helpful articles, tips and thoughts to help you create bright content that connects.
the blog.
Pothole Politics: turning a rough road into a campaign win
Whether you're the one pointing at potholes or filling them, these cracks in the road can work for you — if you get your content right.
If they won’t follow you - pass the microphone
Here’s an uncomfortable truth for people who talk policy for a living. Most people aren’t looking to follow you on social media. Which is why the smartest operators are building a chorus instead.
the home ground advantage
There’s a difference between saying you represent your community… and actually showing that online. In this edition of The Bright Spot, we’re looking at the home ground advantage — and how to show people you’re representing them.
Not all great ideas are for you (but some you can steal!)
Creating content from scratch… in this economy?
Cost of living content is everywhere. Here’s how comparisons, nostalgia, and adapting proven formats can help you connect with your community.
storms don’t stop the algorithm
Storms don’t stop the algorithm. During severe weather, that reality can either work for you or against you. With local news shrinking and feeds more crowded than ever, getting clear, useful information to your community is harder when it matters most.
the reels are alive with the sound of music
Sound can really make or break a video. The right song or trend can be a hook that grabs attention and turns otherwise average footage into a concept that works.
How Zohran Mamdani just won New York — and the internet
A year ago, Zohran Mamdani was barely known outside Queens. Today, he’s Mayor-elect of New York City, thanks to a masterclass in short-form video, collaboration, and authenticity. Here’s what we can learn from his campaign.
From Papaya Rules to Pop Royalty
From Papaya Rules to Taylor’s Orange Era - what we can learn from this week’s memes.
The fine line between calling out and amplifying
Social media can connect—or divide. Here’s how to avoid amplifying the wrong message, plus two easy reel formats to try this week.
The one social media post I want to ban forever!
Stop posting random moments — here’s why recap reels, podcasts, and news trends can actually connect with your audience.
And that’s the good news…
New Instagram tricks, Queensland winter and a reel format you can steal today.
More eyes are on political social media
From Bob Katter dancing, to skits and paper cuts... now that a quarter of Australians get their news from social media, these reels matter more than ever.
Subway Surfers, happiness and a simple switch to hold attention 👀
In this edition of the bright spot we look at how Subway Surfers, looking happier, and a simple switch when editing can help you hold attention and make content that connects.
My mate has something to say… so you better read this.
AC/DC, batteries & a cheeky trend — what’s trending right now online for politicians.
Unboxing, whiteboards, and a one-second hook to stop the scroll📱
Welcome to the bright spot — your look at content that connects.
The goal here is to justify my doom-scrolling by sharing examples and ideas that you can put to use in your own social media.
preparing for a campaign photoshoot.
If you want to capture voters’ attention, you need to have engaging, authentic and well composed photos for your campaign materials. In this guest blog post, photographer Peter Turnbull shares his tips for preparing for a successful campaign photoshoot.
a refreshed photography portfolio site in just one day.
Deciding what images to highlight is the hardest part of refreshing a photography portfolio website. We tackled this challenge, and a lengthy website wish list, on a recent Design Day for Turnbull Photography & Content.
expert tips on creating a campaign website.
Kate Barwick has been involved with running election campaigns for more than 20 years. In this guest blog post, the Capital K Communications Principal shares a few tips to help candidates launch a vital communication tool - their campaign website.
a streamlined site for Front Communications.
I was approached by Front Communications to create a straightforward, streamlined design that includes all the relevant details - and flexibility to scale up in the future.
project website for property development public consultation.
I was engaged by Bespoken Agency to create a project website for Flinders View by Azure. This web design project included a range of custom features including sticky scroll, and hover reveal details.