October 18, 2024

How to Develop Content for a Website: A Step-by-Step Guide for Kiwi Businesses

Creating impactful website content is essential for any business looking to stand out in the digital world, whether you're serving a local New Zealand audience or expanding your reach overseas. Great content not only attracts visitors but also converts them into loyal customers. At Kōwhai Creative, we understand the importance of well-crafted content for businesses of all sizes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to develop content for a website that engages both local and global audiences.

1. Understand Your Audience

Whether you’re targeting local Kiwi customers or international markets, the first step is understanding who you’re writing for. Define your audience personas, which could vary from small business owners in New Zealand to large enterprises overseas. By understanding your audience’s goals, challenges, and motivations, you can tailor your content to address their specific needs.

For example, if your business is based in New Zealand but sells products internationally, consider how you can highlight your Kiwi roots while also appealing to overseas customers who may appreciate New Zealand’s reputation for quality, sustainability, or innovation.

2. Build a Clear Content Structure

An organised website helps visitors find what they need quickly and easily. Whether you’re targeting clients in Auckland, Sydney, or Singapore, the structure of your site should be clear and intuitive. Start by outlining the key pages:

  1. Homepage: Provide an overview of your business and its key offerings.
  2. About Us: Share your brand’s story, values, and mission to build trust with both local and international audiences.
  3. Services or Products: Clearly describe what you offer, ensuring that each service or product page is optimised for your target market.
  4. Contact: Make it simple for potential clients from anywhere in the world to get in touch with you.

Each section should be easy to navigate, with concise headlines and clear messaging. Visitors to your site—whether local or overseas—won’t spend much time searching for information, so make sure your content is well-organised and to the point.

3. Optimise for SEO, But Keep it Human

When developing content for your website, search engine optimisation (SEO) is crucial, no matter where your audience is based. Research keywords that are relevant both locally and internationally, depending on your target markets. For example, if you're offering your services in New Zealand but also expanding into Australia or the UK, make sure your keywords reflect those regions as well.

That said, don’t let SEO dictate your writing. It’s important to weave keywords naturally into your content without compromising on quality. For instance, if your keyword is "professional plumbing services in New Zealand," ensure it's integrated smoothly into your service pages while keeping your tone engaging and informative.

4. Tailor Your Tone and Messaging

Your tone of voice should reflect your brand identity while also resonating with your target audience. For New Zealand-based businesses, this may mean keeping your language approachable and down-to-earth. For international audiences, you may need to adjust the tone slightly to ensure your message is clear across different cultural contexts.

If your brand represents New Zealand craftsmanship or innovation, make sure this is communicated in a way that both local and global audiences can appreciate. Highlight the unique aspects of your business that resonate internationally, such as sustainability, ethical production, or high quality.

5. Use Visuals to Tell Your Story

Great content isn’t limited to text—visuals play a huge role in engaging visitors and communicating your brand message. No matter where your audience is based, incorporating high-quality images, infographics, and videos can significantly enhance the user experience on your site.

For businesses targeting global markets, think about how you can showcase your products or services visually in a way that appeals to international customers. Professional photography, engaging product videos, and culturally relevant graphics can help tell your story to a broader audience.

6. Keep It Fresh and Relevant

Creating great content doesn’t stop once your website is live. To maintain engagement and boost SEO rankings, regularly update your content with new blogs, case studies, or customer success stories. For businesses that serve both New Zealand and international audiences, this also gives you the chance to highlight any new offerings or success stories from different regions.

Staying relevant also means being aware of industry trends and how they impact your audience. For instance, if you’re in the tech or tourism industries, you might want to share insights or updates that relate to global market shifts or innovations happening in your sector.

7. Make Sure Your Calls to Action are Clear

Whether you're speaking to a Kiwi audience or international customers, every page on your website should include a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s "Request a Quote," "Download Our Guide," or "Shop Now," your CTA should encourage users to take the next step in their journey with your business.

If you're targeting global audiences, ensure that CTAs are easy to understand and culturally appropriate. Consider time zones, shipping policies, or different currencies if you’re dealing with international eCommerce or service offerings. Make it as easy as possible for people from anywhere in the world to engage with your business.

Developing website content that resonates with both New Zealand and overseas audiences requires a strategic approach. By understanding your audience, focusing on SEO, tailoring your message, and keeping your site fresh, you can create content that connects with visitors no matter where they are.

At Kōwhai Creative, we specialise in crafting content that elevates brands and speaks to their unique markets, both locally and internationally. Ready to create a website that works for your business? Get in touch today, and let’s build something great together!

By following these steps, your website will become a powerful tool for growing your business, whether you're focused on the local market or expanding globally. Remember, content is the key to making a lasting impression—so make sure it’s relevant, engaging, and designed to deliver results.