Swag Strategy:
Why Branded Merch is Your Marketing MVP

Does your brand have swag?

Today, we’re going to discuss how custom branded merchandise can elevate your brand. Whether you’re a startup carving out your niche or a seasoned business reinforcing your presence, custom swag is an invaluable tool in your marketing strategy. These tangible representations of your brand not only promote your business but also create memorable impressions with your audience. From everyday essentials to standout luxury items, each piece acts as a vibrant ambassador for your brand.

Imagine each piece of swag as a walking billboard, reinforcing brand recognition and building customer loyalty. Branded merchandising is about building brand buzz, leaving a lasting mark, and winning hearts (and loyalty). Giving away branded goodies isn’t just a nice gesture either; it builds relationships. People love receiving useful stuff for free—and they’ll go bananas for your brand when it’s presented with a fun twist! Studies show that promotional products create a positive impression and keep your brand top of mind. It’s a win-win!

Here, we thrive on thinking and designing outside the box. Think of business cards for example—imagine handing out a sleek, sturdy metal card that not only looks impressive but also feels substantial—it’s like presenting a piece of your brand’s soul.

Ready to elevate your swag game and make your brand the MVP? We’re excited to chat about your brand and how we can bring your vision to life. Reach out to us to create custom merch that doesn’t just grab attention but also sparks conversations.

Let’s make your brand unforgettable.

Transform your brand’s swag into an MVP (Most Valuable Promo) today!

Top Influencer Marketing Platforms to Explore

Influencer marketing has become a vital strategy for brands looking to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. With many platforms available, finding the right one for your needs can be a game-changer. Here are some top influencer marketing platforms to explore:

1. Influencer Discovery: Look for platforms that offer robust tools for finding influencers who align with your brand’s values and audience. These tools often include detailed metrics and filters to help you identify the best matches.
   
2. Campaign Management: Effective platforms provide features for managing campaigns from start to finish. This includes tools for tracking performance, managing content approvals, and analyzing results to optimize your strategy.
   
3. Analytics and Reporting: Comprehensive analytics help you measure the impact of your influencer partnerships. Look for platforms that offer detailed insights into engagement, reach, and ROI to ensure your campaigns are successful.
   
4. Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces can make a big difference in how efficiently you manage your influencer marketing efforts. Choose a platform that simplifies the process, from influencer discovery to campaign execution.

For a deeper dive into the best influencer marketing platforms available, check out the detailed guide. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategy, these platforms can help you maximize your influencer marketing efforts.

The State of UX in 2025

A love letter about change

Things have been feeling differently for a while. That UX buzz, that peak we hit in the late 2010s, has faded. Historically, designers have always aimed to exert vast influence within their organizations, guiding the creative vision and making critical decisions that shape the product. That reality simply doesn’t feel palpable anymore when you look at the state of UX more broadly. UX is increasingly a byproduct of business objectives, not the driving force.

The Great Design Handoff

What we have started to witness this year is a fundamental shift in responsibilities and a transfer of design control from designers to a complex network of algorithms, automated tools, and business stakeholders.

We’re handing our designs to Figma while it trains its AI. It’s right there in the fine print you accepted when they launched their new AI features this year, because you also accepted Figma as the most convenient tool there is. Some say these AI design tools will put us out of a job; others say they’ll just make us faster. Trying to pick one single lane is lazy thinking. Arguing that AI will only replace the mechanical part of our job is shortsighted. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Very soon, AI-powered tools like Figma, Vercel, Canva (and many others) will change everyone’s perception of who is equipped to design, how long design takes, and—inevitably—how much design is worth paying for. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

We’re handing our design systems to growth teams so they can squeeze every last penny out of customers. We’re optimizing our flows for clicks, not clarity. We stopped building tools and started building engagement traps. [14][15][16][17] While in the past UX had a certain aura of care for users, in 2024 we are bluntly following the numbers. In many companies, the pursuit of growth is overshadowing the pursuit of meaning. [18][19][20][21][22]

We’re trading empathy for algorithms. Personalization has gotten so complex that it’s now out of human control, and can lead to echo chambers, warped perspectives, and consequences we’re unable to predict. We’re slowly swapping user research for automated A/B tests, and gradually letting the data make decisions on our behalf. [23][24][25] We could be choosing to create software that is local-first, more private, and more thoughtful. Still, we’re choosing to build for the machine—not for each other. [26]

We’re shipping new products before they’re even ready. Look at the AI hardware fiasco in 2024, or at all the half-baked AI features in our enterprise products—broken promises everywhere. Products don’t have to be ready for prime time because, over the last decade, we convinced ourselves we got to “fail fast,” “test and learn,” and “lean-UX” our way out of tight timelines. Which is a cynical subversion of all the foundational UX principles we claim to adhere to. [27][28][29][30][31]

We’re shifting our focus from good design to organizational politics. Increasingly, designers spend most of their day (and energy) in meetings talking about everything other than design, getting “stakeholder alignment”, and “balancing out user and business needs.” Products are launched because someone needs a promotion. Timelines are built around someone’s performance review or company reports. [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] This year, layoffs felt like a constant threat, and in many ways, the focus shifted from doing great work to just holding onto our jobs. [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42]

We’re dumping half-baked thoughts on Linkedin, hoping for the recognition we don’t get at work. This year, the lack of job security also made designers double down on our “online presence”, in an attempt to remain relevant within their network. We’re writing catchy Linkedin posts to please the algorithm; we’re making our thoughts more polarizing than they need to be. There’s no place for longer-form discussions or nuanced back and forth. We’re building echo chambers, not communities. It’s easier to build an audience using controversy than real thought.  [43][44][45]

We’re giving up on the dream of community-wide events, and we’re letting companies dictate the design agenda. While smaller events continue strong even post-COVID, we clearly haven’t found a sustainable model for design conferences at scale. IxDA couldn’t compete with the big budgets behind Figma’s Config and Adobe Max. Which means those few companies get to decide who talks about what in today’s largest design arenas. [46] [47]

We’re teaching our brand voice to LLMs so they can communicate with our customers without our oversight. We’re choosing not to hire a photographer and to use AI-generated imagery instead. We’re choosing not to hire a voice actor, not to hire an illustrator artist. 

“Just this one time because the budget is short.”

“Just to try it out.”

“Just because our competitor is doing it.”

You get the point.

On their own, these shifts might fly under the radar. But zoom out, look at the whole year, and the patterns start to emerge—giving us a glimpse of where Design is headed. These subtle changes have been impacting everything: our daily routines, what we produce, the tools we use, our career paths, and even our communities more broadly. 

So, as designers,
how might we embrace change?

Read the full article here:
The State of UX in 2025: a love letter about change →

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This article was originally published on UX Collective and written by Fabricio Teixeira and Caio Braga.

The State of UX in 2024

ENTER
LATE-STAGE UX

Much like late-stage capitalism, late-stage UX is characterized by its market saturation, heavy focus on financial growth, commoditization, automation, and increased financialization. Corporations exert significant influence over the economy and society, and designers can only push so far when advocating for user needs.

How can we navigate this landscape as designers in 2024?

This is the 9th edition of The State of UX report by the UX Collective: a critical look at our industry based on more than 1k articles published and shared with our 500k+ subscribers in 2023.

Read the article here: https://trends.uxdesign.cc/

LoCo Eats! An Annual Benefit Celebration Of Food & Wine

Embarking on a delightful journey for all food and wine enthusiasts, we’re thrilled to introduce LoCo Eats! A Charming Annual Celebration of Food & Wine!

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farms in Lovettsville, Virginia, sought our support for the launch of LoCo Eats! A Celebration of Food & Wine, and we at 829 DESIGN had the pleasure of creating a custom logo, website, and social media branding to spread the word.

LoCo Eats! was born from a desire to showcase the diverse culinary scene of Loudoun County. Bringing together chefs, farmers, and winemakers for a day-long celebration, the event allowed the local community to savor the flavors of regional restaurants. Plus, it gave back to the community by donating a portion of the proceeds to Mobile Hope, the sponsored charity.

This family-friendly event offered a day of fun activities and a feast for the senses, featuring exquisite cuisine from the region’s top chefs, perfectly paired with a variety of wines. A heartfelt thank you to The Restaurant at Patowmack Farms for the opportunity to raise awareness in the Loudoun County community, supporting local farmers and the commendable cause of Mobile Hope.

Amplify Your Brand Message to Craft an SEO-Optimized Press Release

Press Release SEO

In this era of digital dominance, a well-crafted press release has the power to shape perception, engage audiences, and drive traffic to your website. As search engine algorithms evolve, it is essential to harness the potential of SEO to ensure your message reaches the right audience and climbs the search engine rankings.

Are you curious to know how to maximize the reach and impact of your press releases?

Then you need to check out this article by Design Rush on Press Release SEO. In this article, they unravel the art of writing an SEO-optimized press release, exploring techniques and strategies to enhance visibility, garner media attention, and amplify your brand’s voice in the vast digital landscape. From keyword research to strategic formatting, this knowledge will equip you with the insights and practical tactics to optimize your press releases and establish a strong online presence.

Click here to access the article and unlock the secrets to successful Press Release SEO.

829 Selected As A Top Branding Agency In California

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~ CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, COME ON! ~

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DesignRush has selected 829 as one of the
Top Branding Agencies in 2022

What an honor and privilege it is to be selected for a second time as one of the best branding agencies in California by DesignRush.

For 30 years, 829 has been viewing pivotal times of change as opportunity, leveraging design strategy to turn them into an advantage. We solve brand and business challenges purposefully and with an unwavering pursuit of great design. Our problem-solving, human-centric approach can help you define your brand, your brand experience and improve your brand strategy.

Through research, brand strategy and design, we create and revitalize brands, driving value through every interaction, by designing human-centered solutions for what matters most — to win over your customers. In doing so, we deliver rich brand experiences adaptable to any challenge, organization, experience, or medium.

If you are looking for a creative design agency to help grow your business, please get in touch and we would be happy to speak with you.

In the meantime, check out this great article on “How to Measure Brand Awareness”

Best Web Design Agency In CA – 2020

Top Web Design Companies In California

We’re excited to announce that 829 DESIGN has been ranked as one of the top-rated web design companies in California for offering high-quality web design and development services at DesignRush. We’re so honored to be included in this exclusive group.

A big shout out to all our clients – past & present – for helping us achieve this award. We’re grateful for your support! As experts in WordPress Design & Development, we love helping our clients successfully reach their business goals online by producing websites which not only attract the right audiences but also converts them into happy customers.

HAVE A PROJECT IN MIND THAT YOU’D LIKE TO DISCUSS?

LET’S START A CONVERSATION.

Get in touch (916) 581-1777

The State of UX in 2020

The State of UX in 2020
We are on the cusp of 2020 and what an iconic year this will be! The awesome and amazing folks at UX Design have spent tons of hours curating and sharing 2,411 links with 358,917 designers around the globe, and have come to identify a few of the trends our industry has been chatting about.

This is their fifth consecutive year publishing a trends report. If you have read any of their previous editions, then you will understand this is not an article about UI trends, but rather a more holistic analysis of UX Design as a discipline. The article covers all of the tools, methods, collaborations, career challenges, and how our community can make an impact on the world around us — one that we, consciously or not, have helped to design.

Here’s what to expect for UX in 2020.
Read the article here: The State of UX in 2020

Branding Par Excellence

According to DesignRush, we’ve been selected as one of the Top Branding Agencies in 2019.

We are thrilled to be named one of the best qualified branding agencies in Roseville, CA. Branding is one of our specialities and something we live and breathe at 829 DESIGN.

You see, your brand is the foundation of your company. It represents your company’s personality and is a promise to your customers. Branding is far more than the development of an icon or tagline. Branding creates the face and voice of your company; it drives communication strategies. A brand is worthless if it doesn’t connect with the right audiences in a relevant way. In today’s market, savvy companies are always evolving their brand strategies as the digital marketplace develops and changes, so make sure yours is up-to-date!

A great brand is actionable, compelling, and true. Two out of three won’t do. It must be a blend of all three. Give us a call at (916) 581-1777 or email us at hello@829design.com and let’s create something awesome!

The World Of Curated Branding

Have You Thought About a Curated Brand? 

We have discussed branding quite a bit on our journal because it is the major touchpoint through which customers find you and keep finding you. It is your calling card in the business world. Many in the industry have been wondering where the logo will be going next. We might be looking at the beginning wave.

This week, we are bringing up a new angle on the traditional logo that might seem a bit far-fetched or intimidating, but it might just be genius.

What is a Curated Brand?

Have you noticed a few brands standing out lately? The age of consistent branding might be coming to a close. What will come next, you might ask? As Rory Macrae put it so well in his article: The age of the “Chameleon Brand” (loving this term!!).

In an age where everyone has their own customized desktop, cell phone, menu, and more, why should a brand appear the same to every eye? This is based on the same thinking that brings you the “share a Coke” campaign. Visually, the bottles are still very consistent with each other and the Coke brand, but each bottle is personalized in a very specific way.

Google fiddles with this idea with their doodles all the time – more specifically, every time your birthday rolls around and your google landing page is decorated specifically for you. A company that has been doing this for much longer is M&M. You have been able to get personalized M&M candies made for years! Same old recognizable chocolates but with your message stamped onto them.

Market Saturation

The market has become saturated with the same looks and feels. Not only that – we see giants everywhere, recognizable from a three-key jingle or a color. And they’ve caught on to it. So why do they need to plaster their logo across everything when its not needed?

We are gradually stepping away from the traditional logo and branding, approaching the idea that you can morph into whatever your customer wants to see. Spooky, huh? One example of this is Netflix and their specialized content. They figure out what you love and select cover art for all the other titles to be most attractive to you. They figure this out in sneaky ways.

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Morphing Potential

What we are asking is: What if you could do that with your brand? How lethal would you be in your market? This might still be a few years out, but it is definitely worth talking about. What kind of morphing would your brand be able to cope with? It might be worth taking the time to make sure you have a “morphing potential” in your base brand. If there’s nowhere to go with it, it will not go far.

While we all fear change just a little bit…it is something that your business depends on. Your brand needs to be able to grow and change right along with your customers.

If you don’t have a chameleon brand, you might need to make some serious decisions. Here are some questions to help you figure out if your brand is flexible and dare I say…chameleon-y?

1. Do I currently have a strong branding system to utilize?
   (colors, typography, graphic style, mood, visual iconography, sound/music)
2. Is my brand translating well across all platforms, media and devices?
3. Does my current logo remain strong when simplified?

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Spread Your Wings, Darling!
Let’s give you some morphing power!

Just as a chameleon effortlessly adapts to its surroundings, your brand can seamlessly transform to meet every need with vibrant versatility. Whether you seek professional advice or wish to refresh your brand, you’ve found the perfect place to embark on a new journey. Start your transformation today!

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

The Dangers Of Sameness

Breaking The Mold

Not only does being different help you stand out in people’s minds, but it also helps predict sales in the future. “Brands which people score strongly for both meaning and difference grow sales around 8.2% better in the following year than brands which score poorly, with difference being responsible for at least 50% of the predictive power.” (3) This means that if you are different enough and have legitimate meaning behind what you’re doing and what your brand represents, you have a higher chance of being successful!

So, What Are We Saying?

• Always shoot for unsaturated markets.
• Break that mold and make a definite move towards individuality.
• Keep looking for ways to be different and show you are different through public face, public interaction, or a number of different ways.

If you are having troubles finding your way or you’re not sure how to start, begin by asking questions. Reach out to businesses that inspire you and ask what their secret is. Shoot your local experts an email by clicking HERE!

Definitely take a fine tooth comb to your business. Compare the visuals and websites to your level one and level two competitors. From there you can start deviating from the mold.

It’s time to stand out!

Worried about your company in a saturated marketplace?

We can help!

Let’s Talk!

A Discussion On Color (Part 2)

But now we go a step further and say this: This can either make or break your brand.

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WHATS YOUR STYLE?

Hopefully, when you got a logo designed they also provided you with mood-boards and color palettes. (This is our standard operating procedure anyways). When you go to make a new sign or a new package for that new amazing product, you need to always make sure that it is the same color that you were using. And no, we aren’t saying “Keep it purple,” we are saying “Keep it 29:C, 52:M, 0:Y, 33:K.” Trust us, people can tell when the color is a little bit off. This is why designers get paid as much as they do for big companies like McDonalds and Starbucks. Not only does it look nice, but little things like this help with customer trust.

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COLOR DOESN’T JUST PUT A PRETTY POP IN YOUR BRAND.

Wisely utilizing colors encourages reading by 80%. Not only that, but those readers will remember the material better! It draws the eye, enabling you to highlight key information and reinforce ideas. This is a good tactic for websites and layout design for when you just have a little too much copy. It helps to break it up and add some interest. Make sure to use colors that work with the brand color or that exist in the brand color palette. If that doesn’t work, it is also possible to theme your content (like a blog post) and make it specific to one color. But you have to keep that idea going and not leave an oddball standing alone. I guess thats the most important part – Commit to your idea and your vision.

We believe in intuitive design so we understand if you feel that in your gut something is right for your brand. If you have the option, always consult with a professional designer to ensure that your content and your marketing is clean, professional, and elevates your brand.

CREATING A SYSTEM

There are several ways to use a color in your brand, as we’ve said. There is a whole system that needs to be built and guidelines in place on the usage within your brand. Icons can be built to highlight statistics on a webpage or in a pamphlet, signage in your physical store can utilize your selected color or colors. Maybe your employees all have that same color of shoes?

We don’t want to stray off topic into clothing, but if you are curious about this, Google Starbuck’s employee dress code!

It’s far more complex than selecting a color and then plastering it all over the place. Luckily, there are experts in the field, ready to help!

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Beautify Your Brand, Attract Customers.

Interested? Reach out today!

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

Influencing User Behavior

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User Experience Design

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The Role of Website Design

The natural flow through your site, the choice of words, the mood of the photography that tells the story of your product and your customers; it all is vital to your site! Each of these has a crucial job in influencing the user behavior. Everything should be helping the customer to invest themselves into your product, believing you hold the answer, and creating the “I need this now!” attitude. If its not…you’re not there yet. You aren’t harnessing the full power of your website.

Always have a call to action and an offer to solve that problem quickly followed by a button to get them started.

Question: What is a website you aren’t allowed to visit anymore because you can’t stop buying from them? Take a closer look. Why is that??

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Science of Behavior

What makes a behavior? A behavior is born out of three parts: Motivation, Ability, and a Prompt. Each can be varied based on how motivated your buyer typically is, and the intricacy of the path to their purchase. Is there a difficult road ahead or a a “smooth sailing” option? Are they a high or low motivated person?

Create motivation for a person wanting the product.

“This will solve your back pain forever!”
“You will have a brighter smile in less than a week!”
“The most comfortable bra, you will forget you are wearing it” (Yeah right!)

Then the ability of how easy it is to get started.

“Easy to sign up, just need an email”
“One-click ordering”
“30 Day Trial”

Next, prompt them to make a move.

“Enter your email to get started today!”
“Start making healthier choices by signing up for our newsletter!”
“Subscribe and save!”

Depending on your ideal customer and what you are selling, your prompts and selling points will need to be adjusted. Will you need a more enticing prompt to call them to action? Maybe.

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So what do you need in order to influence the buying behavior?

1. Create Consistency
People love predictability. They want to feel like they have an inkling on what is coming next and have that sense of everything fitting nicely together or clicking into place. It’s like creating that feeling that you get when you plug in your USB the right direction on the first try. “YES!” Don’t give them a chance to second-guess or get side tracked. Consistency provides a sense of trust, and familiarity. The very idea of UX/UI design is that you are creating a space that people enter into already understanding how it functions.

2. Offer a “Happy Medium”
People love to be given the option to customize and pick for themselves. They also love a package deal and a bit of a discount. What meets all of these points: Packaged services! Always offer 3 options.

A) Small, Medium, Large
B) Silver, Gold, Platinum
C) Beginner, Advanced, Elite

Generally speaking, they will always pick the happy medium. The place where they feel they are investing enough but not going overboard. They are getting what fits them; it’s not too big for their feet, but they can grow! And finally, it’s as noncommittal and low risk as a buying situation can feel.

3. Create a feeling of urgency
I’ll bet you know exactly what I’m talking about…
“Only 3 left!”
“Offer ends in 72 hours”
“Promo code for the next week is…”

If you feel pressured into making a decision because you can see the door closing on an opportunity, you will probably make that leap sooner than if you had time to stop and thing “Hey wait…I don’t actually need a 5 piece set of bar-b-q tools. I only wanted a spatula!” When you see that deal, that offer, you are immediately triggered into that “WOW! What a deal!” mentality. They will buy what you are selling because they want the scarcity, and they want that deal.

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Getting Started?

In order to streamline these all into a nice functional website, the design has to be on point. It has to be inviting and intuitive. If you have the feeling your website isn’t doing its job, it might be worth it to take a step back and get some professional feedback. Even some feedback from your customers!

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Elevate your digital journey with transformative UX Design for your website.

Connect with us today to discuss your project, and let’s embark on a journey to enhance your online presence together.

Drop us a line: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

A Discussion On Color (Part 1)

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We encounter colors all the time.

Out shopping you pick between the different colors of makeup or mugs. Maybe a certain pair of shoes you will request in a different color. Car shopping, clothes shopping, even food shopping! (Is an orange supposed to look this dark…?) Not just that though. Have you ever gone into a restaurant or a business and immediately felt as ease? Or maybe the opposite?

Next question: Did you look at the walls?

Many consumers don’t know this, but there is an entire psychology behind colors and the emotions they evoke. There is a good reason why so many social media sites use blue in their designs. It is trustworthy and professional. Color usage effects not just a logo, but the rest of the branding as well. We are talking poster designs, packaging, headers, and more.

For now we are going to stick to logos…branding will be the next part.

Is your goal to light a fire under the viewer, or are you trying to help them feel relaxed? That might be the decision between red and green. Even genders come into play with color. Did you know that men are more drawn to bold colors while women are happiest with softer tones?

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What are the benefits of color usage in a brand?

Simple: memorability. Studies show that color increases brand recognition by 80%! Not only this but it might help pick you out of the crowd and make you more desirable to some.

Is there a brand out there that you associate with a certain color? I’m gonna challenge myself just for fun. See what you come up with!

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ROYGBIV

Let’s get to it!

Keep in mind that the meanings and feelings brought on by colors often overlap and contradict. It is all in the execution of the usage. This is why its important to consult a designer near you 😉

Red

This is a color of passion. It can also also drive response and create action with its fiery warm tone. It communicates power, strength, and determination. There is a romantic and steamy side while also eliciting feelings of youthful playfulness.

Orange

This is a vibrant and rich color that often inspires creativity. Energetic vibes with the freshness of yellow while not straying all the way into the power of red. In this way, it is truly the color of change – positive change. It is balanced, often being associated with wealth, success, and high society. Orange can be incredibly vivid while also being soft and natural.

Yellow

She is the happiest of all the rainbow. The color of the sun itself, spreading positivity and optimism. It can be very warm, it is good to use for relationships and friendship. Feels clear and light. But beware, this color can also feel confusing and overbearing. It can catch the eye but then might not let you go again. People can find this color to be chaotic and annoying.

Green

Fresh, organic, natural, growth…all words that align themselves with this royal and rich color. Green has been rightly claimed by the natural world, giving the feeling of wholesome energy and fertility. Like yellow, there is a darkness that can make you feel jealous, sickly, and envious. But when used correctly, this is an honest and gorgeous color. Green has been used to stimulate hunger, sooth emotions, and make one feel strong and inspired. Green is a very well rounded color.

Blue

This is probably the most social color, stirring feelings of interaction and relaxation. Blue historically makes viewers feel serene and peaceful while also inspiring creativity and authority. It is also a cold color if you’re not careful. Trustworthiness won’t be lost is you chose to use blue.

Purple

Probably the most royal out of all the colors. This is historically rooted because purple was a notoriously hard pigment to obtain. Purple is dignified, powerful, and mysterious. Also closely associated to magic and fantasy. It is firmly etherial and powerful. Rich and regal, perfect for any brand wishing to become prominent in the eyes of the consumer.

White

Historically paired with purity and innocence, white is an excellent color to communicate serenity and goodness. It is a color of light and positivity. Probably best to be used with minimalist and simple branding.

Black

It goes without saying that this is a color of darkness. If purple was mysterious, this color is doubly so. Black isn’t always negative, but you have to be cautious when incorporating it. Black is strong and elegant, power and elusive. It is moody to be sure.

Grey

Practical and timeless, it is a good halfway neutral color. It makes people feel comfortable and safe while being strong and stable. Be aware that it may appear moody and hopeless

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Question Time!!

1. What do you think of this photo?
2. What story does it tell you?
3. Any juxtapositions that you are feeling?
4. What kind of ad could this be used for?

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Wow, that was a lot to read through…

So what are we trying to tell you here? Color matters in design work. No matter what color you pick for your brand, it will stand out better than if it was just in black and white (That being said, your design needs to look good in black and white regardless). Color can be endlessly useful, but it must be used wisely.

In the next part, we will be discussing the importance of color in branding as well as in marketing. That will be a deeper dive into the use of color now that you get the psychology behind colors themselves.

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Build your brand, generate revenue, grow your customers.

Contact us through the following

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

Goal Setting 101

Action Steps For Growing Your Business

1. Write it down

And I don’t mean a note in your phone or on your computer. Writing goals down on a paper has been scientifically proven to help chances of these goals being remembered. Writing down just a brief statement is a good start. But ultimately, it is a good exercise to really buckle down and define what, when, how, and most importantly why.

Important note for this step: Don’t just write “I hope to double my customer base in six months.” write this instead: “I have over doubled my customer base in six months.” It literally rewires your brain. In Brian Tracy’s book, No Excuses, he talks about how writing out your goals in this voice actually changes your mental state from “I wish this was me” to “This is the person I am” and you start acting like the kind of person you need to be to attain the goal.

2. Define your Purpose

If you don’t define the why, then you have a goal with no purpose and no backbone. You need a good strong reason for doing what you are doing. The emotional driving force behind it, if you will. The “why” helps focus you and also ensures that you will be able to see your first step, and then those subsequent steps. Defining purpose helps keep that fire lit in your soul. Keep your eyes on the prize!

3. Game Plan

It is always good practice to expand on the details of your plan. Once you know why you are doing it, planning steps helps to flesh it out in your mind. It is important to note that the mind is a powerful thing, and the power of seeing something written out, writing it out, and reading it every day is monumental. Describing the process and journey to this goal only makes it that much more attainable in your mind. Being able to think the process out and notate small milestones to reference also helps you track progress and not get lost in the sea of self-doubt.

4. Keep Tabs on Progress

Like a stairway, a goal has many action steps involved. It is a series of initiatives. In order to grow your customer base, what are you doing? Signing up for a service to help organize email blasts, incorporating an email collection point on your website, marketing campaigns and tactics to target new customers and create repeat customers…

For each point along the journey, there is a smaller task that you can check off. It’s important to pat yourself on the back, but never forget to use those small successful moments to keep charging forward.

It is also important to note that there will always be stumbling blocks. Something will take a little longer than you’d like, or you have to wait on production, or there was a delay in this other thing… Never get too fixated on these negative things. Keep pushing onward. Success is not for the faint of heart. It’s the journey, not the destination.

5. Delegate

Remember that it might be your company, but there are many men on your ship. Progress doesn’t happen because the captain is up helping unfurl the sails. Don’t be afraid to delegate. You hired these folks for a reason, let them shine. This gives you time to focus on future goals, planning, and contingency planning. You don’t need to fret over the small stuff when you have bigger things to do!

It’s hard when you came from having your own nose on the grindstone. Sometimes you have the feeling that you can do it faster or better, but that will get you nowhere. Boost your teams morale, keep it positive. Let them know they are valued. Growth is a team sport, so kick some tasks to your team and the pace will undoubtedly pick up. If needed, take some extra time to nurture and mentor your team so that you can all be more efficient and feel more satisfied with your work.

6. Track and Reassess

It’s scary to check in and see where you’re at, but it’s important to know when the process is working and when it’s not. Don’t be afraid to stop and reassess. Follow your gut and make sure to keep positive and trust the advice of your team of experts. Make sure to check in with your team and see whats is working and whats not.

Keep in mind that the road of success has many twists and turns. There will be moments where you have to rework and change direction, but just like Walt Disney said, “Keep Moving Forward.”

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When it comes to goal setting, what do you struggle with the most?

Do you set specific goals or generalized goals?

What methods do you use to stay on track?

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If you are looking to expand your business by reaching more customers or growing your brand, keep us in mind.

There are experts at your beck and call:

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

Advanced Website Building Techniques

The Key to Success – Storytelling

You may already have a website for your business. Or perhaps you‘re here because you‘re in the planning stages and need some extra tips? Either way, this is something everyone should consider when building a site for their business.

We all have visited websites that just seem….blah! There’s nothing particularly wrong with them per se; they may have nice photography, the site is fairly straightforward, and somewhat visually interesting. So why do they feel so cold, uninviting and make you want to jump off?

Let’s face it, most people are drawn toward stories. Back in the early days, storytellers were renowned because that was how you learned things outside of your realm of life. They were the early “walking dictionaries”, wise men, and newspapers. This was information and connection. We are still very basic in the sense that we all connect with a good story. On the deepest level, we are searching to find a commonality and see ourselves in a narrative. Why align with this person? Are they a single mom, too? Are they also from a small town in California? Did they graduate from the same college? We are less likely to align if we fail to connect and relate.

So what can you do to connect your business and your product? You want to skyrocket sales not win a Pulitzer Prize after all…

How do you tell a story which people can hold on to that resonates long and hard? There are several different ways.

1. Visual Storytelling – This is a very basic way of getting a feeling or mood across. They fill in the blanks but you guide them along the path with very little help. There are parallax scrolling websites that have full photos with minimal type to just communicate the basics: “Came from here, going to there…” This is effective because people are very drawn to stunning photography. Visuals appeal to all ages especially with the need to “wow” them quick. While you should always include photography with any option, this is one area that should be planned out accordingly in order to guide the narrative along.

2. Origin Story – Many companies have a blurb (sometimes short, sometimes long) about the founders story. Who decided to start brewing? Who wanted quality working jeans? People are inspired by struggle, overcoming, and ultimately success. Don’t be afraid to share the struggle to the top! Vulnerability is a huge stepping stone to connection, and it’s one that really resonates with audiences.

3. Pick A Side / Join A Struggle – Another way to do this is to parallel yourself and champion a cause. Similar to Nike’s techniques. While some suggest it’s a super risky move to make a statement which might have social or political backlash, if that is part of your story it will speak to people. It may thin out the herd of potential customers or clients, however you may win clients for life in the process. Your story might be one of supporting a team or a person in the spotlight. Brands have been doing this for so long, (Desi and Lucy drank Instant Sanka!) and that’s because it works!

The important thing to remember when telling a story is that you don’t need a beginning, middle, and end. When selling a potential client, you are showing them the beginning. There may not be much to it, but that’s okay. They want to know, all the same. If there’s not much else to say, utilize a lot of relevant photography. If you have a lot to say, make sure to use typographic hierarchy to make sure they see the important parts and draw them in. If you are aligning yourself with a cause, remember to be open. Support is key. Don’t use tear-down tactics.

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QUICK EXERCISE FOR YOU!

• When you see the photo below, what kind of story do you get?
• What questions do you have?
• What might be sold?
• Why is it more effective in black and white vs. color?

Always consider the mood you are creating and how to be the most abstract when using photography. You don’t need a photo of your product (you’re trying to create a narrative). Maybe show your ideal client before they find your product?

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Key components of brand storytelling

When considering your brand story, use these as a guide:

• What is the reason your company came to exist?
• What motivates you, and your team to show up to work each day?
• How can you give your audience an inside look at your company?

People will always remember a good story. A great story – one which personifies your brand – should be the goal in order to position your company most effectively in the marketplace.

Why?

Because brand storytelling is the best way to distinguish yourself from the other brands in your industry. The more you can pull back the curtain and allow your audience to see inside your company, the better. It humanizes your brand. It’s what helps you to connect with your audience, appeal to their emotions and touch the hearts of your customers.

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Let us help tell your story!

If you are curious where to go next on your site building journey, or feel stuck, just reach out! We‘re ready to help with your next steps.

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

Happy storytelling!

Branding 101

Branding 101: Brand vs. Company

While often intertwined, a brand is distinctly different from a company. Think of a company as the engine and a brand as the sleek, polished car that catches everyone’s attention. The company is the entity—the people, processes, and operations. The brand, on the other hand, is the carefully crafted identity that represents the company’s products or services to the public.

Consider this: a parent company like Procter & Gamble owns a wide array of branded products, or a company like FedEx offers multiple branded services. A company has CEOs and accountants; a brand has a color palette, a voice, and a photography style. While the actions of the company drive the brand, a strong brand is essential for building trust, growing a business, and connecting with customers. Success lies in creating a brand that authentically reflects your company’s mission and values.

Why a Brand Matters

A strong brand is the cornerstone of business growth. It builds loyalty, recognition, and emotional connections with your audience. The experiences people have with your brand and the stories they hear about it will influence their buying decisions. When your brand is recognizable and consistent, it elicits trust and encourages repeat business.

Imagine you’re in a grocery store choosing between two beverages: Coca-Cola or an unmarked soda. Which would you choose? Chances are, you’ll grab the Coca-Cola, not because it’s the only option, but because its branding has earned your trust over time.

Good Branding vs. Poor Branding

Good branding is an investment. It’s backed by research, strategy, and creativity. Expert designers and branding firms analyze market trends, study competitors, and dive deep into your ideal customer’s profile. The result? A cohesive brand system tailored to set you apart in a crowded marketplace.

On the other hand, poor branding—such as cheap, generic logos or inconsistent visuals—can harm your credibility. In some cases, bad design is worse than no design at all. A thoughtfully crafted brand identity communicates your company’s mission and sets expectations for the quality of your products or services. Consider Apple: its brand has evolved minimally over the years, maintaining a reputation for innovation, premium quality, and exceptional customer experience. That consistency keeps customers coming back, even at a premium price.

The Building Blocks of Branding

Did you know that maintaining a consistent look makes your brand four times more visible in the marketplace? Consistency is key, and it starts with understanding the components of a strong brand.

The logo is just the beginning. A professional brand identity includes a complete suite of elements: secondary logos, color palettes, typography, and usage guidelines. For example, Chipotle’s branding extends to every detail, from their napkins to their packaging. The consistent use of fonts, colors, and artwork ensures you instantly recognize their brand—even without seeing the logo.

Your brand extends to signage, packaging, promotional materials, and your website. A DIY website might look polished, but it often lacks the essence of your brand. Professional websites, by contrast, incorporate your unique fonts, colors, photography, and graphics to create a cohesive online presence that resonates with your audience.

To maintain consistency, designers create brand guidelines, often called a brand book. This document outlines everything from your logo’s usage to the precise color codes and typography for your materials. According to DesignRush, consistent branding can increase recognition by 80%. In short, a brand book isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Standing Out in a Saturated Market

For new businesses, breaking through a crowded market can be challenging.
The key? Focus. Define your niche and tailor your message to your ideal audience. Avoid the temptation to appeal to everyone. Instead, share your unique story and highlight your values. According to industry research, narrowing your focus can boost revenue by 23% and foster loyalty with minimal effort.

Remember:

Your brand is more than a logo. It’s the promise you make to your customers. Investing in professional branding is an investment in the future of your business.

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Ready to Strengthen Your Brand?

We’re here to help. Contact us at hello@829design.com or (916) 581-1777.

Keeping Up With The Kustomers

Is your website keeping up with your customers?

You might have an awesome website, yes. But is it delivering to the people you need to reach? A beautiful site will do nothing for you unless it is keeping up with the changes of technology, social media, and the growing expectations of modern sophisticated browsers.

It’s safe to say that nearly everyone who visits your site these days will be highly tech literate and web savvy. There are very few people who don’t know how to google these days. Not only that, but they have been exposed to all different sites and they know how a good site feels. Apple is the #1 smartphone in the marketplace, so I can guarantee you that those people have all seen Apple’s website. They know they like the feeling of visiting Apple.com but they can’t put their finger on why. That is why UX and UI designers are so important! You can’t just show a person what they want, you have to curate how they feel about it and sell it to them without actually throwing a sales pitch in their face. It might sound crazy but your website can do that.

No..it should be doing that.

What is expected from a high quality site that is keeping up with the customer curve?

Glad you asked!

1. Performance

It cannot be stressed enough: If your website takes more than 3 seconds to load, you are out! (You can actually test this with Google Analytics if you are curious). People have short attention spans and they will be quick to bounce away from your site if the landing page doesn’t load fast enough for them.

2. Content

Like real estates “Location, Location, Location” the motto of the web development world is “Content, Content, Content!” And it’s not just text based content. You need videos, links, high quality photos, and more! Content is key and it needs to keep up to date. We recommend hiring a copywriter if at all possible when it comes to your text-based content. You need to have concise wording and very clear calls to action. Yes, calls.

3. User Experience

Do you know the patterns of your customer? Knowing their journey through your site will help you to meet their expectations and then blow them away! The ability to look at your site through the eyes of the customer is invaluable. This will allow you to streamline everything to fit them.

4. Design

Of course, design is huge. You need to wrap all this awesome stuff up into a really lovely package. It can’t be ok or so-so otherwise they will head to greener pastures. Remember, they know what truly beautiful websites look like, but they don’t know WHAT it is that makes them beautiful. (Designers are seriously awesome)

5. Interactivity

Does your site currently offer any type of interactivity? Are there videos, chat boxes, surveys, downloads? This gets tricky because you don’t want to overstimulate and spam. There is a balance to providing this and remaining true to the design of the website. (Again…aren’t designers awesome?)

TLDR?

What are we telling you: Don’t just update your website every 5 years. Take a critical look. Always be looking at the competition to make sure you’re not falling behind, you’re staying well ahead. Make sure you are staying on top of the ball when it comes to your customer; they grow and change as much as your market and the weather!

Stay hip. Reach out!

WE WANT TO HELP YOU.

And if you’re not sure if this applies to you, ask us about our website audits. We would love to pop the hood on your current site and see where there is room for improvement. Let us keep you dangerously relevant.

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

A Blushing Year For 2019

Say so long to Paisley Park and last year’s Prince inspired Ultra Violet color. We are here to share the awesome symbolism behind this year’s Pantone Color of the Year, Living Coral.

Everywhere you look and anywhere you go, screens follow. Technology has boomed and with it, we are exposed to news alerts, weather reports, status updates, tweets, pins, photos, texts… ah, the list goes on! We have slowly been desensitized. Every month we hear about trash taking over the environment and a new animal on the endangered species list. Along with the advent of tech and social media comes the feeling of isolation and less empathy…

ENTER 2019 – The goal: reconnect, nurture, and foster genuine connection. Like the delicate and complex coral reef systems of our awesome oceans, we are all in need of more kindness and playfulness. Reach out and revitalize your community. Look to the Earth to make your mark in a beautiful and sustainable way.

Did you know that coral reefs are nature’s protection from storms? In the same way, we should look to help protect our fellow neighbor and our environment we all share. In our constantly changing society, it is easy to shut down. Remember to build bridges, not walls. Let the golden warmth of Living Coral remind you to glow from the inside out with positivity. Pass on the joy this year! Happy 2019 ~

Interested in bringing some Living Coral to your brand?

We’re ready to serve up fresh ideas and designs that will make you blush!

Email us: hello@829design.com or call (916) 581-1777

A 100-Year View of User Experience

There has been quite a bit of buzz lately about User Experience (UX). The majority of people still don’t quite understand what that means, how it affects them or how important it is to the development of successful websites or quality products.

When applied to web design, it’s referred to as User Experience Design (UXD). In a nutshell, UXD is the process of enhancing user satisfaction by providing tailor-made solutions that meet their specific needs. So when websites are built around how someone will use it — rather than forcing them into a different method of interaction — this results in a much higher user satisfaction level and measures of success and enjoyment as well as how easy it is to use. What does all that mean? For starters, it results in increased time on site, more sales, and ultimately more revenue for the company. In the end, isn’t that what websites should be doing for your business?

The future of web design continues to move in this direction with the implementation of engaging characteristics built into the strategy and design of the sites. This will only continue to grow as the UX/UXD profession expands and changes in the coming years.

For the profession of UX, it has come a very long way since 1950; still even since 1990. Check out this fascinating article by the Nielsen Norman Group which discusses a long-view approach to the anticipated growth of UX.

Welcome To The New: Bauhaus Redefined

Have you noticed something different about us lately? We have been undergoing a brilliant rebrand this summer to better align our name with the scope of services we now provide. As brand specialists, what better way to illustrate this than with the transformation of our own brand.

Since the launch, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about the meaning behind the name, and curiosity about why we named it ‘Bauhaus Redefined.’ To understand this, let’s take a peek to the past for insight.

Bauhaus in Design History

Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been no other style in design and architecture that has dramatically influenced the modern style quite like the Bauhaus movement – both in the classical modern and avant-garde styles. In fact, we can still see its resonance effectively in today’s contemporary culture, which continues to inspire artists, architects and designers around the globe to fill the Bauhaus belief of “less is more” with new life and purpose.

In 1919, the German architect Walter Gropius founded Bauhaus as a school of arts in Weimar. It turned out to become one of the most significant schools for design and architecture of all times. His concept of combining of a variety of arts – architecture, sculpture and painting – with crafts and engineering lead the way to create a visionary and utopian craft guild that would combine beauty with usefulness.

The Bauhaus existed from 1919 to 1933 and today is still considered to be the genesis of the avant-guard of classical modern style as seen in all industries where artists, architects and designers define their craft.

Bauhaus Redefined

For many of us, the Bauhaus is an ideology and a conviction, it’s wasn’t just a school of arts and architecture. Today, designers and artists alike experiment with new materials and forms to push the limits of contemporary design in our culture to create online experiences.

In modern culture, brands must become a digital experience. Consumers want to know your story behind your brand to feel connected in a world full of digital dominance. At 829 DESIGN, our vision is to convey this sphere of the Bauhaus culture from the past, which still sets trends today, in such a way to create an exceptional digital experience for our clients. Our core competencies of creating brand experiences and creating sustainable brand identities is based on many years of experience with proven strategic processes in place.

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A Nod to the Past

Admittedly, our old logo was outdated, a bit antiquated and obsolete when compared and contrasted to the more contemporary styles of design today. We used the traditional De Stijl font for ‘829 Design’ along with those primary colors so typically seen in many original Bauhaus creations of the early 20th century. Piet Mondrian comes to mind when you look at our old logo, even though his style was more neoplasticism in form and function.

For the love of all things Bauhaus, it was time we brought our early 20th century inspired identity back in vogue with a fresh, modern and contemporary aesthetic. We just love it!

Let us know what you think! Comments and feedback are encouraged and welcomed.

Let us help you design a fresh new identity for your business.

Design with Greenery

Ahh… Greenery! You can almost smell the freshness; so uplifting. It’s Pantone’s new Color of the Year for 2017. Just like the first days of Spring, Greenery is symbolic of new beginnings. It’s a fresh, bright green that evokes nature, hope and fresh beginnings.

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, states that “greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.” It reminds us of bamboo or green smoothies, plants in our garden and it certainly makes us cogitate on bright ideas for the new year.

WHAT IS THE COLOR OF THE YEAR?

The Pantone Color Institute is the global authority on color. Each year, they assemble a panel of industry professionals to select a color of the year. This panel examines influencers from the design world — graphic design, textile, digital, fashion, etc. — and study what’s been happening in the arts & entertainment fields, popular travel destinations, pop culture, and socio-economic conditions. The color of the year is a choice proposed to capture the mood of our times. And for those of us who are in the design world, it’s a guide that may influence design projects of all kinds, from print to web and everything in between.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOUR BUSINESS?

Now may be a good time to reconsider your brand colors. Whether Greenery is a choice color for your business or not, every so often, it’s a good idea to review your brand and consider a fresh approach. For example, Greenery would be a popular choice for food or spa companies. Brands that want to express strong environmental characteristics will also use colors like Greenery. On the contrary, it would be a more modern and bold choice for traditional corporate businesses — industries like financial or insurance type services — who quite often use hues of blues (say that 10x fast!). For those who work in those sectors and are looking to stand out, without losing any meaningful perceptions like trust or significance, Greenery would be a great choice for the new year.

FEELING INSPIRED?

Ready to make a fresh start and bring new life to your business? Let’s explore how we can breathe new life into your brand and create some dynamic stuff! Call us at (916) 581-1777 and let’s start a conversation.

Small Business Marketing Tools For Building Your Brand

Whether you own a catering business, a vintage clothing shop or a service business such as a spa salon, you cannot mail a simple postcard, have beautiful packaging or tweet your latest promotion and call it a day. Marketing a small business requires consistency and strategy. Your overall business and marketing—everything from your logo to website to how you advertise, and reach out on the social web—should all come together to send a consistent targeted message. This includes your choice of words, the nuances of design, layout or color schemes and basically your overall visual communications to the consumer. These are your basic ingredients for good design.

Well-planned approaches combined with proper channels of marketing will not only promote a rewarding outcome – more sales and customers – but also reinforces your brand in the eyes of the marketplace. Without this consistency, you will not get people emotionally attached to your brand and you’ll end up creating confusion in the consumer’s mind. So why is it important to create these emotional attachments to your brand? Well, just as in human relationships, brand relationships evolve over time.

Generally, these can be divided into three stages:

1. Most potential customers do not know the company, product or service.
2. Customers may know the name or logo of the company or product, but they don’t really catch what the company or product can do for them.
3. Some customers may already know the company and what the product can do for them, but they have no emotional connection to the brand.

So take into consideration and establish which stage of relationship your business is in with regard to your consumer audience. In order to build a successful brand, you’ll want to define these three things:

1. Brand personality: What are your business values, services, ideas, attitudes?
2. The relationship with the consumer: Do you understand the needs and wants of your customers?
3. Icons: Symbols or other illustrative representations.

Over time, with a consistent effort in your small business marketing, you will begin to build relationships with your market audience. In so doing reinforces and triggers recognition of your brand and sequentially creates customer loyalty. After all, your brand is the foundational piece in your marketing communication – a connection to a promise for your consumer. And this is something your small business does not want to be without!