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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Adding social media icons on business cards (and why social media is important)
How to add social media icons on business cards How social media can help your business It can make you […]
Read More
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, […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
5 curb appeal ideas to make your storefront shine
Like it or not, potential customers do sometimes judge a book by its cover. From your small business signage and […]
Read More
Building a brand identity for your small business
When you’re building a brand for your small business, you’re bound to face your fair share of challenges. And one […]
Read More
Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events
Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events Estimated reading time: 4 minutes One of the best […]
Read More
How to reach your target audience with a mix of marketing efforts
You just got your new business up and running — and it’s an incredibly exciting time for you. At the […]
Read More
Why you still need business cards in a digital world
In today’s tech-charged world, where people carry so much information in their pockets, it’s reasonable to question the value of […]
Read More
5 tips for building trust & credibility as a small business owner
You pour your heart and soul into your business, but can others tell you’re the real deal? In a highly […]
Read More
5 steps to starting a business with confidence
Getting the ball rolling on your new small business idea is an exciting time. Ideas are flowing, tasks are lining […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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.
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
How to choose a logo for your business
Plus, expert logo design tips from one of Vista's Creative Directors.
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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. […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Logo quiz results
A logo is designed to be instantly recognizable and make a lasting impression on those who see it. But which […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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
Read More
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, […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Why a strong retail logo is crucial for your new store brand
Building a successful retail business is truly exciting. But it also involves a lot of work when you’re first starting […]
Read More