Ideas & Advice
A small business blog with helpful tips, practical advice and inspirational stories.
Print or digital signage for small businesses — why not both?
Your signage lets the world know that you’re in business — and with custom branded signs, you can show off […]
How to market your small business as a new entrepreneur
Marketing materials are often one of the first things small business owners think about when starting their company. Do you […]
Creating the best business cards for your small business
Asking a piece of paper — one often no bigger than several square inches — to represent all that you […]
What we learned: Hiring employees & growing a staff
Hiring an employee is a major step for a small business owner. When you decided to start your business, you […]
How to launch & market your summer side hustles
Whether you’re a small business owner looking to branch out or just want to earn a bit of extra cash […]
Adding social media icons on business cards – and why social media is important
These days, it can feel like just about everyone is on social media – from casual gaming grandmas to foodies […]
How to get online reviews for your business
When it comes to your business, don’t underestimate the power of online reviews. Picture this scenario: You’re craving a burger, […]
Everything you need to know about TikTok for small business
Social media is one of the best places to market your small business and connect with your customers while driving […]
Power in hand: Why and how to start a pressure washing business
If you enjoy working outside in the sun and derive serious satisfaction from seeing dirt disappear before your eyes, you […]
Open house: How to start a real estate business
Imagine this: You’re handing a client the keys to their dreams. They’ve just bought a home, and you made that […]
Exploring e-commerce: How to start an online business in 5 steps
Understanding how to start an online business can change the trajectory of your career. Once you launch your e-commerce website, […]
Etsy tax deductions: What sellers need to know
Understanding Etsy tax deductions can help you make the most of your finances during tax season and beyond. While navigating […]
How to pay sales tax for a small business: A handy guide for online businesses
You likely already know how to pay sales tax for a small business in your state. But, let’s say you […]
Setting up shop: 5 things you need to get your business off the ground
Are you finally opening up a pet grooming shop, launching a boutique or making that bakery dream happen? Congrats! Deciding […]
Getting started: How to register a small business
Learning how to register a small business is the first step toward achieving your entrepreneurial dream. By breaking down the […]
4 online resources for small business owners that drive success
Think about these scenarios: The hottest new restaurant in your neighborhood doesn’t use online reservations or offer takeout/delivery options. A […]
How to become a preferred wedding vendor this season
Every year, millions of couples tie the knot, collectively spending billions of dollars to ensure their big days are as […]
Understanding small business tax deductions: Write-offs, exemptions and more
As a small business owner, maximizing profits and minimizing taxes are two of your top priorities. Luckily, the Internal Revenue […]
The power of community: Sourcing inspiration, support and help for small businesses
Starting a small business can feel isolating. Growing a company often requires you to wear many hats and work long […]
Prioritizing personal wellness to avoid small business owner burnout
Your passion and drive encouraged you to start and run your own business. Now, as the person in charge, you […]
Building blocks: How to start a construction company from the ground up
Like many, you’ve witnessed the explosion of design and renovation shows on television and online. You’re fascinated by their ability […]
Get ready to bloom: How to start a landscaping business this season
Ask anyone in the business world over these past few years, and they’d agree: It’s a jungle out there! For […]
6 ideas to improve customer experience
Imagine walking into a coffee shop and being greeted by a barista who knows your name (and how to spell […]
Leveraging the power and value of recurring customers
Recurring customers represent the holy grail of business. Sure, reaching new eyes and ears is important. But knowing how to […]
How different types of labels can help you level up your products
Picture this: One of your loyal customers goes to collect their mail and is delighted to find a package from […]
Tidying up: How to start a cleaning business that shines
Do you ever find yourself getting into a calm, zen-like state when cleaning your car, carpet or clothes? If so, […]
6 actionable strategies for building customer loyalty
In Missoula, Montana, Runner’s Edge takes building customer loyalty seriously. Very seriously. Each holiday season, the running specialty store sends […]
How to build a streatery experience to remember
You’re confident your kitchen crew cooks up the most creative cuisine. And, you know that people flock to your restaurant […]
How to create a small business marketing budget
Small businesses are seen as the quiet engines of the U.S. economy. They employ close to 60 million people, generate […]
Small business networking on a budget: How to gain new customers outside of events
In business, as in life, it’s all about the connections you make. Small business networking offers great opportunities to meet […]
6 resources to start a woman-owned small business
Whether you’re selling a $25 custom T-shirt or closing $200,000 in advertising design deals, your woman-owned small business matters. In […]
Bring your small business signs to life with color
Your brand colors wield a lot of power. Before prospective customers read your brand name or messaging, their brains process […]
How (and why!) to get a woman-owned business certification
Is your business at least 51% woman-owned? Or, perhaps, are you a one-woman show who runs it all? Either way, […]
Successful female entrepreneurs share their small business advice
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, accounting for a whopping 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. and […]
Business Card Paper
Business cards come in countless shapes, sizes, textures, and weights. Once you’re ready to order your cards, there are several […]
How to create a retail marketing strategy and budget
Developing a retail marketing strategy early in your small business journey can help you effectively reach new customers and get […]
How to start a retail business that gets noticed
Figuring out how to start a retail business is a big undertaking, but it can be incredibly rewarding to see […]
How to prepare for a small business event that shines
Preparing for a small business event is incredibly exciting. Beyond sales, connecting with your community and seeing how people react […]
Wow your customers with custom small business packaging
Have you ever received a package that popped with color and personality? As a business owner, you no doubt want […]
How to pick effective small business packaging that fits your brand
You deserve packaging that’s as powerful as your products. From shipping online orders to bagging up in-store purchases, packaging has […]
5 steps to promote your brand with event swag
Picture this: You just got invited to a local small business event, where there will be tons of potential for […]
Ship it with style: 5 tips for high-impact small business packaging
You know that feeling when you’re expecting a delivery and hear your doorbell ring? Or, perhaps you’re more of an […]
Promotional Product Ideas: 5 Ways to Fortify Your Brand
Promotional products are a must-have for any marketing toolkit. Whether you’re looking to build connections with customers, expand your revenue […]
Email marketing subject lines: 6 guidelines & best practices
Email is one of the most budget-friendly marketing tactics available to small businesses, but it is only effective when your […]
My marketing must-haves Redesign resolution: A new look sparks a brand transformation
A new year brings new opportunities for everyone...especially small business owners. And Jack Eller, owner and designer of Jack Eller Studio, is ready to take his jewelry brand to the next level.
7 ways eateries can use QR codes
QR codes have made a comeback in the last few years – they’ve proven to be handy tools for all […]
Make a statement: 10 effective T-shirt quote ideas for your next project
Promotional clothing can work wonders for your brand, especially with unique or creative T-shirt quote ideas. Do a quick mental […]
4 types of packaging boxes and bags to keep customers coming back
For many people, unboxing their order is an experience in and of itself. While people enjoy unboxing their own orders, […]
5 creative ways to use QR codes on business cards
Over the past few years, QR code usage has exploded. Contactless payments and restaurant menus have become commonplace, and forward-thinking […]
Marketing for accounting firms: 5 tips to connect with your clients and community beyond Tax Day
The urgency of an approaching Tax Day makes accounting services an easy sell. However, marketing for accounting firms doesn’t always […]
Where to put stickers to elevate your marketing efforts
Reddit is now a digital juggernaut, and it got there, in part, because it knew where to put stickers. Hold […]
How custom food packaging helps deliver your brand
How important is food delivery packaging? Picture this: A delivery driver enters a hotel or apartment lobby, and the mouthwatering […]
3 tips to get you started with restaurant branding
Your restaurant’s kitchen creates the most delectable dishes in town, but as a new business owner in the food and […]
Tips for using print advertising to increase your digital reach
Since the dawn of the digital age, thought leaders have been predicting the demise of print advertising. Yet, on an […]
Your brand, to go: 8 custom restaurant packaging ideas
Custom restaurant packaging takes a great meal and makes it unforgettable. You’re already delivering delicious meals your customers enjoy. The […]
Harnessing the power of print: How to promote your business locally
Most people today spend a significant chunk of their waking hours looking at screens. They rely on digital devices to […]
A step-by-step guide on how to make merch for your brand
Do your customers love when you give away free swag at events or with certain purchases? (Of course they do.) […]
10 creative places to leave business cards
Picture your bold and unique business card pinned up on a bulletin board, grabbing the attention of passersby who have […]
Small business thank you cards: A perfect event follow-up
You know you’re more than willing to go that extra mile for your customers. But do your customers? Luckily, there’s […]
7 steps to a successful small business trade show
Trade shows can be a complete goldmine for new customer connections and expanding your reach as a business. That’s why […]
How to make your printed business signage work digitally
You’ve spent weeks or more setting up your brick-and-mortar small business. You’re incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished…and you should […]
What your small business can learn from famous signs
Think about the most high-profile logos or famous signs you see all the time. In most cases, the design and […]
How to promote events as a can’t-miss brand experience
Imagine you have a launch party for a new product coming up in a few months. How will you ensure […]
Make your business stick out with brand logo stickers
You can put them on your product packaging. You can give them out to customers for free. And your customers […]
How to create an event promotion strategy that works every time
You’ve been there: You’ve walked into an event and thought, “Wow, this looks amazing!” That’s the impact that cohesive event […]
Tips for using outdoor event signs before and at events
Picture this: You’ve pooled resources with several businesses in your neighborhood to co-host a small business block party. Together, you’ll […]
Give your new business a brand boost with custom packaging
In the crowded small business marketplace, your products and your branding are two places where you can stand out in […]
Don’t overlook these 7 unique types of business cards
Every small business is unique, and your business cards should be, too. In fact, the most effective types of business […]
How to select merch for your brand that your customers will love
Imagine your customers walking around wearing a cozy sweatshirt or colorful T-shirt with your logo on the front. Or carrying […]
Stickers for small business: Your complete marketing guide
These days, stickers aren’t just for kids — consumers of all ages love, use and collect them. And as a […]
Keep your brand cohesive across all of your marketing materials
When selecting new marketing materials, your brand vision and the key design elements of your identity should always be front […]
How promotional merch can turn your customers into brand advocates
These days, digital connections offer lots of value to brands — but there’s just something special about engaging with people […]
Connect with customers to get the most from small business events
As a small business owner, you know how to tap into your creativity to make the most of a small […]
Show up, stand out: How handyman Mark Monjonell markets his small business
One of the biggest challenges small business owners will face is standing out from your competition – regardless of what […]
The significant benefits of effective small business signage
Until you start a business, it’s easy to take signage for granted. After all, every time we venture outdoors, we’re […]
How to use small business promotional products to grow your business
Everyone loves swag. You probably have some branded merch of your own that not only serves a functional purpose but […]
How to Use Stamps for Branding and Promotion
Your business has endless repetitive tasks and processes, whether you’re filing another document or sending another piece of mail. Business […]
How to choose a logo for your business
Plus, expert logo design tips from one of Vista's Creative Directors.
Branding glossary: Key terms every business owner should know
You’ve probably heard the word “branding” thrown around – especially since starting your small business. And though you might have […]
How to Pick the Right Stamp for Your Logo
Putting your logo front and center with professional branding can set your business apart from competitors and leave a lasting […]
Turning a vision into a brand: How Jody Merrill built btone FITNESS
One of the most important parts of starting a business is establishing a brand identity – it helps you build […]
Products to Elevate Your Restaurant Brand in 2023
Creating a memorable and authentic brand for your restaurant is one of the key ways to build loyalty among customers. […]
Top 50 promotional products and trends to create brand loyalty in 2022
Promotional products have long been considered an effective marketing strategy for businesses looking to improve their brand recognition and drive […]
Most recognizable logos quiz results
A logo is designed to be instantly recognizable and make a lasting impression on those who see it. But which […]
Tips for small business owners when working with designers
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for his insights into how small business owners can […]
Design decoded: The top 12 easy to read fonts
How important is it to choose the right font for your website? With a legible font, your business’ message comes […]
Business card design ideas for different industries
We chatted with Mark LaRosa, a Creative Manager at Vista, for his insights on business card design. Read on for […]
Get the look: Next-level product packaging
Packaging is just one part of a cohesive brand experience that can boost credibility across your marketing. From the colors to the typography, packaging design is a reflection of your brand identity
How to design a business card: 10 golden rules
A business card represents the next step in making your small business dream a reality. And for many potential customers, […]
6 ways to make your product packaging market itself
Each time a customer buys something from your business, whether online or in-person, it’s a golden opportunity to get free […]
How to design a brochure in 8 steps
Are you ready to take your small business brochure design up a level? After all, you pride yourself on what […]
Top trends and tips for designing the perfect custom T-shirt in 2023
Custom t-shirts and other types of personalized apparel have become increasingly popular among businesses and consumers over the years. Whether […]