Explore & Learn
News
08/07/2024
7 Tips to Write the Perfect Award Submission
Submitting for prestigious awards is an excellent way to gain recognition and raise your profile. However, with so many talented people and businesses vying for the same accolades, crafting a compelling and persuasive entry is crucial. In this article, I share seven tips and strategies to help you create the perfect award submission. 1. Choose...
News
05/06/2024
New Partnership Announcement
We are delighted to announce that Reputation by Design has been confirmed as a preferred award writing partner to Awards International. Our partnership also coincides with the opening of the 2024 UK Business Awards (UKBA). This prestigious awards programme honours and celebrates business excellence and gives our UK clients a unique opportunity to gain industry...
News
21/11/2023
2023 Bx Business Excellence Award Win
We’re thrilled to announce our latest achievement: winning the prestigious 2023 Bx Business Excellence Award for Marketing – Consulting Services. This accolade, pitted against some of the most prestigious marketing firms in Australia, reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, outstanding customer service, and remarkable growth in the marketing industry. Our approach to reputation management sets...
News
25/09/2023
How to Leverage Awards to Boost Your Business
This article will teach you how to leverage award wins or nominations to boost your business. So you’ve won or been nominated for an award, congratulations! But as the confetti settles and the applause dies down, it’s crucial to remember that your journey doesn’t end here. Winning or being nominated is just the first step;...
News
19/09/2023
How to Apply for and Win Business Awards
In this article, we look at how to win business awards. In the competitive landscape of business today, standing out from the crowd is more critical than ever. A great way to elevate your brand and gain a competitive edge is through industry awards – because awards are not just shiny trophies to display on...
News
10/08/2023
How to Stay on Top of Social Media Algorithm Changes (And Why It Matters for Your Business)
Ever wondered how to master the complex web of social media algorithms? This blog post has the answers you’re searching for. What is it? A social media algorithm is a set of codes that determines which content is shown to which users on a particular platform. In other words, it decides which posts show up...
News
08/05/2023
A beginner’s guide to social media marketing for small businesses
In today’s world, social media marketing is crucial for small businesses looking to grow their brand and connect with their audience. In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of social media marketing, how to get started, and tips on creating a successful social media strategy. What is social media marketing? Social media marketing is the...
News
06/04/2023
We Support the Women in Business Awards
We’re on a mission to get more women in business on the stage and under the spotlight! Why? A report by the National Women’s Business Council found that women-owned firms are underrepresented in national and international awards, with women accounting for only 12.9% of all business award winners. Again – why, and are we holding...
News
14/03/2023
Everything you need to know about digital marketing
Generally, when people refer to digital marketing, they’re referring to online marketing avenues such as content marketing, email marketing, SEO, PPC marketing, etc. This puts digital marketing in juxtaposition with traditional marketing, which includes things like billboard ads, radio, and television (although television is technically digital, it’s still classed as traditional marketing). So just what...
News
08/03/2023
Does Email Marketing Still Work and Have a Place in Today’s Digital Environment?
This article looks at whether digital marketing still works and if it should have a place in today’s digital environment. It’s no secret that the digital landscape has changed drastically over the past several years. New platforms and channels for marketing have emerged, and businesses have had to adapt their strategies to stay ahead of...
News
08/03/2023
Reputation by Design Wins Prestigious MobileWebAward for Best Marketing Mobile Website
Reputation by Design is proud to announce that it has won the prestigious MobileWebAward for Best Marketing Mobile Website. This award recognises the importance of creating a website that is user-friendly, engaging and impactful on mobile devices. The award was judged on criteria including creativity, impact, design, content, interactivity, ease of use and use of...
News
13/01/2023
The Benefits of LinkedIn for Small Business Marketing in 2023
Did you know LinkedIn is an extremely effective marketing tool for generating leads for your small business – if you know how to use it correctly? It’s the world’s largest professional networking site and, according to a recent study by HubSpot, it generates more leads for businesses than any other social media platform. In this...
News
07/12/2022
We won the Corporate Livewire marketing firm of the year award!
Winner: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 – 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮! We are SO excited to share we’ve just been awarded the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮/𝟮𝟯 Corporate LiveWire 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 – 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮! It’s our first ‘global’ award accreditation, and one I’m incredibly proud of given the breadth of the judging criteria! The criteria for this...
News
21/11/2022
Yes, your brand needs professional graphic design. Here’s why.
No major brand would forgo professional graphic design so why should you? Here’s why professionally created graphics are important for businesses of all sizes. The rise of online DIY tools like photoshop and Canva has led to many business owners trying to tackle graphic design themselves. While it’s possible for anyone to click and drag...
News
16/11/2022
National Winners: 2022 Australian Achiever Awards
Reputation By Design (formerly 101 Things Marketing) has won the 2022 Australian Achiever Award for Australia’s Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations Services category.
Now into its twenty-fifth year, the Australian Achiever Awards are an independent, unbiased award system based on assessment ratings from a business’s own customers. The awards provide an indication of a well-run business where satisfied customers are a sign that a business is healthy, worthy of praise, and increased custom.
Reputation By Design achieved a 99.40% overall score for Customer Service and Relations, topping all other Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations Services business applicants to become the National Winner. The 2022 Australian Achiever Award proves Reputation By Design delivers on the promise of customer satisfaction.
News
09/11/2022
Why you need a marketing strategy in 2023
It’s time to start your marketing plan for 2023! Instead of struggling to play catch-up when you could have been preparing, start getting your marketing strategy ready for 2023 now. Here’s why it’s important that you don’t wait. You know what it’s like – it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and...
News
26/07/2022
Same team; renewed focus.
I’m excited to share with you that we’re changing our name to more directly reflect the services we offer. The team is still the same and everything will work exactly as it does today; the new name simply reflects that in recent years we’ve switched from doing 101 things to focusing on proactively growing our...
News
06/12/2021
Why you need a marketing strategy in 2022
Have you thought about your marketing strategy for 2022? Now’s the time to start preparing so you don’t miss any opportunities. Here’s why. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of day to day work that you neglect to think about the opportunities you may be missing. And even though you...
News
03/05/2021
Colour psychology in branding
We’re currently rebranding a business, including redeveloping their logo, colour, typography, imagery, tone of voice, design and positioning – the 7 elements of a brand. For colour, we’re diving into the colour psychology of branding. This is an important element of a brand because consumers make a subconscious judgment about a person, environment, or product within...
News
22/03/2021
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟱𝟬 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀!!!
🏆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝟱𝟬 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀!!! Across categories as diverse as Best Finance Broker, Best Office, Best Community Engagement, Best Customer Service, Best Mentor, Newcomer, Best Loan Administrator, Best Regional Office, Best Branded Office, Wellness, Best Residential Broker – and so many more!We can’t wait to...
News
04/01/2021
Welcome new clients!
What better way to start the new year than welcoming our newest clients: Amplify HR Teamscal Cult of Monday Exec Techs Performance Advisory Group JJP Talent Solutions Collective Maintenance Services TM Finance Group Oculus Prosthetics Maralytics Next Lend Worth The Ultra Club Advanced Building Concepts Elevate.RA MIG Training Lawson Surveys The Rental Specialists Blue Raven...
News
16/12/2020
Be “Award ready” checklist
“The progress of tomorrow is the preparation today.” If you’ve been nominated for, or are thinking about entering an award in 2021, the first step is to prep! Take our “Award Ready” checklist today to see just how prepared you are to shine with your next award submission. Download here: Reputation by Design Award Ready...
News
30/11/2020
7 free marketing ideas eBook
How many times have you heard the words ‘challenging’, ‘unprecedented’ and ‘unusual’ recently? This report outlines seven practical steps to boost your marketing in any economic downturn. I encourage you to think about them all and take action on at least a couple. The great news is none of them cost a cent and they...
News
01/11/2020
YOU can have free images and YOU can have free images…
Like an audience at an Oprah show, we love free things too. The past couple of years has seen quite a transformation in the online photo library space: you can now access amazing shots across an incredible diversity of subjects without having to pay a cent in royalties or licences. If you have specific requirements,...
News
06/05/2020
We’re hiring – Marketing Contractor with 101 Skills
We’re experiencing another growth spurt and are looking for a part-time MARKETING CONTRACTOR to help us wrap our arms around our valuable clients and help them grow. ABOUT US We’re an award-winning marketing communications agency helping business owners across Australia and NZ succeed and grow. Five years young, we love nothing more than delighting those...
News
21/04/2020
Google reviews paused
Are you missing a Google review that a client has promised they did for you? At the moment (due to COVID-19), no new reviews are being published to Google My Business profiles – at all. Happy customers can still post and see their own reviews, but while the reviews aren’t publicly visible, your business or...
News
21/04/2020
101 turns 5!
Given all that’s going on, I need a lie down! Reputation by Design’s 5th birthday celebrations were a subdued affair – try explaining social distancing to a dog… A huge THANK YOU to our incredible clients, it’s been such a privilege to work with you. And to my amazing team, family & friends, your support...
News
21/04/2020
Do online reviews really matter?
According to a recent report by Elite Agent, between 20 and 50 user reviews will cement a company’s reputation as trustworthy, even if some of those reviews are negative (in fact, especially if some are somewhat negative). Zendesk cites that reviews influence 88 per cent of buyers in their buying decision. And Fan and Fuel...
News
17/04/2020
Social media for profit – simplified!
Social media – we know we should do it, but only a handful of us actually like it (for business), and even fewer of us have the time, let alone the energy, to come up with the ideas and the images; the headlines and the hashtags. It’s exhausting! But a recent research report by Deloitte showed...
24/02/2020
7 steps to elevating your brand and attracting high value clients
Multi-million dollar clients, massive deals, the appeal is clear. High-net-worth clients can help you take your mortgage brokerage to the next level. But if you want to play the game, you have to know the rules. First and foremost, perception is key. Clients with huge purchasing power will usually suss you out within the first...
06/02/2020
3 Essential Traits For Any Mortgage Broker Brand
Are you trying to build your mortgage broker brand? Branding is one of the most important aspects of sales, whether you’re a mum & dad shop or a major mortgage broker. Basically, you want your customer to know that they count, that you’re reliable and can do a good job. You want your customers to...
24/01/2020
Seven Key Styles of Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is one of the most important ways to reach your customers and get your products or services out there. If you’ve been in business a while then many of the key methods will be familiar to you. At the same time, there’s always room for improvement and refinement. With that in mind, here’s a brief overview of...
10/01/2020
Top Trends for Digital Marketing in 2020 – Part 2
Digital marketing strategies are changing dramatically, and it can be a full time job just to keep up with it all. In our last post, we explored some of the biggest trends transforming the face of social media in the coming year. However, that just scratches the surface. Here are five more massive shifts to...
27/12/2019
Top Trends for Digital Marketing in 2020 – Part 1
There’s no doubt about it. Even in the hectic pace of the modern era, the online world changes faster than pretty much anything else. What worked last year for digital marketing might be obsolete already. And, when your business depends on a solid digital marketing strategy, it’s important to keep up with current shifts. If...
13/12/2019
The 5 keys to marketing success
We all know that no matter what niche you’re in, the success of your business depends on marketing. It’s how you reach your customers, how you get the word out so that people can take advantage of your product or service. And, whether you’re a mortgage broker offering home loans or setting up a clothing...
28/11/2019
Broker marketing strategies – revisiting the basics
Getting your name out there as a mortgage broker may not seem like something that requires a load of strategy. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. This is a highly competitive industry, and anything you can do to get an edge is essential to your success. The best mortgage broker marketing strategies will...
News
14/11/2019
Google’s BERT Update
If you’ve been keeping up with the most recent Google news, you might have heard about a little thing called BERT. This is one of the most important updates for Google’s algorithms and ranking system to have been developed in the last decade. It will affect one in every ten searches and dramatically improve the...
24/10/2019
7 Steps to a Successful Brand
What is the most important thing to making a recognisable product or service? If you said branding, you’re right. Establish your brand effectively and customers will trust you. It brings greater attention and loyalty to your business. This is just as important for mortgage broker marketing as for any other niche. And, regardless of the...
News
14/10/2019
4 Ways to Make Instagram Like You (Even More!)
If you’re looking at Instagram as a tool for showcasing your brand online and building a community that supports your business, there are four key factors that dictate engagement, and therefore performance. The algorithm that Instagram uses ranks your account and posts on interest, recency, and relationship and how you use the tools. Understanding them...
News
14/10/2019
5 quick tips about blogging you need to know
Blogging is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain a conversation with your target clients and remind them you’re an expert, when they need your services. At Reputation by Design, we think the red tape and pace of change in most markets and industries today places you in an ideal position as a thought...
News
12/10/2019
Think like a judge & win
If you’re contemplating entering an industry award, it’s worth THINKING LIKE A JUDGE and reviewing your online branding NOW. There’s every chance they will visit your website and check out your social media, and you don’t want your online presence to be found wanting! We’ve optimised social media channels of professionals across a wide range...
News
10/10/2019
Avoid the fakecation!
Managing your social media over the holidays Argh! Fruit mince pies are already on sale at Coles and Woollies. It’s not too early to think about how you’re going to manage your social media and online presence over the coming summer holiday period. This year, set yourself up for a true break, not a ‘fakecation’...
27/09/2019
Your key SEO strategy: E.A.T
No matter what industry you’re in, SEO is essential for getting your brand out there, bringing in new traffic and delivering conversions. But SEO is a game that changes so rapidly it can be hard to keep up with it. If you work with an on-to-it online marketing company, they’ll let you know that Google...
News
18/09/2019
But wait, there’s more! Amplification made easy.
Recently we’ve been helping a lot of clients ‘amplify’ their online presence. They might be doing a blog on their website or sending out an e-newsletter, but are not fully grasping that they can repurpose that material for other channels. Repurposing content to all of their other social media channels means they get so much...
16/09/2019
What Does Your Brand Really Offer?
OK, so you have your site up. You’re reaching out, and people can see you. Visibility is great, but that’s only the first step. The key is to move from being seen to making sales. To make that happen, you need to reach out and connect with your audience. Let’s break it down a bit...
30/08/2019
Social Media Marketing – The Basics
Social media in business. At the turn of the century, this was nearly unheard of. Now, it’s essential. Social media is a major pillar of communication in the modern era and it’s revolutionised marketing strategy in the process. With effective social media marketing, you can grow your audience, increase customer engagement, and boost brand recognition. ...
16/08/2019
Five Tips for Boosting Client Engagement
So, what’s the deal with client engagement, anyway? Why should we bother? In the past decades, marketing and customer service were two different things, two poles of the retail industry. Since the digital explosion, these two poles have come together. If you want your business to be successful, you have to make your customers happy....
02/08/2019
Making the most of a buyer’s market
Although dropping housing prices can be challenging for sellers, there are several ways to take advantage of the current market. As competition drops, interest rates fall, and discounts continue to mount, those with the cash to buy are in an excellent position to invest in property. If you make the right move in the current...
19/07/2019
Australian Real Estate Markets in 2019
The real estate market in Australia has seen some massive changes over the last few years. After decades of continual growth, 2017 saw the first signs of a downturn in housing prices. With slow wage growth and increasing debt, buyers could no longer manage the prices supported in earlier decades. By mid-2018, the combined capital...
News
09/07/2019
How to Make Your Branding Successful
Alright, think fast. What do Kleenex, Gladwrap, and Band-Aid have in common? Any takers? How about Mustang, Disney, and Marvel? Simple answer: they’re all brands. Each of these brands has become so successful that they have created an identity. With the first three, the brand has become synonymous with common domestic products. We sometimes say...
News
28/06/2019
The Importance of Social Media Marketing
With the world going digital, the face of marketing is changing. Social media has become an inextricable part of life. And with it comes the potential for social media marketing. Excellent mortgage marketing consultants know that social media marketing is crucial for customer outreach, for cornering the market and making the most of your client...
News
14/06/2019
Lead Generation For Mortgage Brokers – 3 Simple Marketing Strategies
There are plenty of mortgage broker marketing strategies and techniques you can use to extend your reach and generate leads. You’re probably already using many of the more obvious ones: a well-designed website with clear contact details, social media marketing, professional SEO to improve your search rankings, and an up to date blog that offers...
News
10/06/2019
Differentiate or die
Do any of these phrases sound familiar? I’m honest, reliable and hardworking! My brochure lists 33 reasons why you should choose me! I ran an ad in the paper, but no-one called me! Unless you stand out (for all the right reasons) from your competitors, there is little reason for a prospect to choose...
31/05/2019
3 great referral marketing strategies
It’s no secret that some of your best leads are going to come from referrals. In fact, this is one of the most important aspects of mortgage broker marketing. People trust those they know, people that have had personal experience with your business and know what it has to offer. So, it’s well worth your...
23/05/2019
Which of the 5 key marketing concepts is for you?
Marketing is essential for any business. It’s how you reach your customers, engage with them, and demonstrate the value of your product or service. No matter what industry you are in, success depends on a well thought out marketing strategy. This is an approach that helps you to identify the needs of the customer, boost...
16/05/2019
Top Marketing Trends for 2019
There’s no way around it. The face of marketing is changing. Traditional methods have fallen by the wayside in favor of online efforts. Nearly everyone has access to a computer and mobile phone, and online marketing is more visible than any other form. Digital marketing is essential to taking your company to the top in...
News
05/05/2019
5 key steps to goal scoring success
In a recent Forbes survey, more than 80% of business owners confessed that they didn’t track their company goals. And yet, an equal, if not higher, percentage would likely state that goal-setting is integral to business success. Goals usually fall within four general areas: customer service, social, profit, or growth: Customer service – goals related...
30/04/2019
7 Basic Tips for Generating Real Estate Leads
Generating leads is one of the most important things for any real estate company. You have to connect with prospective buyers and let them know what properties are available. Since the internet has become such an integral part of life, traditional methods aren’t getting the same traction that they used to. The name of the...
News
26/04/2019
11 killer questions to improve your marketing
“The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your questions.” I love this saying because it reminds me of the importance of being a listener, not a talker – a giver, not a taker. It also touches on the importance of asking the right questions to reach the best outcomes –...
News
17/04/2019
The trick to solving any problem
“Half of my marketing is being wasted. I just don’t know which half.” Sound familiar? I am often approached by clients seeking help with their marketing, but they struggle to articulate what ‘help’ means. Or, through the course of a conversation, we uncover that the initial issue they thought they had, isn’t actually the real...
28/03/2019
2019’s Best Free Social Media Management Tools
When you work with a digital business or eCommerce site, it’s crucial to leverage your social media. But, with so many social media sites – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and more – how can any one person have the time to manage them all? After all, it’s a full time job just to keep up...
News
19/03/2019
Window shopping gets smart
Ever felt like you’re being followed around online? You take one sneak peek at a ‘probably outta my league’ car, and next thing you know that car is popping up in all your feeds and searches? It’s not a coincidence; in fact, some of the greatest brands use ‘retargeting’ to prompt their potential customers to...
News
28/02/2019
The write stuff
Like a bestselling novel, compelling awards submissions need to be well-written. Ensuring that the grammar is correct and there are no embarrassing typos is one thing, but making your submission stand out from the rest? That comes down to the three ‘S’s’: storytelling, specifics and statistics. Storytelling: Provide examples of scenarios you’ve solved or how...
News
13/02/2019
Happy birthday to us!
It’s the fourth anniversary of Reputation by Design! It’s as important to celebrate milestones in business (cake is the traditional gift for your 4th right?) as it is in life – especially given how big a part of life your work is. I’m enormously grateful to my team, clients and partners for making the last...
News
10/02/2019
Your name in lights!
It’s been a pretty crappy week for the Mortgage Broking industry, so it’s even more important to remember and celebrate what you’re amazing at! Enter the MFAA Excellence Awards – double meaning intended – for extra cred and to set yourself apart and reinforce the value you provide that the big bad banks don’t. If you...
News
04/02/2019
Broker brand neglect
Thanks to the increased amount of lending restrictions and compliance, the vast majority of brokers I’ve recently surveyed indicated they’re taking up to twice as long to prepare and submit an application. The extra time spent on these applications means “something has to give” and it is usually long-term business building activities. I estimate that more...
News
06/11/2018
The $1 million mistake
Every day I have multiple conversations with both business owners and ‘solo heros’ and within 10 minutes we can pinpoint thousands – if not hundreds of thousands of dollars – or more of potential revenue that is falling between the cracks. And the best thing about it is that these opportunities, and revenue, are so...
News
30/10/2018
Be in it to win it!
The (Mortgage Broking) 2019 Better Business Awards have recently opened. If you’d like help to put your best story forward to the judges and start 2019 off in award-winning style, we can help. We’ve written award-winning submissions for Mortgage Brokers across Australia, and across almost every category. If you’ve got a great business, let us take...
News
07/10/2018
Only 7 seats left!
I was researching some flights home to New Zealand for a triple birthday celebration, and every flight I shortlisted on the Virgin app had a red sash announcing “only 7 seats left”. Did it make me want to book quickly? Yes! Was it a coincidence that every flight had “only 7 seats left”? Not on...
News
07/10/2018
The #1 Google Hack
Every day I see businesses, from restaurants to real estate agents to mortgage brokers, who’ve failed to take this one simple step to build their brand and attract more leads. On the flipside, one of our clients who’s doing all of these steps well swears that they get over 70% of their new business FOR...
News
03/10/2018
Where do I start?
Many of my clients don’t know where to start with marketing, or even what problem they’re solving for. Diagnosing the problem is the first step to finding the right solution, or as Albert Einstein said best, “If I were given one hour to save the planet, I would spend 55 minutes defining the problem and...
About
How It Works
Results
Reputation by Design® is a boutique marketing agency whose purpose is to proactively design and grow your reputation.
We do this through our marketing services, with specialties in award submission writing and organic social media management. Free up your time and lean on our expert marketing consultants and award submission writers to promote your brand. We are professional, efficient and reliable – and award-winning!
©2025 Reputation by Design® All Rights Reserved
