Posts in Branding + Website
How To Organize Your Website Navigation

Website navigation is the main menu of a site and a resource for people trying to navigate through your site. It’s typically found toward the top of each page and should be front and center for your visitors to easily find.

One of the largest hurdles I see people face when trying to setup their website is determining how to organize the information. They struggle with knowing how many pages to include and which pages to set up.

It can be tricky to determine the best way to organize your website, pages and navigation. So I’ve put together a list of the steps I go through when setting up each of my clients’ websites.

 

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8 Things to Consider Before Creating a Website

Most entrepreneurs know how important a website is for their business. It's typically the most exciting step, because it feels like you're finally solidifying your decision to launch! 

In fact, most people assume it’s the very first thing they should tackle when launching their business. I, too, fell into that trap. It caused me to have to redo my site because I didn’t think everything through beforehand.

For those of you, like me, who just like to jump and then think, this post is for you.

There are several factors to consider before diving headfirst into your website creation. And many of these items are a requirement before most designers will even begin working with you.

 

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An Inside Look at my Branding Client Process

Some of the biggest events in your life involve a structured, or not-so-structured, process. Your high-school graduation. Your wedding day. The arrival of your first child. All these big events include planning, preparation and organizing. Every successful event must have some form of process.

I’m in no way comparing a rebrand or website design to these life-altering events, but it is an event nonetheless. And event that, just like the others, has a process.

We’ve all worked with those people who are neither structured nor organized, and the “process” is typically chaotic. If you’re anything like me, that stresses you out. I’m the type of person who loves to have a plan. Not just a plan, but an efficient plan at that.

And I’m no different when it comes to my client process.

Since I frequently get asked about my process, I thought it was time to write a blog about it. So if you’ve always wondered what it would look like to work with me on a branding project, wonder no more.

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5 Impactful Ways to Customize your Squarespace Template

Your website is your main form of interaction with clients and readers. Potential customers may visit your site to view your work, check out your services, read your blog, or contact you. While they are bopping around your site, you want to make sure they get all the good vibes possible. You want them to see how serious you take your business so they'll take it just as seriously. Nothing says “legit business” like a custom, well-designed website.

There are many ways to make your Squarespace template unique and special to your business. So I put together a list of the ways I find most important.

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How to Select the Best Fonts for Your Brand

Today I’m excited to talk about one of the easiest ways to take your design work to the next level. To be honest, when I look at websites, magazines, billboards or really any professional advertisements—font selection immediately differentiates the best from the rest for me. When selecting fonts for your brand, it’s so crucial to keep in mind the overall vibe you want to convey. Sometimes the most subtle font changes can completely refresh a company’s look or share your message in a stronger way. Ask yourself what words would you use to describe your brand? Who is your intended audience? With what “feel” will that audience resonate most?

 

For example, if your target audience is made of predominantly male farmers over the age of 40,  your brand elements need to portray a drastically different message than if you are trying to reach female CEOs of small fashion and lifestyle companies. Think about the type of clients you want to attract and consider what they might relate to.

 

In order to decide the type of fonts you want to use, you need to know the basic principles of typography. Don’t let that word intimidate you… typography is just a fancy way to say the appearance of letters. But, to feel confident in the font-selection process, you need to understand the terminology. Take a few minutes to read through my breakdown to help you feel like a typography expert!

 

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How to Select the Best Color Palette for Your Brand

When you think of your favorite brands, what comes to mind? Is it their logo, their photos, or maybe even a feeling? I’m willing to bet when you think of the store Target you automatically see bright red in your mind. And, if I say ‘Tiffany’s’ I am confident you picture the iconic icy blue that has made the store so famous.

Color is one of the first components we each associate with a well-established brand. That immediate connection is why it’s so important to make certain you select the best possible colors to convey the desired message to your audience.

Selecting a color palette can be tricky, especially for those of you who may feel you don’t have an “eye” for this sort of thing. But rest-assured, there is a simple, proven process to make sure your color palette is the perfect portrayal of your brand.

 

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How to Get Started with Squarespace

Creating a website can seem like a daunting task. If you're anything like me, you may get overwhelmed by just the thought of such an endeavor. But you probably also know that having a website is crucial for your online business.

I am a Squarespace user and suggest it to anyone looking to start a site. The template designs are clean and efficient, the interface is easy to use, and they have an amazing support/tutorial forum. So if you have been wanting to create a Squarespace website (or a website period), but have no idea where to start, fear not. In this post I'll walk you through the 6 steps to help you get started with Squarespace.

 

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Why Your Brand Is More Than a Logo

I would define a brand as the visual and emotional recognition of a business. Webster defines it as: “a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer”


“Put simply, your “brand” is what your prospect thinks of when he or she hears your brand name.  It’s everything the public thinks it knows about your name brand offering—both factual (e.g. It comes in a robin’s-egg-blue box), and emotional (e.g. It’s romantic).” —Forbes


Have you ever considered what makes up a brand and considered why it's important? Today, I want to talk about why a brand is much more than just a logo.
 

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6 Simple Ways to Improve Your Website

Your website is your main point of contact for online clients. You print your website on business cards and stationery, put it in your emails, and give it to anyone asking to view your work. If you’re a business owner or freelancer, chances are you have a website.


You use your website as a tool to show potential clients your work, tell them about yourself, explain your services, and present valuable content through your blog posts. Ultimately, the purpose of your site is to drive traffic, gain exposure, and book clients.


When you send potential clients to your website, you want to make sure they have a positive experience. After all, it may be the only interaction they have with your business before deciding whether or not to purchase what you’re selling.


Here are a few simple ways to make sure your clients have the positive experience they’re hoping for.

 

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