Ideas & Advice
A small business blog with helpful tips, practical advice and inspirational stories.



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 […]
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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 […]
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7 ways to increase small business customer engagement
You’ve probably heard the term ‘customer engagement’ while marketing your small business. Customer engagement encompasses all of the ways you […]
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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 […]
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Appointment cards: An easy way to make your business card work harder Small business owners spend a lot of time […]
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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, […]
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How small business is shifting in 2022
Regardless of industry, the small business world is ever-changing. In 2020, we saw resilient small business owners shift their offerings […]
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8 website merchandising tips for your online storefront
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on creating a website that makes the […]
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How small business owners can celebrate Customer Appreciation Day
Customers are the people who keep your business going. And while it’s important to show them you value them every […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events
One of the best places to showcase your small business is at a local craft fair or event.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Ready, set, glow: How this woman-owned business continues to grow
To be successful, small businesses have to grow – whether it’s evolving their offerings or ensuring their customer bases continue […]
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9 postcard marketing ideas for small businesses
For any small business owner, coming up with new, inventive ways to market your business can be challenging. One tried-and-tested […]
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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 […]
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How to combine online and offline marketing strategies to build a small business community
Customers are the backbone of any successful small business. And if you want your small business to continue to grow […]
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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.
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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 […]
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How to use SEO for your small business
As a small business owner, you probably know that it is important to be searchable and accessible online. Search engine […]
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Trade show checklist: 7 steps for a successful event
Planning to attend a trade show? Awesome! This is a great chance for you to network, check out trends and […]
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How to create custom restaurant merch
The food’s good and the drinks are flowing. You’ve invested in beautiful signage, menus and flyers – you may even […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Adapting to change: Serving up something new with food truck-inspired takeaway
The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in just about everyone's plans. Business owners were forced to adjust their operations and offerings, cope with complete lockdowns and adapt to change at a moment's notice.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Event marketing tips: create a big impact on a small budget
Let’s face it, when you’re running a business, event marketing can feel like a costly expense. But it doesn’t have […]
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Create a unique look for your business & watch it grow
Beautiful design can help grow your business – especially when it translates into branding that works everywhere your customers see […]
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Branding made for word-of-mouth marketing
As a small business owner, there are plenty of things you can do to make your brand stand out. But […]
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Understanding Logos
Why having a memorable and well-designed logo should be at the top of any small business’s list of priorities. As […]
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Event branding: Give your recurring events a unique look
One of the best ways to create buzz for your small business is to hold an event...and if you can take advantage of warm weather, why not enhance a special event with an outdoor element?
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Get the look: Build a brand that builds a following
People love swag, whether it's a sweatshirt from their favorite brewery or a promotional tote bag from a local fundraiser.
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Get the look: Design that works everywhere you do
When it comes to branding your small business, consistency is key.
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Should you rebrand your small business?
The world – and small business – is constantly evolving. Maybe you started out as a coffee shop, but your […]
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Logo quiz results
A logo is designed to be instantly recognizable and make a lasting impression on those who see it. But which […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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Influencer marketing for small businesses: How it works and how to get started
These days, influencer marketing is one of the most buzzworthy strategies in the marketing world. Partnering with influencers can be […]
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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 […]
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How to create a logo for your gym or fitness studio
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by VistaPrint, for tips on getting the right look for any kind […]
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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
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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, […]
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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 […]
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How to use the back of business cards: 11 creative design ideas
Your business card contains a lot of essential information about your business. Your logo should be loud and proud on […]
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Your guide to custom T-shirt printing, embroidery & design
Whether you’re creating team uniforms, promotional giveaways or event wear, printing custom T-shirts is a great way to get your […]
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The Business of Color
What do your colors mean? When you think about a brand, what springs to mind? A logo? Their latest product? […]
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How to create (& use) a logo for your yoga studio
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by VistaPrint, for tips on getting the right logo look for your […]
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Business Card Size & Dimension Guide
One Standard Size Standard business cards are 3.5″x 2″ – but have you ever thought about why most cards are exactly that […]
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The best fonts for business cards
Picture this: You open a business card template and type your small business name. It looks dwarfed against the white […]
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The Vistaprint Guide to Flyers
Well before phrases like “street marketing” and “canvassing” were invented, flyers were already viewed as a terrific way to get […]
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What information should you put on your business card?
Knowing what business card details to add and what to leave out helps create a card that’s both eye-catching and […]
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Attract attention with these signage design tips
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on creating a website that makes the […]
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How to take professional photos at home
There’s a good chance your product and website photography is a customer’s first experience with your business. So the quality […]
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