THE REAL FUNDAMENTALS OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
The Blog for the Small Business Owner
Being a business owner means we're always learning. We're so excited to share our knowledge with you! These articles are inspired by FAQs you have and common issues/myths we hear and see in the design and marketing industry.
Explore to find tools, resources, and more to understand how to build your business the right way!
Featured Blog Posts
Marketing vs. Sales: Two Vital Paths to Business Growth
Many service-based business owners—whether they’re real estate agents, wellness centres, or mental health professionals—aren’t entirely clear on where marketing ends and sales begins. But getting this clarity can be a game-changer. Knowing what falls under each bucket helps you avoid gaps, make stronger connections, and, ultimately, convert more clients.
How to Set (and Crush) Goals That Actually Move Your Business Forward
Goal setting should be the springboard that launches your business forward, not just another checkbox to tick off. If you've set goals in the past that fizzled out or didn’t create lasting impact, it’s time for a reset. Here, we’ll break down how to set SMART goals—with real insights on getting specific, aligning goals with business impact, and making sure they actually drive momentum.
Prep, Prepare, & Execute: The 5 Phases of a Knockout Black Friday Promo
Black Friday isn’t just a sale; it’s an event—and one you need to be prepared for if you want to make the most of it. With shoppers primed for deals, this is your chance to maximize visibility, excitement, and conversions.
6 Critical Factors for a High-Performing Website: Your Go-To Audit Guide
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your brand—so it better be a good one! But how can you be sure that your site is performing at its best? The truth is, even the sleekest-looking websites can be held back by hidden issues like poor user experience (UX), slow loading speeds, or overlooked SEO opportunities.
Time is Money: Why Delaying in Business Costs More Than You Think
In business, time is the most valuable commodity. Yet, we see too many small business owners fall into the trap of waiting for the "perfect time" to invest in branding, marketing, or professional services. Whether it’s waiting to finish another task or get more revenue flowing, these delays are often a costly mindset mistake.
Your Final Quarter To-Do List: Wrapping Up the Year Strong
Whether you’re feeling on top of things or scrambling to catch up, these last few months are crucial for setting the stage for your business’s success in the new year. Here’s your essential to-do list to ensure you’re closing out the year with intention, focus, and a little bit of flair.
Considering a Website Upgrade? Here’s Why We Build on Squarespace and Everything You Need to Know If You Switch
If you’ve built your website on another platform, kudos to you! DIYing a website is no small feat. But as your business grows, you might find that your current setup isn't quite meeting your evolving needs.
How Tone and Personality Shape Your Brand
When you think of a brand, it's easy to picture a logo, colour palette, or a catchy slogan—but one of the most crucial (and often overlooked) elements is brand voice. A strong brand voice reflects the tone and personality of your business, and when done right, it can connect with your audience on a deeper level, making your brand memorable, relatable, and unique.
DIY vs. Professionally Designed Websites: What's the Real Difference?
Ever wondered why your DIY website isn’t quite hitting the mark? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of why a professionally designed website can make all the difference. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about looking pretty.
The Ultimate Guide to Lead Magnet Ideas for Your Business
Lead magnets are powerful tools for attracting and engaging potential clients. They offer value in exchange for contact information, enabling you to build your email list and nurture leads. Here, we'll explore general categories of lead magnets and provide specific ideas tailored to various industries.
Boosting Revenue with a Great Website: The Power of Professional Branding, Copy, and Images
A well-crafted website is more than just a digital business card—it's a powerful tool that can directly impact your revenue and sales.
The Hidden Costs of Not Investing in Professional Branding
Think branding is just about slapping together a logo and calling it a day? Think again! Professional branding is the backbone of your business's identity, and skipping out on it can lead to a heap of hidden costs. If you’re relying on DIY methods or inconsistent visuals, you might be doing more harm than good. Let’s explore how not investing in professional branding could be negatively impacting your business.
Web Designer vs SEO Expert: Who Does What?
The responsibilities between a website designer and an SEO expert often overlap, but each role focuses on different aspects of a website's development and performance. Explore the breakdown of who does what.
Why Investing in Professional Branding Should Be Your First Step
tarting a business is exhilarating. The ideas, the possibilities, the dream of turning your passion into something tangible—it’s a journey unlike any other. But as exciting as it is, it's also filled with crucial decisions that set the stage for your future success.
10 Signs It’s Time to Refresh Your Brand
In the fast-paced world of small business, staying fresh and relevant is essential. Just like how we occasionally need a wardrobe update, your brand every 3-5 years needs a little makeover to keep things exciting and engaging.
Not sure if your brand is due for a refresh?
Here are some telltale signs it's time to give your business a stylish new look.
Understanding Brand Hierarchy: Where Does Your Small Business Fit?
As a small business owner, grasping the concept of brand hierarchy is crucial for positioning your brand effectively in the market. This understanding can help you tailor your strategies, connect with your target audience, and achieve your business goals.
Why Updating from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 is Worth the Investment for Your Business
If you built your site on Squarespace 7.0 a few years ago, it has likely served you well. But as technology and user expectations evolve, it's crucial to keep your online presence up-to-date.
Analytics Benchmarks: What to Aim for with Your Squarespace Site
Understanding your Squarespace analytics is fantastic, but knowing what to aim for? That’s next-level. Here are some key benchmarks to keep an eye on, so you can gauge how well your website is performing.
Home Page Success Formula
Designing an optimal homepage for a small business involves balancing various elements such as visual appeal, usability, content clarity, and conversion optimization.
The Power of a $10,000 Website Investment: A Small Business Success Story
Let’s talk about the real MVP of small business success: the website investment.