Seriously in Business: Brand + Design, Marketing and Business

You’re getting clients. You’re making sales. You’ve got a good thing going.

But deep down... you know something’s off.

You’re working with great clients, but not dream clients.

You’re making sales, but not at the level your offers deserve.

You’re showing up, but not feeling fully confident in your brand.

That nagging feeling? That’s a brand mismatch. And today, I’m diving into how to spot it, fix it, and create a personal brand that aligns with your next-level business goals.

This is part one of a three-part series on personal branding for scaling service-based businesses... let’s make sure your visual identity isn’t the thing quietly capping your growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
What brand misalignment really is (and why it’s often mistaken for a marketing problem)
The quiet symptoms of brand mismatch you might be missing
What brand alignment actually looks and feels like (with real examples)
How visuals impact pricing, confidence and conversion
The transformation story a client’s brand glow-up
5 powerful questions to self-audit your branding today

If you're ready to be seen as the expert you already are... your brand has to match the level you're stepping into.

Intro 0:00
Problems with visual brands 1:21
Signs of a mismatched brand 3:31
Graphic example 7:55
Fixing a mismatched brand 11:55
Questions you should be asking 16:24
Wrap up 18:00

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WS7_UOehadw
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep217/

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Ever looked at a business owner and thought, “How on earth is she doing it all?”

Here’s the truth... she’s probably not.

I’m definitely not.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and showing you the exact team that supports me behind the scenes. From my VA and graphic designer to my repurposing manager and studio team... this is how I run a full business between nap times and late-night work sessions.

Whether you’re starting small, or thinking about your next hire, this episode will give you clarity, permission, and a whole lot of “ohhh... that’s how she does it.”

Here’s what you’ll learn:
Why I didn’t want to hire at first, and what changed my mind
My full team breakdown, including who does what and why
How I structure roles to buy back time and brain space
Tools we use to keep communication smooth and work flowing
What to consider when you're ready to hire (even just a few hours a month)

WANT TO WORK WITH MY TEAM? A couple of them have places available:
VIDEO EDITING: Erek at https://www.erekladd.com/contact
CONTENT REPURPOSING: Isabel who is offering free 30 minute strategy sessions: https://tidycal.com/fairyfoxdigital/free-value-calls

Intro 0:00
Making the decision to hire a team 0:57
Hiring at VA 2:48
Content manager 7:00
Video editor 8:48
Graphic designer 10:20
Success coach 14:54
Book keeper 15:21

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g2FQLpeqUE
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep216

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Behind the scenes, most business chaos doesn’t come from a lack of skill... it comes from messy, non-existent systems. And if your client experience feels a little scattered, your clients are feeling it too.

In this guest episode, I’m joined by Mariana from Pink Ocean VS... a systems strategist, community builder, and spreadsheet-loving creative to unpack how we can create client journeys that feel seamless, supportive and straight-up satisfying.

Whether you're a virtual assistant, a creative service provider, or just tired of chasing your tail between bub’s nap time and Zoom calls... this is your reminder that structure can be freeing, and systems can be soul-nourishing.

Here’s what we cover:

• The difference between delivering a service... and crafting an experience
• The emotional layer that sets great brands apart
• What systems every service provider actually needs
• The low-tech, high-clarity magic of mapping your journey
• Why SOPs aren’t just for big businesses

Grab your post-its, open your Canva whiteboard, and tune in... this one’s equal parts strategy and heart
DOWNLOAD Free Canva Client Journey Map: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep215

ABOUT MARIANA:
I'm Mariana, founder of Pink Ocean Virtual Solutions, a digital operations service for service-based business owners who are ready to clean up the backend, stop duct-taping their systems together, and get back to doing what they’re great at. I specialise in CRM setups (especially Moxie), digital declutters, SOP creation, and ongoing tech VA support.

CONNECT WITH MARIANA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkoceanvs/
Website: https://pinkoceanvs.com.au/
"The Break" Newsletter: https://pinkoceanvs.myflodesk.com/podcast
Moxie fortnightly newsletter: https://pinkoceanvs.myflodesk.com

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l6s55Zjk3hY
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep215/

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

If you’re planning to launch (or re-launch) a course in 2025, it’s time to get cracking, especially on your design.

Because your audience is judging your course by its cover, and your graphics could be the reason you’re not hitting your sales goals.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact timeline and visual assets you need to nail your course branding and show up like the pro you are.

This is the kind of strategic design planning that sets you up for consistent, passive income... and a course you’re proud to shout about.
I’ll also share why most people leave design way too late (and how to avoid it), plus how we can co-create every graphic together inside The Co+Creation Design Club 💜

Here’s what we cover:
The 6 stages of a strategic course launch design plan
When to start creating your graphics (hint, it’s earlier than you think)
How to visually warm your audience BEFORE the cart opens
The difference between a logo and a course sub-brand
Why design can make or break your conversions, even with great content

If you'd like support to design your course graphics, please join me inside The Co+Creation Design Club where together we can build out your strategic, client-magnetising and professional course that SELLS! http://www.whitedeer.com.au/clubsale

👉 Don’t forget: This is part 3 of a 3-part mini-series on course branding, so hit that follow or subscribe button so you don’t miss the next episode!

Intro 0:00
Timeline breakdown 2:45
Strategy 3:40
Warming content 7:17
Lead magnet 9:13
Webinar 13:38
Cart open 19:30
Course delivery 26:40
Let me help you 30:40
Wrapping up 33:51

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/g7YRPEmGRNI
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep214/

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Online courses are an amazing way to serve your audience and grow your business... until they flop. And one major reason they flop? The student experience.
In this episode, discover three course design mistakes you might be making that are silently costing your sales.
Whether you're launching your first course or refreshing an existing one, these design tweaks will help your students not just join your program, but LOVE and complete it. Stick around to the end for a juicy little app tip too!
You'll learn:
Why your course content might be unreadable and what to do instead
The power of interactive course materials and how to create them
How to use imagery and diagrams to boost learning and retention
A tool that makes creating diagrams a breeze
Why internal branding matters as much as external
👉 Don’t forget: This is part 2 of a 3-part mini-series on course branding, so hit that follow or subscribe button so you don’t miss the next episode!

If you'd like support to design your course graphics, please join me inside The Co+Creation Design Club where together we can build out your strategic, client-magnetising and professional course that SELLS! http://www.whitedeer.com.au/clubsale

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6OVoTvhXRz8
Read on the Blog: http://whitedeer.com.au/ep213

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Ever poured your heart into an online course, launched it... and heard nothing but crickets? 😬 You’re not alone, and no, it doesn’t mean your course content is bad.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how the look of your course — its branding and design — plays a MASSIVE role in how well it sells. From trust to perceived value, visuals really do matter. Plus, I’m sharing the story of my first launch (with 55 enrolments!) and the key tweak that could completely change how your audience sees your offer.

🎧 What we cover:
Why “just good content” isn’t enough to sell
How design builds trust (and trust = sales)
The visual journey every course should take your audience on
The importance of branding your course as a product
The one design tweak that boosts perceived value instantly

👉 Don’t forget: This is part 1 of a 3-part mini-series on course branding — so hit that follow or subscribe button so you don’t miss the next two!

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TDfKmirQ830
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep212/

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Running a business shouldn't mean duct-taping 10 different tools together just to launch a course or send an email. In this episode, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes of the one tool that helped me simplify EVERYTHING: Kartra 💜

I’ve used Kartra for years to run my emails, courses, checkouts, automations, freebies, and more... and I’m breaking down exactly why I chose it, how I use it, and how it might just be the tool you didn’t know you needed.

PLUS, I’ve created a free Kartra Setup Checklist so you can get started the right way! Get yours free: www.diydesignmybiz.com/kartra

Here’s what we cover:
My journey from juggling tools to streamlining with Kartra
All the features I use Kartra for (and a few extras you might want too!)
How much money I’ve saved by switching to Kartra
Tips for starting out and setting it up with confidence

💜 Want to try it for yourself?
Start your 30-day free trial here: www.kartra.com/jacqui
And use code WD30 for 30% off your first payment.

Set Your Kartra Up the Right Way from Day One
Download the free checklist that saves future-you from tech headaches and helps you get the most out of your Kartra free trial.
Get your free checklist here: www.diydesignmybiz.com/kartra

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bs1AorFu-IE
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep211/

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Your sales page can make or break your course launch — so how do you make one that actually sells?

In this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Kate Scott from Launch Out Loud™, and we’re diving into how to design a sales page that works FOR you. With years of experience as a course creator and website designer, Kate shares tangible tips and clever tricks for designing a page that converts.

If you’ve ever wondered if your sales page is too long, too plain, or too confusing... this is the episode for you.

Plus, Kate and I are both speaking at the Launch Out Loud Summit, a FREE event packed with gold for course creators. April 30 - May 2! Get your tree ticket here: https://launchoutloud.peachs.co/a/jacqui-naunton

In this episode, we cover:
Why most sales pages aren’t converting — and how to fix it
The ideal layout and flow of a high-converting sales page
The one colour mistake people make on their buttons
How to make your testimonials actually work for you
Practical design tips to improve your site’s accessibility and hierarchy

🎉 Grab your FREE ticket to the Launch Out Loud Summit: 👉 https://launchoutloud.peachs.co/a/jacqui-naunton

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquinaunton
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/podcast

ABOUT KATE:
Kate Scott is the founder and creative director of Launch Out Loud™, a fun, fresh, and fabulous template shop that caters to online course creators and design-conscious entrepreneurs. With over 7 years of experience as a web designer and 4 years of experience as a course creator, Kate specialises in crafting high-converting websites and marketing assets that make her clients unforgettable. Her template customers have been featured in Forbes, Inc., Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and more. When she’s not knee-deep in design projects, Kate loves sharing what she’s learned to help other business owners make their dreams a reality!

CONNECT WITH KATE:
Join us at the summit!! https://launchoutloud.peachs.co/a/jacqui-naunton
https://instagram.co/launchoutloudco

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

https://www.diydesignmybiz.com/manychatDM automation has changed the game for my Instagram marketing... and in this episode, I’m sharing exactly how it works, how I keep it feeling heart-led, and the actual ManyChat template I use that generated 220+ leads. Yep — even while I was asleep 😴

If you're ready to work smarter and collect more leads with LESS hustle, this one’s for you!

You’ll learn:
Why DM automation is a game-changer for engagement and conversions
How I avoid the 'ick' with authentic messaging
A step-by-step of my ManyChat setup (plus the free template!)
How I collect emails and connect to Kartra
The difference between simple automations and full funnels

👉 Grab my ManyChat template for free: https://diydesignmybiz.com/manychat

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquinaunton
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/podcast

WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

There are SO many tools out there promising to help you grow your business... but what’s actually worth paying for?

In this episode, I’m sharing a full breakdown of the tools and programs I use in my 6-figure business — what I love about them, what I don’t, and even some free alternatives.

I know costs can add up, so this is your behind-the-scenes peek into the software I’ve chosen to invest in and how each one helps me grow while saving time.

You’ll hear about:
Why I moved from Squarespace to Showit
The all-in-one platform I use for emails, courses + checkouts
How I repurpose podcast content into 20+ pieces weekly
My top free tools I STILL use every day

🎧 Tune in to hear what’s worth it, what’s optional, and how to make the right choices for your biz and budget.

LINKS TO PROGRAMS MENTIONED (Affiliate links provided for programs I have used and loved):
Showit (website platform): https://showit.com/referral/?referralCode=2mnkq4b1
Emma Troy Templates (for Showit templates): http://emmatroy.com.au/whitedeer
Kartra (emails, courses, checkouts, landing pages):
Kit (emails/CRM): https://partners.kit.com/whitedeer
Canva Pro (design tool): https://partner.canva.com/whitedeer
Opus Clip / Opus AI (short-form video repurposing): https://www.opus.pro/?via=b49cd0
CastMagic (repurposing podcast/video content): https://get.castmagic.io/gyp4w1pwvk0o
Interact (quiz building platform): https://get.tryinteract.com/f7vnhupludam
ManyChat (Instagram DM automation): https://manychat.partnerlinks.io/1n4c2tt4t99a
Dubsado (CRM/project management for design clients): https://dubsado.com/?c=whitedeer
Asana (project + task management): https://asana.com/
Slack (team and client communication): https://slack.com/
TidyCal (alternative to Calendly): https://tidycal.com/

WATCH, READ & CONNECT:
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacquinaunton
Read on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/podcast

 
WORK WITH JACQUI:
// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb
// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub
// Design Studio: If you’re after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio