# Blue Platypus Digital

> Full service digital agency based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
> Founded 2008. We provide web design, digital marketing, AI consulting,
> creative services and ongoing website maintenance to Australian businesses.

Contact: support@blueplatypus.com.au | 0430 809 122
Service area: Gold Coast and South East Queensland, serving clients Australia-wide.
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–4:00pm (AEST).

## Services

- [Web Design](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design/): Custom website design and development — bespoke business sites, e-commerce stores and web applications.
- [Digital Marketing](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/digital-marketing/): Google Ads, SEO, social media and email marketing.
- [Website Maintenance](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/website-maintenance/): WordPress care plans — security updates, backups, monitoring and support.
- [AI Consulting](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/ai-consulting/): AI strategy, tool integration, workflow automation and staff training.
- [Creative Services](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/creative-services/): Brand identity, logo design, advertising creative and print collateral.

## Company

- [About Us](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/about-us/): Company background, approach and team.
- [Contact](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/contact/): Enquiry form, phone and email.
- [Web Design News](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/): 69 articles on web design, digital marketing and AI for small business.

## Article categories

- [Digital Marketing](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/category/digital-marketing/): 26 articles.
- [Digital Strategy](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/category/digital-strategy/): 16 articles.
- [Web Design](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/category/web-design/): 15 articles.
- [Website Maintenance](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/category/website-maintenance/): 8 articles.
- [AI Consulting](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/category/ai-consulting/): 4 articles.

## Articles

### Digital Marketing

- [Factors That Affect On-Page and Off-Page SEO](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/on-page-off-page-seo/): Understanding the difference between on-page and off-page SEO is the first step to building a strategy that lifts your site's position in organic search.
- [How To Cultivate More Customer Reviews For Your Business](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/how-to-cultivate-more-customer-reviews/): 75% of consumers regularly read online reviews before purchasing. Here are four practical strategies to encourage more customers to share their experience.
- [5 Ways That Starting a Blog Can Drive Traffic](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/5-ways-that-starting-a-blog-can-drive-traffic/): A blog is one of the most effective ways to grow your business online. Here are five key reasons to start blogging — and how each one helps bring more visitors to your website.
- [Common Digital Marketing Mistakes to Avoid](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/digital_marketing_mistakes/): Digital marketing needs to be dynamic and unique to grab attention. Here are the most common mistakes businesses make — and how to avoid them.
- [7 Tips to Boost Your Website's SEO](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/7-tips-to-boost-your-websites-seo/): Search Engine Optimisation is an ongoing process — but focus on these seven fundamentals and you'll see consistent improvement in your website's rankings over time.
- [SEO or PPC — Which Is Better?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/seo-or-ppc-which-is-better/): Both SEO and Google Ads can drive traffic to your website — but they work very differently. Here's how to decide which is right for your business, and when to use both.
- [10 Tips for LinkedIn](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/10-tips-for-linkedin/): Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card — and for many B2B businesses, it's as important as your website. Here are 10 ways to make yours work harder.
- [Facebook Removes Australian News: What It Means for Your Business](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/facebook-removes-australian-news/): When Facebook blocked Australian news overnight, it was a wake-up call for every business that relies on social media to reach its audience. Here's the lesson.
- [5 Easy Ways to Look Great on Zoom](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/5-easy-ways-to-look-great-on-zoom/): Video calls are now a normal part of business life. Here's how to present professionally and make a great impression — without expensive equipment.
- [Limited Time: Free SEO Audit for Your Website](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/free-seo-audit-offer/): For a limited time, Blue Platypus is offering a free SEO audit. Find out exactly where your website stands in search and what it would take to climb the rankings.
- [Social Media Content Development and Management](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/social-media-management/): How Blue Platypus Digital can help your business build a professional social media presence, from strategy through to hands-on daily management.
- [What Is PPC? Search Marketing and Pay-Per-Click Advertising Explained](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/what-is-ppc/): A plain-English guide to pay-per-click advertising, Google Ads, and Facebook advertising — and how they can drive leads and sales for your business.
- [What Is SEO? Search Engine Optimisation Explained](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/what-is-seo/): A plain-English explanation of SEO — what it is, how it works, and why your business needs it to get found on Google.
- [I Don't Blog… But Should I?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/i-dont-blog-but-should-i/): Think you don't have time for a blog? A blog is one of the most powerful free marketing tools available to small businesses. Here's why it matters — and how to make it work for you.
- [Latest Google Changes: Penguin 4 is Live](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/latest-google-changes-penguin-4-is-live/): Google's Penguin 4 algorithm update is now rolling out in real time, rewarding quality link-building and penalising spam.
- [Prepare Now for Google Changes](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/prepare-now-for-google-changes/): From April 21 2015, Google began favouring mobile-friendly websites in search results — here's what you need to know.
- [Personality Branding: The Third Brand Your Business Needs](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/personality-branding-the-third-brand-your-business-needs/): Most businesses focus on product and company branding — but there's a third, often overlooked layer that can be your most powerful competitive advantage: personal brand.
- [Google's Own List of No-No's](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/googles-own-list-of-no-nos/): Straight from the source: the SEO practices Google actively penalises. If you're doing your own SEO — or paying someone to do it — this is required reading.
- [Free Website Statistics](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/free-website-statistics/): Did you know you may already be eligible for free website traffic statistics through your hosting provider?
- [How to SEO Your Website for Free](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/how-to-seo-your-website-for-free/): No SEO budget? Here's a practical, beginner-friendly guide to improving your website's Google rankings without spending a cent on tools or agencies.
- [Banishing Blogger's Block](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/banishing-bloggers-block/): Six practical strategies to overcome blogger's block and keep your business blog publishing consistently week after week.
- [Last Day to Save 34% on Social Media Success Summit 2011](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/social-media-success-summit-2011/): The Social Media Success Summit 2011 is an online conference for businesses wanting to master Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for real marketing results.
- [23 Experts Help You Master Blogging](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/23-experts-master-blogging/): The Blogging Success Summit 2011 brings together 23 leading experts — including Darren Rowse and Brian Clark — to help businesses master the art of blogging.
- [Search Engine Optimisation: Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/seo-frequently-asked-questions/): Answers to the most common SEO questions small businesses ask, including what SEO is, how Google works, and why black hat techniques should be avoided.
- [Writing for the Web](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/writing-for-the-web/): Why web copywriting is different from print, and the five key principles that make website content work harder for your business and for search engines.
- [Where in the World Are Your Customers?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/where-in-the-world-are-your-customers/): How location-based apps like Foursquare and Facebook Places are creating powerful new geographically-targeted advertising opportunities for local businesses.

### Digital Strategy

- [5 Tips to Help You Land Your First Client](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/5-tips-to-land-first-client/): Starting a new business is exciting — and nerve-wracking. Here are five practical strategies to help you land that all-important first client.
- [How Digital Marketing Can Boost Your Business](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/how-digital-marketing-can-boost-your-business/): Digital marketing has become essential for businesses today. Here's how a strong digital strategy can increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive real growth.
- [Big Ideas: Large Scale Website Projects](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/big-ideas-large-scale-website-projects/): Have a ground-breaking idea for a website or app? Here's how to protect your concept, document your requirements, and find the right team to bring it to life.
- [Queensland Business Basics Grant — Get Your Quote Before Applications Open](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/queensland-business-basics-grant/): The Queensland Business Basics Grant is opening again soon. Find out if you're eligible and how to get an urgent quote so you're ready to apply for a new website, SEO or digital marketing.
- [Coronavirus Adaptation Funding Opportunity](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/coronavirus-adaptation-funding-opportunity/): Queensland's government grant program helps small businesses adapt post-COVID through digital transformation, marketing, and strategic planning funding.
- [Top 12 Tips for Restaurants to Get Through the Coronavirus Crisis](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/top-12-tips-for-restaurants-to-get-through-the-coronavirus-crisis/): Practical marketing and operational strategies to help cafes, restaurants, and caterers survive and adapt during the coronavirus pandemic.
- [Urgent Business Planning for COVID-19](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/urgent-business-planning-for-covid19/): A practical guide to Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery for small businesses navigating the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- [One Person, Two Email Addresses](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/one-person-two-email-addresses/): Why every sole trader and small business owner should use two separate email addresses — one for the web and one for real-world contacts.
- [3 Steps to a Cohesive Web Strategy](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/3-steps-to-a-cohesive-web-strategy/): Your website is just one of many digital assets your business can own. Here's how to think about your full web presence — and three steps to bring it all together.
- [2012 Blue Platypus Arts Centre Prize Winner Announced](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/2012-arts-centre-online-marketing-prize-winner/): Louise Moriarty is announced as the winner of the 2012 Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Prize.
- [Blue Platypus Online Arts Prize in the News](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/blue-platypus-online-arts-prize-in-the-news/): The 2012 Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Prize is featured in the Gold Coast Bulletin.
- [Set Up Your Email Signature](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/set-up-your-email-signature/): Stop leaving your phone number out of emails — here's how to set up an automatic email signature in just a few minutes.
- [Innovative New Gallery Takes the Inaugural Blue Platypus Arts Centre Gold Coast Online Marketing Prize](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/inaugural-arts-centre-online-marketing-prize/): Gallery on the Lane wins the first Blue Platypus and Arts Centre Gold Coast online marketing prize, receiving a website and social media strategy valued at $1,800.
- [Online Christmas Shopping Tips](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/online-christmas-shopping-tips/): A curated guide to the best Australian online shopping sites for Christmas, plus smart tips for staying safe while buying gifts online.
- [Your Feedback — Spreading Like Wild Fire](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/your-feedback-spreading-like-wild-fire/): How social media has amplified the risk of negative word-of-mouth for businesses, and what a smart social media strategy should do about it.
- [Internet Usage by Small Businesses on the Gold Coast](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/internet-usage-small-businesses-gold-coast/): With nearly half of Australian small businesses lacking a website, Gold Coast businesses that invest in their online presence have a significant competitive advantage.

### Web Design

- [Bespoke Website Design and Development](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/bespoke-website-design-and-development/): A custom, bespoke website can make your business stand out from the crowd. Here's what bespoke design means, what it involves, and whether it's the right choice for your business.
- [Document Management Portal for Clients: Determining Your Requirements](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/document-management-portal-for-clients-determining-your-requirements/): Thinking about building a client document portal? Before briefing your developer, work through these key questions to define what you actually need.
- [Editing Your Content in Divi](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/editing-your-content-in-divi/): A step-by-step guide to editing existing pages and adding new pages to your WordPress website using the Divi Builder.
- [What Are My Shipping Options for Ecommerce?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/what-are-my-shipping-options-for-ecommerce/): Setting up an online store? Here's a plain-language overview of the main shipping models available for Australian ecommerce businesses.
- [Why Update From BeeKeeper CMS?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/why-update-from-beekeeper/): BeeKeeper CMS is no longer supported in Australia. If your website is still running on it, here's what that means — and what you need to do.
- [Is It Time to Redesign Your Website? 4 Signs It Is](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/website-redesign-special-offer/): How to tell when a website refresh is overdue — first impressions, mobile experience, enquiry rates and ageing technology — plus what a redesign costs.
- [Professional Website Design for Small Business](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/professional-website-design/): Affordable, results-focused website design for small and emerging businesses — from simple HTML sites to full e-commerce and CMS solutions.
- [Domain Name Registration: A Small Bill Worth Paying Early](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/domain-name-registration/): Your domain name is one of the cheapest expenses you'll ever have for your website — and one of the costliest to lose. Here's why you should pay it the moment the invoice arrives.
- [Blue Platypus Launches Two Stunning New Custom Designed CMS Websites](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/blue-platypus-launches-two-custom-cms-websites/): Blue Platypus recently launched beautiful custom-designed WordPress websites for two well-known BIG4 holiday parks.
- [I Want an Online Store… and My Budget is $500](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/i-want-an-online-store-budget-500/): The honest truth about what it takes to launch a competitive online store, and why a $500 budget sets unrealistic expectations.
- [New Site Just in Time for Christmas Seafood](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/new-site-just-in-time-for-christmas-seafood/): We launched a fresh new website for Pacifica Trading, a Gold Coast seafood market in Robina, just in time for the Christmas feast season.
- [Happy New Year FY12](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/happy-new-year-fy12/): A round-up of new websites launched by Blue Platypus at the start of the 2011–12 financial year, from security companies to fitness wear brands.
- [Home Page Real Estate](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/home-page-real-estate/): How to think about your website's home page like prime real estate — and which areas deserve your most important content, calls to action and branding.
- [Great Photos Equals a Great Looking Website](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/great-photos-equals-a-great-looking-website/): Why photography is one of the most important investments you can make in your website, and practical tips for getting better shots on any budget.
- [Briefing Your Web Design Company](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/briefing-your-web-design-company/): A complete checklist of what to include in a written web design brief — and why taking the time to write one properly can save you money and frustration.

### Website Maintenance

- [Disk Quota Warnings – FAQ](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/disk-quota-warnings-faq/): Getting a disk quota warning from your web host? Here's what it means, why it matters, and the four practical options for resolving it.
- [WordPress Website Training and Support](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/wordpress-training-and-support/): There's an important difference between WordPress training and WordPress support. Understanding which one you need will save you time and money.
- [Don't Email Me Your Password!](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/dont-email-me-your-password/): Sharing passwords via email is a surprisingly common — and genuinely risky — practice. Here's why it's dangerous and what to do instead.
- [Time for Maintenance on Your Website?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/time-for-maintenance-on-your-website/): Has it been six months or more since your website was last updated? Here's what you should be checking — and why leaving it too long causes more problems than it solves.
- [Don't Lose Customers With a Site Flagged "Not Secure"](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/dont-lose-customers-with-a-site-flagged-not-secure/): Google Chrome now flags websites without SSL certificates as "Not Secure". Here's what it means, who's affected, and how to fix it.
- [Why Do I Need to Update WordPress?](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/why-do-i-need-to-update-wordpress/): WordPress updates aren't optional — they're essential. Here's what happens when you skip them, and why it matters more than you might think.
- [Change Your Passwords Today: Heartbleed Update](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/change-your-passwords-today-heartbleed-update/): The Heartbleed bug exposed a critical vulnerability in internet security — here's why you need to change all your passwords immediately.
- [Critical Updates for Your Website](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/critical-updates-for-your-website/): Three important reasons to update your website now — browser compatibility, Flash removal, and adding a content management system.

### AI Consulting

- [7 Practical Ways AI Can Help Small Businesses Right Now](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/ai-for-small-business/): Discover practical ways artificial intelligence can help small businesses improve customer service, save time, automate admin and grow more efficiently.
- [What AI Actually Means for Small Business Owners](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/what-ai-means-for-small-business/): Learn how AI is helping small business owners improve marketing, customer communication and efficiency without unnecessary complexity.
- [How AI Can Help Tradies Win More Work and Save Time](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/ai-for-tradies/): Discover practical ways tradies can use AI to improve lead response times, reduce admin, automate follow-ups and grow their business.
- [Generative Search Optimisation: GEO is the New SEO](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/web-design-news/geo-is-the-new-seo/): AI-powered search is changing how people find businesses online. Discover what Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) means for your digital strategy and how to adapt.

## Optional

- [Privacy Policy](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Service](https://www.blueplatypus.com.au/terms-of-service/)