AskCatherine.NZ

AskCatherine.NZ I have over 25 years of marketing and communications experience. Marketing is absolutely essential. This is where I can help. I look forward to working with you!

If you need support with your marketing, advertising, website, social media or strategy and planning then I can help you. I started AskCatherine as I want to be able to help small and medium sized businesses, the creative arts and not-for-profit organisations with their marketing. People need to know who you are, where you are and what you can do for them. If you are a small business, an artist

or musician or a charity organisation, you might feel it’s hard to know where to start, or what it is that you need to do? By working with AskCatherine you can have the marketing expertise when you really need it, so you can dip in and out of the services I offer. If you need support with your marketing, advertising, website, social media or strategy and planning then I can help you. You can DM me, call me on 022 350 7147 or drop me an email.

The reason most small business owners struggle with Instagram consistency isn’t lack of ideas. 🧐 🧠It’s lack of a system....
01/04/2026

The reason most small business owners struggle with Instagram consistency isn’t lack of ideas. 🧐 🧠

It’s lack of a system.

Welcome to part 1️⃣3️⃣ in the series helping you to grow on instagram. 📈

💜You may have noticed that I have started building themes into these posts, so that we can deal with one growth area more fully - is that helpful? Let me know.

When you sit down to post without a plan, you can spend the first 20 minutes ⏰ staring at a blank screen. You post something that feels rushed. 🏃‍♀️It does OK but not great, and you tell yourself you’ll plan 🗓️ ahead next time.

Sound familiar?

The good news is that the system doesn’t need to be complicated. ✅

A simple weekly calendar with the date / post idea / Story idea / CTA - is all you need to go from reactive to intentional, and believe me, it takes the pressure off BIG time and leaves more time to focus on your business. 👩‍💼

Batching helps too. Film 🎥 all your Reels in one go, design all your carousels 🎠 in one session, your brain stays in one mode and your content process speeds up. It really does take away content stress!

This week’s checklist is about building the habit of planning, not just posting. 🗒️

How far ahead do you currently plan your content? Be honest in the comments 👇

💾 Save this — great starting point if your content feels chaotic right now.
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27/03/2026

Struggling to get your Reels seen? Try these 5 Tips👇

The Instagram algorithm isn’t difficult to understand.
By making a few simple changes you can increase the number of people your content reaches.

🤝Reply to comments and DMs and start conversations within the first 48hours.This signals to Instagram that your content is valuable and deserves wider reach.

🎥 Check your video settings on your phone. You don’t need lots of tech to make good videos, your camera is more than capable.

📊 Use your Insights, the data will tell you exactly who’s watching and for how long. Then make changes - you can test these out on trial reels first.

🎵 Try out trending audio on your carousels and images (if it fits your content). That makes them eligible to appear on the Reels tab, which is a whole new audience.

Save this for later and try one tip this week. Let me know in the comments which one you’re going to test! 👇

🔎 Which tip surprised you most?

The most powerful Instagram growth tool costs nothing and takes 10 minutes a day! 🤩👍🤩It’s your DMs. 🥳Instagram’s algorit...
25/03/2026

The most powerful Instagram growth tool costs nothing and takes 10 minutes a day! 🤩👍🤩

It’s your DMs. 🥳

Instagram’s algorithm pays close attention to DM conversations. How active your DM’s sends out signals that you are building real relationships and genuine interest with your community. 🙋‍♀️

DMs are where trust actually gets built. Not in captions, not in comments. In conversations.

The shift from “leave a comment” to “DM me the word STARTER” isn’t just a tactical change. It’s a different kind of relationship with your audience — quieter, warmer, and far more likely to lead somewhere.

This week’s checklist is about building community, not just followers.
When did you last send a genuine DM to someone you follow — no pitch, no agenda, just a real message? If the answer is “a while ago”, that’s your homework this week. 😊

💬 Drop a comment and tell me one thing from this list you’re going to try.

💾 Save this — great to revisit when your engagement feels flat.
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Stop checking your Instagram stats every day. Seriously. 😎🤩Daily data creates anxiety, not insight. 😫 A post that looks ...
18/03/2026

Stop checking your Instagram stats every day. Seriously. 😎🤩

Daily data creates anxiety, not insight. 😫

A post that looks like it’s underperforming on day one might be doing really well by day three. The patterns that actually tell you something useful only become visible when you zoom out. 🔍

And when you do look, the numbers that matter most aren’t the ones most people obsess over.

Likes are nice. Saves are what counts.

💜Saves 💾tell you that someone found your content valuable enough to come back to.

💜Reach tells you how well Instagram is distributing your content.

💜Profile visits tell you whether that content is converting into real interest.

These three together give you a proper picture. 😍

This week’s checklist for Instagram growth is all about knowing what to look at and what to do with what you find.

Which metric do you check first? ( and how often??😉) Tell me in the comments 👇

💾 Save this for when you do your next review.
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Your Instagram bio is a valuable tool, so make sure it works for you!👌🚀Here are some tips to help you get found and get ...
16/03/2026

Your Instagram bio is a valuable tool, so make sure it works for you!👌🚀

Here are some tips to help you get found and get followed:

Think of your bio as your storefront. It’s the first thing people see when they visit your page, so keep it simple and inviting.💪

Profile Picture:😎
* Make sure your picture is clear and you’re facing forward.
* Use pfpmaker.com to add your brand colours.
* Note: There are character limits on your bio, so test it before going live.

Keywords:🔑
* You have 30 characters for your username.
* Use keywords in your username and name to improve searchability and make it easier to remember.

Bio:💯
* The limit is 150 characters. Keep it simple and use emojis to add personality and save space.
* Line 1: What do you do?
* Line 2: Who do you help?
* Line 3: Call to action

Avoid using unusual characters or unreadable fonts and keep it branded.

Story Highlights:🤩

1. About You:
Share your story and explain why you do what you do.

2. How People Can Work With You:
Describe the services you provide and how potential clients can access more information.

3. Testimonials:
Share what people you’ve worked with think of you and whether they’d work with you again.

4. Tips:
Offer quick tips and showcase your experience and skills.

5. Links:
* You can have up to 5 links. Include your Threads link, store link, AI bot link, and other platforms.
* Before going live, give your bio a final check.

I recommend regularly checking and optimising your bio, and tweaking it as needed.

If you found this helpful and you would like more tips on how to make your account stand out follow . 😍

If you would like some FREE strategy tips then comment STRATEGY and I will send them right over to you.
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Are you fed up putting in the work, posting and then getting crickets? 🦗😎If Instagram feels like you’re just throwing co...
13/03/2026

Are you fed up putting in the work, posting and then getting crickets? 🦗😎

If Instagram feels like you’re just throwing content into the void and hoping something sticks then this is for you! 💯🤩

I’ve put together a 🆓 Instagram Strategy Starter Kit to help you get clear on the basics:

* what to post,
* who you’re talking to, and
* how to make your account actually work for your business.

No overwhelm. No jargon. Just a practical starting point you can use straight away. 😍🥳

Inside you’ll find:

✅ How to set goals that shape your content

✅ How to define your audience (so the right people find you)

✅ Your content pillars — the foundation of everything you post

✅ Simple steps to get your profile working harder for you

It’s free, and it’s practical. Better still it’s designed for busy business owners like you who want results - not just more to-do lists.

DM me the word START and I’ll send it straight to you. 📩
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If talking about your offers on Instagram makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone.💯🤩It’s Wednesday, so it series time!...
11/03/2026

If talking about your offers on Instagram makes you uncomfortable, you’re not alone.💯🤩

It’s Wednesday, so it series time! More instagram tips to help you grow. 📈

Most small business owners underpromote their products and services. FACT.

Does this sound like you? You worry about coming across as salesy 🧾so you mention your offer once, get no response, 😟 and then assume nobody’s interested. You don’t want to come across as pushy, so you don’t talk about your offer(s) enough. 🗣️

I understand, that was me too, not that long ago. 😎

But the truth is most people aren’t ignoring your offer. They just haven’t seen it enough times yet, in the right context, explained in the right way.

People need to see your offer about 7️⃣ times before taking action. 💪✅

Selling on Instagram works when it feels like helping 😍When you lead with value and share the transformation (not just the features). Make it genuinely easy for someone to say yes - then it stops feeling like selling at all. 💰

This week’s checklist is about making sales a natural part of your content, not a big awkward moment once a month. So schedule your offer posts in today. 🤩🤩

What’s the thing that holds you back when it comes to promoting your offers? I’d genuinely love to know, drop it in the comments 👇

💾 Save this for when you’re planning your next offer post.
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5,000 followers sounds like a big number. But it’s closer than most people think, if you’re working on the right things....
09/03/2026

5,000 followers sounds like a big number. But it’s closer than most people think, if you’re working on the right things. 😍💯

The mistake I see most often? Focusing on just one lever, usually posting more and wondering why nothing changes.

Growth on Instagram comes from all of these working together.👌

💜Research tells you who you’re talking to.
💜Optimising your profile means people who find you actually stay.
💜Strategy keeps your content consistent and searchable.
💜Insights show you what to double down on.
💜Consistency builds trust over time.
💜Community turns followers into people who genuinely care.
💜And engagement signals to Instagram exactly who should see your content next.

None of this is complicated. But it does take intention.✅

One of my clients described it well, within six months of working together he saw “huge growth of his fanbase and measurable brand recognition.” That didn’t come from posting more. It came from having a plan.💪💯

Which of these seven areas do you know you could work on? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to know where people are focusing right now.😍

💾 Save this for when your growth feels stuck.

Want support putting this into practice? Book a free 15-minute call via the link in my bio or DM me STARTER for my free Instagram Strategy Starter Kit.

If you’ve been putting off Reels🎬 because they feel like a whole production… you’re not alone. 💯😍Welcome to Part 9 in th...
04/03/2026

If you’ve been putting off Reels🎬 because they feel like a whole production… you’re not alone. 💯😍

Welcome to Part 9 in the “Do This To Grow” Instagram growth checklist series.
Today we check out reels.

Most Reels don’t flop because you’re not “good on camera”. 🤳

They flop because they’re trying to say too much at once.

So for your next Reel, make it really simple:

🟣 Pick just one point. One tip. One fix. 1️⃣
🟣 Keep it short. Make the first line clear.
🟣 Make the cover tell people exactly what they’ll get.

Use a Template, it’s not cheating, you’re borrowing a structure that already works, and making it yours.✅

Then do the bit most people forget: post it!
And see how it keeps working for you after you post it.

💜 Save this for the next time you’re putting off that reel!

If you want this done properly (content ideas, hooks, keywords, and a plan you can actually follow), my Instagram Strategy Toolkit is for you. Comment “9” and I’ll send you the details.

Which are you more likely to overthink, the filming… or the wording? Tell me below 👇

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If Stories feel like “one more thing”… this is how to keep them simple.👌💯Welcome to Part 8 in the “Do This To Grow” Inst...
25/02/2026

If Stories feel like “one more thing”… this is how to keep them simple.👌💯

Welcome to Part 8 in the “Do This To Grow” Instagram growth checklist series.

Stories are where people decide if they trust you - because you’re present.

Instead of trying to do too much, try this:

Today, share one quick thing:

* a 10–15 second “talking to camera” 📸 answer to a question you get a lot
* OR a tiny behind-the-scenes moment (what you’re working on and why it matters)
* OR a small win 🥇 from today (progress is relatable)

Then do this one small move to connect:
Reply to a few Story viewers with something genuinely friendly (don’t pitch). Even a simple “Thanks 🙏for watching — how’s your week going?” is enough.

That’s how Stories start to work:
more replies = more connection = better reach over time.✅

💜 Save this so you don’t overthink it.

If you want a simple plan that tells you what to post + what to say including Hooks, CTA’s key words, (without making it a chore🧹) my Instagram Strategy Toolkit will work for you.
Comment “8” and I’ll send you the details.🤩👌

What’s the easiest Story for you to post today…talking-to-camera, behind-the-scenes, or a tiny win? 👇
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If you’re posting consistently but your reach still feels a bit… meh then Part 7 is for you. 💜Welcome to Part 7 in the “...
18/02/2026

If you’re posting consistently but your reach still feels a bit… meh then Part 7 is for you. 💜

Welcome to Part 7 in the “Do This To Grow” Instagram growth checklist series.

Part 7 is all about the small tweaks that will make your content:

a) easier to understand
b) easier to read

If your content can do this then it will get in front of the people who matter.

Read and save this checklist:

✅ Start with a one-line hook that calls out who it’s for
Try: “For [who] who want [result] without [pain].”

✅ Make your caption easy to scan (People read on the go.)
Think: Short lines, clear spacing and mini headings.

✅ Add “Save this” when it’s a checklist / steps / tutorial
Saves are a strong signal that your post is useful.

✅ Don’t reinvent the wheel - repurpose content that works!Keep it simple, repeatable, and brilliant for shares.

✅ Create a weekly format people recognise
Think: “Wednesday Checklist” or “Friday Fix” — it builds familiarity fast.

✅ Add Alt Text
Helps with accessibility and gives Instagram extra context.

✅ Use a location tag when it makes sense
Especially if you work locally (hello local business owners 👋).

✅ Repurpose your best Story into tomorrow’s post
that way you create momentum without extra effort.

💜 Save this so you can use it as your posting checklist.

If you want all of this mapped out for your account (hooks, content plan, captions, SEO keywords, CTAs…), my Instagram Strategy Toolkit is there to make it simple. Comment “7” for details .

Your turn: which 2 tips will you use on your next post? Comment below👇
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16/02/2026

Small steps👣can = big impact. 💪👌

If your Instagram looks good but your reach, engagement or enquiries aren’t where you want them… it’s usually because you don’t have a complete Instagram strategy.

Here are the foundations I use when I create a client’s content strategy ♟️ (you can apply the same steps to your own account):

1) Start with clarity 🪞�What’s your niche? Who are you for? What do you want to be known for? One clear message beats five vague ones.

2) Make your visuals instantly recognisable 👓✌️�Same colours, fonts and style = people know it’s you before they even read the caption.

3) Write captions that guide the reader�Hook → value → next step. Grab attention, give something they need and then tell people what the next step is… save, comment, share, click, enquire. 💗📈

4) Use keywords (not just hashtags) 🔑�Think Instagram SEO: use the words your ideal client would search for in your caption and on-screen text.

5) Show the difference you make �Results, stories, proof, process. People connect to impact, not perfection.

6) Pick the right format for the job�Reels = reach, carousels = saves, Stories = trust. Match the format to the message. Check out my recent post on instagram formats.

💜Save this for later 💜
�If you want a done-for-you Instagram strategy (so you stop guessing what to post) comment ’Strategy’ and I’ll send you more details. ✅

❓🙋‍♀️Quick question: which one are you missing right now — clarity, keywords, or calls to action? Let me know and I’ll post about them in my stories.
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About AskCatherine

I started AskCatherine as I want to be able to help small and medium sized businesses, the creative arts and not-for-profit organisations with their marketing.

Marketing is absolutely essential. People need to know who you are, where you are and what you can do for them. If you are a small business, an artist or musician or a charity organisation, you might feel it’s hard to know where to start, or what it is that you need to do? This is where I can help.

By working with AskCatherine you can have the marketing expertise when you really need it, without the expense and complication of employing someone permanent, so you can dip in and out of the services I offer.

If you need support with your marketing, advertising, website, social media or strategy and planning then I can help you. Call me on: 022 350 7147 or drop me an email.