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 Head of Growth 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...
Fractional Marketer vs Freelancer: A Comparison Guide
7
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Fractional marketer vs freelancer: compare NZ rates, accountability, team depth and long-term fit to find the right marketing model for your business.

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How to Bulk Create Canva Assets
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

Looking for a faster way to design multiple social media posts, presentations, or marketing materials?

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Marketing Career Path: Entry-Level to Executive
5
 minutes
Marketing Careers

Whether you're just starting out or eyeing the top spot, we’re exploring the journey from entry-level roles to executive positions.

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Search Engine Marketing vs Search Engine Optimisation
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Fran explains the essentials of search engine marketing (SEM), highlighting the importance of combining search engine optimization (SEO).

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The Marketing Funnel from A to Z
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

Fran gives us a rundown on the famous marketing funnel - what it is.

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Marketing plan for startups: build yours in 90 days
7
 minutes
Marketing 101

Build a clear marketing plan for your startup with this step-by-step guide. Covers goals, audience, channels, budget, and KPIs.

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Choosing the right Search Engine Optimisation Company
5
 minutes
Marketing 101

Choosing the right SEO company moves beyond simply "ranking higher." Here are some tips on what to look for.

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How NZ Startups Compete With Larger Brands
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

You can't outspend a big brand's marketing budget. But you can out-manoeuvre them. Here's how small NZ startups can win.

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Mastering SEO in NZ: Top Strategies for Auckland & Christchurch
6
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Practical SEO strategies for New Zealand businesses, from local search and keyword research to technical SEO and content.

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Social media marketing in New Zealand
7
 minutes
Grow Your Business

This comprehensive guide explores the unique aspects of social media in the Kiwi context, providing insights and strategies to help your business maximise its online presence.

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Elevating Your Marketing Strategy: A 'Digital, But Different' Approach
7
 minutes
Marketing 101

In a world of marketing noise, your marketing strategy shouldn't be a vague document gathering digital dust. It's your growth engine. At Virtual Marketers, we believe in "Digital, But Different"—no bloat, no BS, just results. A real strategy is about moving from guesswork to a high-velocity growth machine.

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Best Low-Cost Digital Marketing Channels for NZ
6
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Not every channel deserves your limited startup budget. Here's a channel-by-channel look at what actually delivers for cash-strapped NZ startups.

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Brands Can Now Use Ads Inside ChatGPT. We Tested It
8
 minutes
Grow Your Business

We put OpenAI's new ChatGPT ads to the test with real money. Here's what worked, what didn't, and whether it's worth it for your brand.

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The Complete New Zealand Social Media Marketing Guide
10
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Everything Kiwi businesses need to know, from platform selection and content strategy to local case studies, paid advertising, and expert FAQs.

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Web Design in Auckland: Your Complete Guide
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Everything Auckland businesses need to know about web design, from what makes a great site to how to choose the right agency.

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Explore more topics.

Click on a topic below to explore blogs, insights, tips and free templates that can help you achieve more with your marketing efforts.

What our client's say about us

“Advantage Business has been working hard on its digital marketing during the past six years. We knew what we wanted to achieve but were met with regular challenges including covid and tough economic times. We had a range of frustrating experiences with the digital marketing partners we worked with and achieved limited results. Since working with VM, our digital marketing results have transformed.

Our collaborative approach means that we both know where we have come from, where we want to get to, and how to get there. While we still have a long way to go, we know that our work with VM will produce real and sustainable channels for us to engage with new clients who can benefit from our professional services.”

Dominic Moran

Partner / Board Chair