Academy of DesignWelcome to Academy of Design
We cover the decisions Australian small businesses face every day — marketing, hiring, systems, insurance and growth — in plain, useful language.
Latest articles
Factors That Affect Singapore's Electricity Tariff
The electricity tariff in Singapore is the price you pay for the electricity you use, measured in kWh. The price depends on what time of…
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Benefits of Waterproof Vinyl Flooring in Singapore
Waterproof vinyl flooring is a type of floor coverings that is designed to offer one or two-step protection from water damage, making it…
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Why You Need a Pull-Out Bed in Singapore
If you live in a tiny HDB apartment, it may seem impossible to get some extra space until you need it. But what if you could get more space…
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Benefits of Choosing Roman Blinds for your Home
When you are looking for a simple, practical and functional window treatment for accentuating the interior look of your home then you…
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A Great Birthday Bouquet Delivery Singapore
When someone's birthday comes around, it is always a nice idea to show them how much you care about them. They will really appreciate that…
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Benefits of Coworking Space for Your Business that you will Enjoy
Choosing the perfect office space can make a huge difference in your business reputation and it also helps you to create a brand for your…
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Choosing a Business Structure in Australia: Sole Trader, Partnership, Company or Trust
Compare sole trader, partnership, company and trust structures and how liability, tax and administration affect Australian small business owners.
Read guide →Managing Cash Flow in an Australian Small Business
Learn how to forecast cash flow, invoice promptly, control expenses and set aside tax and super so your Australian small business stays financially stable.
Read guide →How to Build a Practical Marketing Plan for a Small Business
A one-page approach to marketing for Australian small businesses: define your customer, set measurable goals, pick sustainable channels and budget wisely.
Read guide →Work Health and Safety for Australian Small Businesses
A plain-language guide to work health and safety duties for Australian small businesses, from hazard identification and training to records and shared workspaces.
Read guide →Explore by topic
Frequently asked questions
- How much should a small business spend on marketing?
- A common guide is 5–10% of revenue, weighted toward what you can measure. Start with one or two channels, track cost per enquiry, and scale only what's proven to work.
- Is SEO still worth investing in?
- Yes — organic search remains one of the highest-ROI channels for most local businesses. Expect four to six months before results compound, and be wary of anyone guaranteeing instant rankings.
- What insurance does a small business need?
- Public liability is the baseline for most businesses. Add professional indemnity if you give advice, and consider cyber cover if you store customer data. An insurance broker usually costs you nothing.
- How do I choose between suppliers?
- Compare total cost rather than headline price: include delivery, minimum orders, payment terms and reliability. A supplier who answers the phone when something goes wrong is worth a small premium.
- When is the right time to hire?
- Hire when the role pays for itself — either by directly generating revenue or by freeing you to do work that does. Document the process before hiring so training doesn't stall the business.