Richard Calkin, the pioneering force behind Web Genius, started the company with a vision to support the growth and success of small and medium businesses
This burning passion has seen Web Genius grow from a small project running out of his garage in 2000 to a staff of over 50 who have generated millions of leads for thousands of kiwi businesses up and down the country. His passion for helping small and medium-sized businesses thrive by harnessing the power of internet marketing is at the heart of the company's vision, mission and values and what makes us great at what we do. 
Read the culmination of Richard's 25 years in internet marketing in his "Kiwi Business Hero’s Internet Marketing Handbook"
Now freshly minted in its 4th Edition, Richard's book is a treasure trove of practical, easy-to-understand tips and techniques for finding customers online and keeping them. Give your business a leg up by claiming your free copy today. 
Richard’s unique journey into web marketing defied the typical design and tech-oriented backgrounds
Richard’s unique journey into web marketing defied the typical design and tech-oriented backgrounds
With a foundation in journalism and marketing, Richard started his career by launching a community newspaper in Palmerston North and later ventured into marketing and communications for both the public and private sector. In the mid-90s, the emergence of the internet sparked his interest in its marketing potential for his clients.
The foundational product launched was a simple but powerful website package, laden with best practice features gleaned from a wide range of traditional and web marketing methodologies and sources. The company's evolution paralleled the shifting marketing landscape, adapting to the rise of Google and SEO.
Under Richard's stewardship, Web Genius has achieved remarkable growth, earning recognition on the prestigious Deloitte Fast50 list. The company's client base has skyrocketed from just a handful of clients to over 1000; a testament to Richard's strategic leadership and the effectiveness of his scientific approach to web marketing.
He wrote the book because of the number of business owners he spoke with who were struggling to understand the key elements of website and digital marketing. Now in its 4th Edition, the book is a powerful tool for business owners across all industries.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Richard champions local small to medium-sized businesses through the Kiwi Business Heroes Awards. These accolades spotlight the resilience and contributions of New Zealand's business backbone. Richard is also passionate about supporting the local community in Kāpiti and his Kāpiti Run for Youth Fundraiser initiative has raised more than $225k for organisations supporting Kāpiti’s rangatahi youth.
Outside of work, Richard's competitive spirit is also seen in his dedication to sport. He represented Wellington and New Zealand in hockey in the 80s and 90s and continues to play both hockey and cricket at masters level, representing Wellington and New Zealand in the over 60s age-group in both codes.
insurancebusinessmag.com
29 August 2023
What your online presence and quality advice have in common
In today’s digital age, a robust online presence isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. By harnessing the power of the internet, small-to-medium businesses can tap into opportunities like never before.
As part of our “Bring in the Experts” webinar series, we recently invited Richard Calkin (founder of Web Genius) to talk about how a well-calibrated digital presence can help adviser businesses grow and retain their client base.
riskinfonz.co.nz
14 August 2023
The Inside Track on Digital Marketing
Speaking during a recent Financial Advice NZ one hour webinar, Calkin said business websites shouldn’t be seen as an online sales tool.
“A much more powerful option is to make your site an online buying tool,” he said.
stuff.co.nz
18 February 2021
Google and Facebook: Disruptive duopoly or goldmine of leads for business?
Love them or hate them, US online media giants Google and Facebook’s growing stranglehold over internet traffic globally is causing headaches for some segments of the economy, while creating opportunities for others.
nzherald.co.nz
20 April 2020
Free web marketing packages to get businesses moving
Kāpiti based company Web Genius is offering 500 Kiwi businesses a free "rebound" package designed to help them bounce back from the economic lull created by the Covid-19 lockdown.
stuff.co.nz
22 April 2020
Web business launches 'pay it forward' initiative
A Wellington-based web marketing company has come up with a "pay it forward" initiative to help kickstart small businesses after the lockdown.
stuff.co.nz
17 September 2020
Your customers may be worth even more to your business than you think
When Web Genius carried out research into the average customer lifetime value in 20 of the main small business niches we service, an overwhelming number of participants were surprised at how high the values were.
stuff.co.nz
18 April 2021
How do you rate on the key success factors of website marketing?
Why is it that some Kiwi businesses report their website is a great source of leads and new business while others express nothing but frustration and disappointment?
stuff.co.nz
10 December 2020
What is the most important social medium for most small to medium businesses? (Hint: the answer isn’t Facebook)
While Facebook can certainly pack a powerful promotional punch, there is a more fundamental online social medium that consistently impacts the bottomline of Kiwi businesses – and that is customer reviews.
stuff.co.nz
26 November 2020
The Covid-19 lockdowns reinforced the value of email marketing to small businesses
The demise of email marketing has been foretold many times over recent years, but nothing could be further from the truth when you look at the results that email marketing continues to generate for businesses up and down the country.
stuff.co.nz
29 August 2020
Covid-19 restrictions increase smartphone use and reinforce importance of responsive website marketing
Research emerging out of the US is suggesting that the already strong trajectory towards increased smartphone use has been intensified by Covid-19 restrictions. For example a study by eMarketer.com found that the average American has spent just over three hours a day on their smartphone in 2020, up 23 minutes from 2019.