Not all agencies are created equal. In this episode, Jay Boston breaks down the 10 key traits every business should look for when choosing a website or marketing agency—and the red flags to run from.

Learn why great agencies aren’t cheap, how to spot ethical partners, what structured post-launch support actually looks like, and why an agency should feel like an extension of your team—not just a vendor.

📌 From real communication to in-house talent and ongoing strategic agility, this episode will help you make smarter decisions for your brand.

🎧 Listen now and protect your time, budget, and business success.
🔗 https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcasthttps://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast

ChatGPT is more than just a writing assistant—it’s your secret weapon for SEO, social media, content strategy, branding, and internal workflows. In this episode, Jay shares 15 powerful prompt ideas that agencies and marketers can use to level up everything from blog creation to onboarding emails to AI video scripting.

Get inspired by real examples tailored for Canva, YouTube, LinkedIn carousels, animation briefs, and even competitor SEO pages. Perfect for creative teams, marketing managers, and business owners looking to push AI to its limits.

🎧 Tune in and start prompting with purpose.
🔗 https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast/

Remote work sounds ideal, but is it really sustainable in high-performance agency environments?

In this episode, Jay Boston unpacks ID Digital’s trial of working from home—from expectations and success measures to what flexibility should (and shouldn’t) look like. Discover the systems that support WFH success, how to keep accountability high, and the truth behind "flexidays."

Perfect for leaders and teams navigating the remote/hybrid debate.

🎧 Listen now for a no-fluff take on what it actually takes to make WFH work.
🔗 https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast/https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast/

In this episode of Creative and Code, Jay Boston highlights why physical networking is still essential—even in an increasingly digital world. While AI, automation, and virtual communication have taken over, face-to-face interactions build trust, deepen relationships, and uncover new opportunities that digital channels often miss.

If you’re relying solely on digital connections, it’s time to rethink your approach and get back into the room where things happen.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed:
🔹 Why Physical Networking Still Matters – Digital can only take you so far—real connections happen when you meet in person.
🔹 The Value of Being in a Co-Working Space – Why spaces like The Commons and Central House offer natural networking opportunities with like-minded business owners.
🔹 Joining Niche Groups for Regular Meetups – How monthly long lunches with digital agency owners in Melbourne help share insights, solve pain points, and drive growth.
🔹 Engaging on LinkedIn (The Right Way) – It’s not just about posting—join groups, comment thoughtfully, and DM with value.
🔹 Staying Proactive with Past Clients – Why checking in and offering small wins can lead to big future opportunities.
🔹 Being Genuinely Interested in Your Clients – Curiosity builds trust and creates more opportunities for collaboration.

🛠️ Practical Tips to Maximise Physical Networking:
✅ Be Based in a Co-Working Space – Join environments where ideas and opportunities collide.
✅ Attend Industry-Specific Events – Niche groups create targeted conversations that matter.
✅ Engage Authentically on LinkedIn – Don’t just ‘like’—comment, engage, and share knowledge.
✅ Offer Value Without Expectation – Stay top of mind by helping your clients win.
✅ Be Curious About Your Clients’ Success – Invest in their growth, and opportunities will follow.

📢 Final Takeaways:

1. In-person networking builds trust and opens doors that digital can’t.

2. Join spaces, events, and communities where conversations happen.

3. Be proactive, helpful, and genuinely invested in your clients’ success.

🎧 Listen Now. Work with us: https://www.iddigital.com.au/

In this episode of Creative and Code, Jay Boston breaks down the art and science of crafting proposals that don’t just look good—but actually close deals.

Sending a templated PDF with a price at the bottom? That’s not enough anymore. Today’s clients want proposals that speak to their needs, reflect your expertise, and create excitement about working with you.

In this episode, we walk through how to design proposals that resonate with clients and convert consistently.

🧠 Key Topics Discussed:
🔹 Choosing the Right Proposal Format – Why InDesign, Google Slides, and Canva each have a place depending on the complexity and speed of the project.
🔹 Tailoring Proposals to Be Unique – No generic pitches—use the client’s language, include relevant work, and highlight their industry pain points.
🔹 Showcasing the Right Work for the Brief – Select case studies or past projects that match the client’s goals.
🔹 Presenting 3 Investment Options – Why offering 3 pricing tiers (Basic, Standard, and Premium) increases conversion rates.
🔹 Including Team Photos for Connection – Build trust by introducing the people behind the proposal.
🔹 Laying Out the Process & Timeline – Show clear phases, durations, and milestones—and include a start date that’s soon to create urgency.
🔹 Presenting the Proposal Live (Never Sending It Cold) – Why meeting in person or over Zoom allows you to control the narrative and handle objections in real time.

🛠️ Tools & Techniques Mentioned:
✅ InDesign, Google Slides, and Canva – For creating well-designed, interactive proposals.
✅ SOPs & Loom Videos – To streamline the process and empower your team to create high-quality proposals faster.
✅ Use AI to Pre-Analyse Client Needs – Tools like ChatGPT and Jasper can refine messaging and content faster.
✅ Proposal Templates for Consistency – Build a foundation, but customise every time for relevance.
✅ Calendar Links to Lock in Proposal Walkthroughs – Schedule meetings before the proposal hits their inbox.

📢 Final Takeaways:

1. Proposals are your first deliverable—make them count.

2. Always tailor your pitch. No two clients are the same.

3. Meet in person or live—control the conversation and close with confidence.

🎧 Listen Now. Work with us https://www.iddigital.com.au/

🚀 Every brand wants attention. No brand wants a PR nightmare. So how do you stay bold, relevant, and engaging without stepping on a landmine?

In this episode of Creative & Code, Jay Boston breaks down how businesses can keep their marketing fresh, fearless, and effective—without ending up on the wrong side of the internet. We’re tackling:

✔️ Why some brands go viral for the right reasons—and others crash & burn
✔️ The fine line between edgy marketing and ‘apology tweet’ territory
✔️ How to take a stand on social issues without coming off as performative
✔️ What to do if your brand gets called out (and how to recover fast)

It’s a high-risk, high-reward world for brands—this episode will show you how to stay in the spotlight for all the right reasons.

🔗 Where to Learn More
📍 Check out our work at ID Digital Agency: https://iddigital.com.au
🎙 Explore Creative & Code Podcast: https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast

🎧 Listen now and learn how to market fearlessly—without the backlash.

#Marketing #BrandStrategy #PRDisasters #CancelCulture #SocialMedia #CreativeAndCode #Podcast #IDDigital 🚀

In this episode of Creative and Code, Jay Boston takes listeners inside the mind of a business founder—where chaos, pressure, and decision fatigue collide with ambition, resilience, and moments of pure adrenaline.

Running a business is more than just managing tasks. It’s about navigating clients, teams, quality control, budgets, leave schedules, marketing, and more—all while staying motivated and maintaining your sanity.

In this episode, we break down:

🧠 Key Topics Discussed:
🔹 Why Founders Stay (and Why They Consider Jumping Ship) – Exploring the mental rollercoaster of running a business and what keeps founders motivated.
🔹 The Science of Cognitive Overload – How too many tasks create decision fatigue and reduce effectiveness over time.
🔹 Warning Signs of Burnout – Recognising the signs of mental exhaustion before it’s too late.
🔹 Practical Tips to Manage Founder Stress – Time-blocking, deep work, and building a better mental system to handle the load.
🔹 Celebrating Wins to Stay Motivated – Why acknowledging small victories keeps your momentum going.

🛠️ Tools & Techniques Mentioned:
✅ Mental Dump & Weekly Planning – Clear the noise and focus on what matters.
✅ Delegate with Process, Not Pressure – Empower your team with clear SOPs.
✅ Use AI as a Thought Partner – Leverage AI to automate repetitive tasks.
✅ Block Time for Deep Work – Protect your schedule for creative and strategic thinking.
✅ Celebrate Small Wins – Create a culture that values progress and achievements.

📢 Final Takeaways:

1. Founders juggle more than most realise—don’t underestimate the mental load.

2. Burnout isn’t a badge of honour. Protect your energy.

3. Build habits that create space for creativity, rest, and reflection.

🎧 Listen Now. Work with us at https://www.iddigital.com.au

🚧 Ever worked on a project where the client suddenly wants to “start over” halfway through? Yeah, us too. That’s why staged deliverables and sign-offs aren’t just a good idea—they’re essential for keeping projects on track, on budget, and everyone’s sanity intact.

In this episode of Creative & Code, Jay Boston unpacks why breaking projects into clear phases with structured approvals is a win-win for both agencies and clients. We’re covering:

✔️ Why the ‘Big Reveal’ approach is a recipe for disaster
✔️ How staged approvals reduce scope creep & last-minute chaos
✔️ The psychology of decision fatigue (and why too many choices kill productivity)
✔️ How agencies can build trust & transparency through incremental sign-offs

If you want to avoid endless revisions, budget blowouts, and project meltdowns, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Where to Learn More
📍 Check out our work at ID Digital Agency: https://iddigital.com.au
🎙 Explore Creative & Code Podcast: https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast

🎧 Listen now and learn how to deliver projects smoothly—one sign-off at a time.

#ProjectManagement #UXDesign #WebDevelopment #CreativeAgency #Marketing #CreativeAndCode #ClientSuccess #IDDigital 🚀

💼 Proposals. Tenders. RFPs. Whatever you call them, they’re the necessary evil of the agency world. But here’s the million-dollar question—is the way we’re doing them actually the best way?

In this episode of Creative & Code, Jay Boston breaks down the flawed reality of the proposal process, from time-wasting tender portals to unpaid pitch work that businesses expect agencies to deliver for free. We’re asking:

🚨 Why do agencies spend weeks on proposals, only to be ghosted?
💰 Should businesses pay a stipend for shortlisted pitches?
⚖️ How can brands run fairer, more effective tenders?
⭐ If nothing else, should businesses at least leave a 5-star Google review for great proposals?

It’s time to rethink the proposal process—because agencies deserve better, and businesses deserve a selection process that actually works.

🔗 Where to Learn More
📍 Check out our work at ID Digital Agency: https://iddigital.com.au
🎙 Explore Creative & Code Podcast: https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast

🎧 Listen now and let’s fix this broken system—one proposal at a time.

#Proposals #Tenders #Marketing #CreativeAgency #BusinessGrowth #Pitching #CreativeAndCode #Podcast #IDDigital 🚀

💭 Feeling burnt out? Struggling with the pressure to do more? You’re not alone.

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re working harder, longer, and faster than ever before. But instead of making us more productive, this always-on mentality is leaving us feeling drained. Technology was supposed to free up our time—but instead, we feel the pressure to work at the speed of AI.

In this episode of Creative & Code, Jay Boston explores the science of burnout, how AI is changing the way we work, and real strategies to find balance in a world that never stops.

💡 What you’ll learn:
✔️ Why burnout is now a recognised syndrome by the WHO
✔️ The real impact of overwork on your brain, focus, and productivity
✔️ How AI is raising workplace expectations (and how to push back)
✔️ Practical steps to set boundaries, work smarter, and avoid burnout

📌 Links & Resources:
🔗 Learn more about ID Digital Agency: https://iddigital.com.au
🔗 Explore Creative & Code Podcast: https://iddigital.com.au/creative-and-code-podcast

🎧 Listen now and learn how to take back control of your work-life balance.

#Productivity #WorkLifeBalance #Burnout #MentalHealth #AI #TechLife #CreativeAndCode #Podcast #IDDigital