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)
How to add social media icons on business cards How social media can help your business It can make you […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
What we learned: The importance of heritage & a strong brand story
Family businesses are a key part of the small business community. We constantly see small businesses open their doors because […]
Design inspiration: Stylish business card examples
Creating a business card design that won’t get lost in the shuffle, and that will generate interest in your brand, […]
How small business is shifting in 2023
Get your business off to a fresh start in 2023.
What Squid Game says about business cards & what it means for your business
*Disclaimer: If you haven’t had a chance to binge-watch South Korean Netflix series Squid Game, beware: Spoilers ahead!* Squid Game […]
How to choose & design a label
Personalized labels are an affordable way to add professionalism and personality to your products, packaging and more. But with so […]
How to respond to negative reviews as a small business owner
The internet is one of the first places people turn to when they’re searching for a new provider or service. […]
4 key considerations before you attend a farmers’ market or craft fair
Attending a farmers’ market or craft fair is a great way for a growing business to drive sales and create […]
The unboxing experience: How to own your packaging
You already know that first impressions count…and you only get one chance to make a good one. Your packaging is […]
How to Impress First-Time Customers
Approach There’s a reason why people say first impressions are important; it’s the first time you interact with someone, and […]
The three you need: Shape up your outdoor classes
Shape up your outdoor classes Estimated reading time: 3 minutes Warmer weather is here…and with it is the perfect opportunity […]
Selling on Etsy: Tips for small business owners
The business world has been shifting to e-commerce for years. But that shift has definitely accelerated over the past 12 […]
22-step business start-up checklist
You want to start a business…congratulations! It’s an exciting adventure that is fulfilling, challenging and wonderful all at once. It’s […]
How to get a QR code for your business & where to use it
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, quick response (or QR) codes made something of a comeback. And be honest…did […]
Why your business needs QR codes
Now more than ever, small businesses need creative ways to connect with their customers. Gone are the days of leisurely […]
How to write a press release
There are many ways you can tell the world about exciting updates from your company. If you’re looking to create […]
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 […]
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 […]
Stand out from the crowd with these creative business sign ideas
As an entrepreneur with an exceptional offering, it’s no wonder you want your business signage to go stand out from […]
DIY marketing for small business: Make the most of your resources
Starting a small business takes hard work and a clear vision of what you hope to accomplish long-term. Keeping that […]
The best types of signs to market your small business
You’ve secured a physical location for your new business, and just finished displaying your amazing products for all to see. […]
How to create the best restaurant merch in 5 steps
The food’s good and the drinks are flowing. You’ve invested in beautiful signage, menus and flyers – you may even […]
6 unexpected ways to use stickers for small business
Stickers are amazingly versatile tools for promoting your brand. You probably showcase your branding on your essential marketing materials, like […]
10 inexpensive giveaway ideas for trade shows
Searching for fun promotional giveaways can be challenging – especially when your budget is limited. The good news is that […]
The three you need: How to create a standout storefront
Summer is the perfect time for window shopping. And while that’s true every year, it’s especially true this year.
The three you need: Think outside the shop with a sidewalk pop-up
This is the perfect time of year to connect with customers...and you barely have to leave your storefront to do it.
How to write a clear marketing message that helps you stand out at events
Without a doubt, talking face-to-face with your customers is the most effective way to deliver a clear product message. Sharing […]
Case Study: Events as a key marketing strategy
Nick Gold, managing director of motivational and keynote speaker bureau Speakers Corner, discusses how exhibitions were integral to the company’s […]
Be the main event – promotion ideas that generate more buzz
A good event attracts visitors; a great event draws a crowd. As a business owner, you’re aiming higher than “good,” […]
12 new ways to market your real estate business in 2021
Real estate has always been about in-person interactions. But how do you keep building meaningful connections among growing competition…and in […]
Pivoting with purpose: From greenhouse to garden pizzeria
Pivoting with purpose:From greenhouse to garden pizzeria Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Small businesses constantly have to adapt, whether it’s […]
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 […]
Logo 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 […]
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 […]