Building your own website can be an exciting and rewarding endeavour, but it's easy to overlook key details that can hurt your site's performance, SEO, and user experience. Whether you're just starting out or revamping an old site, it's crucial to pay attention to the finer points. In this post, we'll dive into the common mistakes people make when building their own websites and share actionable tips to ensure your website works as hard as you do.

As a small business owner, you’ve likely felt the weight of competing against big corporations like Amazon. They have the resources, recognition, and reach that can make even the most passionate entrepreneur feel overshadowed. But here’s the truth: small businesses have unique strengths that no mega-corporation can replicate. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can leverage your story, build meaningful connections with your customers, and stay top of mind—all through the power of strong branding and a strategic website.

In today’s digital age, having a website is more than just an option; it’s an essential part of growing and sustaining any business. Whether you’re a local business owner, an entrepreneur, or a small business with big dreams, your online presence starts with a website. Even if you’re not selling products or services directly online, relying solely on social media is risky.

When it comes to branding and website design, business owners often find themselves at a crossroads: should you take the DIY route, or is it worth investing in a professional designer? Both options have their merits, but understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals.

Creating a website for your business is an exciting endeavor, but it can also be daunting. As a business owner, you want your website to attract and engage visitors, ultimately converting them into loyal customers. Here at Badlands Design Co., we specialize in modern design solutions that elevate your brand and online presence. To help you get started, here are some essential tips for creating an effective website that not only looks good but performs exceptionally well.

Every business's top goal is to succeed. To succeed, we need to be recognized, make an impression, stand out from the competition, attract the ideal consumers, and convince those consumers to trust us and buy from us. The question is, how do we position ourselves to build a positive connection with consumers and show them exactly why we are the right choice for their needs?

What we need is BRAND STRATEGY.

Alright, let's cut to the chase. In a world where businesses are as plentiful as memes on the internet, the real challenge isn't just surviving; it's making a splash. Whenever I dive into a new design project, I can't help but wonder, "What's the secret sauce that'll set this brand apart in a sea of competition?".

At the heart of building a successful branded image, I need to explore strategies and insights to reach the goals for the brand -- whether it be credibility, recognition, relatability, or resonance.

Building a killer brand isn't a paint-by-numbers gig; it's an art. It's about creating an identity that stands out, screams personality, and leaves a lasting impression. So, what's the magic formula for turning your brand into a cult classic?

Alright, so here's the deal with logos. Back in the day, businesses knew the drill – you needed a couple in your arsenal. A wordmark, a primary logo with a symbol, maybe toss in a version with your tagline. You know, mix it up a bit. It wasn't just about style; it was about being smart with your brand.

But here's the kicker: Some businesses are still stuck on the one-logo wonder. It's like having a favorite tool in your toolbox and using it for every job. Sure, it works sometimes, but you're missing out on the full flexibility of your toolkit. Now, in the age of pixels and screens, the game has stepped up, and having a versatile logo crew is more critical than ever.

In today's fiercely competitive business landscape, a brand guide isn't just a luxury; it's a strategic necessity. Your brand isn't just a logo or a catchy slogan; it's the heart and soul of your business. It's what sets you apart from the competition, captures your unique identity, and forms a lasting impression in the minds of your customers.

In the ever-changing business landscape, a consistent brand identity is your anchor. Think of your brand like your favorite cafe – no matter where you encounter it, the experience remains familiar and comforting. Brand consistency is the secret recipe that builds trust, guided by a well-crafted brand guide. Just as that cafe introduces seasonal delights while staying true to its essence, your brand guide ensures every change aligns seamlessly with your core values and goals. Discover how brand consistency can transform your business, resonating as reliably as your go-to cafe.

In today's cutthroat business world, building a killer brand identity is a make-or-break game. And right at the core of that identity is your logo—the visual face of your business. It's the emblem that speaks volumes about your brand and leaves a lasting imprint on your audience. So, buckle up as we dive into the nitty-gritty of logo design, uncovering the secrets to creating a logo that'll have people saying, "Wow, that is very cool! I need to know more.”

Launch your website with confidence, but don't expect instant success. Avoid common mistakes and use these 10 powerful strategies to promote your website effectively and reach your target audience.

Do you have control over your business’s Google Listing? Learn how to edit and optimize the information showing up on search results and get the most out of the free resources a Google Business Profile has to offer!

What custom code is, why we swear by it, and what it can do for your website.

An in-depth look at the factors damaging your digital reputation, the top 5 reasons why you should redesign your website, plus a 7-step process for planning your website redesign.

You may be wondering, is Squarespace the right platform for your website? Why do some designers use Squarespace? Do I need a designer for my Squarespace website? Here are my top 9 reasons why we design with Squarespace, and a few reasons why it might not be for you.

You may have heard about how keywords are important for optimizing your website SEO, but did you know there are other ways to utilize keywords and key-phrases? Learn the importance of keywords, how to do keyword research, and how to properly include them in your website and other digital channels!

Building and maintaining your online presence can be overwhelming but, if you take the time to do it well the benefits will be entirely worth the effort! Read why you need a strong online presence, how to achieve a diverse presence, and how to maintain and optimize your digital channels.

For the same reasons it Is important to refine the look of your brand, you need to define who your brand is meant to speak to. Defining a target audience is important for any business, at any stage. It takes the guesswork out of your marketing strategies and helps you find a voice and tone that works for your business. Read on to learn what a target audience is, why you should define it, and how to define it!