Fran

 

Bellingham

Founder / Head of Growth
Core Team

With over 25 years’ experience working in advertising, media and marketing management, both in New Zealand and the UK, I can be your trusted ‘right hand Fran’ when it comes to making marketing decisions for your business.  

I operate as Chief Client Officer of Virtual Marketers and as Virtual Chief Marketing Officer for several of our clients. I have managed marketing in eCommerce (including my time at Trade Me), Life & Health Insurance, International & Domestic Education, Govt behaviour change initiatives, Health Saas products, Fashion brands, Healthcare Providers and Not For Profit membership organisations.   

I have worked on both client and agency sides of the business, and my vast knowledge and experience of the creative and media landscape in NZ ensures we’ll develop sound digital marketing strategies to propel our client’s organisations and brands forward. I welcome you to the reimagination of the marketing of your organisation, it’s the future of strategic working partnerships.

Read 
Fran
's 
articles...
Is Your Website Performance Hurting Your Business?
10
 minutes
Marketing 101

Your website is more than just an online placeholder; it’s the face of your business or shopfront of your store. Every business owner or manager should ask themselves regularly: is our website working for us, or against us?

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2025 SME Marketing Strategy Ideas
20
 minutes
Marketing 101

In 2025, SMEs can thrive by embracing innovative strategies like AI-driven personalisation, interactive video marketing, social commerce, and partnerships with micro-influencers to build authentic customer connections.

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The Importance of Branding in Marketing
10
 minutes
Marketing 101

Businesses need more than just a good product or service to stand out—they need a powerful brand. Branding is key to marketing success. It helps companies stand out in a crowded market amongst their competitors and can help retain existing customers and attract new ones. Good branding builds customer loyalty and supports long-term growth. 

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Can organic social media still get results?
10
 minutes
Marketing 101

Do You Need to Spend Money to Get Your Social Media Posts Seen on Facebook (Meta) and Instagram?

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Guide: Growing Your Business Through Google Ads
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

Google Ads is a powerful tool that allows businesses of all sizes to grow by reaching their target audience through highly targeted advertising. Whether you're a small local business or a large e-commerce site, Google Ads can help you attract more customers, increase sales, and boost brand awareness.‍

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Fran talks SEM vs SEO
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Fran explains the essentials of search engine marketing (SEM), highlighting the importance of combining search engine optimization (SEO) for organic traffic and search engine advertising (SEA) for paid visibility to effectively increase website traffic and attract high-intent users.

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The Marketing Funnel
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

Fran gives us a rundown on the famous marketing funnel - what it is, customer mindset at each stage and how to best meet your customer needs as they move down.

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Content Marketing Metrics to Track Success
7
 minutes
Marketing 101

Discover the essential metrics to track your content marketing success and explore the most impactful formats—from blogs and videos to infographics and podcasts. Elevate your strategy with practical insights and tips to boost engagement, generate leads, and enhance brand awareness.

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Unlocking the Power of Email Marketing
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Email marketing remains a powerful strategy for directly reaching audiences, nurturing leads, and driving sustained business growth through personalised and engaging communication. By avoiding common pitfalls and leveraging key tactics like segmentation, automation, and clear CTAs, businesses can achieve significant engagement, conversions, and long-term success.

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6 Essential Skills for a Digital Marketer in 2024
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

As we hurtle towards 2024, the digital marketing skills required to be a successful marketer are growing and changing. The marketing profession is changing a lot due to tech and how consumers behave so we believe to have a successful marketing career, you need to keep learning and stay updated on industry trends.

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A Guide to Creating Great Social Media Content
6
 minutes
Marketing 101

We all use it, most of us daily, many of us hourly… but what makes great social media content? We’ve created a guide to help you craft compelling social media content that resonates with your audience.

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The Future of Marketing Careers: Trends to Watch
3
 minutes
Marketing Careers

We uncover the essential trends shaping the industry, from the revolution in customer experience to the groundbreaking impact of AI and the critical importance of sustainability.

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