What is Digital Marketing? And Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore It.

An illustration showing a person sharing an oversized screen with other people. To go with a blog by NZ Squarespace website designers, Natter, based in Hawke's Bay, who are explaining what is Digital Marketing and why SMEs in NZ need it

In today’s competitive landscape, having a website just isn’t enough. To grow your audience, attract new customers, and build brand loyalty, you need digital marketing—a strategic mix of tools and techniques that promote your business online.

For small to medium-sized businesses in New Zealand, especially in Hawke’s Bay, digital marketing levels the playing field. You don’t need a big-city budget to compete—you just need smart, consistent tactics that connect with your audience where they already are: online.

So, What Is Digital Marketing?

Digital marketing is the promotion of your business using digital channels like search engines, websites, social media, email, and online ads. It's about creating visibility, building trust, and encouraging people to take action—whether that’s booking a service, making a purchase, or signing up to your mailing list.

At Natter, we work with clients across New Zealand—often starting with a beautifully designed site by Eva Bradley, a trusted Squarespace website designer in New Zealand. But a great website needs the right digital marketing to truly perform.

Here are five digital marketing essentials we recommend and can implement for local businesses:

1. Social Media Management

Your customers are scrolling every day. Strategic posting, paid promotion, and community engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can boost awareness and drive traffic to your website. Consistency and brand voice are key—something we help businesses refine and manage effectively.

2. Email Direct Mail (EDM)

Email marketing is still one of the highest-ROI tools around. Sending regular newsletters, promotions, or updates to your audience keeps your brand top-of-mind and drives repeat business. EDMs are especially powerful when paired with compelling visuals and calls to action.

3. Blogging

Blogging improves your SEO, builds trust, and gives your audience useful content that keeps them coming back. Regular blog posts also help your Squarespace website stay fresh and perform better in Google search results.

4. Google Ads (AdWords)

Want fast visibility? Google Ads can target people searching for your service right now. With a well-structured campaign, even a small budget can yield powerful results.

5. Remarketing

Ever noticed how a product you looked at online suddenly shows up in ads everywhere? That’s remarketing. It targets people who’ve already visited your site but didn’t convert—giving you a second (or third) chance to win them over. For small businesses, it’s a smart, cost-effective way to stay visible and relevant.

If you’re ready to turn your website into a lead-generating machine or level up your social media, Natter can help. We offer one-off and monthly digital marketing packages or we can customise our skill set to deliver only what you need and want. Work with a local team that understands Hawke’s Bay and knows how to get results online.

Eva Bradley

Website designer and photographer based in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

https://www.natter.co.nz
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