Free Website Design – Is it the best option?

Posted on November 8, 2022July 4, 2024 by Phil Robinson

When it comes to website design, there are a lot of options out there. You may be wondering “Can I create a website myself?” The short answer is yes, You can go down the DIY route, by using a pre-made template. Or, you could hire a professional web design company to undertake the task. One option you might be considering is free website design. But is it really your best option? Before you decide you need to understand how much a website costs, and how much revenue a decent website could return too. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of free website design so you can make an informed decision.

The Pros of Free Website Design

Cost – Obviously, the biggest pro of free website design is that it doesn’t cost anything. If you’re on a tight budget, this can be a great way to get a professional-looking website without breaking the bank.
Ease of Use – Free website design platforms like Wix and Weebly are extremely user-friendly and easy to use. This means you can create a website quickly and easily, without having to learn to code or hire a professional.
Flexibility – Free website builders offer a lot of flexibility in terms of design, which means you can create a website that looks exactly the way you want it to. Plus, if you ever want to change something, it’s easy to do it yourself.

The Cons of Free Website Design

Limited Features – One of the biggest downsides of free website builders is that they often have limited features compared to paid options. This means you might not be able to add all the bells and whistles you want on your site.
Lack of Support – If you run into any problems with your free website builder, good luck getting help from customer service. With paid options, you usually have access to 24/7 support so someone can help you solve any issues you’re having. With free builders, however, you’re usually on your own.
Limited Customization – While free website builders offer some flexibility in terms of design, they often don’t allow for much customization beyond that. So if you want a truly unique website, you might need to look elsewhere
You Get What You Pay For – This phrase is especially true when it comes to free website builders. While they might be fine for small personal sites or hobby blogs, they’re not going to be suitable for businesses that need a more robust online presence. You may also want to think about and understand what to expect from a web design company.

Should I get a free template or Custom built by a Pro?

So should you use a free website builder for your business? Or get it designed and built professionally? Well, there are a few benefits of custom building a website. However, it’s ultimately up to you! It really depends on your needs and budget. If cost is your primary concern and you don’t need anything too fancy, then a free website builder might be worth considering. However, if you want a website that works for you, maybe you need more features and customisation? Then it’s worth investing in a decent solution. That means paying for a professional web design company, to design it. With a skilled web developer to build it. Only you can decide what’s best for your business in order to reach your goals. if you need some help deciphering or deciding on the best course of action, then a Digital Marketing Roadmap could be a great first step.

What do Google Ads Cost?

Posted on November 4, 2022December 11, 2024 by Phil Robinson

You’re probably familiar with the saying, “You have to spend money to make money.” It certainly applies to Google Ads campaigns. But what exactly is the cost of running a successful Google Ads campaign? Let’s start by debunking some myths and breaking down the facts behind the cost of Google Ads.

The Cost of Google Ads Spend

The first thing to consider when thinking about what do Google Ads Cost, is how much you can realistically set aside for your ad budget. It’s important to think about both the upfront costs as well as long-term costs (e.g., maintenance, optimization). The amount that you decide on will largely depend on your business size and goals.

The cost of ad spend will vary depending on the type of campaign you are running, what keywords you are targeting, and how competitive your industry is. But generally speaking, most campaigns will cost around $1-$2 per click or an average cost per click (CPC) between $0.50 -$2.00 depending on your industry and niche.

However that’s just for starters; there are also other factors that affect CPC such as keyword competition, quality score and location targeting so keep that in mind when setting up a budget for your campaign.

The good thing with Google ads is you can choose a monthly budget – and you won’t spend more than that. For example, a small business may choose to budget $500 per month, while a larger enterprise may spend upwards of $50,000 or more per month.

Get an Instant Estimate Below

Paying Someone To Manage Your Ad Account

You may be wondering”Can manage Google Ads Myself?. Well, the short answer is yes. If you have experience with Google Ads, and the time then it’s definitely an option. And you should do it. But if you don’t have the experience then it might be worth hiring someone to do it for you. Especially if you plan on running multiple campaigns at once or have a larger budget allocated for Google Ads. We have seen people in the past spend thousands of dollars on Google Ads – And not even know if they’re working,..

An expert who knows the ins and outs of Google Ads can help increase efficiency while reducing waste. The cost depends on the size and complexity of the account but usually starts around $500 -$1000/month plus any additional fees associated with managing the account such as setup fees or performance bonuses (if applicable). On top of that, many agencies charge a percentage commission based on total ad spend which can range anywhere from 5-20%. This is to cover the admin costs and risk for taking on the ad spend costs. This is an opportunity to save on what Google Ads cost you, by asking if you can pay the ad spend directly to Google. Personally, we prefer it that way.

Ad Spend Optimization

Finally, one of the key components of running a successful Google Ads campaign is optimising your ad spend for maximum ROI (Return on Investment). This involves analyzing data points such as impressions, clicks, conversions, keyword performance metrics, and more in order to determine where your ads are performing best—and where they could use some improvement. While this process can be time-consuming and tedious without help from specialised software tools like Campaign Manager Pro or AdEspresso Pro, investing in optimization services will ultimately save you money in the long run due to increased conversion rates and greater ROI potential.

There’s No one-size-fits-all

The true cost of running a successful Google Ads campaign varies widely depending on factors such as:

business size and goals
ad budgets allocated for each campaign
pay-per-click management fees charged by external professionals (if applicable),
ad spend optimization services utilized (if desired).

When it comes down to what Google Ads Cost, it’s something you need to factor into the bigger picture. You may be asking “Does doing google Ads help my website ranking?” or “how much should I spend on Marketing as a whole then?” And just like Google Ads Cost – There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Only you know how much money you want (or need) to invest in order for your marketing efforts to pay off in spades! True success with Google Ads requires careful consideration of all these factors—so take your time when making any decisions about launching an advertising campaign via this platform!

Website Design Auckland – Why You Don’t Need to Use an Auckland-Based Company

Posted on November 3, 2022October 3, 2023 by Phil Robinson

Are you a business owner based in Auckland in need of a new website?

If so, you may feel like you should look for a website design company located in Auckland, assuming it will offer better service as they are local. However, is this really necessary? And is that necessarily true?

Well, let’s explore why you don’t actually need to use an Auckland website design company, based in Auckland. And why some companies around New Zealand are just as capable and skilled.

Websites are not just about pretty designs these days either. YOu want to find a company, that can create a great-looking, functional website, without a doubt. However, once launched, it doesn’t matter how awesome it looks or works if no one can find it right?

Times have changed. Website design has changed. In fact, traditional website design is broken! And furthermore, digital services have changed. There is no longer a need to rely on face-to-face contact all of the time.

Auckland Website Design can be done from anywhere

At Back9 Creative, we have been designing and building websites for many years with an experienced in-house team, and we want to help business owners and marketing professionals make the right decisions for their businesses. And that means choosing the right website design company for them. And that doesn’t always mean they’ll be in the same town or city.

Just like companies who sell online all around New Zealand, an office or store in each town is a thing fo the past. Just ask our mates at Safety 1st NZ!

When it comes to website design, location isn’t essential either. Companies around New Zealand, including those outside of Auckland, often have the same set of skills, resources, and tools to deliver high-quality websites. At Back9 Creative, we have clients from all over New Zealand, and technology has made it possible to communicate effectively without the need for frequent face-to-face meetings.

Our team is always available to have a phone call or video chat, and we’ve never previously had issues with this communication style.

Some other considerations include the following:

Competitive Pricing

One of the biggest advantages of looking beyond Auckland for website design is cost. Auckland is one of the most expensive cities to live and work in New Zealand, and this is reflected in the prices that website design companies charge. And they have to charge more, to cover those costs of website design in Auckland. If you’re on a budget, looking for a company based outside of Auckland could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your website project.

Remote work is now the norm

The COVID-19 pandemic seems like ancient history some days. But the reality is it has changed the way we work, and for many website designers, working remotely is now the norm. This means that you can work with a company based anywhere in the country, and still receive the same level of service and quality that you would expect from a local company. By broadening your search to include companies outside of Auckland, you may be able to find a website design company that’s a better fit for your needs.

In-person meetings are still possible

While remote work is now the norm, that doesn’t mean that in-person meetings are a thing of the past. Many website design companies are still happy to meet with clients in person, and Auckland is only a short flight away from many other cities in New Zealand. If you’re based in Auckland but are considering a company from outside the city, you can still arrange face-to-face meetings if needed.

Website Design Auckland, Wellington, or Wherever…

At Back9 Creative we approach website design in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or even on our own doorstep in Invercargill the same way. We look at what you are trying to achieve from a website and we make that happen. By adopting an Inbound Growth-Driven Philosophy, a website can deliver massive results and generate exponential revenue. Even when you’re not selling online. You just need to understand a website is a neverending work in progress. It is a sales tool. And a website is like a staff member.

We’re about delivering long-term tangible results, and not a set-and-forget move-on to the next project kind of philosophy, so if you think that may be for you, then get in touch. We’d love to have a chat.

Don’t let location be a barrier to getting a great website

In conclusion, location isn’t a factor when choosing a website design company. The availability of technology and communication methods has made it possible to work effectively with companies located anywhere in New Zealand. With Back9 Creative, you will be working with an experienced team with specialized skills, resources, and tools to deliver high-quality websites. Plus, we’re always just a phone call or video chat away and provide cost-effective services. So, if you’re in need of a new website but don’t want to limit yourself to Auckland-based companies, Back9 Creative is here to help.

How does Snapchat work for Business

Posted on October 27, 2022December 27, 2022 by Phil Robinson

Leveling Up Your Business with Snapchat

Blog Introduction: You’ve heard of TikTok and Instagram, but what about Snapchat? It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about social media marketing for business, but it should be! With over 300 million monthly active users, Snapchat is a powerful platform for engaging with customers and promoting your brand. Here’s everything you need to know about using Snapchat for business

Using Snapchat for Business

The key to effective Snapchat marketing is creating content that resonates with your target audience. Since this platform is all about quick videos and pictures, make sure whatever you post captures people’s interest right away. Whether it’s a funny video or an interactive game, it should grab people’s attention and draw them into your story

Another great way to use Snapchat is by collaborating with influencers in your industry. Influencer collaborations can help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement on your posts. Plus, working with influencers provides an opportunity to build relationships with other businesses in your field, which can lead to long-term partnerships down the road

Advertising on Snapchat is another great way to get the word out about your business. There are several different ad formats available on the platform, so you can choose one that best fits your needs. You can also customize your ads by targeting specific demographics like age and location. This will ensure that your ads are reaching the right people and driving maximum results from each campaign

Snapchat might not be as popular as some of the other major social media platforms, but don’t let that discourage you from giving it a try! With its unique features and huge user base, Snapchat has plenty of potential for businesses looking to level up their marketing efforts. From creating captivating content to leveraging influencers and running targeted ad campaigns, there are plenty of ways to use this platform to promote your brand and engage with customers – so why not give it a shot? Who knows – it could turn out to be the secret weapon you never knew you needed!

5 Digital Marketing Strategies That Actually Work

Posted on October 27, 2022September 11, 2025 by Phil Robinson

In today’s digital world, there are a million and one ways to market your business. But with so many options, it can be tough to know where to start—or more importantly, what will actually work. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five digital marketing strategies that are guaranteed to get results. So whether you’re looking to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or boost online sales, these tried-and-true tactics will do the trick.

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

If you want people to find your business when they search for relevant keywords online, you need to make sure your website is optimized for search engines. This means including those keywords in your website copy, as well as in your titles, tags, and descriptions. SEO can be a complex topic, but there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. Once you’ve got a handle on the basics, you’ll be well on your way to boosting your website’s visibility. That means more website traffic will be coming your way. SEO should be right up there as one of your digital marketing strategies.

2. Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

PPC is key to seeing results from your digital marketing strategy. PPC (such as Google Ads)is a form of advertising that allows you to pay for top placement on search engine results pages (SERPs). In other words, when someone searches for a keyword that’s relevant to your business, your ad will appear at the top of the SERP. Yep, that’s right even above the organic results. And because you only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad, PPC can be an effective and affordable way to reach your target audience. Just be sure to set clear goals before getting started. Then keep an eye on your budget so you can measure your ROI.

PPC is a skilled discipline and you may be asking Can I manage Google Ads myself? Well, in short, you can, but also want to consider talking to an expert first. PPC is a minefield if you don’t know what you’re doing and that can result in disaster. Step on a mine and your budget could blow up! And not in a good way…

3. Social Media Marketing

With over 3 billion active social media users worldwide, there’s no denying the power of social media marketing. But with so many platforms out there—Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn—it can be tough to know where to focus your efforts when it comes to your digital marketing strategy. The best bet is to start with the platform where your target audience is most active and go from there. Once you’ve established a presence on one or two platforms, you can start experimenting with other channels until you find what works best for your business. And don’t forget to start with a plan for your social media. This will help you plan and post engaging content that speaks to your brand identity. Bland ‘same-same’ or ‘me too posts won’t cut it in today’s social media-savvy world.

4. Email Marketing

Email may not be the newest or sexiest marketing tactic out there, but it’s still one of the most effective ways to reach and engage with customers. Whether you’re sending out a monthly newsletter or promotional offers for new products or services, email provides a direct line of communication between you and your customers. Plus, it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to get started—two more reasons why email should definitely be part of your digital marketing strategy. Just be sure not to bombard people with too many messages or they’ll quickly tune out. A few times a month is usually sufficient.

5. Content Marketing

Last but not least is content marketing. If you want people to keep coming back to your website or blog (and we’re guessing you do), then you need compelling content that addresses their needs and interests. That could mean anything from blog posts and articles to infographics and videos—as long as it’s original and well-written (or well-produced), it’ll do the trick. Not sure where to start? Check out some of our favorite examples of awesome content marketing for inspiration.

Digital Marketing Strategy is Hard

When it comes to digital marketing, there is no silver bullet! There are endless digital marketing strategies out there vying for attention—but these ones actually work! That’s if you’re willing to put in the investment. Whether that’s time – learning all these things is time-consuming, or whether you’re prepared to pay an expert. Or even better, a team of experts. Make no mistake, if you’re looking for tactics that will help increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or boost online sales, then look no further than these five strategies. SEO, PPC, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing work – if done well! Implement them individually or in tandem—either way, you’re guaranteed to see real results. Results that will take your business up a notch (or two…or three). So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

Keyword Competition – And its Impact on your Digital Ad Campaigns

Posted on October 17, 2022December 20, 2022 by Phil Robinson

If you’re running a digital ad campaign, like Google Ads, then you know how important it is to get the most bang for your buck. As an advertiser, it’s important to understand how keyword competition affects your advertising campaigns. Knowing how to plan and optimize your campaigns based on keyword competition can give you a competitive advantage and help you reach more customers. Let’s dive into what keyword competition is and how it impacts your digital ad campaigns.

What Is Keyword Competition?

Keyword competition measures the number of advertisers bidding on a particular keyword or phrase. Google Ads, as well as other CPC (Cost Per Click) campaigns, use this metric to determine which ads are eligible to appear in search results and display ads when users enter those keywords in their search query. This metric also helps advertisers understand the level of difficulty they will face when trying to rank against other advertisers who are bidding on a specific keyword.

Why Does Keyword Competition Matter?

Knowing the level of keyword competition can be beneficial in many ways. If you’re competing for a particular keyword with high volume, it means that more people are bidding on that term, making it more expensive for an advertiser to bid on that same term. As an advertiser, this information can help you decide whether or not to target certain keywords in your campaigns and if so, how much budget should be allocated towards them. It also helps you better understand which keywords are most popular among consumers so that you can focus your efforts accordingly.

How Can I Use Keyword Competition To My Advantage?

By monitoring the level of keyword competition for different terms, you can make more informed decisions about which words or phrases are worth targeting in your campaigns and allocate budget accordingly. You can also use this information to identify potential opportunities by looking at less competitive terms that may have a lower cost per click yet still have significant search volume—effectively allowing you to get more visibility online without breaking the bank! Additionally, understanding keyword competition can help you create better-targeted campaigns because you’ll know exactly what type of content resonates with users who use those terms or phrases in their searches.

Maximise ROI

Keyword competition plays an important role in determining the success of any digital ad campaign—especially Google Ads and CPC campaigns. It’s essential for advertisers to understand how this metric works and why it matters so that they can make informed decisions about their campaigns and maximize their ROI (Return On Investment). By leveraging this data effectively, businesses will be able to outsmart their competitors, increase their visibility online, reach more customers than ever before, and ultimately grow their bottom line!