marketing and design resources for small business owners

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

Strategy, Branding, Website Design Meredith Wolf Strategy, Branding, Website Design Meredith Wolf

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."

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Branding, Website Design Meredith Wolf Branding, Website Design Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding, Website Design, Strategy Meredith Wolf Branding, Website Design, Strategy Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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?

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Branding, Website Design, Strategy, Sales & Marketing Meredith Wolf Branding, Website Design, Strategy, Sales & Marketing Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding, Website Copywriting Meredith Wolf Branding, Website Copywriting Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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Branding Meredith Wolf Branding Meredith Wolf

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.

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