Digital Marketing & SEO Blog in NZ

While SEO has always played a part in increasing brand recognition for businesses, its function has evolved considerably over time. With the advancement of technology, search engine algorithms have become smarter, more sophisticated, and much more user-centric. Brands are today fighting in a very competitive global market in an exceedingly loud environment. However, SEO may help elevate your brand above the competition. We know this because it has been accomplished.   How SEO Helps Brand Awareness?   Search engine optimisation and brand recognition may coexist. While search engine optimisation is primarily utilised to create organic traffic, it also helps to build and enhance brand recognition. Now, learn how to utilise search engine optimisation to increase brand recognition and how to...

Every Business Needs a Website. A business’s online presence, regardless of industry, can have a massive impact on its success. In this day and age, some businesses still don’t realise that a majority of their customers will visit their website before making a purchase. Having a strong online presence, particularly a website, can be a make or break for generating more revenue. Yes, the quality of your website impacts results and it’s why is so important that you hire a trusted digital agency to develop an efficient and modern website for you. At Horn Tech, we understand the importance of having a beautiful website design, and seamless functionality, wherefore we create websites that not only look good but work exactly...

You probably have heard wonders about YouTube ads. In fact, you may have seen those good things in action on your own marketing strategy! But don't you wish there was a more cost-effective way to reach out to your YouTube audience?   Research Your Potential Keywords   Keyword research helps identify which terms the audience searches for the most. When it comes to YouTube, there are a few cost-effective ways in which you can carry out this task:   • Looking at the Search Suggestions   Yep, as simple as that. The keywords YouTube offers as suggestions to complete your search can be a great starting point for your SEO strategy since they represent the most searched terms. So, pick...

Custom Intent Audiences and Custom Affinity Audiences have been combined into Custom Audiences. Rather than choosing from a preset list of options from Google, we’re able to create our own audiences based on their interests and, in some instances, their search history. I've really come to enjoy using Custom Audiences, so I want to take the time and walk you through all of the options available for you to leverage for better ad performance. They include: Interest & behavior Types of websites browsed Types of apps downloaded Category of the physical location visited What are the Custom Audience options in Google Ads? Custom Audiences are used for display and YouTube ads. Let's go through what each targeting type means and...

There's a vast difference between the unknown and the unknowable, however. Marketers can use testing to unveil the relationship between specific page-level variables and search rankings. Read on to learn more about: The value of SEO testing. Five SEO testing best practices. Eight SEO tests you can try on your own site. The added value of SEO testing   It’s both risky and expensive to implement a change across your entire site, so it behooves you to evaluate the impact of changes before committing them in-masse. Using an SEO testing approach, you can change a single page or a group of pages and track the results. Overall, SEO testing gives you a competitive edge against more established players in your...

In this post, I'm going to provide five ways to improve your content which, in turn, will improve its algorithmic readability too. They include:   1, Lose the clickbait titles 2, Don't keyword stuff (even if subtle) 3, Quit the over-paragraphing 4, Nix the bulking out of how-to posts for no reason 5, Link with mercy   Why HUMAN readability is important   As mentioned above, readability ranks. They say greater reading ease: Improves user experience. Increases the chances of your post ranking well for voice search. Appeals to search engines that are increasingly attuned to what human beings perceive as worthwhile writing. How to improve your content readability for SEO   On that note, for the sake of your...

In reality, SEO is important because it benefits all businesses. Whether you are managing a small establishment or a large enterprise, you can use SEO to improve your web visibility and attract more customers. As more people visit your website, you can use this chance to earn their trust and convert them into customers. Furthermore, research shows that approximately 93% of online experiences start with search engines like Google and Bing. Whenever someone wants to know more about a particular topic, they can use a search engine and type in a query. If your website ranks high on SERPs, more people could discover your business, which is only possible with SEO. In that case, perhaps you should consider hiring a...

We're all familiar with SEO for Google, but we must remember that social media platforms have widely used search functions, too! And with this expanded search function on Instagram, optimizing your profile and posts for Insta search is a great way to grow your reach get a leg up on your competition. In this guide, we're going to cover exactly what Instagram SEO is, why it's important, and then provide five steps to optimize your account for search. They include:understand: Identify your keywords Identify your KPIs Optimize your bio Optimize your post descriptions (captions, hashtags) Add alt text What is Instagram SEO?   Instagram SEO is the process of optimizing your content in order to rank your profile higher in...

Everybody knows that people would rather watch a video than read a big long blog post (I know, I should have done this as a video too—maybe one day). In fact, 59% of executives say they would rather watch a video than reading text. That’s a lot of people. This means that video SEO can have countless benefits: increased watch time, broader brand awareness, and more sales and leads. Search engines like YouTube and Google use the same fundamentals in their algorithms for website and video ranking. The focus is on providing the user with the very best experience possible, and YouTube video search results have now been combined with Google search results to simplify how people search. In this...

 In this post, you're going to learn everything you need to know in order to carry out an effective SEO (search engine optimization) strategy. We're going to cover: What SEO is and why it's more important than ever. The basics of an SEO strategy (keywords, metadata, and link-building, technical components). Eight specific tactics that will set you up for SEO success based on 2021 SEO trends. 8 tips to apply to your 2021 SEO strategy It isn’t always about trying to go for the most popular search terms and expecting to be able to compete with the big fish right out of the gate. It’s about knowing your audience and trying to provide the content, information, and overall service they...

You’ve heard of SEO (search engine optimization). You’ve probably gotten sales calls from agencies trying to sell you on it. But you might not know as much about SEM. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about SEM, including what makes it different from SEO and how you can apply SEM strategies successfully at your business.   What is SEM (Search Engine Marketing)?   SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing. It’s exactly what it sounds like — marketing on search engines. But it’s exclusively outbound (you finding customers rather than them finding you through inbound marketing tactics like SEO). You’re placing paid ads on a search engine results page (SERP). This is usually called a PPC, or...

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the biggest game-changers in the digital marketing industry. You can use search engines such as Google, thereby these search engines can attracting more customers to your website and increase its online visibility.   The process is very simple. Using high relative keywords will drive traffic to your website and increase its value. So, Google can make your website appear at the top of various search engine results pages (SERPs).   Introduction to SEO Bloggers publish more than 4 million blog posts every day. This means that almost every minute, hundreds of blog posts appear on the Internet. SEO should be the priority, to have competitive advantages among countless bloggers and website owners  ...

In the fast-evolving world of digital search, one thing has become clear: the way people find information online is changing — fast. With AI-powered search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews becoming more common, traditional SEO is no longer enough. If you want to stay visible, it’s time to add a new strategy to your digital playbook: GEO — Generative Engine Optimization. So, what exactly is GEO, how does it differ from SEO, and why should you care in 2025? Let’s break it down in simple terms. Why SEO Alone Isn’t Enough Anymore Just a few years ago, landing on the first page of Google search results was the holy grail of online visibility. But that’s changing. As...

In the past, when people wanted to search for something online, they turned to Google. But in 2025, that's no longer the whole story. Now, people are increasingly asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or Perplexity for recommendations on everything from skincare products to law firms. These AI chat tools aren’t just giving search results—they’re making decisions and recommendations. So, how do you get these tools to recommend your business? That’s where GEO comes in. GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization, is the practice of optimizing your brand, website, and content to be recommended by generative AI tools.Learn more here: What Is GEO and Why It Matters in 2025 Let’s break down the three major ways you can get into AI-generated recommendations—and what...

The world of search is changing—fast. If you're used to doing SEO the traditional way, it's time to look up and meet its new sibling: GEO, or Generative Engine Optimization. But don’t worry, we’ll break it all down in plain English. So, what exactly is GEO? And how is it different from SEO? Let’s get into it. What Is GEO? GEO stands for Generative Engine Optimization. It’s all about making sure your brand or content shows up in AI-powered search experiences—like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, or Perplexity. In the past, when someone searched for something, SEO helped your web page show up in the list of links. But with AI search, users don’t get a list—they get a direct answer....

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Google and Facebook are the two big players in the digital marketing game. They take up a huge percentage of users time online, and have equally sophisticated advertising networks that give you a whole array options for promoting your brand. The question is, which one is going to give your business the best results? To answer that, we need to figure out what exactly these two platforms offer.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] What are Google Ads? [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="12402" img_size="large" alignment="center" style="vc_box_rounded" css=".vc_custom_1571805362194{margin-top: 30px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1571804470282{margin-top: 30px !important;}"]As the world’s largest search engine, Google is the place to be if you want more customers to find you, and Google Ads is the tool that will get you there. Google Ads (formerly known as Google Adwords),...

Google just launched its new AI search experience. And let’s be honest — it’s a game changer. This isn’t just another update. It’s a whole new way people use the internet. With AI answers showing up directly in search results — and tools like Project Mariner that can book restaurants, shop online, or do research for you — users may no longer need to visit your website at all. That’s a big deal.Because if your website can’t be understood or used by AI, your traffic and sales could quietly disappear. But don’t panic. In this post, we’ll walk you through 8 things you can do today to help your website survive — and even grow — in this new AI-driven...

Google has just rolled out its August 2025 Spam Update—the first spam-related update in eight months. Announced on August 29, 2025, this update is expected to take a few weeks to fully roll out and will impact all languages and regions. If your website sees changes in traffic or ranking in the next few weeks, this update could be the reason. What Is a Spam Update? A “spam update” is Google’s way of cleaning up low-quality or manipulative content in search results. That means Google is trying to remove or demote websites that use shady tricks like: AI-generated content with no real value Keyword stuffing (using the same keyword over and over unnaturally) Buying backlinks or using link farms Hidden...

Google’s latest core algorithm update started rolling out on June 30, 2025, and it’s shaking things up across the web. If you've noticed your rankings drop or your traffic dive, you're not alone — this update is global, intense, and targets content more precisely than ever before. While core updates are nothing new, this one brings a significant shift in how Google judges content. Let’s break down what’s happening, who’s being affected, and how you can adapt to protect (or even grow) your traffic. It’s Not Your Whole Site — It’s Individual Pages Now Back in March 2025, Google’s core update evaluated websites at the domain level. It was like checking if your whole house was clean and livable. But...

HORNTECH is a top Auckland SEO agency with a fresh content strategy. The team uses a unique mix to help businesses rank higher. Furthermore, the team specializes in content that boosts engagement and drives traffic. HORNTECH aims for customer satisfaction and long-term growth. Here is a unique approach to using different content types for SEO engine optimization. Blogposts HORNTECH creates insightful blog posts for businesses to attract traffic. The posts focus on relevant topics that potential customers search for. Each post targets specific keywords to improve visibility. Blogs also provide valuable information and keeps the users engaged on the website. Regularly updated blog content keeps the website active. SEO search engines favor fresh content, which improving rankings. Blogs serve as...

Midea, a famous Chinese brand but probably never been aware of in other lands. This Chinese electrical appliance manufacturer decided to expand to a new market in New Zealand. Within a short period of time, they already achieved their target. And how does that happen so easily? Yep, they have been cooperating with Horntech digital marketing company to build up their branding and impression to the public. Web development Horntech has provided a full online marketing service for Midea by helping them create customized websites. One of the most complex things about step into a new market is the local logistic system. It is complicated and frustrated to learn. But horn tech solved this issue by design the website with...

SEO & marketing work hand in hand to drive growth. Each serves different functions, but they overlap in many areas. SEO engine optimization enhances your site’s visibility while marketing promotes your brand. Together, they form a powerful combination to boost your virtual business. Let’s explore the depth of the connection. SEO Boosts Brand Awareness SEO engine optimization helps your website rank higher in search results. When people search for keywords, they find your website first. The increased visibility boosts brand awareness. More people see your name in the top spots. Marketing relies on getting your brand noticed. SEO does the same through organic search. It ensures your website appears when people need information. Consistent SEO improves credibility and trust in...

If someone told you that you could dramatically boost your website traffic without spending money or waiting six months, you’d probably be skeptical. But this proven SEO strategy shows that it’s not only possible — it’s also surprisingly simple. Forget massive backlink campaigns or endless content creation. This method is about optimizing what you already have. And with just three core elements, you can start seeing real results within weeks — or even days. Let’s break down this fast-action SEO framework into its three key components. Step 1: Nail Your First Paragraph The days of long, fluffy introductions are over. Today, Google’s algorithm prioritizes one thing above all else: goal completion. In other words, when someone clicks on your page,...

Have you ever wondered why your business doesn’t show up on Google Maps, even though you’ve set up your Google Business Profile and built a website? Worse yet, some of your local competitors—who don’t seem as good—are ranking above you. If that sounds familiar, this article is for you. We’ve broken down the insights from a helpful video by a senior SEO expert who ranked the top 20 local SEO factors. This blog will show you what truly helps your business rank in the Google Map Pack, what you should prioritize, and what’s simply a waste of time. Let’s dive in. Must-Do SEO Tasks That Really Work These are the most important things you should focus on first if you...

In today’s digital landscape, gaining high-quality backlinks is one of the most effective ways to improve your website’s SEO performance. Whether you're running an e-commerce business or a service-based company, backlinks are critical for boosting authority and visibility in search engines. In this guide, we will show you how to create SEO-friendly linkbait content that attracts backlinks passively, using AI tools, and without requiring coding or design experience. What is Linkbait Content? Linkbait refers to content specifically designed to attract backlinks. Unlike traditional SEO content, which focuses primarily on ranking for targeted keywords, linkbait is built with one primary goal: to generate backlinks. It is content that other websites or influencers in your industry will find valuable and worth linking...

An interesting link profile is what Google looks for when determining whether a piece of content is worthwhile or not since it is a sign of success. It is also mentioned in many sources that link building can also be one single factor behind the rankings of factors. With the regular modifications made in the algorithms of the search engines, this thing may not be the ultimate reality. To learn what is the truth and what is the ultimate reality, let us dive deep into the basics of building links and how it helps in SEO.   What Is Link Building?   Link building refers to the process of building links from other websites to your own. A hyperlink (usually...

Would you believe me if I said you don’t need months or big budgets to see real SEO improvements? Well, I’m here to tell you it’s true — and in this post, I’m going to walk you through how to boost your website traffic by 10× in just 30 minutes using a simple three-step SEO plan. This isn’t theory; it’s how one of my clients achieved a massive traffic increase — with no extra spending. By the end of this, you’ll know where to look and what to tweak, so you can start seeing growth right away. 1. Fix What You Already Have — Don’t Build from Scratch Here’s the thing: most people think you need a huge content calendar,...

The way we search online is changing fast. With tools like ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, and Bing Copilot taking center stage, the old-school SEO playbook is no longer enough. If you want your brand to show up in AI-generated answers, it’s time to look beyond SEO and dive into GEO — Generative Engine Optimization. In this blog, we’ll break down how you can make your content more visible in AI search results, based on real-world tests from SEO expert Matt Diggity. Plus, we’ll give you tips you can start using today to get ahead in this new era. Why GEO Matters Now Just a few years ago, ranking #1 on Google meant you were king. But now, when someone searches,...

The right SEO engine optimization consultant can identify growth opportunities for your business. They should understand the specific goals you want to achieve. A clear strategy and measurable goals are essential for success. With their guidance, you will see improved organic rankings and overall better website performance. Strong strategies presented by search engine optimization consultants produce long-term results. Hiring the right SEO consultant can make or break your business. The expert will help boost your online visibility and drive organic traffic. With so many choices, it is essential to hire a qualified expert. Let’s explore the top qualities to look for in an SEO consultant. Proven Experience in SEO Experience matters when hiring an SEO consultant. You need someone who...

In reality, SEO and SEM are very different, even though they present similar goals.   SEO focuses on organic traffic, while SEM is all about improving web visibility on search engines. Yes, their goals are very similar, but the methods of achieving them are different. Let’s take a look at some of the differences between search engine optimization and search engine marketing.   The Difference Between SEO and SEM   Integrating search engine optimization and search engine marketing is to achieve better web visibility and search engine rankings.   SEO and SEM are different in terms of achieving your goals. Search engine optimization is an organic search strategy, while search engine marketing is a paid search strategy.   Organic search...

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is no longer a mystery. It's not about tricking Google or stuffing keywords into paragraphs until it feels like your page is just screaming for attention. It’s about following a clear checklist and doing the right things, step by step. I recently went through Nathan Gotch’s video, The Ultimate SEO Checklist, and while it’s loaded with great info, it also reminded me of something important: SEO is less about secrets and more about systems. And it’s something every business can (and should) do — especially if you want to grow your traffic and win on Google. So, let’s walk through it. Not with complicated jargon, but with real, useful advice and a few of my own...

SEO vs. SEM: Differences, Use Cases, and What’s Best for Your Brand Getting started with digital marketing can be overwhelming. There are countless platforms, strategies, acronyms, and bits of jargon to learn. Two of the most common are SEO and SEM. They both begin with “Search Engine,” but that last letter makes a big difference. This article explains what each term means, how they compare, and when to use one—or both. What Is SEM? SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing and covers marketing tactics designed to increase a website’s visibility in search engines using paid methods—most commonly PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns via Google Ads or Microsoft Advertising. SEM is ideal for rapid visibility, time-bound promotions, and jump-starting traffic for new or...

In 2021 so far alone, Google has received over 360 billion search queries, as reported by Internet Live Stats. So, how do you make sure that your website pops up for relevant search results? The short answer is through search engine optimization. However, SEO is merely an umbrella term that includes off-page and on-page SEO.   An Overview of On-Page SEO   On-page SEO refers to all optimization strategies that are implemented on your website specifically in hopes of ranking it better. This ranges from the website structure all the way to the content you place on your site.The objective of on-page SEO is to improve the quality and relevancy of your content so that both readers and search engine...

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, staying abreast of the latest trends and tools is not just beneficial—it's essential. One such event that has consistently proven to be a game-changer for digital marketers worldwide is Google Marketing Live. The 2023 edition of this event was no exception, unveiling a plethora of AI-powered tools and features designed to help businesses drive better results, connect more effectively with their customers, and deliver the right message at the right time. The Three C's of Google Marketing Live 2023 Google's presentation at the event was centered around three key themes, referred to as the three C's: customer connection, creative, and confidence. These themes served as the foundation for the new tools and features...

If you own a business of your own, 2020 has been a tough year for you due to the pandemics. However, Haakaa has made their way out of this hell. And their secret is Horntech digital marketing solution. HornTech is a leading overseas digital marketing agency with a young and motivated team. They determined to provide first-class digital marketing services and IT technical support to the world. Based on Haakaa’s demands, horn tech has made a customized digital marketing plan for their online sales. And how that go?  Let’s just put the data on the table: During the 11 months of cooperation between Haakaa and HornTech. Haakaa’s Google advertising has brought 105,000 browsing users: Their sales and revenue brought by Google ads have...

Hiring search engine optimization consultants is an important decision for any business. At HORNTECH, we offer specialized services to improve your website's ranking. Our consultants are experienced in various areas of SEO & marketing. Below are some reasons why hiring us can make a significant difference for your business. Onsite SEO and Technical SEO Audit Our team performs detailed onsite SEO audits. We examine every aspect of your website's structure. It includes identifying technical issues that may affect rankings. We optimize the site's speed, mobile-friendliness, and URL structure. A clean and optimized site improves user experience and search engine visibility. We also ensure your website's content aligns with SEO search optimization guidelines. Our team examines keyword usage, internal linking, and...

If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting an online store—or taking your physical business online—you’ve probably come across Shopify. But what exactly is it, and why are so many Kiwi and Aussie business owners switching to it? Let’s break it down in simple terms: Shopify is an all-in-one eCommerce platform that helps everyday people create beautiful, functional online stores—without needing to know a single line of code. It’s easy to use, quick to launch, and built for growth. Whether you’re a local boutique in Sydney, a tradie in Auckland launching a product line, or a family-owned brand wanting to go global—Shopify makes selling online easier than ever. What Can You Actually Do with Shopify? Here’s what makes Shopify...

The rules of online visibility are changing—and fast. In 2025, more than 60% of Google searches are ending without a single click. That means users are getting their answers directly from AI-generated results, not traditional blue links. For content creators and businesses, this trend signals a major shift. Welcome to the era of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). 🔗 Learn more: From SEO to GEO: Why Generative Engine Optimization Matters in 2025 From Clicks to Quotes: The Rise of AI Search Search is no longer just about ranking on page one. Tools like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity AI now answer user queries instantly—by summarizing and citing information from across the web. If your content isn’t optimized for these generative...

SEO vs. SEM vs. PPC – how do I know the right balance for my business? This question is more complicated than it appears, but the Bold x Collective team is here to help you thoroughly understand the three categories, their abilities, and how to optimize them. Let’s start by discussing the differences between SEO vs. SEM vs. PPC. All three of these options have advantages along with disadvantages. Let’s look more into these. SEO – Search Engine Optimization You don’t have to pay for ads Results take longer This is organic = most trust Relies on algorithms and link building Challenging to measure its process SEM – Search Engine Marketing It can get pricy; pay more for ads =...

If you're running a business here in New Zealand—whether it's a small café in Queenstown, a landscaping service in Tauranga, or a consultancy firm in Wellington—having a strong online presence is no longer optional. It’s essential. And while there are dozens of website platforms out there, one name continues to stand out for small to medium-sized businesses: WordPress. In this article, we’ll explain what WordPress is, why it’s a smart choice for Kiwi businesses, and how you can get started without any tech skills. So, What Exactly Is WordPress? WordPress is a content management system (CMS) that powers over 40% of websites on the internet—including blogs, service sites, e-commerce shops, and even government pages. It’s open-source, flexible, and widely supported,...

On-site search optimization is essential for driving more organic traffic. It ensures your website meets search engine standards while enhancing user experience. Additionally, it helps your site rank higher in search results. As a result, the online platform attracts more visitors. You will also benefit from better content visibility and increased engagement. Here are some essential techniques for beginners to explore. Optimize Title Tags and Meta Descriptions Title tags tell search engines what each page is about. Ensure your title includes relevant keywords for search optimization. Keep it short but descriptive. It helps search engine optimization and users understand your content. Properly optimized titles improve visibility in search results. Meta descriptions are equally important. They provide a brief overview of...