A Marketing Biz that Plays to Strengths

Martina Saville is a busy mum and CEO who finds satisfaction in her work and the juggle of balancing it all. She leads the team at Virtual Marketers alongside Fran Bellingham, based in Wellington. Founded by Fran in 2018, it was an opportunity to work flexibly herself, as well as provide flexible marketing support to foundation clients - and this woman-led team haven’t looked back!

What’s your biz?

Virtual Marketers is an on-demand marketing partner, offering flexible, expert support without the overhead of full-time hires. We embed seamlessly into your business to deliver strategic marketing execution across content, SEO, website creation, digital campaigns, design and more.

Partnering with us means gaining senior marketing expertise, reliable execution, and the flexibility to scale marketing support as your business evolves.

Who do you work with? What sets you apart?

Small and medium sized businesses that need a marketing resource, need to support an inhouse junior marketer, or a larger company with a specific marketing project they need to outsource.

We've also started supporting other agencies with our new Agency Expander service, powering up NZ and AU agencies with expert marketing support. We plug into design, web, media and advertising agencies within 24 hours, giving them instant access to top-tier marketing expertise without the hassle of hiring.

So, you're an agency that needs extra hands for client projects, niche expertise in one area, or a highly specialised marketing team, we’ve got you covered.

What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?

I'm a Mum of 3, aged 11-17 years. Once those kids are out the door each morning, I typically work from home to maximise my school hours of 8am-4pm and juggle loads of washing between Google Meets!

My role of CEO sees me managing operations for our business, finance and HR, while leading the team that looks after our regular monthly marketing clients.

I also enjoy being 'on the tools' in my happy marketing place of Content Strategist. Connecting with our clients and supporting the wider programme of work that our permanent team of 8 deliver, brings me immense satisfaction.

Work and a busy home life is always a challenge, but I love the work we do and working with our talented, tight knit team.

What are some of the key milestones in your business journey so far?

Best Places to Work Finalist in 2024 - one thing I'm proud of the most in my professional work is building a community of awesome marketers that love the work they do and coming to work each day. We're picky about who we hire, and have lots of fun along the way.

Best Places to Work Shortlist, awaiting Finalist announcement in 2025.

Wellington Gold Awards 2025 Finalist - we decided to give this award a shot this year and were delighted to be selected as a finalist amongst some other impressive companies. We've worked hard to build our reputation in Wellington and Auckland particularly and this was a huge acknowledgement of the impact we've made for local businesses.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far - and how have you overcome them?

A global pandemic and a subsequent economic downturn! Business can be hard, and managing clients who are stressed about their businesses puts a lot of pressure on our team.

We're fortunate that we have a tight team of permanent staff and use contractors to manage work flow surges.

What are you most excited about in your business right now?

We are focused on growth and our BHAG is to be NZ’s Top Virtual Marketing Agency. Watch this space!

What’s worked best for you to build brand awareness and get customers?

Our reputation is built on reputation - consistently doing great work and hiring the best people.

Referrals remain our best way of attracting quality, longstanding clients, along with a targeted digital marketing strategy.

What is one of the important lessons you've learnt as a business owner? What advice would you share to someone starting out?

Back yourself to deliver great work/service, but don't be scared to ask for help along the way.

My business partner and I strongly believe in playing to our strengths and call each other out when we stray!

How does being a part of She Owns It help you in your business journey? 

She Owns It has been a great way to attract to sense check business sentiment, ask for help and make connections with talented contractors to support the work we do.

⚡️ FAST 5:

1. One thing you’d tell your younger self starting out?
Less is more! It doesn't need to be perfect right from the start

2. Your favourite biz or personal development books or podcasts?
Armchair Expert for their interviews with social scientists

3. How many tabs do you have open right now?
15 - no idea if this is a lot?!

4. What's your go-to power song?
This month "Are you with me now?" - Cate Le Bon.

5. A quote you love and why?
Atomic Habit's concept of "1% better every day" - this one sticks for me because its smart AND achievable.

How can people connect with you and your business?

https://www.virtualmarketers.co.nz/
https://www.instagram.com/virtualmarketers/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-saville-8729b110/

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