The Design Order

Our hot tip of the week: Password Storage!!

Keeping track of passwords is a nightmare for new, thriving businesses, and while Google Chrome can save your personal passwords, sharing them with your team or contractors requires something more secure.
Emailing passwords is a big no-no—once that email leaves your inbox, you lose control over where it goes or if it gets deleted. That’s why we recommend LastPass to all our clients.

With LastPass you can:
+ Securely share passwords, key codes, and even office Wi-Fi info without exposing the actual passwords.
+ Organise sharing features; which lets you create folders and segment passwords for specific groups (plus the app ensures you have access across all your devices)

Remember, your passwords should be at least 8 characters long, mix different types of characters, and never be reused. Also, enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Nailing your website design is crucial—it's the heart of your business. At TDO, we offer packages that cover it all, from brand creation to web development. Remember, your website is your businesses central hub. It's the heart of the beast! That's why we offer comprehensive packages that include both brand creation and web development. We recently revamped Mona Vale Doctors' brand and website, highlighting the importance of a seamless web design process.

Here’s what you get with our packages:
- Platform selection support
- Website strategy and content guidance
- Custom, responsive designs (no cookie-cutters here!)
- SEO-optimized builds
- Personalized training and ongoing support
- Custom social share images

Got questions? Let’s chat, no obligations just click this link to book a time that suits you https://calendly.com/zoe-scott

🎉 Big news! We've just launched our brand-new Etsy shop, the ultimate destination for creative entrepreneurs seeking sophisticated design templates! ✨ Struggling to find templates that work seamlessly together? We've got you covered.

Consistent visual design is crucial to making your brand instantly recognisable, and our templates ensure just that. Perfect for interior designers, copywriters, and female-led businesses craving a minimal, elegant touch. Ideal for young businesses on a budget, all you need is a logo to get started.

Enjoy a 25% launch special with code TDOS25 (no minimum spend, valid until the 14 Aug 2014) We’d be thrilled if you could spread the love with a testimonial!

Thinking about booking a photoshoot for your brand? It's a game changer that can truly be worth its weight in gold—if you do it right.

To nail your website and socials, having the right imagery that captures your core ethos is essential. We've seen firsthand the impact professional photos can have on startups and rebranded businesses, so we've put together a guide on prepping for photoshoots. Check it out on our blog!

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2024/07/prepping-for-a-brand-photoshoot-your-go-to-guide/

We don't like to brag, but we're super grateful for the awesome feedback from our amazing clients. Every review really hits home and shows us the impact of our hard work, helping businesses thrive in this tough market.

At The Design Order, we love working with small businesses because of the passion, creativity, and resilience they bring. It's what keeps us motivated and excited.

Check out a few snippets from our recent testimonials:

✨ "From the initial consultation to the final deliverables, Zoe and her team demonstrated creativity, professionalism and expertise. The website they crafted for us captures the essence of our brand as well as an intuitive and engaging user experience. In addition to the website, The Design Order played a pivotal role in revitalizing our brand identity, creating a cohesive and memorable brand image. The collaborative approach and willingness to go the extra mile was highly valued. Thank you ‘The Design Order’ for bringing our vision to life."
[Drew Dickson Architects]

✨ " We were looking for some visual branding to really lift the ACCRAC conference and convey a sense of professionalism. From my perspective it seems that the conference has excellent substance, and with the new visual brand you came up with, I think it has the visual appeal to match. The best part of the design process for me was the reveal of the first 2 concepts – to see the brief translated into form was amazing. I appreciated the last minute planning to ensure we had enough for the brand reveal, and the extra legwork you did to find us an animator.

Very much hit the mark – well done and thank you!"
[ACCRAC Conference]

✨"Working with The Design Order was fantastic. Super structured approach to creative and design delivery. I loved the deep dive workshop around my brand before starting. Every step of the way was a simple process with great communication. Our website and re-brand looks amazing! Highly recommend Zoe and the team for any design projects."
[RCM Consulting]

We take great pride in sharing our in the feild knowledge with you, our valued audience. We like to take note of the current challenges affecting small businesses, both for ourselves and our clients, we aim to prevent these issues from recurring.

Just last week, a client contacted us, concerned that her new website wasn't appearing on Google. This is a frequent problem with new site launches, so we decided to address it head-on with our latest blog post:

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2024/07/why-cant-i-find-my-new-website-on-google-yet/

We’re thrilled to share our latest collaboration with Foundations for Scale! They’re all about helping tech CEOs and Founders build amazing, authentic workplace cultures that grow effortlessly.

Teaming up with Chris, their dynamic founder, we created a fresh, modern visual identity. Think vibrant colors and cool shapes that make key info pop! Check it out and see how we’re making workplace culture shine.

📷

What is in a name...

It’s something we get asked about a lot... How to come up with a great business name.

To be honest crafting a business name is a bit of an art and one of those things that you may well have to write over and over before you find the perfect combination. While copywriters can be worth their weight in GOLD when it comes to getting this right but it is also something that you can do yourself if you know how to weave the strategy that’s needed into your chosen words.

We thought it might be useful for any new businesses out there to have a real ponder about how to approach naming your business and show you our method of how to create the perfect name.

If you can get it right first up it will mean you wont have to do a U-Turn on your renaming later on as it can be a very lengthy, costly mission.

Take a read here:

How to Choose a Killer Business Name We cover the main tips for creating a truely memorable name for your business to thrive.

***WHY YOU NEED ONE OF OUR EBOOK TEMPLATES IN YOUR LIFE ***

If you’re creating content for your business - whether it's worksheets, recipes, or step-by-step guides - our pre-formatted ebook templates can help you produce professional looking documents in no time.

Our templates provide a pre-designed format with essential elements like cover pages, tables of contents, and a wide range of layout styles. This allows you to focus on creating content rather than worrying about design, ensuring consistency and saving you valuable time. With our templates, you can create professional-looking documents without needing a designer.

Additionally, our ebook templates streamline content development with a clear, organised structure, making it easier to cover all necessary topics comprehensively. Placeholder text and graphics can be easily customised, minimising formatting time and effort.

You can check them out here:

https://creativemarket.com/TheDesignOrder/92286008-The-AC-Ebook-Template

https://creativemarket.com/TheDesignOrder/92007671-The-CC-Ebook-Template

The CC - Ebook Template, a Presentation Template by The Design Order Store We all know that the best way to build your email list is with a truly awesome lead magnet but seriously, who has the time (or knows how!) to create one? When you know your skills are best

When you think of medical surgeries, vibrancy doesn’t spring to mind usually... Alas it was a key motivator in our latest project for Mona Vale Doctors.

Innovation is at the heart of what we do & bringing a new brand to life is the juice that gives us life??

The journey of creating this modern brand was full of challenges & triumphs. Having lived on the northerns beaches for a while now I knew what the target market was looking for in a new doctors surgery and whilst keeping in mind what our area has to offer. Collaborating closely with owners Cindy & Wesley, we’ve encapsulated the core values of the practice - blending warm, welcoming tones with dynamic hues to strike a balance between stability and energy.

It’s been an absolute joy to breathe life into this contemporary brand, and I can’t wait to witness the flourishing of this local gem. We can’t wait to see these clever doctors beging their journey towards redefining healthcare excellence.

If you’ve had the realisation that your website isn’t doing what it needs to be - don’t fret, you’re not alone! Many startups & entrepreneurs are quick to slam a website down for their blossoming businesses without a clear plan on what the bones of it should be. We break down the do’s and don’ts for a high performing website in our latest blog post.

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2024/05/common-website-design-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Introducing the new ACCRAC brand identity!

Bold, modern, and trustworthy, our logo embodies the essence of our conference - transformative trends in healthcare.

Click the link in our bio to discover the story behind our design and explore the vibrant visuals that capture the dynamic movement of ideas in chiropractic innovation.

Get your socials under control with our Calm Creative Social Media Pack. Your socials have never been this simple or have looked so good, than with this soothing collection!! For a bargain price you will have access to meticulously designed across several platforms:

✅ Instagram Tiles
✅ Instagram Stories
✅ Pinterest Tiles
✅ Edit colours, fonts and images to match your brand in either Canva or InDesign

Use for yourself with a personal license or for your clients with a commercial license

Instant download with a lifetime access to updates it's a no brainer.

https://creativemarket.com/TheDesignOrder/6072496-The-CC-Social-Media-Pack

We're thrilled to witness our clients forging ahead in their industries. Congratulations to Sophie and Michelle Kingston Smiles Dental for being featured in Her Canberra!

“Calming and comforting”: Kingston Smiles brings a female-focus to healthy teeth | HerCanberra Kingston Smiles is a new female-led dental practice in Kingston which hopes to take anxiety out of oral hygiene!

New work drop for the terrific woman-led start up - My Databoss.

Simply put these ladies are revolutionizing the landscape of sensitive data sharing. With My Databoss they are setting a new standard for data sharing and security.

To capture the essence of their sharp core values as well as their cutting-edge tech, we embarked on crafting a distinctive logo. Their super smart and forward thinking brand personality was captured using uber modern fonts as well as an energetic colour palette led by green hues symbolising balance, growth, and responsibility.

The MDB Icon, designed with a forward-thinking angle, signifies progress, connectivity, and the seamless flow of information, establishing a confident mark in the digital security realm.

Call out to all of our beloved FB community 🗣
We've reopened our digital doors to sell our beloved design templates over on the Creative Market platform!

One of the biggest pillars of branding is consistency and while there are heaps of templates out there, it's hard for businesses to collate them all together and make them match.... let alone beautiful! We've created everything that your biz will need, either being a fresh start up or a long standing company- your brand will stay visually consistent across the board.

We will have a range of templates series to choose from, starting with the ever popular Calm Collection. This series is made for brands who love thoughtful & purpose driven design, perfect for the wellness industry, architects, interior designer & women led businesses.

Go check it out! At such affordable price point, there's no better way to get quality design for you buck 🙌. https://creativemarket.com/TheDesignOrder

We will be showcasing our template products regularly so you can pick and choose as needed.

New project drop!!

✨ A shiny new logo & website for RCM Consulting AU ✨

Ryan from RCM Consulting approached us wanting a slick and sophisticated mark to represent his consulting business & a brand that could cover their diverse skillset. The new brand needed to combine RCM's professional offerings with their cutting edge skill, focusing on the health and wellness sector.

For this particular project we were guided by the North Star values of Clarity, Transparency, Empowerment, Confidence, Focus and Delivery. We began by creating their logo that blends timeless minimalism with a full bodied colour palette of rich royal green as the anchor, accompanied by vibrant sage green and copper, hues that injects energy and playfulness to the innovative thinkers behind the brand.

We wanted the user experience to be marred by a sense of calm and sophistication. The accompanying visuals spark the essence of connection, networking, growth, flow, and influence. This bespoke design mirrors RCM Consulting's trust-centric culture, crafting an online narrative that not only showcases their diverse skill set and professionalism but also spotlights their unique commitment to the health and wellness sector.

Want to see the project in more detail? Please visit our website to read more:
https://thedesignorder.com.au/portfolio/rcm-consulting/

I love the fact that the first post of 2024 is starting with these two legends and from the

I started my first design business back in 2012. While I was a good designer I had ZERO idea about how to run a successful business.

Both of these ladies have been with me from almost the very beginning, helping me to reach my full potential as a business woman. They have been cheerleaders, mentors as well as a moral compass guiding me to my true north. Helping me to stay aligned with what I need, what my clients need as well as staying true to my beliefs and morals.

Their combined retreat this week was nothing short of exceptional. After several days of visioning, planning and strategy I feel like I am finally ready to hit 2024 with my feet on the ground.

Thank you once again ladies for such an amazing time. The insight and clarity I have received over the last few days has been just just amazing.

This is a big thank you from us to you!

A massive shout-out to our fantastic followers! Your likes, comments, and referrals are like sprinkles on our creativity cupcake here at TDO. We can’t thank you enough for spreading our design joy.

Hoping you and your squad have a blast during the festive break, indulging in some well-deserved relaxation and fun. We definitely need it—this year was a wild rollercoaster for us. Let’s hit pause, reset, and dive into 2024 with a fresh vibe! 🚀 Thanks for being the wind beneath our design wings! 🎉

We just wanted to give a massive thank you to all of our supporters out there, we see you & we appreciate you all. 💫

Every like, comment & referral makes a massive difference to us small business folk. We can't wait to show you what we have in store for TDO in the new year!

Do you dread sending your business newsletter? Does the layout & design give you a headache? We've been there too & it's hetic🤯
That's why we are raving about our new EDM machine Flodesk & decided to write a blog about it, to capture all of the reasons why you should hop on it!

Read here:

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2023/11/flodesk-your-new-favourite-crm-platform/

Sustainable Gift Guide 2023

Show your love with gifts that give back! This festive season, join us at TDO in celebrating the joy of giving sustainably. Let’s make a difference together and teach the value of thoughtful gifting to our loved ones.

Before diving into the holiday shopping frenzy, pause and ask yourself: Can I choose an alternative to physical gifts? Consider experiences like a cozy picnic, a fun workshop, or a show at the Sydney Opera House!

Explore our handpicked favorites and gather inspiration from a plethora of unique ideas. Find the link in our bio to discover more. Let’s make this season truly special!
Check it out:
https://thedesignorder.com.au/2023/11/our-sustainable-gift-guide-2023/

As the year draws to a close, the pace picks up and there’s a real push for working smarter, not harder. We’re excited to share our top 5 Canva tips to maximize productivity as we kick off the festive season—keeping you efficient without the stress of losing too much hair! Read the blog:

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2023/11/our-top-5-canva-features-to-maximise-efficiency/

Nurturing your website leads is something I talked about a few weeks ago, and I wanted to revisit this to dig into why it’s so important. When you're building your website, a lead magnet is something you and your web designer should definitely chat about. It's not just a great way to collect contacts, it can really help build a genuine relationship with potential clients.

You've no doubt heard the old saying, "it's not a one-and-done deal." Well, that saying applies perfectly to your website leads. Not everyone who fills out your website form is ready to whip out their wallet. Some are just nosing around for info, some want to hear what you’re selling & some are just researching the market.

Here's the clincher: when people sign up for your lead magnet, it's essential to keep the ball rolling by setting up a lead nurturing program. This helps you build that genuine trust with your audience. A well thought out nurture sequence can help you create screaming fans for your business.

So, to convert those website leads, you really need to nail the nurturing thing down. It doesn't have to be rocket science, all you need to do:

Share Your Why: Tell them what drives your business

Spill Your Origin Story: Let them in on how you got here

Success Stories: Share how you've made dreams come true for others

Myth-Busting: Set the record straight on common industry misconceptions

Your Process: Explain how you do your thing

Valuable Content: Hook them up with your most awesome content

And if you're not the world's greatest wordsmith, don't sweat it. Welcome email sequence templates can be a lifesaver. Check out places like Wordfetti for some kickass templates to kickstart your lead nurturing game

Have you got plans this Thursday evening??..... Well if not & you happen to own a website that's not performing as you'd like, we have a couple of spots left at our Website Critique Session.

You have nothing to lose & everything to gain!

The session a chance for us to take a look at your homepage and give you some friendly advice on how to make your site work better for you.

We can improve your:
+ Clarity on messaging structure
+ How to establish credibility
+ Help to boost conversions
+ Suggestions for changing your copy, content & layout
+ Refine imagery
+ How to better sell your brand online

Sign up using the link in the bio or comment below and we’ll be in touch 🤩

You're invited to the hottest ticket in town!! 2 parts informative 1 part captivating & always sure to boost your web traffic, we are holding our monthly Website Critique session next Thursday 9th Oct from 7-8pm via Zoom.

This online event is free of charge & open to anyone in the world, it was created to help entrepreneurs improve their website with simple steps that Zoe provides by casting her eye over your website. With over a decade in the game of web design- she knows the in's & out's of what works & is eager to share her wisdom with this community.

With limited spots available, we wanted to offer it to our Facebook family- All you need to do is either DM us here or email [email protected] with,
Your name:
Business name:
URL

& we will send a confirmation email with the Zoom code & details.
😎

Recently we got the chance to work with a great ADHD business that got us thinking about our role when designing a website to the ever growing population that is neurodivergent. I wanted to really understand how I as designer could improve their user experience.
So we wrote a guide on this topic, that I think would be great as an all round advice kit if you have a website.
It's over on our blog:

https://thedesignorder.com.au/2023/10/designers-guide-for-neurodivergent-audiences/

The homepage of your website is your digital storefront and it's often the first impression visitors have of your business. Therefore, it's crucial to include essential items that convey your business' identity and engage your audience. ⁠
⁠
Here's our go-to list of key elements to include on your homepage. Scroll Across to see:

Happy Thursday Facebook Friends!

Here are 10 good reasons to hammer home why we mood board and how it can help to yield better results in any project you are undertaking. ⁠
⁠
⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠

The homepage of your website is your digital storefront, and it's often the first impression visitors have of your business. Therefore, it's crucial to include essential items that convey your business' identity and engage your audience.

Here's our go-to list of key elements to include on your homepage:

Clear easy to use navigation menu
So your users can quickly and easily find what they need.

Clear messaging above the fold
Above the fold messaging statement that claerly explains what service you provide and the benefit this gives to the client

Clear CTA Button
A clear call-to-action (CTA) button directing visitors to take an immediate action, such as "Get Started" or "Book Now."

Services Showcase
A summary of your core services or products, presented in a visually appealing format and links to dedicated service or product pages for more information.

About Section
A brief introduction to your business to build that know-like-trust factor and a narrative that highlights what makes your business unique and how it helps your viewer

Visual Credibilty Establishment
Establish visual credibility for your website users with easily scannable elements like testimonial snippets, featured media logos, or client logos. Avoid requiring them to read lengthy blocks of text.

Newsletter Signup - or Lead Magnet Download
Encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter for news, promotions, and industry insights, or provide value in return, such as a downloadable workbook or useful information in exchange for their email address.

Contact Information:
Display clear contact details, including your business's address, phone number, and email.
Provide a "Contact Us" button or link leading to your contact page.