Buyer Persona: What exactly is that?

Posted on June 14, 2023July 1, 2024 by Phil

Buyer Persona you say? Huh, sounds made up!? At Back9 Creative, we understand that so many aspects of digital marketing are a bit of a minefield and hard to understand. In the vast and sometimes perplexing world of marketing, the term “buyer persona” is thrown around like confetti at a celebration of consumer insights. But what exactly is a buyer persona, and why should you care? Fear not, dear reader, for we are about to embark on a whimsical journey to demystify this elusive creature and bring it into the spotlight.

The Birth of the Buyer Persona

Imagine a dark and stormy night in the depths of a marketing laboratory. As marketing scientists huddled over their keyboards, sipping their potions of coffee, they concocted the mystical formula for understanding the wants and needs of their target audience. And low and behold, the buyer persona was born!

Anatomy of a Buyer Persona

Our buyer persona is not a mythical creature with wings or a fearsome beast with scales. No, it’s a detailed, semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer. Picture this: a blend of demographics, psychographics, and behaviors, all stitched together like Frankenstein’s monster, but with a much friendlier disposition.

The Sherlock Holmes of Marketing

A buyer persona is your trusty detective, armed with a magnifying glass, tirelessly investigating the mysteries of consumer behavior. What makes them tick? What keeps them awake at night? And most importantly, what snacks do they reach for during late-night Netflix binges?

How to Create Your Own Buyer Persona

Creating a buyer persona requires a delicate touch, like sculpting a masterpiece out of marketing clay. Conduct surveys, interview your customers, and perhaps consult a crystal ball (or a more reliable data analytics tool) to gather the information needed. Don’t forget to throw in a pinch of imagination – after all, we are crafting semi-fictional characters here.

Meet Our Star: Patricia, the Picky Shopper

Now, let’s introduce you to our star buyer, Patricia. She’s a 35-year-old marketing professional who enjoys long walks down the digital marketing aisle. Patricia is the Sherlock Holmes of online shopping, scouring reviews and meticulously comparing product features before making a decision. She’s the discerning consumer you want to impress.

Why Befriend a Buyer Persona?

Think of a buyer persona as your marketing sidekick. Understanding Patricia’s quirks and preferences allows you to tailor your products, services, and messaging to meet her expectations. It’s like having a secret handshake with your customers, a personalised touch that says, “We get you, Patricia!”

In the grand tapestry of marketing, the buyer persona is the colorful thread that weaves a story of connection between businesses and customers. So, embrace the whimsy of creating your buyer personas. As you delve into the depths of consumer insight remember these are a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customers so you don’t need too get too carried away. Now go forth, armed with knowledge and a twinkle in your eye, and get more targeted with your marketing!

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SEO Invercargill NZ – Who is the best?

Posted on May 30, 2023April 15, 2025 by Phil

Check out our Updated article on Best SEO Companies in Invercargill 2025

In our article titled “Who is the Best Web Digital Marketing Company in Invercargill,” we discuss the difficulty of identifying the top business in an industry, especially when it comes to digital services like SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

It can be overwhelming to figure out which SEO agency is right for your business and how much SEO will cost. You might also wonder if SEO will actually bring results.

Everyone has different priorities, and what matters most to one person may not matter as much to another. It’s important to understand the basics of SEO and the difference between organic SEO and paid search like Google Ads.

Each person has their own preferences, so determining the best SEO agency for you can be challenging.

Business is always changing and evolving. If we compare it to a sports match, it would be like a never-ending tie with overtime. There isn’t a clear-cut way to measure which business is better. We have things like business awards and design accolades that try to determine excellence, but these assessments are limited and subjective within the vast possibilities of business.

SEO Invercargill NZ – Who Ranks Best?

Choosing the right company for your SEO needs depends on what you’re looking for and your specific situation. What are the things that matter to you when partnering with an SEO agency or freelancer? What do you expect them to do for your business? And what kind of results are you hoping to achieve?

When it comes to working with a company, it’s crucial to find people who share your beliefs and values. Trusting your gut feeling is often a reliable indicator in such cases. In my own experience, I’ve learned to trust my instincts! If a company offers SEO services, they should be able to demonstrate their own success by ranking well on Google.

However, it’s worth noting that in the online world, it’s easy to manipulate search results or bend the truth. Fortunately, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to do so. Nowadays, consumers want trust and reliability from their service providers, whether it’s their mechanic, power company, or website design team.

As of the time of writing, (keeping in mind that maintaining a top position in search results is always challenging), here are six highly ranked SEO agencies when searching for “SEO Invercargill.”

Back9 Creative – SEO Invercargill NZ

We appreciate your visit to our website, and it’s likely that you found us through a Google search. This serves as a testament to our capabilities.

At Back9 we’re pretty proud of being down-to-earth and approachable. And while we prefer to let the results speak for themselves rather than boast, we do believe that we are one of the top SEO companies in Invercargill. Like other companies on the list, we offer a comprehensive range of services. So, what sets us apart? Honestly, there’s nothing specific that distinguishes us.

We all excel at SEO, as evidenced by our websites ranking on Google. Therefore, if you believe we can provide value (which, by the way, we definitely can), we would be delighted to have a conversation and explore the possibility of working together.

Business IT South

Business IT South is an Invercargill-based IT company that specializes in providing a diverse range of IT and web services to businesses across the Southland region.

Market Elements

Market Elements is a local digital marketing and social media marketing agency that specializes in understanding and connecting with small businesses. Their team consists of designers, social media marketing specialists, content marketers, SEO specialists, search marketing experts, copywriters, and communications professionals. Together, they collaborate with clients to create dynamic and integrated campaigns that help businesses stand out and achieve their goals.

Building strong relationships with their clients is a top priority for Market Elements. They are committed to delivering tangible results for businesses located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Invercargill, the Queenstown Lakes District, and Wanaka. With a distributed Digital Marketing Team across Wanaka, Invercargill, Dunedin, and Auckland, they ensure comprehensive coverage and support for their clients’ marketing needs.

Lakeside Digital

If you’re thinking “Lakeside”? In Invercargill? It’s ok. And yes you’ll be well aware there are no lakes in Invercargill. So don’t let the name confuse you… If you’re looking for SEO Invercargill, then yep, Lakeside Digital in Hawea, show up. They have put in some effort to do so, and therefore deserve to be on our list.

Much like any decent SEO agency, Lakeside Digital follows an SEO process that begins by thoroughly exploring your target audience, their purchasing triggers, the search queries they use, and their underlying intentions. This is accompanied by a dedicated effort to become fully acquainted with your business and customer base, allowing a comprehensive understanding of your revenue generation. With this knowledge, Lakeside Digital designs an SEO strategy solely aimed at enhancing your profitability.

Stephanie Hunt

Stephanie Hunt says It’s not enough to have a website. You need to be connecting with your audience in many channels using the phrases they search for to find your service.
Google determines relevance based on many factors, but an easy one to fix is to make sure you are using the right keywords in the right places in your content. Stephanie has been optimising websites for many years and great content is a must!

Revibe Digital

Revibe Digital Ltd is a small-scale web agency that operates online, in New Zealand. They are capable of driving imaginative and high-performing website solutions to your business, which will help you triumph and outplay your competition. They create websites with a majority focus on SEO Marketing and UX.

A quick Google Search shows they are based at 2/138 Tamamutu Street, Taupō – So not exactly Invercargill based, but hey they show up in the search results for SEO Invercargill. So they are in our list.

So, SEO Invercargill – Who will you choose?

When it comes to selecting the best SEO company for you and your business in Invercargill, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. It’s worth checking if the aforementioned companies still maintain their top positions in search results. SEO is a complex and challenging field – it can be likened to navigating a minefield. To secure a prominent spot on Google, both you and the agency you partner with need to put in a tremendous amount of effort.

Each of the mentioned businesses claims to be the best SEO company in Southland. However, determining the “best” is now subjective and revolves around what is best for you and your business. What goals are you aiming to achieve, and which agency aligns most closely with your values?

Choose the Right Fit for you!

If you’re looking to partner with an SEO Agency or Freelancer, or wondering How to choose the right marketing agency for your business you must take the time to research. We’ve had several clients over the years who feel they have not seen results paying for SEO. And the reality is, there are a lot of people out there saying they are the best. SEO is also a long-term investment How Long it takes for SEO to show results will vary. This will depend on a number of factors… These include (but are not limited to) how good your website design is. And then how well developed or built it is too.

When you’re deciding who to contact, do some Google searches to see how well their website ranks. Look over their website. If their site seems easy to use, and it answers most of your questions, chances are they could be a good fit. One tip is to check right at the bottom of their website and looks for the “Copyright ©” info. If it says 2014, chances are they may be a bit out of touch. Read up on their services, and testimonials. Ultimately if their style and tone match what you want for your own business, they may be worth talking to. Taking time to find that right fit and work with credible, reliable businesses can save time and trouble later on. So it’s worth the effort!

Ironically, though, if you’re reading this article, you found it at the top of the Google Search results. Well… You may have found the best SEO company in Invercargill already 😉

Growth-Driven Design: Simplified

Posted on May 28, 2023May 28, 2025 by Phil

Growth-Driven Design: A Smarter Way to Build Your Website
Traditional websites are broken! They are static, costly and quickly become outdated. At Back9, we do things differently. Our Growth-Driven Design (GDD) approach launches a lean, high-performing site fast, then improves it monthly using real data. Growth Driven Design is simplified at Back9, making it not just a website—it’s a living, evolving digital asset designed to grow with your business and deliver results. If you’re serious about lead generation, performance, and long-term ROI, GDD is the clear choice.

Growth-Driven Design (GDD) – Full Inclusions Overview (of what can be included)

Strategy & Setup

Launchpad Website
- A streamlined, high-impact version of your website launched quickly to start collecting user data
- Prioritised pages such as Home, Services, Contact, About, Testimonials
- Built to be fast, secure, mobile-friendly, and optimised for conversion
Strategy Phase
- User persona development
- Customer journey mapping
- Keyword research and SEO planning
- Competitor analysis
- Wireframing and UX strategy
- Clear goal and KPI alignment
Analytics and Tracking Setup
- Google Analytics 4
- Google Tag Manager
- Heatmapping tools (e.g. Hotjar or Microsoft Clarity)
- Event and conversion tracking
- UTM tagging structure for campaigns
Tool and Platform Integration
- Google Business Profile creation or optimisation
- CRM integration (e.g. HubSpot, SharpSpring, Zoho)
- Email marketing tools (e.g. Klaviyo, Mailchimp)
- Live chat or AI chatbot setup
- Booking systems or calendar tools if required

Design and Content

Conversion-optimised UX and UI design
Custom responsive layout for desktop, tablet, and mobile
Modular page templates for scalable growth
Copy editing or content refinement (or full writing if scoped separately)
Image preparation and optimisation (web-ready, compressed, tagged)
Structured data and schema markup for SEO performance

Ongoing Optimisation

Monthly Reporting and Strategy Sessions
- Website performance analytics
- User behaviour insights
- SEO keyword tracking
- Ad and conversion performance reviews
- Data-driven improvement planning
Continuous Improvement Sprints
- Rolling updates based on live data
- May include:
  - New landing pages or sections
  - Design enhancements or layout tweaks
  - Navigation improvements
  - Content updates
  - Speed and performance tuning
  - Conversion rate optimisation (e.g. A/B testing)
SEO Enhancements
- Ongoing metadata and on-page SEO updates
- Keyword targeting refinements
- Link-building campaigns
- Blog/article planning and publishing
Marketing Support
- Google Ads and Meta campaign strategy
- Landing page creation for campaigns
- Lead capture enhancements
- Retargeting and funnel development
- Newsletter templates and automation setup

Maintenance and Support

Routine updates to plugins, themes, and CMS core
Site security monitoring and protection
Automated daily/weekly backups
Uptime monitoring and priority support
Technical troubleshooting and bug fixes

Optional Add-ons

Video production and editing
Photography direction and asset production
Brand refresh or full brand development
Full-service content writing or re-writing
E-commerce functionality and improvements
Multi-language site configuration
Custom training guides or client documentation
Strategy workshops and consulting sessions

Key Differences to Highlight

Traditional websites are fixed and often become outdated quickly. They are a one-time cost but deliver limited long-term value.
Growth-Driven Design – simplified- treats your website as an evolving business asset. It spreads your investment and delivers ongoing results.
GDD reduces risk, increases agility, and turns your site into a tool for continuous improvement, marketing, and lead generation.

Finding Website Designers in Invercargill: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Business

Posted on May 16, 2023July 4, 2024 by Phil

Are you looking for website designers in Invercargill?

If you’re on the hunt for web designers in Invercargill, chances are you’re looking to build or rebuild a website. In the past a website has been viewed by many as a portfolio – or a brochure. Some even say a window into your business. Well yes, this is true, but all of these are secondary functions these days.

In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website with an actual purpose is crucial for businesses of all sizes. You should view your website like a staff member.

Not only do we believe at Back9, that your website should be your best salesperson, but we also know our website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. That’s if it’s easy to find online of course. So your Search engine optimisation (SEO) needs to be on point for sure. And once found it needs to look appealing, user-friendly, and informative. If you’re looking to create or revamp your website in, this article will help you find and choose the best website designers in Invercargill to suit your business needs.

Start with Research

First, start your search by doing some research of your own. Look for website designers in Invercargill that are local. These may either be agencies or freelancers who specialise in web design. But beware of freelancers who say they design and build/develop websites. Web Design and Website Development are two very different things.

The most obvious form of research these days is an online search, using Google for example. In a place like Invercargill, word-of-mouth recommendations are always popular too. Everybody knows somebody right? You may even want to look at local business directories.

Once you have a list of potential website designers, assess their online presence, portfolio, and what their customers are saying about them. This’ll help you zero in on the best fit for your website.

Discuss Your Requirements and Budget

So, you’ve narrowed down your options and you’re ready to get started on your website. The next step is to reach out to designers on your shortlist. Don’t be shy, tell them about your requirements and your budget. It’s important for website designers to understand what you have to work with. And what you’d like to achieve with your website. The less guesswork they have to do, or assumptions they have to make is better for everyone involved. If you’re wondering how much does a website cost then you’re not alone. And the reality is a website can cost next to nothing, to 10’s of thousands – depending on what you need. And what it needs to do. So know that will ultimately save time and money.

Check Their Technical Expertise

When looking at web designers in Invercargill – and beyond, it’s important to choose someone with both technical expertise and an eye for usability. It’s also important to note – this is unlikely to be the same person. So an agency covering multiple disciplines may be the best option. If you want to do updates yourself then ideally they’ll be experienced in working with content management systems (CMS). These may include WordPress, Silverstripe, or Joomla. The main thing is that they can design and create engaging, responsive designs that look stunning on any device. Confirm they can handle any specific features you require, like e-commerce, stock management, or some other API integrations

Assess Their Communication and Customer Service

Effective communication is crucial when working with a website designer. Choose a designer who is responsive, friendly, and easy to work with. They should be open to your ideas, provide regular updates, and be willing to make revisions if necessary.

What ongoing services, and maintenance do they offer?

As we’ve discussed a website is like a staff member, and any good business is always looking to continually develop its people. A website is no different. In order to see success online a website needs constantly maintained to stay on top of its game. From security updates to technical SEO, content creation, and more. Don’t fall into the set-and-forget trap that so many businesses do when they get a new website. The online landscape is constantly changing and your website needs to keep up. Or even better stay ahead! You may need to choose an SEO agency or you may find an agency that offers this too – if they’re half decent – they will!

In conclusion, finding the right website designer in Invercargill involves as little or as much time as you choose. You can simply run with the top-ranking one on Google. Or you can carefully research, evaluate portfolios, discuss your requirements, and assess their technical expertise, and communication skills. At the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you, But with an understanding of what you want and talking to the right website designers in Invercargill, you can find the right fit for your business. Once you do the sky is the limit and by measuring the right things you can truly win online. Good luck!

Opensource vs. Proprietary Platforms for Websites: Why Opensource is a Better Option

Posted on May 14, 2023October 14, 2023 by Phil

Opensource vs. Proprietary is probably not the most common question we get. That’s because most people don’t actually know there’s a difference.

At Back9 Creative we understand, that as a business owner, choosing the right platform for your website is really Important!

With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which platform to build your website on. If you choose to use a web design agency, like us, they’ll possibly specialise in one system or another. For example, at Back9 we specialise in Custom Websites and Custom App Development. And as a client who wants to update your website, then we recommend the open-source WordPress CMS – which is opensource.

But having said that, should you go for a proprietary platform or an open-source one? In this article, we will delve into the differences between open-source vs. proprietary platforms for websites. And why we believe that open-source is a better option.

Proprietary Platforms

Proprietary platforms are built and exclusively owned by a company, which means that the code is closed to the public. This generally limits the access for developers. This means it can make it less dynamic and slower to respond to changes in the market and customer needs. Simply put, it’s like having a car that you cannot get under the hood to finely tune for better performance. And Website speed and Maintenance are a crucial parts of realising success online in this digital age.

With proprietary platforms are a much more do-it-yourself solution. But some agency’s and feelancers do still use the. So it is important to understand how much and what you are paying for if using a website company’s services. These Platforms, often referred to as ‘Website Builders’ include the likes of Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, and Expression Engine. With these companies, you don’t own the platform. You are simply paying a license to use it and house your content.

OpenSource Platforms

In contrast, open-source platforms are built collaboratively by communities of developers around the world. As a result, it has the advantage of an extensive community of developers continuously improving the software. That means they’re often fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities quickly, making it more resilient to cyberattacks. By being open, it also means that there is a greater range of plugins and integrations that can be used to improve website functionality too. And when compared to proprietary platforms that tend to only work with their own products this can be a huge benefit.

Personalised & Customised Experience

Customer engagement is vital for any online business. And open-source platforms enable the developer to tailor the website to be a more personalized experience. With its open-source code, developers can customise everything from the content management system (CMS) to the design and the customer journey. Proprietary platforms usually offer limited scope for personalization. Furthermore, they’re frequently only customizable with add-ins and plugins that require permission from the vendor. Oh and generally at an additional cost!

Opensource vs. Proprietary for Website Maintenance

The cost of service and maintenance could be another factor influencing your decision-making process. Generally, proprietary platforms come with a premium price tag, regularly incurring licensing fees and annual maintenance charges. When using open-source platforms, it is free to use, but some services such as hosting may still have a cost associated with them. Nevertheless, the development and maintenance of the site itself can be cheaper in the long run.

Image-Button-To-Read-Website-Maintenance-Ebook

Finally, open-source platforms offer more significant incentives for sustainability and longevity. Fundamentally, if the company that created the proprietary platform ceased to operate, there would be no more customer support and no longer any maintenance. However, developing communities within the open-source sector continue to evolve and evolve, ensuring your website will have an extensive support system for years to come. This is even more so if one chooses from the plethora of open-source CMSs such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.

When it comes to choosing between opensource vs. proprietary platforms for websites, it is worth considering the differences discussed in this blog post. While vanilla proprietary platforms can offer a more secure and limited environment, an open-source content management system (CMS) can offer far more flexibility and scope for customization, which can lead to a more personalized experience for your customers. With the added benefit of very little financial overhead and ongoing community contribution, the open-source route offers the sustainability and versatility that can be vital to your online success. Ultimately, the choice depends on your long-term business goals and whether customizability, affordability, and sustainability align with the outcomes you want to achieve.

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6 digital marketing ideas

Posted on May 10, 2023September 11, 2025 by Phil

If you’re a business owner looking to take your digital marketing to the next level, it can be tricky knowing where to start. After all, there are a lot of options out there. And working out which ones work for you can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry – at Back9 Creative, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we outline six digital marketing ideas (or standards really) that any business owner can use to maximize their return on investment from digital marketing efforts. From developing an eye-catching website designed to maximize conversions, maximizing SEO performance, and Google Ads campaigns to leveraging social media outreach and creating stunning content pieces. Learn how businesses can drive growth with these great digital marketing ideas. Let’s dive in!

Create a Website that is designed to Convert

Best Practices for Design, Navigation, and Calls to Action

In today’s digital age, having a website that is designed to convert visitors into leads, and leads into customers is essential for any business. Your website should offer a clear and concise message that resonates with your target audience. The design, navigation, and calls to action on your website are critical elements. They can easily make or break your chances of converting visitors into customers. A visually appealing and easy-to-use website will not only attract visitors, but it will also keep them engaged and interested in what you have to offer. Including clear calls to action on every page will help guide visitors toward the actions you want them to take. This may include making a purchase or filling out a contact form. So, whether you’re starting a new website or redesigning an existing one, create a website that converts! Because quite simply – if your website sucks, it won’t convert!

SEO tips to increase your visibility on search engines

When it comes to boosting your online visibility, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is key. If you’re looking to increase your organic search traffic and climb the ranks of search engine results pages, implementing a few simple SEO tips can make all the difference. One of the most important things to focus on is creating high-quality content. You may be asking “when it comes to content, how is quality quantified?” Well in a nutshell it means that it’s relevant to your audience and utilizes keywords strategically. It’s also important to ensure your website is user-friendly and loads quickly. Don’t forget about the importance of building high-quality backlinks and using social media to promote your content! By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to improving your online visibility and growing your business.

Leverage Google Ads for maximum reach

Looking to get your brand noticed by a wider audience? It’s time to consider PPC (Pay-per-click) advertising. These ads can be highly targeted – and That means highly effective! PPC ads include Meta (Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger) and Google Ads! With the ability to target your ad campaigns to specific demographics and locations, you can ensure maximum reach and engagement with your target audience. And the best part? You only pay for clicks on your ads. And that means you’re not wasting any precious marketing budget on people who aren’t interested in your product or service. Plus, with detailed analytics and tracking, you can easily tweak and adjust your campaigns. And that ensures you’re getting the most bang for your buck. So why wait? Start leveraging the power of Google Ads for your brand today!

Use Social Media to Engage Your Audience with Creative Content

In today’s digital marketing age, social media has become an indispensable tool for reaching out to a wider audience. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, engaging your target market with creative content can improve your brand image and increase customer loyalty. By posting eye-catching visuals and sharing informative and interactive posts, you can build a loyal following and establish a connection with your audience. With the power of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you have the opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality, values, and unique offerings in a fun and exciting way. So, start using social media to your advantage and create content that your followers will love!

The Power of Great Content; How to Create Quality Content that Resonates with Your Target Audience

Creating great content is the key to reaching and engaging your target audience. While it may seem daunting to come up with fresh and exciting ideas, quality content that resonates with your audience is not only possible, it’s critical to the success of your business. Your content should not only be informative and educational, but it should also be entertaining and engaging. It’s important to think about what your target audience wants and needs and tailor your content to meet those needs. By creating content that speaks directly to your audience, you can build strong relationships and establish trust, which will ultimately lead to increased sales and brand loyalty. So, take the time to craft truly great content that will capture the attention of your target audience, and watch your business grow.

CRM and Marketing Automation

Marketing Automation and CRM tools are great to help you reach your audience more effectively and efficiently. With the right CRM software, you can manage multiple channels, create personalized campaigns, measure performance, and track ROI in real time. All of these features make it easier for businesses to connect with customers on a deeper level and build strong relationships that lead to repeat sales. Finding the right system can be a challenge – we know… We’ve just about tried them all. Fee free to discuss this with us. Like anything, the best solution will depend on your needs.

The Sky is the Limit

This is only the beginning! Implementing these 6 creative digital marketing ideas will help to get you started. But remember digital marketing doesn’t stop there – it carries on over time. The most successful digital marketing strategies are those focused on continuously updating and improving, rather than creating one-off campaigns. Make sure all elements of your strategy work together in order to achieve maximum reach and results. Invest in and understand conversion rate optimisation; and have a handle on content creation. Do this and you can continually update and improve your digital presence. Many of these ideas take commitment, organisation, and dedication – but it’s worth getting it right for the future success of your business. Get creative and be consistent with your approach today and over time you WILL reap the rewards!