The Marketing Lab

The Marketing Lab Catalysts and cheerleaders for change. Redefining the brief and solving the unseen. Relentlessly focused on the future, on growth and the pathway to get there.

We exist for everyday businesses and to solve the marketing problems they face.

And neither will prettier graphics. Or another boosted post. Or a “quick campaign”.If people don’t understand what you d...
17/09/2026

And neither will prettier graphics. Or another boosted post. Or a “quick campaign”.

If people don’t understand what you do, who it’s for, and why it matters, more content just becomes more noise.

Clarity first. Content second.

Are you making a strategic decision? Or a fear-based one?Because when you’re watching the bank balance, waiting for enqu...
10/09/2026

Are you making a strategic decision? Or a fear-based one?

Because when you’re watching the bank balance, waiting for enquiries, and bracing for the next dip, it’s easy to mistake panic for good judgement.

Clear head first. Marketing second.

Our article explains: https://mlab.co.nz/trust-first-then-plan-then-do/

You expect construction materials to be concrete, steel and timber.Then Hiberna Modular walks in with locally sourced st...
03/09/2026

You expect construction materials to be concrete, steel and timber.

Then Hiberna Modular walks in with locally sourced straw, structural panels, lime plaster and a very good argument for doing things differently.

The challenge wasn’t just to build a website so they could be found. Their challenge was to help how New Zealand thinks about better, warmer, lower-carbon buildings. So we crafted a story - beyond the structurally smart, healthier, warmer credentials, and into the mainstream conversation.

That’s the biggest challenge for brands that are challenging the status quo: hold the line but find a voice that connects more broadly too.

My favourite question to ask a business owner is "What marketing problem are we actually trying to fix?" Too often, the ...
27/08/2026

My favourite question to ask a business owner is "What marketing problem are we actually trying to fix?" Too often, the answer we get is “I don’t have enough campaigns running, I need to post more".

But what if that’s not the issue? What if the issue is your price point? The way you talk about what you do? What if it’s (wait for the shock), your team isn't giving good customer service?

Get clarity first, do the rest after that.

Read our latest founder's post on focusing on the right problem: https://mlab.co.nz/whats-the-actual-marketing-problem-youre-solving/

Here’s a slightly uncomfortable observation - you might not need more people looking at your business. You might need mo...
20/08/2026

Here’s a slightly uncomfortable observation - you might not need more people looking at your business. You might need more people understanding it.

Because awareness is only useful if it leads somewhere. And if your offer, website, messaging or follow-up isn't doing its job, then more traffic just means more people leaving confused. Harsh. Helpful. True.

One of the things we’ve learned living and working in provincial New Zealand is that trust doesn't happen through a camp...
13/08/2026

One of the things we’ve learned living and working in provincial New Zealand is that trust doesn't happen through a campaign. It happens over time. It happens when you show up.

When the Forsyth Barr Central Otago team asked us how to connect in this region, the answer was simple. Back local events. Support community. Start real conversations about the things that matter to people in your region.

In the provinces, trust isn’t built from behind a desk. It’s built through human contact.

06/08/2026

A decade ago, we had the absolute pleasure of working in the same space and alongside this powerhouse of a human, Alice Herald…a few years later we had the similar good fortune of working with the talented humans Bunker Street Film Co. The story telling power when the collab is 🔥- see for yourself.

We’ve noticed something. The moment everything becomes urgent, things become reactive. And your strategy - the ‘where’ y...
06/08/2026

We’ve noticed something. The moment everything becomes urgent, things become reactive. And your strategy - the ‘where’ you want to take this business, the north star that keeps it all consistent and on track - it quietly leaves the room.

Suddenly, there are urgent posts. Overspend on ads. Brochures done on the fly. Websites tweaked.

Good marketing isn't just about deciding what to do. It's about having the courage to say, "Not that. Not yet."

I’ve seen plenty of good marketing plans get pulled apart too early.Enquiries slow down, the numbers feel uncomfortable,...
30/07/2026

I’ve seen plenty of good marketing plans get pulled apart too early.

Enquiries slow down, the numbers feel uncomfortable, and suddenly we’re changing direction, pausing campaigns or questioning every decision.

I get it. But marketing needs time. And that means trusting the people you’re working with, trusting the plan you’ve agreed on, and giving the work a proper chance.
Trust first. Then plan. Then do.

Read our latest founder’s post - https://mlab.co.nz/trust-first-then-plan-then-do/

You expect a restaurant to talk about food. Treehouse talks about feeling. It’s a little moody. A little curious. A litt...
23/07/2026

You expect a restaurant to talk about food. Treehouse talks about feeling. It’s a little moody. A little curious. A little "let's just have one drink", and suddenly you're ordering dessert.

That’s what getting to grips with your brand helps you do - it’s the story that draws people in. And if the promise matches the experience, boom! Slowly, surely, week after week. Turns out, quiet excellence still has a habit of making plenty of noise.

And now? These guys have a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide NZ 2026.

Address

3 Frederick Street
Wanaka
9305

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Marketing Lab posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Marketing Lab:

Shortcuts

Share

Category