MARKETING, DESIGN + PHOTOGRAPHY INSIGHTS FOR NZ BUSINESSES.
Welcome to the Shout + Co. journal. As an Auckland-based creative agency, we share our latest tips, behind-the-scenes projects and expert advice to help you grow your brand. Browse our articles below covering everything from custom web design and SEO, to commercial photography and social media strategy.
We take you behind the scenes on our latest photoshoot
Come behind the scenes with us at our latest photoshoot. We show you how we prepare for a shoot, what is packed, how we set up, what happens during a shoot and the wrap up.
Website Red Flags: Is Your Site Scaring Customers Away?
You’ve spent months perfecting your product. Your Instagram feed is a curated masterpiece. You’re finally driving traffic to your site but the sales just aren’t happening. If your bounce rate is high and your ADD TO CART button is feeling lonely, it might not be your product that’s the problem - it might be your digital storefront.
5 fonts we’re obsessed with this month (and why they work)
Typography is the silent ambassador of your brand. Before a customer reads a single word of your copy, the font has already told them if you are expensive or affordable, traditional or disruptive, serious or playful.
As we settle into 2026, we’re seeing a massive shift away from the bland-branding of the last decade. Brands are ditching safe, neutral sans-serifs in favour of typefaces with real soul and personality. Here are the five fonts we’re currently loving and why they are working so hard for modern brands right now.
SEO That Sells: 3 simple ways to make Google love your site
A beautiful website is one thing, but one that ensures you get seen in Google searches is what REALLY makes the difference. Marketers and designers will often talk about the "look and feel" of a website, but there’s no point in having a beautiful digital “home” for your business if nobody can find the proverbial front door…
Which is where SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) comes in.
While the backend of SEO can get technical - and a little scary if you’re not digitally-inclined - there are three high-impact areas that you can focus on that can have an immediate effect on your website’s visibility.
Here is how to get the basics right so your brand can start "shouting" louder in the search results.
Reels vs. TikTok in 2026: Where should NZ businesses focus?
Remember back in 2022 when people thought TikTok was just for Gen Z dance challenges? That feels like ancient history now… In 2026, these platforms have matured and now serve different purposes in the Kiwi digital ecosystem.
Here is the current state of play for NZ businesses trying to decide where to focus.
Refresh vs. Rebrand: Is it time for a total overhaul or just a "dust-off"?
As your business grows, markets shift and design trends evolve, there might come a point when you look at your logo, your website or even your overall vibe and realise that something just feels… off.
Your knee-jerk reaction may be to fully rebrand in order to get things back on track, and while that could be the right choice in some cases, it’s not wisest move.
So which decision IS the right one? Making the wrong choice can either result in a wasted budget - or worse - alienating the loyal audience you’ve worked so hard to build. Here is how to tell which path is right for you.
Flat lay vs. lifestyle: which photography style is better for your brand?
We can all agree that the marketplace is… crowded. No matter what industry you’re in, finding your niche these days can be a challenge. So what helps set you apart? Is it your enigmatic online persona that you share with the world via your socials? Your brand colours? The way your website looks sleek and polished? The answer to these prompts? Perhaps. Not really. It can help… We’d argue that while all of those things are good for business, the way your brand looks, feels, comes across, takes up visual space are probably what’s grabbing audience attention the most at the moment.
Marketing trends to watch in 2025
As we move further into 2025, the world of marketing continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Technology, consumer behaviour and cultural shifts are constantly reshaping the strategies that brands use to engage their audiences. Marketers who can adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to stay ahead of the competition.
So, what marketing trends are set to define the year? Let’s take a look at some of the most exciting developments in the marketing landscape in 2025.
Does your business have a brand video?
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first world, businesses need to find innovative ways to stand out and build meaningful connections with their audience. While traditional marketing methods still have their place, video content has emerged as one of the most effective ways to capture attention and convey a message. Among the various types of video content available, a brand video is particularly powerful. But why exactly does YOUR business need one? Here you go…
Are your website images web-ready?
Images are a crucial element of any website: without them, your website simply wouldn’t be able to do its job effectively.
And yet as crucial as they are, it’s unfortunately not just a case of choosing an image and loading it onto your site: there’s a bit of work that needs to be done in the backend of the process to ensure the imagery you use is web-ready. Unoptimised images can harm your site’s performance, leading to slower load times and frustrated users…
Yes or no to Black Friday sales?
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and for many businesses, it’s a prime opportunity to boost sales, attract new customers, and clear out inventory. However, before jumping in headfirst and slashing prices, it's important to carefully consider whether a Black Friday promotion is right for your business this year. Here are some key factors to help you decide.
What audio should I be using on my Reels?
So you’ve got your Reel edited and ready to go, now all you need to do is find the perfect audio for it. There are literally millions of options on TikTok and Insta, so how do you know what to use? Audio plays a crucial role in capturing attention and conveying your message effectively and yet more effort is put into getting the visuals right. Here’s a guide to choosing the right audio that not only fits your content and brand, but also engages your audience.
Make your next post a carousel
Gone are the days of posting a single image to Instagram and getting a heap of engagement and likes. Carousels (i.e. Instagram posts with more than 1 image in the stack) have overtaken single image posts as a far more effective content type. While single image posts have their place, carousel posts offer a range of benefits that can enhance storytelling, engagement, and overall reach. It’s for this very reason that we suggest making carousels a permanent part of your social media strategy.
What’s coming: Instagram Edition
Instagram has long been synonymous with the square image format, a style that defined its early years and contributed to its rapid rise as a visual-centric social media platform. However, in a move that reflects changing user preferences and the evolution of visual storytelling, Instagram has shifted its primary feed format from the traditional square (1:1) to a taller 4:5 aspect ratio. This change marks a significant departure from its roots and presents both opportunities and challenges for users and brands alike.
The Meta Pixel 101
Now - more than ever - understanding your audience is crucial for crafting effective campaigns. One powerful tool to help you achieve this is the Meta Pixel.
If, like many others, you get anxious at the thought of having to manage the pixel on top of everything else in the Metaverse, then keep reading. We’re going to share with you what the pixel is, why should you incorporate it into your marketing strategy and how you can effectively use it once installed, making the pixel one less thing to be confused about as you build your brand online.
Website Fundamentals
Creating a new website (or updating an existing one) can be an exciting (albeit daunting) task. And to celebrate the refresh of Shout + Co.’s own website, we thought we’d share with you the technical fundamentals that need to be in place in order for your website to be as effective and responsive as possible.
Is Halloween content right for your brand?
For brands, Halloween presents a tantalising opportunity to engage with consumers through themed content. But the big question remains for many: is it worth diving head first into generating spooky content, or should brands steer clear?
We’re about to make that decision-making process a bit easier for you:
Visual Consistency
When it comes to marketing your brand and amplifying its offer, the visuals (images, video, graphics, branding etc) are one of your business’s most important assets.
For them to work, the visuals have to be deliberate and coherent. A random assortment of ill-fitting images and visual cues do nothing to help audiences recognise and understand your brand. Visuals that are consistent however, do.
Local SEO
If you want your business to be visible online, then get comfortable with the concept of SEO…
For location-based businesses—such as restaurants, retail stores, and service providers—local SEO is a game-changer. It ensures that when potential customers search for services or products near them, your business is prominently displayed. What makes local SEO so crucial? We’re so glad you asked…
How to make a standout Reel
Reels are undoubtedly the golden child of the social media world. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok pushing short-form video content to the forefront, mastering the art of creating effective reels can significantly boost your online presence. But what makes a reel truly stand out? Here’s a guide to help you create engaging and impactful reels that resonate with your audience.
NEED HELP IMPLEMENTING THESE STRATEGIES?
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