
This is the single most important online asset for any local Gisborne business. When a potential customer is driving down Gladstone Road or searching “plumber near me,” they look here first.
- Audit Hours and Holidays: Is your Winter schedule still up? Have you updated your special holiday hours? Discrepancies between your physical hours and online hours risk frustrating potential customers. Log in and ensure your standard and any upcoming special hours are 100% correct.
- Check Primary Category: Are you accurately described? A local business should be listed with the most specific category possible (e.g., “Plumbing Service,” not just “Contractor”). This can make a huge difference to how Google presents you in local searches.
- Review and Respond to the Latest Comment: Show Tairāwhiti customers you value their input. Respond to the last 3-5 reviews – positive or negative. A public, thoughtful response is a powerful way to build trust.
2. Remove Broken Links on Your Website
Nothing screams “unprofessional” louder than a customer clicking a link for your services or contact page and landing on a “404 Not Found” error. This can be a common issue after updating pages, renaming files, or running a promotion.
- Check Key Navigation Links: Manually click the five main links in your website’s primary navigation bar (Home, About, Services, Contact, Blog).
- Audit Your Footer: Make sure the links in your website footer (such as your Privacy Policy or social media icons) are working and directing visitors correctly.
- Look at Your Latest 3 Blog Posts/News Items: If you linked to external sources or other internal pages within your recent content, check those links too. Dead links can negatively impact your search performance.
3. Check for Social Media Contact Consistency
Consistency is key to a cohesive brand. You might have a brilliant following on Instagram, but if the contact details there contradict your website, you’re creating unnecessary roadblocks.
- Match the Contact Info: Does the phone number and email on your social media pages match the details listed on your website? Inconsistency erodes trust and causes confusion.
- Update Your Bio Link: If you use a single clickable link in your Instagram or TikTok bio, ensure it directs traffic to your single most important current destination—be it a special offer, a new product, or an upcoming Gisborne event.
4. Sharpen Up Your Website’s Primary Call-to-Action
Every page on your website needs to tell the visitor what to do next. If they land on your Services page, what do you want them to do? Don’t make them guess.
- Review Button Clarity: If your button says a passive phrase like “Learn More,” change it to something actionable and specific like “Book a Free Consultation,” “Request a Quote,” or “Check Availability Now.”
- Test the Functionality: Click your main Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons. Do they work? Does the button successfully open your email client or take them directly to a functioning contact form?
5. Make The Most of Your Email Signature
You send dozens of emails a week to suppliers, prospects, and customers. Your signature is free, low-effort marketing real estate that should be consistently branded and informative.
- Standardise the Format: Use a professional template. Include your full name, job title, business name, phone number, and a clear, clickable link to your website.
- Add a Value Proposition: Instead of just linking your general website, add a short, compelling tagline and link: e.g., “See our recent projects” or “Check out our new seasonal offers!”
Don’t have time to tidy up your marketing? We do.
The truth is, finding free time to deal with these crucial fixes is tough when you’re running a busy business in Gisborne. While these steps are simple, they require time – and that’s something most business owners don’t have much of.
Waimata Creative is built for busy Gisborne business owners like you. We don’t just advise – we step in and get things done. From fixing broken links to managing your entire digital footprint, we are the efficient, hands-on marketing support person you need. Giving you more time to focus on your core business.
Want to know more? You can find out what we do by visiting our website.
Contact us today and let’s start talking.
