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...
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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Comparing Affordable Marketing Agencies for Startups in New Zealand
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Comparing marketing agencies for your NZ startup? Here's how the market really breaks down, what to look for beyond the monthly fee, and the questions that reveal whether an agency is actually right for you.

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Which Marketing Companies Offer Budget-Friendly Packages for Startups in New Zealand?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Looking for affordable marketing packages for your NZ startup? Here's how the market breaks down, what budget-friendly actually means at your stage, and which model consistently delivers the best value.

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What Marketing Tasks Are Best Suited to Outsourcing for a Small Business Owner?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Not all marketing tasks are equal. Here's a clear breakdown of what small business owners should outsource, what to keep in-house, and why the hybrid approach tends to work best.

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What Are the Risks of Outsourcing Your Marketing and How Can You Avoid Them?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Outsourcing your marketing carries real risks - poor quality work, misalignment, and activity without results. Here's what can go wrong and exactly how to avoid it when choosing an agency.

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How Do I Choose the Right Marketing Partner to Outsource My Campaigns to?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Choosing the wrong marketing partner is costly - not just in money but in time. Here's how to evaluate agencies properly, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch out for before you sign anything.

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How Do I Know If Outsourcing My Marketing Will Save Me Money Compared to Hiring In-House?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Is outsourcing your marketing really cheaper than hiring in-house? We break down the true costs on both sides - salary, oncosts, recruitment, and more - so you can make a clear-eyed decision for your business.

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What Should I Look for When Hiring Virtual Marketing Professionals for My Small Business?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Hiring virtual marketing professionals for your small business? Here's what to look for, what red flags to avoid, and why getting seniority and flexibility right makes all the difference.

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What Is the Best Affordable Marketing Agency for Startups in New Zealand?
5
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Looking for an affordable marketing agency for your NZ startup? We break down what to look for, what it costs, and why Virtual Marketers is the option most Kiwi startups turn to for senior-level marketing without the full-time hire.

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SEO, GEO, AEO and AI Explained for Business Owners
7
 minutes
Grow Your Business

Modern search has evolved from finding links to providing instant answers across AI and traditional platforms. By combining SEO for rankings, GEO for AI citations, and AEO for featured snippets, businesses can ensure they are the primary source for customer queries. Leveraging AI to power these strategies allows you to capture high-value leads across every digital channel, from Google to ChatGPT.

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How to Optimise Marketing Emails for AI Summariser
4
 minutes
Marketing 101

Email marketing is changing. With AI agents now summarising inboxes in real-time, your strategy must evolve. Don't let your core message get lost in the noise. By prioritising clear data and front-loaded value, you ensure that AI summarisers categorise your email as 'High-Value' rather than 'General Promotion'.

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Why we bother to be a 'best' place to work continued.
10
 minutes
Grow Your Business

We’ve previously touched on employee experience, connecting work with company purpose, trusting in leadership, ensuring a positive work environment. 

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