The Power of Print Design

We know print design can sometimes feel a bit archaic in today's digital world. But print materials bring the personal touch and lasting impression that online ads or social posts just can't touch. Holding a high-quality brochure or an embossed business card feels intentional—it shows care, effort, and professionalism. Print not only builds credibility but also offers a way to step outside the screen and connect with your audience on a more human level. Here's why we love it:

It boosts brand recognition. Cohesive print materials—like postcards, banners, or business cards—help reinforce your brand’s identity, making you more memorable.

It creates a multi-sensory experience. Touch and texture add a new layer of engagement. The feel of premium paper or the shimmer of a foil-stamped logo leaves an impression that lasts.

It supports community marketing. Posters in neighborhood spots, direct mail, or branded flyers can engage your community in ways digital ads often can’t.

It provides Longevity. Unlike a digital ad that’s gone in a scroll, print materials stick around. A well-designed flyer or catalog can sit on a desk for weeks, keeping your brand visible.

Not sure where to start? Business cards are a timeless way to make an impression. Brochures showcase your services in a professional, portable format for people to grasp at a glance. Postcards are perfect for promotions and reminders. Or you can use signage to draw attention to your business with banners, posters, or table displays.

Not to mention, the holiday season is the perfect time to incorporate print design into your marketing strategy. A physical holiday greeting feels more thoughtful and stands out from the endless flood of e-cards. Hosting a holiday event? Printed invites add a sense of formality and excitement, encouraging RSVPs and attendance. Branded gift tags or wrapping paper for products show attention to detail and elevate your customer’s unboxing experience. Or use a personalized note or branded calendar to thank clients for their support. It’s a simple yet powerful way to strengthen relationships.

Keep in mind your marketing strategy should not consist of print OR digital. By integrating print with your digital efforts, you create a seamless and engaging brand experience that resonates with your audience both online and offline. When used together thoughtfully, they can really amplify your message. Here's how:

Drive online traffic. Use print materials like postcards, flyers, or brochures to include QR codes or website links that direct customers to your online store, social media, or a landing page for exclusive offers.

Reinforce brand recognition. Consistency between your print and digital designs strengthens your brand. Your logo, colors, and messaging should align across all platforms, making it easy for your audience to recognize you wherever they see you.

Create a multi-touchpoint strategy. Combining digital campaigns with print materials ensures your message reaches customers in different ways. For example, follow up an email campaign with a physical thank-you card or a direct mail flyer for a sale.

Expand your reach. While digital marketing is great for connecting online, print helps you reach people offline. By blending the two, you ensure no customer is left out, whether they prefer scrolling Instagram or browsing a local coffee shop.

Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday season or want to elevate your brand, investing in thoughtfully designed print materials can make all the difference. Take some time to think about how print could fit into your business strategy. Print design offers small businesses a unique way to connect with their audience, create lasting impressions, and stand out in a crowded market.

Crafting the Perfect About Page

The About Page. Let’s be honest, writing about yourself (or your business) can feel awkward. Where do you start? How much do you share? And how do you get that perfect balance between friendly and professional?

No worries—We've got your back. Here are our top tips to make your About Page say more than just “hello.” Let’s make it work hard for your business!

Tell Your Story—but Make it Relevant

The About Page is a great spot to tell people about your journey, but remember—it’s not your life story or a resume. Instead, think about your customer. What do they want to know about you or your business that will build trust and connection? Also, although you likely have a very smart following, you want to keep your text written for an average reading level of age 9-12 years old for maximum impact.

Here are some prompts to get you started:

• What inspired you to start your business?

• What problems are you solving for your customers?

• What’s unique about your approach?

Keep it relatable. You’re not writing a novel; you’re writing to connect with your audience. Don’t be afraid to show your personality—whether it’s quirky, professional, or somewhere in between.

Show Off Your Team (or Yourself)

If you have a team, your About Page is the perfect place to introduce them. People love knowing the faces behind the brand. You can talk in general about the culture of your company with some group shots, or you could add headshots with a brief bio, including a fun fact about each person.

If you’re a solopreneur, this is your chance to shine. Share your personal background and expertise, but also what makes you, well, you. Have a passion for making the perfect cup of coffee while you work or have a pup that keeps you company while you do your thing? Sprinkle that in!

Highlight Your Values

What do you stand for? Your About Page is an opportunity to explain your mission and core values. Customers love to feel aligned with the brands they support, so this is your chance to shout out what matters to you.

Maybe you’re all about sustainability, or perhaps customer experience is your focus. These are the things that build loyalty and trust.

Add a Call to Action

A well-written About Page doesn’t just end with your story. You want to lead visitors somewhere. What’s the next step? Maybe you want them to book a discovery call, check out your services, or sign up for your newsletter. Whatever it is, make it clear and easy.

Example:"Curious to learn more about how we can help your business grow? Let’s chat—book a strategy session today!"

Include Social Proof

Got a killer testimonial? Awards? Any feature in a major publication? Slide that into your About Page. Social proof builds credibility, and it’s a powerful way to show you’re not just talking the talk—you’re walking the walk!

Don’t Forget SEO on your About Page

Here’s where we sneak a little strategy into the fun. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the secret sauce that helps Google recognize your site. So, how can you optimize your About Page for search engines?

• Optimize the Top of the Page: Make sure you're hitting your audience with an info-rich summary as soon as they hit the page. Hold off on internal links/buttons until later in the page; this encourages them to continue on and read more. Keeping your readers on important informational pages before they click away can help with Google rankings

• Use Keywords Naturally: Think about what your audience might type into Google when looking for a business like yours. Sprinkle those terms into your About Page without sounding robotic. If you’re a graphic designer in Chicago, phrases like “Chicago graphic design” or “branding services in Chicago” should flow naturally in your copy.

• Optimize Headers and Subheaders: Search engines love well-organized content. Use clear headings (H1, H2, etc.) to break up your sections. This makes your page scannable for both humans and Google bots. A couple more helpful hints: aim for only 1 H1 per page, and keep in mind subheaders are crucial to be displayed as featured snippets on Google.

• Don’t Skimp on Descriptions: Make sure your About Page has a concise page description that sums up what you do and includes a keyword. This will show up on search engine result pages and should entice potential visitors to click through.

  
  

Keep It Fresh

Your About Page isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of deal. Every time your business evolves, your About Page should too. Revisit it every year to make sure the content still reflects where you are and where you’re going.

An About Page is more than just a paragraph about your business. It’s your chance to connect, engage, and build trust with potential customers. Have fun with it, stay true to your brand’s voice, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine!

Ready to take your About Page to the next level? Book a 1-hour Strategy Session with us! We’ll sit down, chat about your About Page, tweak anything that’s not clicking, or tackle any part of your site that’s giving you trouble. Whether you need help with copy, design, or just want a fresh perspective, we’re here for you. Let’s work through it together—grab your session now and get your website looking and feeling just right!

Branded Photography 101

We recently updated our brand photography, and if we’re being honest, being in front of the camera is not exactly our comfort zone. It’s one of those things that feels a little awkward, but we know the payoff is worth it. Whenever we update the photos on our website and social media, we always notice how much better everything looks—and more importantly, how much more engagement we get from you all, especially on the personal shots. There’s something about putting real faces to a brand that just resonates.

And here’s the thing: branded photography doesn’t need to be formal or stuffy. It should feel like you. Whether your brand is laid-back, fun, professional, or a bit quirky, your photography should reflect that. So, let’s dive into why personalized, high-quality photography is so important for your business.

Why Branded Photography Works (and Stock Photos Don’t)

We get it—stock photos are tempting. They’re quick, easy to find, and can fit just about any situation. But here’s the problem: they’re generic. If you’re using stock photos, there’s a good chance someone else is using the exact same images. That means you’re not standing out, and your potential customers are missing the chance to connect with the real you.

On the flip side, branded photography is all about showing off your unique personality. People are naturally drawn to authentic, relatable content, which is why personalized photos perform better—both on your website and social media. When people can see the faces behind the brand, they’re more likely to trust you and feel a connection. It’s human nature.

It’s Not Just About Looks—Branded Photos Help with SEO Too

While great visuals are crucial for your brand’s image, they can also give your website a boost in the SEO department. High-quality, original images are favored by search engines like Google. They help your site rank higher, load faster (when optimized properly), and keep visitors engaged longer.

Plus, people love sharing unique, personal content. That means when you post branded photos on social media, your followers are more likely to interact, share, and click through to your website. And when your audience is more engaged, your SEO benefits too.

Preparing for Your Branded Photography Session

So, how do you make sure your branded photos turn out as amazing as you? Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a successful shoot that reflects your brand’s personality.

1. Embrace Who You Are: Your photos should feel authentic, not like you’re playing a part. If your brand is all about casual, friendly vibes, there’s no need for stiff, formal poses. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.

2. Choose the Right Photographer: Find someone who understands your brand and can capture it in a way that feels natural. Look through their portfolio and make sure their style matches the vibe you’re going for.

3. Plan Your Look: Whether you’re showcasing your team, products, or workspace, think about how to visually represent your brand. Casual outfits? Bright and airy office shots? Props that tell your story? The more thought you put into it, the more your photos will align with your brand.

4. Keep It Fun and Relaxed: The best photos are often the candid ones—those unposed, genuine moments where you’re just being yourself. Don’t stress about perfection; let your personality shine through!

   
   

At the end of the day, your brand photography is more than just images—it’s a way for you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. And while it might feel uncomfortable (trust us, we get it), it’s worth the effort. Your customers want to see the real people behind the brand, and nothing captures that better than high-quality, personalized photography.

So, don’t be afraid to get in front of the camera. Show off what makes your brand unique, and watch how much more your audience engages with your content!