General Social & Digital Strategy
Is social media still effective for small businesses in 2026?
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Yes. Social media remains one of the most effective channels for local marketing, provided content is optimized for "Social Search" and discovery rather than just engagement. Businesses using authentic, video-first storytelling consistently see higher trust and conversion rates than those relying on static ads.
How often should I post on social media in 2026?
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Quality and consistency now outperform frequency. For most Wellington SMBs, posting 3–5 times per week is the optimal balance. Google and social algorithms in 2026 prioritize "high-value" content that solves problems over daily "filler" posts that contribute to AI-generated content fatigue.
What is the best social media platform for NZ businesses?
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The "best" platform depends on your audience: LinkedIn is the leader for B2B and professional services, while Instagram and Facebook remain dominant for local B2C and community-based businesses. TikTok is currently the primary search engine for the 18–34 demographic in New Zealand.
How do I measure ROI from social media marketing?
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Move beyond vanity metrics like likes or followers. In 2026, ROI should be measured by cost per lead (CPL), conversion rates, and website traffic originating from social search. Tracking "saves" and "shares" is also critical as these signals indicate high-value content that AI algorithms will promote.
AI should be used for ideation, drafting, and optimization rather than total execution. As "AI slop" (low-quality automated content) floods feeds in 2026, brands that maintain a human-centered, authentic voice are more likely to earn trust and avoid search engine penalties for unoriginal content.
Should I use AI to write my social media content?
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LinkedIn Ads (High-Intent B2B)
How much do LinkedIn ads cost in New Zealand?
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In 2026, LinkedIn ads typically cost between $5 and $15 per click (CPC) in the NZ market. While more expensive than Facebook or Google, LinkedIn offers a higher average contract value (ACV) and better access to senior decision-makers, often leading to a superior overall ROI for B2B.
What is a good minimum daily budget for LinkedIn ads?
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For New Zealand businesses, a minimum daily budget of $25 to $50 is recommended to provide enough data for LinkedIn’s algorithm to optimize. While the platform allows a $10 minimum, lower spends often struggle to win auctions for competitive professional audiences.
Are LinkedIn ads worth it compared to Google Ads?
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LinkedIn generally outperforms Google Ads for B2B in 2026, delivering 44% more revenue per dollar spent on average. While Google captures active search intent, LinkedIn allows for precise targeting of the "Ideal Customer Profile" (ICP) by job title, seniority, and company size.
What is a good CTR for LinkedIn ads in 2026?
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A "good" click-through rate (CTR) for LinkedIn Sponsored Content is between 0.4% and 0.6%. Campaigns utilising Lead Gen Forms or "Thought Leader" ads often see significantly higher engagement rates because they provide value directly within the LinkedIn feed.
How do LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms work?
LinkedIn Lead Gen Forms are pre-filled forms that allow users to submit their professional details without leaving the platform. In 2026, these forms are the "gold standard" for B2B lead generation, typically resulting in a 2x higher conversion rate compared to sending traffic to an external landing page.
Local SEO & Visibility
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Why is a Google Business Profile important in 2026?
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Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the primary driver of local visibility. In 2026, the "Map Pack" often receives more clicks than the top organic link. A fully optimized profile with consistent reviews and local keywords is essential for being found by Wellington-based customers.
How long does it take for SEO to show results?
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Most businesses should expect to see meaningful SEO results within 3 to 6 months. While technical fixes can show immediate impact, building the topical authority required to rank for competitive Wellington keywords requires consistent, high-quality content over time.
What is "Social Search" and why does it matter?
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Social Search refers to users using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube as their primary search engines. In 2026, over 60% of product discovery happens on social media, making it critical to optimize your captions and video transcripts with the same keywords used for traditional SEO.
Do I still need a website if I have strong social media?
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Yes. While social media creates attention, your website creates credibility and captures revenue. In an era of "Zero-Click" searches, your website serves as the final destination where you own the data and control the conversion journey without algorithm interference.
Do I still need a website if I have strong social media?
Yes. While social media creates attention, your website creates credibility and captures revenue. In an era of "Zero-Click" searches, your website serves as the final destination where you own the data and control the conversion journey without algorithm interference.
Content & Production
Why is short-form video the top content format in 2026?
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Short-form video (Reels, TikToks, Shorts) delivers the highest ROI because it aligns with how users consume information in 2026—fragmented and fast. It allows brands to demonstrate "humanity" and expertise quickly, which is essential for building trust in an AI-heavy landscape.
What is "Human-First" content?
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Human-first content prioritizes real people, unscripted moments, and behind-the-scenes insights over polished corporate advertisements. In 2026, 73% of consumers prefer brands that show the faces behind the business, as this signifies authenticity and reliability.
Do I need professional equipment for social media video?
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While "lo-fi" is a trend, professional polish is required for high-authority brands. Using intentional lighting, crisp audio, and strategic editing distinguishes a professional Wellington business from an amateur one. Most high-performing content in 2026 uses a "Pro-Smartphone" setup.
How do I handle negative comments on social media?
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Respond quickly and professionally. In 2026, 73% of consumers will switch to a competitor if a brand doesn't respond on social. Addressing issues publicly shows transparency and can actually build trust with other potential customers watching the interaction.
What is a "Lead Magnet" and do I need one?
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A lead magnet is a free resource (like a guide, checklist, or audit) offered in exchange for an email address. They are essential in 2026 for moving followers off rented social platforms and into your own ecosystem where you can nurture them into paying clients.