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 grow your business the right way!
Featured Blog Posts
What Grade Is Your Business In? And Are You Investing at the Right Level?
Just like your age dictates what grade you're in at school, your years in business should dictate where and how you invest. But unlike school, where there's a curriculum guiding you, entrepreneurship is a free-for-all. No one is handing you a syllabus saying, "Hey, it's time to upgrade your brand and website now."
Why Branding and Website Costs Vary Wildly—And What You’re Really Paying For
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—sticker shock. If you've ever received a quote for branding, website design, or photography and thought, "Why is this so expensive?"—you’re not alone. The truth is, these services vary dramatically based on what’s included (or not included). Comparing prices without understanding the depth of each offering is like comparing a fast-food burger to a gourmet meal—they might seem similar, but the experience, quality, and results are worlds apart.
Why Investing $10K in Your Brand is the Smartest Business Move You'll Make
And no, we aren’t suggesting a $10k logo.
When small business owners hear a $10,000 investment for branding, website design, professional copywriting, and brand photography, the initial reaction is often sticker shock. But here’s the truth: this isn’t just a website or a logo—it’s a foundational investment that will pay for itself (and then some) when done right.
Does Your Brand Look Cheap, DIY, Amateur, or Just Plain Bad?
We get it—strong branding is a big investment, and you might have thought a DIY approach was “good enough” when you started. But here’s the thing: Your visuals are the first impression potential customers have of your business. If they look cheap, amateur, or poorly thought-out, you might be losing trust—and sales—before you’ve even had a chance to speak.
Your Brand Says Everything Before You Do
If your business is positioned as premium or luxury, your brand and website need to look the part. It’s like dressing for the role you want—you wouldn’t show up to a black-tie event in a wrinkled t-shirt, so why let your business show up with DIY or cheap-looking assets?
Understanding Print Colours: CMYK, Pantone, and Why Print Looks Different from Digital
When designing your brand’s colours, you’ve probably come across terms like CMYK, HEX, and Pantone. But what do they all mean, and why do your colours sometimes look different in print than they do on your screen? Let’s break it down.
Why Your Logo (and Brand) Needs Design Principles to Thrive
Design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about making them work. When we talk about principles of design, we’re really talking about the secret sauce that makes your logo memorable, your brand cohesive, and your business successful.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marketing Stats You Cannot Ignore as a Business Owner
Dive into the wild world of branding, where being real, building trust, and making killer first impressions are the name of the game.
Your Complete Guide to Nailing Your Next Brand Shoot
Your ultimate brand shoot guide covering props, wardrobe, goals, shot list, location and even important notes for your photographer.
How to give GREAT feedback to a Designer
It's perfectly normal to want to make a few adjustments to ensure it aligns perfectly with your vision. To guide you through this process, here are some invaluable tips to communicate your feedback effectively to your designer.
How to Keep Evergreen Content in Mind at Your Next Brand Shoot
Answering what is evergreen content and how it applies to your branding soots
Font Psychology: The Importance of Typography in Branding
The significance of using the right font in a design is often neglected by those who don’t understand them. The importance of typography in branding is crucial to comprehend if you want your visuals to clearly deliver your brand’s identity.
Moodboards: the Most Important Step in the Branding Process
A moodboard is a succinct collection of visual assets that represents a brand’s visual identity. It can contain inspirational examples of photos, colours, typography, quotes, patterns, shapes and more that make up a cohesive direction for a brand that can be displayed and understood on one page.
The Importance of Investing in Photography for Your Business
Many experienced business owners will agree, certain investments can most definitely help to improve overall success. Whether it’s new materials and office supplies, a strategic marketing campaign or improved digital assets, certain investments can prove to be a valuable asset to your business in the long run.