The Pulse

APRIL 2026

Awards

Websites

+1

The Start named finalists in seven categories at the 2026 Australian Web Awards.

Recognised for work with Joondalup Festival, Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, Pacific Energy, and our own site - plus a Rising Star nod for Cullen Webber. Read More

APRIL 2026

Marketing

SEO

+1

What is Search Everywhere Optimisation?

Ranking on Google used to be the whole game - optimise your site, build backlinks, add keywords. But it's 2026 and Google isn't the only way people search anymore. Online search has changed - and is changing rapidly. Read More

Design Trends 2026 blog cover — large distressed typographic '2026' with design and trends labels
JANUARY 2026

AI

Branding

Design

+2

Design in 2026: The Return of Taste and Intent

We asked the visually literate leg of our team what’s shaping 2026. The answer wasn’t singular, but it was clear. Taste is back in the driver’s seat. Read More

Collection of 3D-printed or AI-generated objects arranged on a flat surface
NOVEMBER 2025

AI

Marketing

+1

This isn’t just an AI content recognition guide — it’s a guide to recognising AI content

Actually, that’s exactly what it is. A stroll through the written AI clichés that still make us twitch a little. Read More

3D rendered mechanical robot figure holding an electric guitar
OCTOBER 2025

AI

General

+1

Did We Ruin Music Before AI Got the Chance To?

A slightly controversial look at how streaming platforms, algorithms, and our own passive consumption set the stage for AI's arrival in music. Read More

High contrast black and white abstract photograph with motion blur suggesting digital disruption — blog cover image for Spotify AI app article
OCTOBER 2025

AI

General

+1

Spotify, AI Killer Drones, and the Protest App That Hit #1

This is the story of how our Head of Innovation, Trav, built a satirical fitness app in response to Spotify's military funding, hit #1 on Product Hunt, and got rejected by Spotify. Read More

Surreal photograph of a vintage CRT television with psychedelic swirling patterns on screen, placed on a rippled patterned surface
SEPTEMBER 2025

AI

Websites

+1

The Importance of Vibe in AI Development

Historically, developers are not especially known for bringing ‘a vibe’. Things are changing quickly though. The role of vibe in development has never mattered more. Read More

The Start agency brand name in bold typography on a warm orange gradient background
AUGUST 2025

General

Welcome to the Start of The Start

We've rebranded. Start Digital is now The Start. Want to know why? Read More

Webby Award winner announcement social media post featuring a metallic spring element on a blue background with the Webby Award badge
MAY 2025

Awards

Websites

+1

Start Wins a Webby – and Australian Web Awards!

For those in the know, a Webby is the pinnacle of web awards. Bowie won one. So did Prince. This year Snoop scored one - and we've also added our name to an incredibly prestigious list. Read More

Dark editorial graphic showing a hooded figure obscured by repeating 'The Slop Generation' text overlay on a dark green background
MAY 2025

AI

Design

General

+2

The Importance of Taste in a World of Slop

AI generated slop is everywhere. It's infiltrated every social channel, reputable news services and everyday chat. Are we doomed? Does society need a reboot? Read More