This is Where We Share All Things Design & Marketing
Insights, trends, news, tips, and more on branding, marketing, and graphic design for the building materials, nonprofits, and consumer product industries.
Notes from How Design Live 2024
Here are some highlights and interesting tidbits from my four days at the HOW Design Live conference in Downtown Denver, Colorado.
How Design Live 2024: Unleashing Creativity – The Synergy of AI and Design, Stephen Gates
On Monday, I attended several AI sessions. By the end of the day, I was a little AI-ed out, but Stephen Gates, founder of CRZY Design Studio, was one of my favorites. He described his process in detail and shared his top AI tools for creativity.
Explore Your Profound Power to Unite, Communicate, and Inspire Action, Pum Lefebure
Pum Lefebure, co-founder and COO of Design Army described herself as the “art kid” and was inspired by the United Colors of Benetton ads and the ’90s aesthetic. She believes art education is a great equalizer, but schools always cut the arts first, and by doing this, we cut out personal expression.
HOW to Unleash Your Inner Bada$$
During Day 1 of How Design Live 2024, Andrea Sullivan, President of vYve by Vayner, had some practical and quick tips on shutting down those voices and, as she says, “Unleash Our Inner Bada$$.”
5 Easy Ways to Humanize Your Website
In the age of AI, how do you bring your authentic brand voice to your website and make it more human? Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the trail…here are five easy ways to humanize your website.
HOW Women Lead 2024
I attended the HOW Women Lead conference in Denver this past September and HOW Design Live. It was my first conference ever.
I loved the whole experience, from the community to making business friends to the inspiration and learning new things.
But there was something special about the first day, learning and working in the community with other women that makes you feel seen and heard and like you’re not alone in your journey, whether it’s personal or professional.
5 Things to Share: August 2024
Discover how to make time for what matters most, run successful direct mail campaigns, and boost your marketing with quick win email tactics, plus Instagram updates.
How to Run Successful Direct Mail Campaigns
Direct mail may seem old-school, but when coupled with other digital marketing efforts and tools, it packs a powerful punch, generating leads and...
5 Things to Share: July 2024
Happy Friday! How's your day going? I don't know about you, but I want to do all the marketing—email, social media, video, postcards, you name...
Design Your Website to Rank Higher with Google
Improve your website’s performance with SEO and website design tips. Learn how to optimize navigation, calls-to-action, and more for higher rankings on Google.
An Insider’s Guide to the Black Hills of South Dakota
Happy (almost) 4th of July from my family to yours! What are you doing this 4th of July? Traveling? Backyard barbecuing? Soaking in the bug spray...
5 Things to Share: June 2024
Happy (almost) 4th of July from my family to yours! What are you doing this 4th of July? Traveling? Backyard barbecuing? Soaking in the bug spray...
What is a Brochure Website?
A brochure website is like a digital brochure. It includes the same information as a brochure, like your services, how to contact you, product information, and a little bit of history about your company. Think high-level or a birds-eye view of your company and what you offer. The content should entice your audience to learn more about you and what you offer or to call for an estimate.
5 Things to Share: May 2024
The summer vibe is starting to settle in here in Colorado. We had grad parties last week, the kids are out of school, and the pool is open. I love...
5 Things to Share: April 2024
Stay visible and avoid the ‘Bisy Backson’ trap! Plus, the seven phases of a website design & build, social media marketing success with Log & Timber Solutions, and is the honeymoon over for AI?
Exploring the Light & Dark Side of AI
Explore the fascinating universe of the pros and cons of AI: its light and dark sides and its impact on creativity and our world.
5 Things to Share: March 2024
🔧 Avoid DIY Mistakes: Marketing Insights & Website Design Tips. Website design for log home contractors and builders, 11 ways to say thank you, Google Business social media updates, retro packaging trends, and don’t DIY.
7 Phases of a Website Design & Build
Designing a website is a multi-step process. Successful websites blend creativity, technical skills, and strategic planning and can be customized to fit your needs and budget, just like building a house. Certain things are predictable. You’ll need a kitchen, bathroom, somewhere to lay your head when you’re weary.
Whether you’re building an e-commerce website to sell your wares or a website site for your log home restoration services, we’ve outlined below what you can expect and what’s included in each phase so you don’t have to guess.
Website Design for Log Home Contractors & Builders
Your website is the first place potential clients go to learn more about your business. A well-designed website gives you credibility and legitimacy...
5 Things to Share: February 2024
🔄 Breaking Out of Routine: Tips to Refresh Your Life, The Incredible Shrinking Package, Social Media Updates, and AI Experiments
7 Signs Your Website Needs a Redesign
Your website is like a brochure for your business. In today’s world, an online presence builds credibility and shows you’re professional. It needs to be up-to-date, easy to use, and engaging. If your website shows the following signs of wear and tear, it may be time for a refresh.