Marketing

The zero-cost loyalty strategy: The humble gift card is your secret weapon

MarketingCashflowMay 22, 2026

Talk to almost any New Zealand franchise network and bring up customer loyalty, and you will likely hear a chorus of predictable groans. You’ll hear about eye-watering development costs, complex data integrations, and frustrated franchisees.

In a tight economic climate, Kiwi businesses know they need a way to keep customers coming back. But in a franchise network, we hear a common refrain: “Our franchisees question the value in central marketing initiatives,” or “A loyalty programme is just too expensive to roll out right now.”

Why customer engagement matters more when consumers spend less

MarketingConsumerApril 17, 2026

When consumers start watching every dollar, many businesses reach for familiar tactics: Bigger discounts, louder promotions and more urgent calls to buy.

Keep it simple: get your customer experience humming

MarketingMarketingSeptember 7, 2023

Ensuring a great customer experience even when times are tough.

Marketing for people and planet

MarketingMarketingJuly 12, 2023

What is ethical marketing in 2023? Why is it so vital to the ongoing success of your business? NZBusiness sat down with Katherine Dewar, MD of GoodSense, for some clarity. When was the last time you asked your customers what they truly want to know about your business? Perhaps one of their questions might surprise you. Does your business trade ethically? Therein lies the rub. The general public, businesses you trade with, councils, even government departments increasingly want to know that the businesses they buy from, or deal with, are more than just complying with the law. They want to know if you’re trading ethically – if you’re conscious of the impact your operations are having on people and the

Hybrid shopping the future but human element at risk

MarketingMarketingJune 27, 2023

The future of retailing is unfolding, and it’s hybrid – a combination of online shopping and in-person. Kiwi retailers need to adapt fast and implement a multi-channel buying experience to remain relevant in the marketplace. Mark Presnell, the CEO of Convergence, a specialist in eCommerce integration, says the new model combines online and offline shopping, putting pressure on retailers to offer a seamless and convenient engagement. “It is not uncommon for New Zealanders to place an order online while at work and then swing by on their way home to collect their purchase – a variation of the ‘click and collect model’ that is becoming mainstream. “However, now more than ever, it is important to put in place measures that

How to build a high performing website

MarketingMarketingJune 27, 2023

Amy Miocevich explains the seven essential S’s that will empower your website to perform at its best and drive those crucial sales. When it comes to building a website for your business, whether you’re just starting out or have a large company with 3000 staff, there are essential elements that apply to creating a website that generates leads and drives sales. Drawing from my experience of building websites for businesses of all sizes over the past decade, I can confidently say that the checklist I’m about to share is absolutely definitive and can make a transformative impact on your life. Yes, it may sound a bit dramatic, but trust me, it’s that powerful. As you familiarise yourself with the following

The Good Food Collective Nana Dunn & Co Heidi, Nana Dunn and Laura

For the love of locally made food & drink

MarketingMarketingJune 21, 2023

The Good Food Collective is growing in popularity with Kiwis wanting to consume less processed items and do something good for the environment. Unfortunately, 2023 didn’t start the way anyone expected with different weather events impacting the community in all sorts of ways. Local producers were challenged as farms, orchards and paddocks were damaged and others saw their deliveries and supplies delayed. But there was at least one bright note – Kiwis’ support for New Zealand made gourmet food and drink has gone up. According to The Good Food Collective, more and more Kiwis are taking pride in New Zealand made products and supporting local artisans. They have seen a 56 percent increase in shoppers compared to 2022. Originally launched

SMEs hitting election year pause must think again

MarketingMarketingJune 15, 2023

Anybody in business can tell you that a customary but inexplicable inertia and indecisiveness infects Kiwi SMEs in election years. It’s not good for business or the economy. Assia Salikhova, MD of Wellington business development agency Smarketing Lab, says she is dumbfounded by the election year phenomenon, which anybody who has been in business for four or more years can attest. “There’s no excuse for it,” says Salikhova (pictured above). “While there may be pressures and uncertainties surrounding elections, it is essential to recognise that very little changes. Prices, exchange rates, and technological advancements continue to shape the business landscape, irrespective of election outcomes. “People say, ‘Oh, we need to see what the new Government looks like’. Why? If anything,

Upcoming event

Ready to Rise Business Breakfast – May 2026

Thursday 28 May 2026 | 7:00am – 9:30am

📍 New Zealand International Convention Centre, 101 Hobson Street, Auckland

Join us for a practical, insight-led morning exploring how Kiwi businesses are navigating today’s conditions and unlocking new growth opportunities in 2026.

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