Seriously in Business: Brand + Design, Marketing and Business

The statement “less is more” couldn’t be more true about design - so much so that following the idea of “less is more” around these three areas I discuss could save you time as well as give your graphics a higher chance of not just looking good but connecting with your audience!In this episode I chat about why you really want to make sure you don't get caught up using too much:• Text• Fonts• Fancy elementsYou see, sometimes we just wanna say so much stuff! Other times we see a super pretty font, or a cool sparkle or an awesome glow effect - and next minute we have a cluttered and confusing design.Instead, learn that most of the time, less is more. Not overwhelming your audience with EVERYTHING but focussing on just what they need.Tune in to learn why and how you can make sure to use 'less is more' in your DIYed graphics.

Good design isn't the only thing that costs our businesses - it's BAD design we need to watch out for! What is bad design costing your business? In this episode join me as I discuss what damage bad graphics are doing to your business that could be causing you to:• Lose clients• Lose conversions• Lose value• Lose connection• Lose to your competitors I also chat with one of my DIY Design My Biz students, Monica, on how my design course has changed things for her as she creates GOOD graphics for her own business using the skills she's learned from me! Follow Monica on Instagram at: @monica.d.r Find out more about DIY Design My Biz at: www.diydesignmybiz.com - I can't wait to have you join us!

Business can either grow slooowwwww or we can supercharge it to grow at a more exciting pace. I know that for my business I would be in a totally different spot if I hadn't done this one thing. I think I mightttt still be in business but I'd be nowhere near the point I am today. The secret? Investing in myself and my business skills. And not necessarily investing when I'm ready, but investing when it's scary! In this episode, I chat about the 4 reasons why I believe investing in learning and support is the quickest way to grow your business. 1. Helps us commit - there's no backing out after making a scary investment.2. Feedback, community and support - Business is lonely, invest in a program that gives community of like-minded people, to give you feedback on your learning and your business, and support in your growth.3. Simplifying ALLLLL the information - there is SO much information out there, invest in a program that has done the hard work, can save you Googling and teaches you the one way to do what you need to do. Take bold steps in your business and INVEST in your growth. It's the quickest way to move forward. Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or join the waitlist for DIY Design My Biz at www.diydesignmybiz.com

Marketing is sneaky. We think it's just one little part of our business until we realise it actually encompasses almost EVERYTHING we do.How we want to be perceived, the language we use, the designs we create, our price point, our product/service, our advertising, our social media... you get the idea!In this episode, I sit down with Trish from Chromatical and she gives us all the goss on marketing and what it means for our businesses.I pick her brain on all things from:• Why marketing underpins all we do in business• How to not copy other businesses, but be inspired by how they make us feel• Why we can't just look at someone's social media or emails and do the same thing• How to communicate just how valuable your product/service is• Connecting with your customers as a HUMAN• What to invest in in your businessJoin the club here: chromatical.com.au/chromatical-club or follow Trish on Instagram @chromaticalclub

In this episode I chat with the incredible brand photographer, Fi Mims.Brand photos are almost a non-negotiable for small business owners!We cover why you need brand photos, how they can help grow your business and build confidence, as well as make creating your own graphics a thousand times easier!Connect with Fi on Instagram at: @fimimsphotography or at www.fimimsphotography.com.au

There seems to be a lot of pressure to have a "pretty Instagram grid" - meaning a perfectly curated Insta page that looks incredible.But is it all it's chalked up to be? In this episode I'll chat about when it's important and when it's NOT important to have a perfectly curated grid.Is it something your business needs to worry about or something you can totally forget about?Here's a designer's take!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design resources at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

What's the perfect way to let people know that you know your stuff? How can you build trust, connection PLUS grow your email list? The answer is a "Lead Magnet". If you've been in business for a little while, chances are you know what this is and have created your own. But if you're new in the biz world and have no idea what I'm talking about - stick around. A "lead magnet" (or freebie or opt in) often comes in the form of a PDF document that you give your audience for free in exchange for their email address. You create a document 👉 share it on your socials (or elsewhere!) 👉direct people to your website 👉they enter in their email address 👉and your email platform automatically sends it through to them. Voila! It's a way for you to share with them something that is helpful to them, whilst at the same time being able build a connection and set yourself as an expert in your field. Plus, growing your email list is a great business move (that's a whole other kettle of fish!). SOME TIPS:✅Only target YOUR niche - your lead magnet should attract the people that you want to serve in your business with your paid product or service. ✅Share your knowledge in an area that meets a current pain point of your audience - maybe even something that's good for them to get sorted before they work with you. SOME EXAMPLES:✨ If you're a jewellery maker - How to measure your ring size at home.✨ if you're a photographer - What outfits to wear in a photoshoot.✨ If you're a coach - How to get the most out of a coaching session. There's NO POINT in creating something that never gets read. You have so many more important things to do my friend than waste time like that. But what if you create an awesome lead magnet/freebie for your audience to download... And people actually download it (YIPEEEEE!!!)... BUT they don't read it. They open it up, scroll through it and CLOSE it almost immediately after. This NOT what you're after - you created this freebie to help your audience with a struggle of theirs PLUS you wanted to show off your expertise. Design plays a massive role in how much people interact with what we create. Next time you create a long form document think about these things:✅ Separate your content out over multiple pages✅Leave lots of "white space" on each page - there's no need to fill every space with text. Let the eye breathe!✅ Create "hierarchy" on each page with clear headings, and pull outs of interesting information to capture attention.✅Include lots of branded images and visual elements that support your message.✅GET TO THE POINT and don't write toooo much. Respect your audiences time. (Bonus: This also makes your document easier to design). I have my own freebie (go on, stalk how I've designed it 😉) that goes into a few more design tips that can make all the difference to your businesses success: www.diydesignmybiz.com/7mistakes

It's easy to feel like no one sees or cares about your business.Please firstly know - you're not alone.Secondly, in this podcast episode I wanted to provide a few tips on how your branding can help combat this.You and your business are totally unique - when we let our branding and design reflect this we can begin to stand out, even in a crowded marketplace.

Have you actually thought it through properly?I know I hadn't.There's more to running your business than performing your product or service.A key factor in long-lasting business success is thinking the real stuff through...Do you KNOW your audience?How do you want your business to grow?WHY does it exist?What makes you different from your competitors?Thinking things like this through is really the OPPOSITE of a good time for me.I'm more of a "dive right in and figure it out later".But I've come to learn this stuff is actually necessary and it can make for a more solid business - and in particular - a stand out, successful and long-lasting business.So, before you design. Before you open Canva. Before you even decide on your business name...take some time to sit down and think. And dream. And plan.In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers I sit down with my first international guest, Tasha from Duraca Strategic, as we discuss what you need to think about before you start designing graphics for your business.We discuss:• Most important things to think about when starting your biz.• How to approach design and what to think about BEFORE you begin.• How to avoid wasting time rebranding.• Not comparing yourself to others. Connect with Tasha at her website here: duracastrategic.comOr follow her on Instagram: @duraca.strategic

Life gets busy, funds are tights and you're caring for a little tacker - how do you manage upskilling for your business at the same time!?In this episode I chat with Photographer Peta on her experience of what it's been like to invest in herself and in her business to learn design.Peta joined my course, DIY Design My Biz, at a busy stage in her life but somehow still made it work! And what beautiful graphics she has now to prove it.Follow Peta on Instagram at @capturedbypeta or join the waitlist for DIY Design My Biz to join other incredible business owners taking control of their business at diydesignmybiz.com

Opening up Canva to see a white space staring you in the face is wildly confronting!How are you meant to fill it and make it look 1) Pretty, 2) Branded and 3) Communicative?! There's so much to consider and how do you know where to start?Finding inspiration is my best piece of advice - it gives you ideas to fill the space.In this episode I'll share with you my top 4 ways of finding inspiration...PLUS give you some pointers on what to look out for when viewing said inspiration.You see, it's one thing to find a pretty picture - it's another to know HOW to look at that picture for guidance on what you could create.

Being a new mum is THE single biggest learning curve of my entire life. Throw that in with trying to keep a business running (and GROWING) then you have quite the challenge.In December 2020 I was so blessed to welcome our baby girl, Mahlie, into the world...Almost 6 months later I want to share with you a snippet on how that's looked and what it REALLY looks like to run a business with a newborn.I'll touch on how I prepared my business coming up to her entrance, how long I had off and what life looks likenow.I'll also share with you a few lessons I've learnt along the way around what my values are for evening owning this business, how rest isn't so bad and why I need to be fussy on any new projects I take on.Being a mum is both the hardest but most incredible thing I've ever done.Some days it's all I want to do (boycott workingggg!!) and other days I just want to bail.But that's the rollercoaster of parenthood.Connect with me on Instagram: @whitedeergd or checkout my offerings and website at: www.whitedeer.com.au

It's the age old question... at least in the graphic design world."When is it time to rebrand?"Is there a wrong time? Am I allowed to? When is best? How much should I change things?In this episode of Design Hacks for DIYers we'll chat about the FEW reasons that make it okay to rebrand...Yep, there's not many reasons you should!We'll also chat how to keep your brand recognisable and the biggest reason people rebrand for the WRONG reason.

I gotta tell ya, it's one thing to learn design from a designer...It's another to hear a real experience from a fellow-non-designer.Listen to my interview with Laura to hear what's practically helped her in her business as she's tackled her own design.We chat social media, perfectionism, control over your business and designs, and so much more!!Doors for DIY Design My Biz are opening soon - if you'd like to grow in design and business like Laura, join the waitlist here: www.diydesignmybiz.com (the only way to find out when enrolments open) xxConnect with Laura:Website • Instagram • Podcast

This podcast is part 3 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform. Part 3 is all about Instagram Posts - the head honcho of Insta. Inside we’ll chat about:💪🏼The power of Instagram posts🏦How content pillars support your brand🙋🏻‍♀️The importance of infusing YOU into your feed🎨Is it worth having a "pretty" grid?🌱How perfection is holding your business back🎛 Patterns are your best friend#️⃣Overview of hashtags👩‍💻How to create a good post design💬What to know about captions

Lemme help (even just a little). This podcast is part 2 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform. Part 2 is all about Instagram Stories!! (I promise they're not that scary). Inside we’ll chat about:❓What are Instagram stories!?⏰ How often to share stories💼 Whether to be polished and professional or real and relatable🎨 How to brand your stories📷 Learning to show up as YOU💬Why you NEED captions🙋🏻‍♀️ Using interaction to connect with more people✏️ What to use "highlights" for Tune in next week for part 3 for the head honcho - Instagram POSTS!

Calling all people confused about Instagram!! 🙋🏻‍♀️Lemme help (even just a little).This podcast is part 1 in a series I’m doing to help new business owners (or those of you who just haven’t got it right yet) get a handle of the platform.This ep is part 1 for a reason - it’s all about the setup!Inside we’ll chat about:⏰If you should bother with Insta💼My new definition of “professional” and what that looks like for you🏷Your “handle” and why not to change it🖼Choosing the perfect profile picture🧲Writing your “bio” in a way that attracts people to follow🔗What a “link in bio” is and what to do with yours.Stay tuned for the next poddy for my tips on your Instagram posts and grid!

There are always certain roadblocks that hold us back when get to creating our own graphics so today I want to debunk a few and give you my 4 favourite design mantras to pin up on your desk to keep your focused and confident. Mantra #1: Helps you build loyalty with your audience and save time as you create your graphicsMantra #2: Let's you know that it's okay to not be a design wizMantra #3: Reminds you just to get your stuff out there and not hold your business backMantra #4: Keeps you from feeling too frustrated and putting out graphics that no one understands Tune in to learn each mantra and keep it ready as a reminder when you're in the thick of it! Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Yesterday was International Women’s Day so to celebrate I thought I’d change things up a bit and interview one of my most favourite women, my mum.As I’ve reflected over the years I’ve come to realise how much Mum has shaped my view and modelled to me what it looks like to be a strong woman in business.Growing up I saw her rise in her position to being the only female partner in a large accounting firm. I watched her stand her ground, lead confidently and be bold in her role.For me, it was normal for a woman to be the boss. It wasn’t an anomaly or strange - it was reality.In this interview I chat to mum about the challenges she faced, the importance of seeking out mentors and being bold to ASK.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

When you’re starting a business, one of the first things we think we need is a logo! And while a logo is great it is only such a small small SMALL part of our whole brand - and even a small part of our visual brand!I see (and have worked with) so many business owners who want their logo to be EVERYTHING. To have gold foil, watercolour, cursive fonts, a detailed illustration…and more!But this is the total wrong approach!In this episode, I’ll be chatting to you about why you need more than a logo to have a memorable (and easy to design with) visual brand and what exactly that looks like!Why you need more than a logo:You’re able to have a design that is so much more intricate and interesting to your audience!Your logo is not so busy and complicated that you can’t use it everywhere you want! Hello tshirt, social media icons, watermarks - everything. Easily.Your brand isn’t set in stone! Your logo can stay the same while your brand continues to evolve slowly with you and your business.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Designing your own graphics for your biz is all well and good…but what if you’re making some detrimental mistakes that affect how effective your designs are. What if your audience couldn’t understand what you were saying? Or how to work with you? Or didn’t stay on your graphic because it made them feel stressed or uncomfortable?Design can have such a good impact on our business… or it can have an adverse effect, deterring people from your business.In this episode I’ll chat about 5 mistakes you’ll want to avoid when creating your own graphics.Free Guide: whitedeer.com.au/diytipsFollow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Social media is a huge part of running a business - but sometimes it's hard to think of what to post! In this episode I'll share 10 different ideas PLUS the graphics that you could make to go with them.Introduction PostQuote PostEducational PostPromote Your BizTestimonial PostCorrect a MisconceptionBehind the ScenesBuild RapportAdvertise a FreebieWhat do you do?I've created a download you can get for free that covers each of these in more detail with examples! Download for free via: www.whitedeer.com.au/socialideas

Perfectionism is a struggle for all of us - particularly when we are creating a design or our visual brand… we just seem to get stuck going around and 'round tweaking and changing trying to find this mythical "perfect".In this episode I'll share a few mindset hacks to use when you feel like you're just never satisfied and overthinking it ALL.My tips:• "Perfect" doesn't exist in design, it's not math!• Done is better than perfect. Don't procrastinate with perfection.• We can't please everyone... or even ONE person! Stop trying.• Good enough is good enough! If your design is branded, clear and balanced - stop tweaking and put it out into the world!• Be you - no one can tell you you're doing it wrong.

What's the most IMPORTANT thing to remember when creating a design for your biz?In this episode, I'll share with you the #1 thing you don't want to miss when designing as well as HOW you can create designs that communicate AND convert customers and clients.Graphic design is more than just pretty graphics or knowing how to use the right programs. It's all about learning to take your audience on a JOURNEY. To communicate to them why they need you and how they can take action on that.The way we display our information and our value to others can make all the difference when putting our business out into the world.

I wanted to share something a little different this week. We’re currently away on holidays so I’m recording something a little more relaxed for you from our caravan (well, my parent’s caravan)!.Learn my journey to design, starting my own business and how I grew. I’ll also share with you the mistakes I made along the way and some pearls of wisdom I hope you can learn from around business, branding and growth.If you need a hand with creating graphics that you are proud of for your biz chuck me a DM on Instagram at @whitedeergd or head to www.diydesignmybiz.com and check out my online design course made just for small business owners... trust me, you'll watch your business confidence skyrocket!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

How can you gain confidence in your biz?Looking the part can make all the difference. Is your biz really representing how awesome you are or how much you can help people?After listening to this episode, sit down and get clear on your biz:What do you want your business to represent? When people see your brand do you want them to feel calm or excited? Do you want them to trust you? Do you want them to know your are professional, quirky, serious, fun?Who do you want your business to attract? Sit down and work out what your target audience loves and are drawn to. What colours speak to them? What fonts are they drawn to?What do YOU love? If your business is based a lot around you then it's important you love how your business looks and that it has a little part of you in it - what colours, fonts, styles, etc. do YOU like?It's also important your graphics look professional - that they are clear, have good use of space, use colour well, aren't too busy and have a clear message.If you need a hand with creating graphics that you are proud of for your biz chuck me a DM on Instagram at @whitedeergd or head to www.diydesignmybiz.com and check out my online design course made just for small business owners... trust me, you'll watch your business confidence sky rocket!

What are your options as a business owner who can't afford to hire a professional designer to do everything for you?Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesYOUR OPTIONS:Hire a designer to do everythingHire a designer to create your brand and you DIY the restDIY everything yourself!In this episode we'll work out which option is right for you.

Join me and Tahryn Bolt, from The Social Bolt, as we chat all things DIY design! Learn what tools, tips and insights have helped Tahryn create her own incredible brand and graphics to support her growing business.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesOr follow Sheridan on Instagram at @thesocialbolt or thesocialbolt.com.au

Design isn't just about making things that look pretty - it's about communicating your businesses value!In today's episode, I'll teach you 4 practical design hacks to use when you create your graphics to give your business a boost in professionalism, trust and perceived value!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesADD VALUE THROUGH DESIGN:Use quality imagesMake sure your fonts are readableKeep your branding consistentKeep your graphics open and spacious

In today's episode, you'll learn how much creativity creating graphics for your biz actually takes PLUS my 5 tips on how to cultivate creativity in yourself if you’re really needing a bit of a kick!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies CULTIVATE CREATIVITY:Problem Fixing = Puzzle SolvingTrain your mind to think differentlyRemove the fear of failureAllow yourself to explore a new spaceFill your mind with inspiration

In today's episode, you'll learn how why it's best for your business to avoid using pre-made templates and what you should do instead!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesREASONS TO AVOID TEMPLATES:They’re not branded to YOUYou get stuck (this is huge!)You’re not actually learning real skillsThe perfect template doesn't always existNo consistencyLose your uniqueness

In today's episode, you'll learn how you can cleverly use design to get people to WANT to read what you have to say! By taking advantage of design principles and techniques YOURSELF.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesWAYS TO MAKE YOUR MESSAGE IRRESISTIBLE:Create hierarchy and a visual journey.Contrast the text to make sure it stands out from the background.Use clear fonts (not too thin or cursive). What happens if your graphic isn’t readable?People give up reading it - it's too hard and doesn't make sense!Confusion is caused and people don’t understand what you have to offerLose clients and connection

Designing your own graphics can be great - but NOT when it takes you wayyyy too long. Especially when there's so much more you can be working on in your business. Time is precious! In this ep I'll chat to you about why design is taking you so long and how you can cut your design time back to make space for what you want!SAVE TIME DESIGNING:Build clarity around the purpose of your design, your message and who you're talking toPlan, sketch and understand your graphics hierarchy.Research your audience and what they needKnow your visual brand rules (fonts, colours, style, etc). Don't be afraid to spend time experimenting.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Join me and Sheridan, from Love Your Vibe, as we chat all things DIY design! Learn what tools, tips and insights have helped Sheridan create her own incredible brand and graphics to support her growing business.Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebiesOr follow Sheridan on Instagram at @loveyourvibe_ or www.loveyourvibe.com.au

One of the biggest keys to design is that the designs are cohesive and consistent! Join me as we cover how you can make sure your business has a brand that is both recognisable and beautiful! In today's episode you'll learn why, as successful businesses, we really need cohesive graphics. Plus how you can find ideas to base your designs on and how keep them consistent! You'll also learn the number 1 step to keep those graphics cohesive!Follow me on Instagram at @whitedeergd or grab your DIY design freebies at www.whitedeer.com.au/freebies

Join me, Jacqui, as I launch Design Hacks for DIYers! I'll let you in a little on my design journey and share with you my heart behind why I decided to start helping business owners design their own graphics. Hint: I say "bridge" a couple of times!I'm so excited to kick things off! The best is yet to come. Stay tuned!