Digitally Speaking

The UK Government is planning a ban on social media access for under-16s, aiming to better protect young people from harmful content, online predators, and the pressures of always-on digital platforms. In Episode 21 of Digitally Speaking , we explore what this could mean in practice, from age verification and platform responsibility, to parental support, teen creators, VPN workarounds, and the cha...

In our 20th episode of Digitally Speaking, we break down Scotland’s new 5 year AI Strategy and what it actually means for small businesses. We highlight some of the key initiatives proposed, including new training programmes, leadership support, and practical help designed to boost AI adoption across SMEs. We also explore the potential benefits, from saving time and improving productivity to worki...

Facebook can feel frustrating for small businesses right now. Posts get fewer likes, reach seems to be shrinking, and it often feels like you’re talking to an empty room. In this episode of Digitally Speaking, Nick and Serena share practical, beginner-friendly advice to help small business owners get more from their Facebook business pages. They start by explaining what “normal” engagement and rea...

Digital marketing is shifting in two big ways. First, search is no longer just about your website. As AI tools, social platforms, reviews, and online communities influence buying decisions, businesses need to think beyond traditional SEO and focus on being visible and trusted everywhere their customers look. Second, buyer behaviour is changing. Under ongoing pressure, customers are prioritising im...

In Episode 17 of Digitally Speaking, we walk listeners through the brand new NSDesign 2026 Social Media Calendar, packed with 180 UK and Scotland-friendly awareness days to spark ideas for the year ahead. Perfect for busy small business owners, we explore why these topical days can boost engagement, help you stay consistent, and make brainstorming posts far less painful. We pick out some of the fu...

A special edition of Digitally Speaking from NSDesign. This time, our usual hosts take a back seat as a brand new Scottish AI voice – created using ElevenLabs – introduces an entirely AI-generated music act built with Suno. Every sound, every lyric, every note… made by artificial intelligence. We might be biased, but we think it’s catchier than most of what’s in the charts these days. But does it...

In Episode 16 of Digitally Speaking , we step away from the digital world to talk about something more traditional – direct mail. Once seen as outdated, sending physical mail to customers is proving to be a valuable part of a hybrid marketing strategy, offering more attention for less cost than online ads. We also discuss a recent flyer campaign that divided opinion, raising questions about creati...

Episode 15 of Digitally Speaking is all about the QR Code - a simple tool that’s often overlooked, yet can be a game-changer for small business marketing. Inspired by a recent lively LinkedIn debate, we explore how QR Codes are being used well (and not so well), why they still matter, and how you can put them to work in creative, practical, and safe ways. Sometimes the simplest tools can make the...

Two huge AI updates in just days! In Episode 14 we check out Notebook LM’s new “Video Overview” feature (yes, the tool that makes this very podcast), then dive into the launch of GPT-5 in ChatGPT and what it means for SMEs. Plus, a quick look at “Agent Mode” - early steps towards AI that can actually do tasks for you. Big leaps, exciting times.

As AI models continue to train on publicly available content, a new battle is emerging: control and compensation. In episode 13 of Digitally Speaking , we examine growing concerns among content creators over AI scraping, and explore tools like Cloudflare’s Pay-Per-Crawl and default crawler blocking designed to monetise and restrict access. From technical defences to the ethical and strategic quest...

In this episode, we unpack Instagram’s game-changing algorithm update, effective from 10th July 2025. For the first time, content from public professional accounts - including posts, Reels, and videos - can now be indexed by external search engines like Google. We explore what this means for SEO, the growing overlap between social media and search, and how brands can optimise Instagram content for...

Organic reach is down. Engagement is flat. Growth is slow. In Episode 11 of Digitally Speaking , we tackle the harsh reality facing most Facebook business pages - and what you can do about it. With average reach below 2% and engagement even lower, we share real, actionable strategies to turn things around. From video content and Groups to paid boosts that actually work, it’s time to make Facebook...

As AI-generated content floods the digital world, how do you make sure your brand still sounds like you? In this episode, we explore why a distinctive, authentic voice is more important than ever - and how to protect it. We’ll look at practical ways to define and document your tone, how to use AI tools without losing your human edge, and why consistency across your content is key to standing out i...

If AI can co-write chart hits and produce entire albums, what can it do for your business? In episode 9 of Digitally Speaking, we riff off insights from the music industry to help SME owners see AI not as a creative replacement, but as a powerful collaborator. Drawing from real-world examples of artists and producers using AI to enhance their sound without losing their soul, we explore how busines...

As search shifts from top ten lists to AI-generated overviews, a new optimisation strategy is emerging: Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). In this episode, we unpack what GEO means, how it differs from traditional SEO, and what content creators and digital teams can do to stay visible in AI-driven search results. Clear, concise, and credible content is the name of the game – and we’ll show you...

In Episode 7 of Digitally Speaking , we shine a light on LinkedIn - possibly the most underused yet powerful social platform for small businesses. While many focus on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, we're here to show you why LinkedIn deserves your attention. Packed with practical advice and encouragement, this episode just might change how you think about professional networking online.

In Episode 6 of Digitally Speaking , we explore the current relevance of hashtags in social media marketing. Are they still a vital tool for engagement, or have they lost their effectiveness? We discuss the evolution of hashtag usage, platform-specific trends, and provide practical advice for small businesses on how to adapt their strategies moving forward.

In Episode 5 of Digitally Speaking , we dive into the world of paid social media advertising - and how to actually make it work for your small business. From smart targeting (hint: “Stop talking to the world - the world doesn’t care”) to spying on your competitors using the Meta Ad Library, we share practical tips to help you advertise more effectively and get the most from every penny you spend.

In Episode 4 of Digitally Speaking , we unpack one of ChatGPT’s most powerful new features - Deep Research . What is it, how does it work, and why should small businesses care? We break it down in simple terms, explore how it compares to regular web searches, and share practical ways to use AI to dig deeper, work smarter, and make better-informed decisions.

In this episode of Digitally Speaking , we take a closer look at Bluesky - the decentralised social media platform that's gaining traction as a fresh alternative to Twitter/X. What makes it different, and why should small businesses be paying attention? From invite-only access to custom domain usernames, we explore how Bluesky could shape the future of online marketing and brand identity.

In Episode 2 of Digitally Speaking , we unpack the rising wave of cyber attacks hitting UK businesses - from big names like M&S and the Co-op to the small businesses that often go unnoticed. What can you do to stay safe? Get straightforward, practical advice to help protect your data, your staff, and your reputation in an increasingly digital world.

In this debut episode of Digitally Speaking , we dive into the ethical dilemmas behind artificial intelligence - from copyright concerns and creator rights, to AI’s carbon footprint and the looming threat to jobs. Is progress worth the price? Join us as we explore the real-world impact of tools like ChatGPT in this lively, thought-provoking conversation from NSDesign's digital duo.

Welcome to Digitally Speaking – NSDesign’s AI-generated podcast exploring digital skills, social media, and the world of generative AI. In this short intro episode, we explain what the show is all about, how it’s created entirely using AI tools like Google’s Notebook LM, and why we’re excited to offer this new way of sharing insights, ideas, and conversations. It’s not quite your typical podcast…...