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LATEST POST

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Hiring a Website Designer for Your Small Business: What to Know

October 11, 2026

Are you thinking about hiring a website designer for your small business but not sure where to start? Finding the right fit doesn’t have to be complicated.

MOST RECENT POSTS

Hiring a Website Designer for Your Small Business: What to Know

October 11, 2026

Are you thinking about hiring a website designer for your small business but not sure where to start? Finding the right fit doesn’t have to be complicated.

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Does Your Small Business Need a Rebrand? 7 Signs It's Time!

July 10, 2026

Wondering if it's time to rebrand your small business? Here are 7 signs you've probably outgrown your brand and what to do next if you have.

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You Don't Need a Logo for Your Small Business - You Need a Brand Strategy

May 29, 2026

Thinking about creating a logo for your small business? Before you do that, read this. Learn why brand strategy not just a logo is the key to growing your business.

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Better Branding for a Small Business in Iowa: Stuck in 1995.

April 11, 2026

See how Iowa’s Preferred Pest Management went from a dated logo to a bold, full-service brand strategy and website. A real case study from Studio A Designs, your small business Iowa SEO specialist.

You Don't Need a Logo for Your Small Business - You Need a Brand Strategy

May 29, 2026

Thinking about creating a logo for your small business? Before you do that, read this. Learn why brand strategy not just a logo is the key to growing your business.

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Canva-Flodesk Integration: Effortlessly Edit & Sync Your Emails

By Amanda Thompson • May 2, 2025

The new Canva-Flodesk integration can streamline your email marketing to efficiently design beautiful emails, optimizing design elements, and syncing seamlessly between Canva and Flodesk for efficiency.

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Why Local Branding is Your Business Superpower

April 22, 2025

Here’s how local branding can give businesses the best kind of “edge” in your community.

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Creative Ways to Generate the Best Name for Your Business

March 24, 2025

Steal these strategies, brainstorming techniques, and expert tips to generate a unique and memorable business name to stand out in your industry.

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Brand Perception: How to Find & Fix Reputation Blind Spots

March 9, 2025

Let’s chat about brand perception and how you can be sure your brand’s reputation is a positive one for your ideal client.

How I Built My Email List from Zero with Flodesk

February 10, 2025

Think email marketing is dead? Think again! Learn how I built a small but mighty email list that drives real sales.

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Favorite Small Biz Freebies to Keep Your 2026 Goals on Track!

December 16, 2024

Check out the freebies you’ll absolutely love to help your Small Business grow sustainably this year and beyond.

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How Your Business Location Impacts Branding, Website & SEO Strategy

August 26, 2024

Understanding your local Iowa community can greatly impact your small business growth. With the right strategies you can reach more customers & scale faster.

I get to use creativity everyday to help entrepreneurs focus on their passions to discovering their brand's "sweet spot" in the marketplace...and I absolutely LOVE IT!

I'd love to connect with you to chat more about your business.

BRAND DESIGN WEB DESIGN VIP DESIGN DAY

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We've all been website critics at one time or another, consciously or not. Somehow, we look at our own website and think visitors will know what you mean…OR even worse, “I'm a small business, so they will understand I don't have time for it.” Do they, though? Your potential customers don’t see the hours you put into your work or how well you take care of people. They see what’s on your website. My job is to help your website make the case for hiring or purchasing from you. I’m booking brand and website packages for Q4. Did you know I'm offering free consultations to take a look at your website? Book a call by visiting: StudioA-designs.com/discovery #iowasmallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #smallbussinesswebsite

Studio A is a “thinking” studio, not just a “make a pretty design” studio. Let me explain. When you hire Studio A, the design is the most “publicly seen” element…and its still super important…but the thinking part, done before the design, (the strategy) is what makes these designs make sense and resonate with their people. And it’s one of my favorite parts of the process. These brands have countless hours behind the scenes, deep dives into the hearts of their target clients, how they measure against local landscape, competitors, pulling and prodding for more and then even more so they can stand out in their space and find the right customers. Designing something pretty on its own is not strategy. If you're thinking, oh I'm small, I don't need all of that…you’re dead wrong. You need good strategy now more than ever. I still pinch myself when I think back at being a brand and website designer (& strategist) for these clients. The neatest part is that each brand has a very specific purpose💕…To reach and convert the actual, very specific people that will fall in love with their exact brand so they can keep growing. #brandstrategy #websitestrategy #iowasmallbusiness #branddesigner #centraliowa

An elevated coffeehouse and event venue with small town values 👏 @heritageinhuxley loves their community and their people through attention to detail and quality in every aspect of their business. Because small towns towns deserve big, beautiful spaces too 🫶 I love how this project turned out, and I’m even more excited for central Iowa to have a space like this to gather for all occasions! Follow to see more ☺️ #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaWeddingVenue #IowaCoffeeShop #VenueWebsite #SmallBusinessWebsite

Let me be your brand’s big sis 🫶 Hi, I’m Amanda, and I want to help as many small business thrive as possible! I’m a brand and website designer based in Ames, Iowa, and I’ve been doing this for over 19 years. Small businesses are my favorite because they are community driven and the heart and soul of main streets everywhere 💞 My passion is helping local entrepreneurs like you find their *local wow factor* to deeply resonate with customers through strategic branding & websites. I share easy brand and website tips that you can implement right away to trigger growth in your business and local Iowa community. So hit follow, and I’ll meet you and your business right where you are ☺️ #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrandingTips #SmallBusinessSEO

Don’t let anyone else determine your business’s success 🫶 You don’t have to have a storefront or physical location to own a successful business. (Read that again.) Everyone likes to give their opinion or ask when you’re going to buy a building or hire your first employee, but they don’t know your business like you do. Sometimes keeping it small and working from home is actually the best option for you and your business. So keep on grooving with what works for you, and I’ll be over here celebrating my solo, work from home business 👏 And no matter where your business is at or what your goals are, I’ll be cheering you on, friend ☺️ P.S. if you need help with your brand or website design, I’m your girl! Check out my work and available services on my website. #WorkFromHomeMom #Solopreneur #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBrand

Here’s a little hack for you 👇 Name EVERY photo on your website. (Not 1234.jpeg) Before you upload a photo to a product listing or webpage, change the title to include descriptive keywords. Example: If the photo shows a candle, title it “Soy Handmade Candle {scent}” This simple switch will give Google and other search engines more information about your site and help them match you up with customers who are searching for those things. Yes, it may be tedious, but if you set aside just 15 minutes a day to work on this, soon you’ll have a much more searchable website for your small business ☺️ Follow for more easy tips to help your business get found and chosen by your ideal customers! P.S. if you want the process to go faster or you have a lot of images, you can upload them to ChatGPT or Claude and have it rename them for you based on the content. P.P.S. If you really want to tackle your SEO with more simple steps like this, download my free SEO checklist on my website! #SEOTips #SEOForBeginners #SmallBusinessSEO #SEOStrategy #IowaSmallBusiness

Here’s a little hack for you 👇 Name EVERY photo on your website. (Not 1234.jpeg) Before you upload a photo to a product listing or webpage, change the title to include descriptive keywords. Example: If the photo shows a candle, title it “Soy Handmade Candle {scent}” This simple switch will give Google and other search engines more information about your site and help them match you up with customers who are searching for those things. Yes, it may be tedious, but it is a practical step that you can start working toward today! Set aside just 15 minutes a day to work on this, and soon you’ll have a much more searchable website for your small business ☺️ Follow for more easy tips to help your business get found and chosen by your ideal customers! P.S. if you want the process to go faster or you have a lot of images, you can upload them to ChatGPT or Claude and have it rename them for you based on the content. P.P.S. If you really want to tackle your SEO with more simple steps like this, download my free SEO checklist on my website! #SEOTips #SEOForBeginners #SmallBusinessSEO #SEOStrategy #IowaSmallBusiness

Notice what these brands have in common? 👇 It’s truly as simple as adding highlight covers to your Instagram page 😄 They can be plain with just your brand colors or customized with your brand illustrations/patterns. But PLEASE do your small business a favor and go add covers to your highlights right now! It will take less than 5 minutes to give your page a huge facelift 🫶 (You don’t even have to add the cover photo to your story! Just click edit highlight and add the cover photo from there.) Follow for more tips to make your brand stand out from someone who has been doing this for over 19 years ☺️ #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrandingTips #SmallBusinessTips #IowaSmallBusiness

Happy Women Business Owners Day! 🫶🎉 To all the women working their butts off to build a business while juggling the rest of life, you deserve to be celebrated 👏 So send this with a kind message to your favorite women business owners to give them the encouragement they need to hear. #WomenInBusiness #WomanOwnedSmallBusiness #WomenBusinessOwners #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness

Happy Women Business Owners Day! 🫶 To all the women working their butts off to build a business while juggling the rest of life, you deserve to be celebrated 👏 So send this with a kind message to your favorite women business owners to give them the encouragement they need to hear. #WomenInBusiness #WomanOwnedSmallBusiness #WomenBusinessOwners #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness

There’s no such thing as boring around here 👏 The key to owning your local presence is having a brand they will actually remember. Every small business deserves a stand-out brand, and I’m on a mission to help more business owners discover their winning strategy. (Because your brand goes deeper than your logo.) Learn more about my 1:1 brand strategy sessions and set up a free consultation call on my website ☺️ Studioa-designs.com #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaBranding

Down here 👇 Did you know websites have a lifespan of about 5 years? Here’s how you know it’s time for a refresh: 1) your brand has evolved, but your website (visuals, copy, audience, etc) missed the memo 2) you’re not getting the same engagement or inquiries 3) your competitors just made big moves and you’re still rocking the same design 4) your website isn’t keeping up with how people find business now (AI anyone?) 5) you’re missing out on new automation or integration tools that save you time 6) your site doesn’t feel as interactive or innovative Plus all the invisible stuff in the background that makes your website run smoothly! (I geek out about this stuff so you don’t have to 😉) For more details about each of these points and questions to determine what you need to work on, check out my blog! Linked in bio 🫶 #IowaSmallBusiness #WebsiteDesigner #IowaWebsiteDesigner #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign

Hear me out:👇 Small businesses now have to compete with massive companies like Amazon, Target, Costco, SHEIN, etc. If you try to imitate these big players, I guarantee you’re going to lose because you just don’t have the budget or capacity that they have. Instead, you need to play to your strengths. Everyone loves a good underdog story, and as the small business owner, that’s you 🫶 You HAVE to learn to tell your brand story and connect with your customers emotionally. No, you can’t offer same day shipping, but yes, you can remember a regular’s name and ask about their family. You can help them find the perfect gift for their grandma or customize a product/service to give them exactly what they need. Those little personal touches are what set you apart! This whole week, I’ve been focusing on finding your brand’s ✨wow-factor✨ and you can’t afford NOT to spend time on this. So go back to my last few posts, hit save, and start playing to your small business’s strengths to stand out from the crowd. I promise, it will make a difference 🙌 P.S. if you need a little extra help, check out my brand services or send me a message to see how we can start working together 💗 #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrandingTips #SmallBusinessMarketingTips #BrandStrategyTips

Save this golden nugget and get out your notes👇 I’ve been a small business brand and website designer for over 19 years, and these are the questions that I’ve used to find what sets a business apart: 1. What do you believe customers deserve that they aren’t consistently getting from your industry? 2. What do you do that would be inconvenient, expensive, or difficult for a competitor to copy? 3. What does your customer gain beyond the product or service they purchased and why does that matter to them? The answers to these questions will help you grow your business and become THE brand people will trust 👏 Follow for more practical tips from your small businesses big sis 🫶 -Amanda 💗 #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrandingTips #SmallBusinessMarketingTips #BrandStrategyTips

If you don’t know, you need this post. 🫶 I work with all my brand clients to find what makes their business uniquely situated in their market to solve their customers problems while setting them apart from their competitors. This “wow-factor” becomes the foundation for the entire brand. (See client examples) Once you know your small business’s wow-factor, suddenly marketing your brand becomes easy! P.S. This post is a part of a week-long series. Go to my profile to learn more, and hit follow so you don’t miss what’s next! #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategyTips #SmallBusinessMarketingTips #IowaSmallBusiness

Save this for your next strategy session! Spend some time answering these questions to find your small business’s wow-factor. And be sure to follow along because I’ll be sharing even more tips and encouragement this whole week! #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategy #BrandStrategyTips #IowaSmallBusiness

But I’m here to help you fix that 👇 Hi, I’m Amanda, and I’ve been helping small businesses get found AND chosen for over 19 years. I work with a lot of small business brands, and one of the first things I do is find their unique ✨wow-factor✨ Because it does you no good to have a beautiful brand if it blends in with everyone else in your niche. What you really need is to lean into what makes you different and why customers should love you over someone else. Lucky for you, I’m going to spend this week giving out practical tips and examples that will help you find YOUR wow-factor 🤗 So be sure to follow along, and together we will level up your brand messaging! #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandingTips #SmallBusinessBrandingTips #SmallBusinessMarketingTips

Swipe to hear how Linette transformed her business by handing me the wheel (just for a bit) 👏 We worked together to design a brand that set her law office apart and connected emotionally with her ideal client. Then I used that new brand to create a professional website packed with SEO so she can get found and chosen by those ideal clients. Linette also chose to include quite a few add-ons with her package to make sure all of her marketing assets were cohesive and on-brand. Having so many great templates is going to save her so much time and allow her to spend more of that time helping her clients ☺️ And even with all of that, Linette still felt in control of the direction of her brand and is excited to continue what we started! See how the @northernlegacylaw brand and website project turned out on my page 🫶 #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #LawyerBranding #IowaSmallBusiness

Pro tip: save your client reviews to re-read! I can get stuck in the daily grind, but my favorite part of my job is helping small businesses grow ☺️ I get a front row seat to watching entrepreneurs expand the capacity of their business in their customers’ eyes AND their own! By the time we are done working together, clients understand how strategy and emotional connection will help them better articulate their brand (and get more sales!). Plus, a professional brand and website changes their perspective from “small DIY business” to “ok this is the real deal”. 👆 Watching their confidence in themselves and their business skyrocket is the best part! So if you’re a small business owner, this is your sign to re-read your client reviews frequently. I promise it will remind you of your why and keep you going, just like it has with me 🫶 #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessOwner #Solopreneur #IowaSmallBusiness

Swipe for my secret add-on services 🤭👉 Because your brand is more than a logo, I can help you create a more cohesive look and feel with customized offerings. These add-on services are only available to my brand clients so they can hit the ground running with their new brand launch! Need more info before you’re ready to invest? Just send me a message, and we can chat about what your business needs ☺️ Studioa-designs.com #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness

Did I surprise you? 😉 WFH businesses are just as legitimate as those with a brick and mortar location 👏 Having a physical location may seem like the end goal, but it doesn’t make sense for all types of businesses. For example, I own a solo work from home business, and renting an office would just add unnecessary overhead that I would have to pass through to my clients. Instead, I keep my costs down (and my flexibility up!) by making my office out of a spare room in our house. Does this change the value I provide to my clients? Absolutely not! If running your business from home is what’s best for you and your family, don’t let anyone make you feel less-than or like it’s just a “side hustle” 🫶 I work with all sorts of small businesses in all different stages of growth, and no two are the same. So keep doing what you love and follow along for more small business encouragement and tips from someone who gets it! #SmallBusinessOwner #WFH #WFHMom #HomeBasedBusiness #IowaSmallBusiness

I get to work with the COOLEST people 👏 If there’s one thing I’m passionate about, it’s cheering on my favorite small businesses! Here are just a few of my past and present clients who are out there doing amazing things, and I hope you go through and check out each of their profiles. It costs nothing to give a follow or a like to the small businesses you want to see succeed, and it helps more than you know 🫶 #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #SmallBusinessWebsite

Send to your small businesses friend who could use a good laugh today 😅 #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBranding #GenZMeme #GenZHumor

If you’re thinking of DIYing your small biz website using an ai builder or Claude, it may design a website, but it’s going to be PRETTY HARD to get fully optimized for SEO. If you want your website to actually get found, you need strategy, brand credibility and other professional tools. So here’s what you can do 👇 1) Download my free SEO checklist for small businesses, and work through it to get your website to rank higher on Google. OR 2) Hire me to build a Done-For-You Website (with all the design, copywriting, and SEO done for you) Send me a message or check out my website for more info! Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #SmallBusinessSEO #AIWebsiteBuilder #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesigner

If you’re thinking of DIYing your small biz website using an ai builder or Claude, it may design a website, but it’s going to be PRETTY HARD to get fully optimized for SEO. If you want your website to actually get found, you need strategy, brand credibility and other professional tools. So here’s what you can do 👇 1) Download my free SEO checklist and work through it to get your website to rank higher on Google. OR 2) Hire me to build a Done-For-You Website (with all the design, copywriting, and SEO done for you) OR 3) If you are a past client, you can join my VIP Design Day waitlist to have me update your existing website’s SEO for you. Send me a message or check out my website for more info! Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #SmallBusinessSEO #AIWebsiteBuilder #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesigner

Your brand doesn’t stop after launch, and now neither does your support 🫶 You’ve invested in your brand and/or website, but once the project is done, now what? If you don’t fully trust yourself to keep implementing what we created or feel a little alone as you navigate your new brand/website, my new ✨Support Suite✨ might be exactly what you need. Support Suite is your private portal with an expert on call! It gives you ongoing access, feedback, and new resources to keep your brand and website working as it should long after your launch ☺️ Your brand is worth protecting. Let’s make sure it stays that way. If you want to learn more, message me and I’ll send over a link with all the information and member-exclusive perks 💗 #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaSmallBusinessOwner

I can’t decide how I’m feeling 😭😄🫶 Any other moms out there bouncing between enjoying the quiet, an extreme boost in productivity, and then feeling like the house is too quiet? Asking for a friend 😅 #IowaSmallBusiness #WorkFromHomeMom #WFHM #BackToSchool #MomOfTeenagers

Before you ever open your mouth, your brand speaks. It’s more than your logo. It’s the feeling your entire brand evokes in your ideal customer. Is your brand upscale, luxury, and modern? 💅🏼 Your customers will expect a higher price point before they ever check the tag. Or is your brand bright, playful, and friendly? 🤗 Customers will expect a more approachable and inclusive price point. But if there’s a disconnect between your brand and what you actually do, your customers will be confused. Here are a few signs your brand IS NOT working for you 👇 1) You aren’t working with or selling to your ideal client. 2) People don’t understand what you do. 3) Your visual brand is dated. 4) You’re struggling with growth and scalability. 5) You lack focus. 6) Your offers have changed and evolved. 7) Your company is changing and your employees need to understand the updated culture. If you’re still not sure if your brand is communicating the right message, let’s talk! Schedule a free 30 minute consultation, and we’ll talk about your season of business, what challenges you’re experiencing, and can create a plan of action for you specifically. Book your call on my website or send me a message! Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategyTips #BrandDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness

It’s not just businesses who need a stand-out website 🙌 Gentle reminder: If your nonprofit’s website can’t answer the question, “Why should I give to you instead of to someone else or to no one at all?” you won’t be able to raise the funding or awareness you need 🫶 That’s where a professional website and strategic copy can make the biggest difference! If your nonprofit’s website could use an upgrade (and boost in donations), start by checking out my free resources. 👉 My SEO checklist will become your new best friend! Then, if you could use a little extra help, send me a message to get started working together ☺️ #WebsiteDesign #NonprofitWebsite #NonprofitWebsiteDesign #SEOTips #IowaNonprofit

My favorite question! 😄👇 I’m a small business brand and website designer, but what does that actually mean? Well, it’s more than most people think. Before I start designing anything, I do a deep dive into the brand’s heart and values. Then I do a competitive analysis to find your strategic place in the market. (Aka your wow-factor 🤩) With all this information, we create a plan for your brand’s messaging to resonate and connect emotionally with your ideal customer. Finally, once all the behind the scenes strategy is in place, I get to the fun part 🙌 The beautiful designs are what you see (and probably what you think of), but the strategy is what makes them convert 😏 I can really nerd out on all the unseen details and strategy, so if you want to know more about my process, let’s chat! Send me a message to learn more about my brand and website designer services for small businesses 🫶 #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #StrategicBranding #IowaSmallBusiness

Slide 5 is my personal favorite 🤩 There’s so much that goes into the process that people don’t see, but the final reveal is so worth it! By the end of the project, I become your biggest cheerleader, so I can’t wait to watch as @northernlegacylaw continues to grow. Follow to see more of my brand and website design work for small businesses. #SmallBusinessWebsite #WebsiteDesigner #LawyerWebsite #EstatePlanningLawyer #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign

Follow for more small business tips 😉 The entrepreneurship life is hard. You’re working harder than you ever have before, and you keep raising your own bar of success. That’s a recipe for burnout unless you learn to celebrate ALL of your wins! As a brand and website designer, I’ve decided to celebrate every launch with ice cream 😋 (And usually my family gets treated too!) Your celebration may look different for you and your business, but find a regular rhythm of treating yourself for hard work well done. I promise, it will motivate you and keep you going even through the tough times ☺️ And then post about it because we want to cheer you on too 👏🎉 Follow for more small business tips from someone who has been in your shoes for more than 18 years. #SmallBusinessOwner #Entrepreneurship #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessStrategy #SmallBusinessBrand

Go download my free SEO checklist right now! Hi, I’m Amanda, small business brand and website designer of over 19 years 👋 I help small businesses like yours get found and chosen by your ideal customer every day. Every time I design a new website, I spend some time working on the SEO (search engine optimization) so you (the small businesses owner with too many responsibilities) don’t have to! Unfortunately, I only have so many hours in the day and can only work with so many businesses a year. But I’m so passionate about supporting small businesses and helping them reach their potential! So I put together an SEO checklist that walks you through the process and helps you build a more searchable website. Because it’s broken down step by step, I’ve tried to remove the overwhelm from the process. Even if you spend just 15 minutes a day with the checklist, I promise, you will start to see results ☺️ Go download the checklist for free at my link in bio! #SEOChecklist #SEOHelp #SEOTips #SmallBusinessSEO #SEOForBeginners

Follow for small biz brand tips from an expert of over 19 years! Hi, I’m Amanda, your small business’s new big sis 👋 I’m here to help you grow your brand through real strategy, not just pretty colors and fonts. If you use a different template every time: 1) you’re going to look just like everybody else 2) no one will ever recognize your brand for what makes it unique And that’s a big problem! My specialty is helping Iowa businesses find their wow-factor 🙌 So check out my profile and follow for lots of free tips to make your brand stand out from the crowd (without the stress of keeping up with the trends). #BrandDesigner #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategyTips #IowaSmallBusiness

No one falls in love with your business by looking at your logo. They fall in love with your brand’s vibe, your stance on things, and the personality that comes through. It all starts with brand strategy. Pretty designs help, don’t get me wrong. But a brand isn’t meant to be just a bunch of nice visuals. Done right, brand strategy builds trust with your audience and makes you impossible to blend in. The legal industry is no different. People walk in with hesitations, past experiences, and preconceived ideas about attorneys. Those need to be dissolved before trust can even start. That’s a tall order when the whole industry comes with stereotypes. For @northernlegacylaw, this was understood from the start. And we knew we wanted to lean into the deeply personal feelings one has when approaching estate planning and probate. Her values of empathy & deep respect earn trust with her clients so they can feel confident in choosing her legal services. This brand reflects that! Real talk: As a business owner, you probably know your brand pretty well already. But turning that knowledge into an organized working strategy is a different kind of skill. If you feel stuck about communicating and resonating with your people, partnering with Studio A will help you get clarity, and give your customers a brand they actually talk about. Now booking for Q4!

Get to know your brand’s new big sis 🫶 Whether you’re a beginner in business or a community veteran, I’ll meet you and your small business right where you are ☺️ I love taking Iowa entrepreneurs on a journey to create brands and websites that fuel conversion. Because a strong brand requires more than just pretty visuals, my specialty is in doing the work behind the scenes to give you a strategic brand that will resonate with new and repeat customers. If that sounds overwhelming, that’s why I’m here! Follow for my top business tips as an entrepreneur of 19+ years and to see more of my work as a brand and website designer. #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaEntrepreneur #WorkFromHomeMom

Get to know your brand’s new big sis 🫶 Whether you’re a beginner in business or a community veteran, I’ll meet you and your Iowa small business right where you are ☺️ I love taking Iowa entrepreneurs on a journey to create brands and websites that fuel conversion. Because a strong brand requires more than just pretty visuals, my specialty is in doing the work behind the scenes to give you a strategic brand that will resonate with new and repeat customers. If that gets you fired up (or sounds overwhelming), let’s work together! Follow for my top business tips as an entrepreneur of 19+ years and to see more of my work as a brand and website designer. #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaEntrepreneur #WorkFromHomeMom

Iowa is home to 289,962 small businesses which accounts for 99.3% of all Iowa businesses, according to the US Small Business Administration in 2025. In addition, small businesses employ nearly half of all Iowa employees! I’ve had the honor of working with so many amazing entrepreneurs doing really cool things throughout the state ☺️ So if you ever think Iowa is boring, PLEASE let me point you toward the unique retail and experience-based business I’ve had the pleasure of working with 🫶 Dahlia Darling & Co - luxury transportation with vintage charm, perfect for weddings and parties! Tuneful Journey - award winning music classes for kids Ogle’s Greenhouse - family owned greenhouse in Albia, IA Homegrown - retail store selling gifts and apparel made by Iowans The Fragrant Revival - holistic healing through skincare, aromatherapy, and workshops Grace Fiore Co - vivid floral designer in Polk City, IA Vida Travel Co - boutique luxury travel agency Studio7 Salon and Spa - modern, full service salon and spa specializing in high quality, natural and organic ingredients Message me for more recommendations, or check out my website for other small businesses I’ve worked with! Studioa-designs.com #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaSmallBusinessOwner #WomenInBusiness #IowaEvents #ThingsToDoInIowa

Unique brands like this might be my favorites to work with 🤩 I love the creativity that can really make these brands stand out as one of a kind. From kids music classes to a mini highland cow farm, I love the variety of small businesses that come to me for brand and website design services! Follow to see more of my work, or check out my website ☺️ Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessBrand #WebsiteDesigner #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #IowaSmallBusiness

Save this for your summer reading list! Resharing some of my favorite books for small business owners because ’tis the season for a good book ☀️ These books will help you think more like a marketer in promoting your brand, and hopefully you will find a little encouragement in your small business journey as well. This life isn’t for the weak of heart, so just know that I’m here cheering you on and helping in any way I can 🙌 So get started reading, and let me know if you found this helpful! #BusinessBooks #SmallBusinessBooks #SmallBusinessBranding #BusinessBookRecommendations #IowaSmallBusiness

Does your website make an impact in the first 3 seconds? For team sports and clubs, your website should immediately drive a desire to be a part of what you’re doing. You need an emotional connection with your ideal audience 🙌 Because as much as people can say they make decisions based on facts, authentic connection and emotion converts more than the best written bullet points ever could. Luckily, this is kinda my specialty 💁‍♀️ Check out my profile for more examples of my work! #WebsiteDesign #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #SportsWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness

A little behind the scenes look at what goes into my brand and website design business 👏 My fellow business owners probably get it, but were there any that surprised you? Even a seemingly simple, 1-person business has a lot of moving parts 😅 Follow to see more of my process! #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #CreativeBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessBrandDesigner

Most small business owners skip the strategy and go straight to identity 🫣 If that’s been you, it’s ok! But let’s fix it. Comment the word strategy for the link to learn more about creating a brand strategy that converts 🫶 #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandIdentity #IowaSmallBusiness

Your “boring” business deserves a beautiful website too 👏 I have 18+ years of creating websites with the consumer in mind. And no, a Facebook page or outdated landing page does not convert. A website with the right messaging and keywords is your brand’s coolest sidekick, expanding your reach from the confines of your hometown into a 24/7 machine that reels in new customers. I spend the time not only making your messaging and design give a first impression that will knock your audience’s socks off, but also refining keywords and SEO to make your website rank higher on Google. Follow along to see other types of businesses I’ve created websites for!

Your “boring” business deserves a beautiful website too 👏 I have 18+ years of creating websites with the consumer in mind. And no, a Facebook page or outdated landing page does not convert. A website with the right messaging and keywords is your brand’s coolest sidekick, expanding your reach from the confines of your hometown into a 24/7 machine that reels in new customers. I spend the time not only making your messaging and design give a first impression that will knock your audience’s socks off, but also refining keywords and SEO to make your website gets found in search and sited on ai platforms. P.S. this is part of a new video series, so follow along to see other types of businesses I’ve created websites for! #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessSEO #ContractorWebsite #ConstructionWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness

Stop right now and define your brand strategy using these 5 pillars 👉 If your brand strategy isn’t clearly defined, you’re losing sales. It’s as simple as that because complicated doesn’t work in business. So before you move on, make sure you have written down your brand’s purpose, values, positioning, messaging, and target audience. If you need a little more help, check out my latest blog to break it down even further. 👇 Studioa-designs.com/blog #BrandStrategy #BrandStrategyTips #SmallBusinessBranding #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessMarketingTips

Life of a business owner 🤷‍♀️ There should be lots of fun launches coming soon, so stay tuned! #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessWebsite #WebsiteDesigner #WFHM #IowaSmallBusiness

If a coach needs one thing, it’s confidence in what they’re selling: their own skills. An upgraded website that matches their level of expertise changes the way they and others view their business. Plus, add-in expert branded design & messaging, local SEO strategy, and done-for-you copywriting, and suddenly you’ve got a beautiful website that actually converts! I’m starting a little series of showing off my website design work, so follow along to see more ☺️ #SmallBusinessWebsite #CoachWebsite #ConsultantWebsite #WebsiteDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness

Summer days can get pretty crazy around here, with a mix of work and play! I adapt my workload in the summer months so I can take the time I want for going on walks, gardening, and spending time with my family. I take on less clients and projects and (try to) take Fridays off. I’m so thankful for this business that allows me to create my own schedule so I can prioritize the things that matter most to me 🫶 #WorkFromHomeMom #WFHM #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #BrandDesigner

Your brand is more than a logo, color palette, and fonts. It’s a mixture of visuals and feelings working together to create an experience across every touchpoint of your business, shaping how people perceive you and your business. Your brand goes deeper than the visuals, so your strategy should too. Follow for more info on how to build your brand strategy as a strong foundation for your small business ☺️ #BrandStrategy #BrandDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessLogo

Swipe for a peek at the strategy behind the brand 👀 A good logo isn’t just visually appealing; it’s strategically built. I worked with @northernlegacylaw to fully form their brand strategy so that the final visuals would connect on a deeper level with her ideal client. Here are just a few ways the visuals you see communicate the underlying purpose behind the brand. If you liked this, follow to see more strategically-built brands! #BrandDesigner #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessLogo #LawyerBranding #SmallBusinessStrategy

Your business will be fine if you take a little time off, I promise ☺️ As a work from home mom, summers can be so crazy. Yes, there’s a lot to get done, but I also want to take the time to enjoy these moments while they last. So if you’re a small business owner, I encourage you to find a way to simplify your job this summer so you can make memories and live life to the fullest 🫶 #SmallBusinessOwner #Solopreneur #WorkFromHomeMom #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessBranding

If you’re anything like me, there are always lots of ideas. Too many 😅 The execution (which is the hard part) can feel absolutely debilitating at times. But you don’t have to do EVERYTHING on your list at the same time. Mini goals can help you feel less overwhelmed and can motivate you to get to the next one faster. Here is how I set a mini goal for myself when I’m feeling overwhelmed: 1. Name the stuck spot. I pick the most pressing thing that’s causing me burnout or that I want to improve. 2. Pick one problem area. Then I decide what problem in that stuck spot I can work on right now. 3. Make it tiny + clear. I write down a simple statement to help me focus on that one thing. 4. Set boundaries. Don’t veer into other things. Stick with that one thing. 5. Celebrate it. Once the task has been completed, definitely celebrate (preferably with ice cream), then start the process over again. Small steps make a big difference over time, and this method helps me break down my big ideas into smaller, achievable milestones. Like if this helped, and let me know what goals you have for your business this summer so I know what to talk more about ☺️ (I’m working on setting up a new service that will launch this fall!) #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusinessTip #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #WorkFromHomeMom

Swipe to watch a brand come to life ✨ From a client questionnaire to words on a page to a beautiful brand that works strategically for the business - and everything in between! This is how a brand by Studio A is born ☺️ See more of my past branding work on my website. Studioa-designs.com #Branding #BrandDesigner #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessLogo #LogoDesigner

It has been an honor to work with @theatlasproject24 on their brand and website. This foundation will help support families through the unimaginable loss of child through financial relief, guidance, and community. Through their own loss comes this light for other families and a legacy for Atlas that will continue forward 🫶 Learn more about The Atlas Project at loveforatlas.org #NonprofitBranding #SUDC #NonprofitLogo #BrandStrategy #BrandDesigner

The Atlas Project supports families through the unimaginable loss of child through financial relief, guidance, and community. It was an honor to partner with this foundation to carry Atlas’s light forward 🫶 Learn more about The Atlas Project at loveforatlas.org #NonprofitBranding #SUDC #NonprofitLogo #BrandStrategy #BrandDesigner

Hi, I’m Amanda! Here’s a little bit about me 👇 I’m a small business brand and website designer based in Ames, Iowa. I’ve been helping small businesses grow through strategic visuals for over 18 years now - wow! But even before that, I had a passion for local businesses. At age 12, I was singing radio jingles for local children’s clothing store, and by 16, I was painting custom signage for a business on an Iowa Main Street. I truly feel like this is what I was meant to do ☺️ but I also believe in work-life balance! Outside of the office, you can usually find me: • tending to my flower garden • playing and singing music • listening to a nonfiction book • having coffee with a friend • attending an Iowa State sporting event • decorating my house (design runs in my veins haha) I’m also a big bird nerd 👀 I love to go hiking, enjoy nature, and spot as many species of birds as I can! Now that you know a little bit about me, we can be friends 🫶 Follow me on my small business journey, and you may pick up a thing or two from my experience 😉 #IowaSmallBusiness #IowaSmallBusinessOwner #BrandDesigner #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessLogo

Slide 15 sums it up perfectly 👌 If you found my take on this helpful, please let me know! Be sure to join my email list to never miss a free tip or piece of encouragement for your small business 🫶 #Branding #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessMarketing #SmallBusiness #IowaSmallBusiness

I’m Amanda, small business brand and website designer & strategist based in Ames, Iowa. My solo biz has been partnering with amazing entrepreneurs in many industries (ranging from shops, salons, wellness, authors, coaches, & coffeehouses-and that list barely scratches the surface) for over 18 years now. I’m a Type-A creative and an Enneagram 3. With these giftings, I get to partner with small businesses to help them get seen, get clicks and get chosen.✨ Whether you’re a beginner in business or a community veteran, I’ll meet you right where you are to create a brand that resonates with new and repeat customers. Together, we will find your *wow-factor* and make your small business stand out from the crowd! Join my email list to never miss a small business branding tip or freebie 🫶 #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessMarketingTips

👇 Here’s my take as a branding expert of over 18 years. What should always remain no matter what the trends are: • The heart of your brand (your values, culture and mission) • Messaging on things that are going to stay static for a long period of time (website, branded collateral, consistent and identifiable graphics for socials) • The brand’s visual identity (logos, color palette, patterns, icons, etc) This will keep your brand identifiable and recognizable over time. There are, however, different strategic approaches to how trendy a brand wants to go for the above things. Some brands lean more into a modern and trendy look (especially in certain industries). In my brand strategy sessions with clients, we talk about the “longevity” of the brand. Question: “How long do you want this brand to last for you?” 👉 Some say 6-8 years, and others know their brand is meant to feel more trendy and realize it may only last 3-4 years. You can push flexibility of any brand through things like campaigns, promotions, and socials that are for a season. This is where I say you can take more risks and experiment with the trends. (Even if they run outside the scope of your core brand a little bit.) Think of your brand as the base layer: slow, deliberate, and more resistant to the trend cycle. Your socials and other seasonal campaigns can be faster and more flexible to the culture, as long as the core “rules” of the brand are still in place. 👉 Social layouts can change if the audience understands that this is seasonal and intentionally. 👉 Photography style could shift for certain campaigns (if done correctly). But constant trend-chasing is borrowing someone else’s creativity which is actually a signal that you may not feel confident in your own brand. Brand confidence is having a firm and unwavering foundation where you are in control of what trends you decide to hop onto. Having brand confidence is your first priority, and then you can start to experiment with adding certain trends to your intentional marketing plan. Follow for more expert branding tips 🫶 #Branding #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessMarketing #SmallBusiness

Swipe for examples and a peek at a new brand 👉 Using the same logo in every space on every platform can start to look pretty awkward (even with the best logo!) That’s why we have different logo variations for different applications. And submarks are just one of those variations ☺️ Learn more about branding your small business by hitting that follow button! #Submark #SubmarkLogo #SmallBusinessLogo #LogoDesigner #BrandDesigner

Safe to say, the purple pest pros have seriously leveled up with this new brand 😏 And it’s not just pretty. Preferred Pest Management’s whole visual identity is built on deep brand strategy. Every element has a purpose. Example: Little sayings like “protect your peace” and “buh-bye bugaboos” instantly build connection with potential customers. So stop settling for professional but bland branding 🙅‍♀️ Follow for more strategic glow-ups like this 💜 Brand photos and videos: @integritygrove #IowaSmallBusiness #BrandStrategy #BrandingDesign #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandingDesigner

A little past client spotlight ✨ It’s not just a logo. It tells your brand story and presents your business to the world. That’s why I put as much thought and effort into your branding as you do running your business ☺️ View more of my past work on my website 👇 Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessLogo #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessMarketing #IowaSmallBusiness

Strong brands don’t just have pretty logos 👇 The best brands are *discovered* with 1:1 strategy sessions that dig deep into the heart of the brand. When we uncover your brand’s stand out qualities, personality traits and more, you’ll have a solid foundation for your brand’s unique *sense of place* in your community. And that’s when the real magic happens ✨ The visuals shouldn’t be created until AFTER every element finds its purpose in the brand’s heart and messaging strategy. But if your visuals don’t match your business strategy (or you don’t have one at all), say hello to buyer confusion and lost sales. Thankfully, discovering your *wow-factor* and creating an intentional brand strategy that sells is kinda my thing 💁‍♀️ Check out my profile to see what I do, and hit follow if I can help your small business grow 🫶 #SmallBusinessLogo #SmallBusinessBranding #LocalBranding #BrandDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness

Swipe for a little behind the scenes of my process 👉 A reveal is not just a reveal because a logo is not just a logo. There is an entire strategy behind every logo and color palette 🫶 Stay tuned for a real example of what this process actually looks like with a brand I recently designed! #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandDesigner #BrandStrategist #IowaSmallBusiness

You’re going to want to save this for later 🫶 I hope every small business can see this post and grow their online presence! I’ve been helping Iowa small business get found and chosen through strategic branding and SEO-driven website design for over 18 years now. I know this works. I’ve seen the stats. And all it takes is a few minutes of intentional effort. I already did the hard part for you 😉 You could even throw these formulas into ChatGPT to get the ideas flowing! So what are you waiting for? Go grow your business! And if you need a little extra help, let me know ☺️ #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessSEO #IowaSmallBusiness #WebsiteDesigner #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign

Hit follow for more SEO and branding tips tailored to small businesses like this! We’re small business owners. We don’t have a whole team to research SEO, and we need quick, simple, and effective solutions. One easy way to start ranking higher on search engines is to simply add alt text (for accessibility and screen readers) and real titles (not img_3827.jpg) to every photo on your website. It’s as simple as that! I’m here to help make SEO and small businesses marketing less complicated. Because if it’s hard, you won’t do it 😉 So hit follow for more tips like this! #SmallBusinessSEO #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessOwner #SmallBusinessMarketing

Swipe for the before and after 👉 No matter the industry, the uniqueness that each small business brings always presents a fun challenge. For these brands, the small town values with updated messaging, voice and visuals elevated their brand to help them communicate more clearly with their target market. Follow to see how I’ve helped transform other small business through my branding work ☺️ #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessLogo #ConstructionBranding #IowaSmallBusiness #BrandStrategist

I highly recommend keeping this in your back pocket! Spending just a few minutes each week updating your Google Business Profile can have a profound impact on your business 🙌 So go implement these simple but effective strategies to help your small business rank higher in Google and AI searches. And if you liked this tip, you’re going to love it here ☺️ #SmallBusinessMarketing #IowaSmallBusiness #GoogleBusinessProfile #GoogleBusinessProfileTips #SmallBusinessSEO

Because that’s all you have to win them over 👇 First impressions say a lot, and it’s no different in business. So in the first 3 seconds, your potential customers should be able to: • know what you’re offering them • trust you (think your business is legit and not a scam) • see your brand’s vibe/personality Your branding and website design work together to check all 3 of those boxes in your customers’ minds, and if one isn’t doing its job, you’re losing out on sales. But, thankfully, we can fix that! Place this simple sentence “above the fold” on your website and socials👇 {What you do} + {who it’s for} + {what they get} Example: “Brand, website and SEO strategy for Iowa small businesses who want to get found and chosen.” Greater clarity = more sales Then you just have to make sure you have professional visuals (logos, colors, photos, etc.) that are cohesive throughout your site, so your ideal client can get to know you and your business at first glance. Like if this was helpful! PS - you might want to hit follow, because I’ll be sharing a lot more tips like this in the next couple weeks ☺️ #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #BrandingDesigner #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign

Hit save bc you’re gonna want to come back to this! The first sentence on your website is SO important to get right. It’s your first impression with potential customers and what search engines pull from the most. If potential customers have to dig around to figure out what you actually do, they will lose interest and give up immediately. That’s why placing this simple sentence “above the fold” can help you convert more. Greater clarity = more sales! I use these formulas with all of my branding and website design clients, so I know they work. Place one of these sentences in your website’s H1 (top headline), and your small business will see increased traffic and a high conversion rate! Please hit like if you found this helpful, so more small business owners can find and implement this strategy 🫶 #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessMarketing #SmallBusinessWebsiteDesign #BrandStrategist

I have over 18 years of experience helping small businesses use their unique qualities to stand out from the crowd. Finding your *wow-factor* is kinda my thing! So hit follow for tips and content that will make your small business shine ☺️ #SmallBusinessMarketing #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessBrandStrategy #SmallBusinessStrategy #IowaSmallBusiness

I hate to tell you, but that Canva logo probably isn’t doing you any favors (and it might actually be doing the opposite!) DIY logos and graphics are great for small businesses who are just starting out. But for anyone who’s been in business a few years or is looking to grow, the DIY look is hurting your potential customer’s trust in your professionalism. Plus, since it’s made from a template, it looks just like everyone else and doesn’t communicate your story or personality. So you’re basically throwing away your greatest asset as a small business 😭 The best part of supporting small businesses is their personal touch and originality that you can’t find anywhere else! And you want your customers to have that feeling from the very first moment they see your business. That’s why I work so hard to help Iowa small businesses put their best foot forward through intentional and strategic branding that shows off their greatest qualities ☺️ I seriously love working with passionate entrepreneurs and watching their businesses take off with the right strategy behind them! Give me a follow so I can help your small business actually grow this year 🫶 #SmallBusinessLogo #SmallBusinessBranding #BrandStrategy #SmallBusinessMarketing #IowaSmallBusiness

These two amazing teenagers are the reason I started @studioa_designs it allowed me the freedom to do what I know is my passion, which is being their mom. I'm so thankful.

These business are on my bucket list 🫶 So if you’ve been thinking about taking the next step and upgrading to a professional and strategic brand or website, I would love to work with you! Send me a message or check out my website for more info ☺️ #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessLogo #CreativeSmallBusiness #IowaSmallBusiness

More than a law office. 🫶👇 Northern Legacy Law could have gone with someone else who gave them a typical lawyer feel, but a cold, corporate brand isn’t going to sell estate planning. NLL is an office that cares about your legacy and what you leave behind. It’s more than words on an official paper. It’s emotional. And THAT’S how you connect with your ideal clients. So stop settling for what’s expected, and own your local presence with a brand they’ll actually remember. Studioa-designs.com #SmallBusinessBrand #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessStrategy #LawyerBranding #EstatePlanning

My free DIY SEO & AI search checklist will help you rank higher in search engines. All you have to do is start and the top and work your way through the checklist! SEO sounds like such a scary, technical word for most small business owners, so I’m here to make it simple. You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to be willing to invest some time into it. So go download the free checklist today to work your way to a more findable website! Studioa-designs.com/freebies #SEOTips #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessSEO #SEOHelp #IowaSmallBusiness

Based on a true story 😄 I seriously am so honored each time a business trusts me with their branding and/or website design! This year is already booking up fast, so if you’ve been waiting to submit your inquiry, I would get it in sooner than later :) #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #IowaSmallBusiness #BrandStrategist #SmallBusinessOwner

Stick around to see how I turn this inspo into strategic, small business branding ✨ This is going to be a fun one 🤗 #SmallBusinessBranding #BohoBranding #BohoInspo #SmallBusinessLogo #IowaSmallBusiness

No wonder I’m feeling tired 😅 Stay tuned because there are so many things I can’t wait to show you! #IowaSmallBusiness #SmallBusinessLogo #SmallBusinessBranding #SmallBusinessWebsite #SmallBusinessMarketing

Is it just me, or is this time of year CRAZY? 😅 As a classic overachiever, I pack my schedule in far more than I should, but I also want to be present with my kids during their middle and high school years 🫶 Still working on finding the perfect work-life balance, but I have a feeling us small business owners are in the same boat. If you can relate, send me your advice! If this isn’t your experience though, you can keep your advice to yourself 😉 #SmallBusinessOwner #IowaSmallBusiness #WorkFromHomeMom #BrandDesigner #WebsiteDesigner

The good news is, it doesn’t take much to keep your GBP relevant and active 👇 First, make sure you officially claim and verify your business on Google. Then, make sure the basics like your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) match exactly everywhere (your website footer, Yelp, Facebook, Chamber listing, etc.) Google loves consistency and all of this validates that you’re exactly who you say you are. Next, you’ll want to make sure your hours of operation are updated, including adding your holiday hours in advance. Here comes the important SEO stuff 👇 1) add keywords your customers are searching to your business description, services & products section, and post updates ✨pro tip: use local phrasing as well! 2) choose a specific primary category that reflects your core offering (think “nail salon” not “beauty services”) and add supporting categories sparingly (1-2) ✨pro tip: add detailed services beneath each category 3) add updated and quality photos that show your business’s exterior, interior, staff, your work, and signage and branding ✨pro tip: change the names of your photo files to real words instead of img_3827.jpg to subtly boost your SEO 4) collect reviews and respond promptly (with more keywords and specificity in your thank you!) 5) keep your listing alive with posts every 7-10 days 6) set up your own FAQ list in the “Q&A” section ✨pro tip: submit questions using your personal account then answer them with your business account using keywords If you utilize all of these features, Google and other search engines will bring more traffic to your business. All it takes is a few intentional tweaks and consistent updates 🫶 Follow for more small business tips from an SEO-driven website designer who has helped Iowa brands get found for over 18 years! #SEOTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #GoogleBusinessProfile #SmallBusinessTips #IowaSmallBusiness

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