Jennifer Sheppard

Tag: digital-marketing

  • Podcast: Getting to know your visitors using analytics

    You know the feeling when you post something and wonder if anyone is actually engaging with it? I’ve been there! In this episode, I reveal how free analytics tools can end the guessing game and show you exactly what your audience wants.

    Getting to know your visitors using analyticsDownload

    Audio Transcript:

    Hey there, digital explorers!

    I’m Jennifer, and today we’re talking about something that honestly changed my entire approach to digital marketing: getting to know your visitors through analytics.

    If you’ve ever wondered who’s actually visiting your website and what they’re doing there – this episode is for you!

    Okay, confession time.

    When I first heard about “analytics,” I thought it was just fancy tech speak for counting likes.

    Boy, was I wrong!

    There are two worlds here that work beautifully together.

    Web analytics – like Google Analytics – shows you exactly how people behave when they land on your site.

    Are they reading your about page? Bouncing off immediately? It’s honestly addictive once you start!

    Then there’s social media analytics, which is like having coffee with your audience and really listening.

    This tells you what your community actually cares about, not just the vanity metrics.

    Now I know what you’re thinking – “Jennifer, this sounds expensive and complicated.”

    But here’s what I love about Google Analytics 4 – it’s completely free and works like having a digital marketing team in your pocket!

    It’s like having a detective following every visitor, noting exactly what they click, how far they scroll, which videos they watch.

    The initial setup takes under fifteen minutes, and WordPress plugins like MonsterInsights make it point-and-click easy.

    You know that feeling when you post something and wonder if anyone actually cares?

    Analytics ends that guessing game forever. Here’s the real magic though – you start seeing patterns everywhere.

    And I just read this wild statistic from Adobe that blew my mind: 65% of executives say AI-powered analytics are driving their growth this year.

    We’re in this incredible moment where data-driven businesses are absolutely crushing it while everyone else is just guessing.

    Instead of creating content and crossing your fingers, you’re creating based on what you know works.

    Your audience is already telling you exactly what they want – you just need to know how to listen.

    Entrepreneurs, creators – this is your sign to start taking analytics seriously.

    Spend just fifteen minutes a week exploring your data, and I guarantee you’ll start seeing opportunities you never noticed before.

    Knowledge is power, but applied knowledge? That’s transformation.

    Go set up those analytics and become the data-driven boss you were meant to be!

    Music by Tunetank from Pixabay

  • Your next career move: Digital communications

    Your next career move: Digital communications

    Digital communications has rapidly evolved from a niche specialty into the backbone of modern business communication. As traditional marketing channels shift to digital-first strategies, Australian organisations increasingly demand professionals skilled at navigating complex digital ecosystems to deliver measurable results. Wondering what roles and career paths are out there in digital communications? This guide breaks them down for you.

    Key Digital Communications Roles

    Digital Communications Manager

    Salary: $110,000 – $160,000 annually

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Develop comprehensive digital communication strategies across all online channels
    • Manage crisis communications and reputation management in digital spaces
    • Oversee content creation, social media strategy, and campaign implementation
    • Analyse performance using analytics tools and present strategic recommendations to senior management
    • Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate with external agencies

    Social Media Manager

    Salary: $80,000 – $95,000 annually

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Create and manage content across multiple social media platforms
    • Develop community engagement strategies and manage online reputation
    • Implement social media advertising campaigns and track ROI
    • Monitor platform algorithm changes and emerging social media trends
    • Collaborate with creative teams on visual content and campaign assets

    Content Marketing Specialist

    Salary: $65,000 – $85,000 annually

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Develop content strategies aligned with business objectives and customer journey mapping
    • Create high-quality content optimised for search engines and user experience
    • Manage editorial calendars and content production workflows
    • Analyse content performance metrics and collaborate with design teams
    • Ensure brand voice consistency across all content

    Digital Marketing Coordinator

    Salary: $70,000 – $80,000 annually

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Execute digital marketing campaigns across email, social media, and web channels
    • Manage marketing automation sequences and CRM systems
    • Coordinate cross-platform campaigns and monitor performance metrics
    • Support content creation and maintain website accuracy
    • Assist senior team members with project management tasks

    Digital Communications Officer (Government)

    Salary: $75,000 – $95,000 annually

    Core Responsibilities:

    • Manage government agency digital presence ensuring compliance with accessibility standards
    • Create content communicating government policies and services to citizens
    • Coordinate public consultation processes and community engagement initiatives
    • Develop crisis communication protocols for digital platforms
    • Collaborate with traditional media teams on integrated strategies

    Professional Development and Recognition

    Australian Marketing Institute (AMI)

    The Australian Marketing Institute provides professional development through their globally aligned competency framework covering 25 core marketing competencies and 8 specialised digital competencies. Professionals can pursue Certified Practising Marketer (CPM) designation and access over 100 courses mapped to specific competencies.

    Communication and Public Relations Australia (CPRA)

    Communication and Public Relations Australia serves as the national industry body for PR and communication professionals. CPRA offers specialised training programs, networking opportunities with 23,000+ industry professionals, and professional development through masterclasses and conferences.

    Current Market Opportunities

    Australia’s digital communications job market is robust and expanding. Recent data shows over 5,000 digital communications positions available nationwide, with digital communication specialists earning an average of $135,000 per year.

    Essential Skills Development:

    • Data analytics and performance measurement
    • Marketing automation and customer journey mapping
    • Crisis communication and reputation management
    • Cross-platform campaign integration

    Conclusion

    Australia’s digital communications landscape offers exceptional career opportunities that blend creative storytelling with analytical thinking. With salaries ranging from $57,000 for entry-level coordinators to $160,000+ for senior managers, the sector provides clear progression pathways and competitive compensation. Success requires continuous learning, professional certification through AMI and CPRA, and staying current with evolving digital trends.

    The market is especially vibrant, particularly in government digital transformation and e-commerce sectors, making it an ideal time to enter or advance within this dynamic field.

    Make your move today!

    Industry sources

    AdNews. (2019, July 10). The marketing roles and skills in demand in Australia. AdNews. https://www.adnews.com.au/news/the-marketing-roles-and-skills-in-demand-in-australia

    Australian Direct Marketing Association. (2022, November 24). Marketing 2025: The future of skills and technology. ADMA. https://www.adma.com.au/resources/marketing-2025

    B&T Magazine. (2025, March 10). Revealed! B&T’s CMO Power List 2025. B&T. https://www.bandt.com.au/revealed-bts-cmo-power-list-2025/

    CareerFoundry. (2024, February 6). 9 essential digital marketing skills to develop in 2025. CareerFoundry Blog. https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/digital-marketing/digital-marketing-skills/

    Marketing Mag. (n.d.). Australian marketing news, trends and resources. Marketing Mag. https://www.marketingmag.com.au/

    Queensland University of Technology. (n.d.). Master of digital communication. QUT. https://www.qut.edu.au/courses/master-of-digital-communication

    Robert Half. (2025, April 24). Top trends in digital marketing for 2025: Expert insights for the year ahead. Robert Half. https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/insights/career-development/top-trends-in-digital-marketing-for-2025-expert-insights

    Sprout Social. (2025). Social media trends in Australia [updated 2025]. Sprout Social. https://sproutsocial.com/insights/social-media-trends-australia/

    Photo by Anna Shvets: https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-woman-typing-on-laptop-5711948/

  • Platform showdown: Navigating Australia’s social media landscape in 2025

    Platform showdown: Navigating Australia’s social media landscape in 2025

    Australia’s digital scene is about to undergo a seismic shift. With the world’s first social media age restriction of 16+ taking effect this December, social media platforms are scrambling to adapt. But before the dust settles, let’s dive into how these digital giants stack up against each other – and what it means for Australian users.

    Facebook vs Instagram: The Meta dynasty

    Talk about sibling rivalry with a twist! These Meta-owned platforms dominate Australian social media but serve remarkably different purposes. Facebook commands 20.9 million Australian users (77.7% of the population), while Instagram captures 14 million users, representing 52 per cent of Australians who clearly can’t get enough of perfectly curated feeds.

    What they share: Being part of the Meta family means shared DNA. Both platforms face the December age restrictions and both must implement sophisticated age verification systems or risk fines up to $49.5 million. They’re increasingly similar too, with Facebook’s Reels directly mimicking Instagram’s success. Both platforms integrate Stories, shopping features, and cross-platform messaging.

    Where they differ: Facebook remains the digital town square – it’s where Australians share life updates, join community groups, and engage in lengthy discussions. The platform’s text-based posts and link-sharing capabilities make it ideal for news consumption and meaningful conversations. Instagram demands visual perfection. Every post requires an image or video, and the platform’s aesthetic approach appeals to users who prefer showing over telling.

    The demographic split tells the story: Facebook skews slightly male (48.1% vs 51.9%), while Instagram attracts more women (55.2% female vs 44.8% male). The age restrictions will likely accelerate Facebook’s existing trend of losing younger users, while Instagram’s visual appeal may help it maintain growth – as Australia’s social media landscape reshapes itself.

    TikTok vs Snapchat: The battle for Australia’s attention span

    Here’s where things get interesting. Both platforms target the same demographic – Gen Z and younger Millennials – but they’re fighting very different battles.

    TikTok commands 8.5 million Australian users who spend an impressive 42 hours monthly on the app. Meanwhile, Snapchat users in Australia are among the most engaged in the world, averaging 490.2 sessions per user each month, one of the highest session frequencies reported globally. Both platforms will be severely impacted by the upcoming age restrictions, potentially losing massive chunks of their user bases.

    Common ground: Short-form, vertical video content dominates both platforms. Australian users on both apps are consuming quick, trend-driven content optimised for mobile viewing – which makes sense given that 94.9% of Australians access the web via mobile devices. Both platforms also excel at algorithm-driven content discovery, serving up personalised feeds that keep users scrolling.

    The key differences: TikTok has evolved beyond entertainment into a legitimate search engine, with 38% of Australian users utilising it to keep up with trends. It’s become a powerhouse for brand discovery and viral marketing. Snapchat, however, doubles down on personal connection. It’s one of Australia’s top three messaging platforms by session frequency.

    Flickr vs DeviantArt: The creative sanctuary

    In a world of fleeting content and algorithm-driven feeds, these platforms represent something different – permanence and artistic integrity. Both Flickr users and DeviantArt users operate in a space largely untouched by Australia’s age restrictions.

    Shared vision: Both platforms prioritise quality over quantity. They’re built for creators who want to showcase their work – with high-resolution uploads, detailed metadata, and community feedback systems. Australian photographers and artists use both platforms as professional portfolios, complete with tagging systems and themed communities that help serious creators find their audience.

    Where they diverge: Flickr is the photographer’s paradise. It’s built specifically for high-quality images with technical photography features that pros demand. The platform attracts users who care about the craft of photography itself.

    DeviantArt casts a wider creative net, embracing digital art, traditional art, literature, and photography under one roof. It’s more community-oriented, with extensive critique systems and artistic challenges that foster genuine creative growth.

    For Australian creators feeling squeezed by mainstream social media’s increasingly commercial focus, both platforms offer refuge. As other platforms tackle age restrictions and algorithm changes, these creative havens may see an influx of artists seeking authentic community engagement.

    Vimeo vs YouTube: The video platform paradox

    This comparison has become particularly fascinating in the Australian context. YouTube’s surprise inclusion in the age restriction laws has created an unprecedented situation for the platform that is projected to reach 15.8 million users by 2029.

    Common features: Both platforms excel at video hosting with professional-grade tools for creators. They offer analytics, customisable players, and embedding options that make them valuable for businesses and content creators alike. Australian users on both platforms expect high-quality video streaming and robust community features.

    The critical difference: Scale and strategy. YouTube dominates Australian digital consumption with users spending over 22 hours weekly on average watching video content. It’s integral to brand strategies for major Australian companies and serves as both entertainment hub and educational resource.

    Vimeo operates in the professional niche – it’s the platform of choice for businesses seeking ad-free, branded video hosting solutions. While YouTube must now grapple with age verification requirements and potential compliance headaches, Vimeo’s professional user base means it’s largely unaffected by the restrictions.

    This regulatory divergence creates a unique opportunity. As YouTube scrambles to implement age assurance technology, Vimeo could capture displaced educational content creators and professionals seeking a more predictable platform environment.

    The road ahead

    Australia’s social media landscape is entering uncharted territory. The platforms that adapt quickly to age restrictions while maintaining user engagement will thrive. Those that stumble may find themselves losing ground to more agile competitors.

    For Australian users, this means diversifying digital strategies beyond traditional social media. The future belongs to platforms that can balance compliance, creativity, and community – whether that’s through private messaging, professional networking, or authentic creative expression.

    The December deadline is fast approaching. How these platforms respond will reshape not just Australia’s digital landscape but potentially influence global social media regulation for years to come.

    Image Credit: “Social Media Mixed Icons – Banner” by Blogtrepreneur, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr.

  • WordPress Vs LinkedIn: A blogger’s guide to choosing your platform

    WordPress Vs LinkedIn: A blogger’s guide to choosing your platform

    Starting a blog today? You’re facing more choices than ever before – WordPress, LinkedIn, Wix, Medium, Tumblr, Jimdo – just to name a few. Two platforms stand out for different reasons. WordPress, the heavyweight champion of blogging. And LinkedIn, the unexpected contender that has been building its content creation credentials. Both offer free options, but they couldn’t be more different in approach.

    Let’s dive into what makes each platform tick and which one suits your blogging goals.

    WordPress: The Swiss army knife of blogging

    WordPress powers over 43% of all websites on the internet – that’s almost half of the web! When we talk about WordPress for blogging, we are focusing on WordPress.com. It offers a free tier that gets you started without any upfront cost.

    What you get with WordPress (free plan)

    The free WordPress.com plan gives you the perfect foundation for blogging. You’ll get a subdomain (yourname.wordpress.com), basic customisation options, and access to thousands of free themes. WordPress makes it simple to get started and expand your site as your audience grows – no coding or design experience needed.

    The platform excels at content creation. With the block editor, you drag and drop elements, insert galleries, add pull quotes, and style your posts exactly how you want them.

    From minimal and sleek to polished and professional, whatever your publishing style, the intuitive block editor works the way you do.  

    You also get basic analytics to track your readership, built-in SEO tools to help people find your content, and the ability to schedule posts in advance. Plus, there is a mobile app that lets you blog on the go.

    WordPress strengths and limitations

    WordPress’s community is massive. If you get stuck, there are countless tutorials, forums, and resources available. This extensive support network makes WordPress particularly appealing for beginners who want room to grow.

    However, the free plan comes with restrictions. You’ll have WordPress ads on your site, limited storage space, and you can not use custom plugins or upload custom themes. You also can’t monetise your blog directly through advertising or affiliate marketing on the free plan.

    LinkedIn: The professional’s publishing platform

    LinkedIn might seem like an odd choice for blogging, but it’s become a powerful platform for professional content creation. LinkedIn offers basic blogging tools and gives you access to over one billion professionals.

    What you get with LinkedIn

    LinkedIn’s publishing platform is free for all members. You can publish articles about your expertise and interests. Your articles appear in your profile’s activity section and are shared with your connections and followers in their news feeds.

    The editor is straightforward – you write, format with basic tools like headings and bullet points, add images, and publish. LinkedIn is perfect if you want to start blogging immediately for free.

    The LinkedIn advantage

    LinkedIn’s greatest strength is its built-in audience. When you publish, you’re not shouting into the void – you’re reaching your professional network! LinkedIn encourages an active community where people engage in lively discussions.

    This makes LinkedIn particularly powerful for B2B content, thought leadership, and professional insights. The platform targets industry professionals and has excellent potential to reach targeted audiences. Unlike with a new blog where you might wait months for readers, LinkedIn articles can generate comments and connections from day one.

    Studies suggest that LinkedIn content often generates higher engagement rates than traditional blog posts for professional topics, making it ideal for establishing thought leadership.

    LinkedIn’s limitations

    LinkedIn isn’t really a traditional blogging platform. The features are quite limited – you can publish a post, but that’s essentially it. There’s no real customisation, limited analytics, and no way to monetise directly through the platform.

    The platform’s analytics are basic compared to dedicated blogging platforms, offering minimal insights into reader behaviour. You also can’t optimise for search engines effectively.

    Head-to-head comparison

    Ease of Getting Started

    Winner: LinkedIn. If you have a LinkedIn account, you can publish your first article in minutes. WordPress requires more setup, even on the free plan.

    Customisation and Control

    Winner: WordPress. WordPress offers exponentially more control over design, layout, and functionality. LinkedIn gives you basic formatting and that’s about it.

    Audience Building

    Winner: LinkedIn for immediate reach, WordPress for long-term growth. LinkedIn provides immediate access to your professional network. WordPress requires more effort but offers greater long-term potential through search engine visibility.

    Professional Credibility

    Winner: LinkedIn. For professional content, LinkedIn carries inherent credibility. Publishing thoughtful articles can significantly boost your professional reputation.

    Content Ownership

    Winner: WordPress. With WordPress, you have more control over your content and can export it if needed. LinkedIn owns the platform and has more control over your content’s fate.

    SEO and Discoverability

    Winner: WordPress. WordPress content can rank in Google searches and build long-term organic traffic. LinkedIn articles have limited search engine visibility outside the platform.

    Which Platform Should You Choose?

    Choose LinkedIn if:

    • You’re focused on professional or B2B content
    • You want immediate access to an engaged audience
    • You value networking and professional connections over pure readership numbers
    • You prefer simple, straightforward publishing without technical concerns
    • Your goal is thought leadership in your industry

    Choose WordPress if:

    • You want to build a long-term, sustainable blog
    • You value customisation and control over your site’s appearance
    • You’re comfortable with a gradual learning curve
    • You want the potential to monetise your content eventually
    • You’re serious about SEO and long-term organic growth
    • You want complete ownership of your content

    The bottom line

    Both platforms serve different purposes brilliantly. LinkedIn excels as a professional publishing platform that connects you with industry peers and potential business contacts. It’s perfect for establishing thought leadership within your existing network.

    WordPress offers a more traditional blogging experience with significant room to grow. It’s better suited for building a sustainable, long-term content strategy that can evolve into a serious online presence with global reach.

    Many successful content creators use both platforms strategically – publishing comprehensive content on WordPress while sharing key insights and engaging with their professional network on LinkedIn. This dual approach maximises both platforms’ strengths while minimising their individual limitations.

    The choice ultimately depends on your goals: quick professional engagement or long-term content building. Both are free to start, so consider experimenting with each to see which aligns better with your voice and objectives.

    Featured photo by Jakub Zerdzicki  on Pexels.