Ideas & Advice
A small business blog with helpful tips, practical advice and inspirational stories.
New data reveals the true meaning of Christmas for small businesses
The busiest time of year for small business owners Christmas is a time of celebrations and festivities when end-of-year parties […]
NAIDOC Week 2022: Celebrating Indigenous business
NAIDOC Week is here and to celebrate, we’re showcasing some amazing Indigenous-owned businesses. Torres Strait Island and Aboriginal businesses are […]
Shining a light on LGBTQ+ owned businesses
The LGBTQ+ community is filled with inspiring people and stories; from dreamers and go-getters to innovators and trailblazers. And although […]
Everything you need to know about TikTok for small business
Social media is one of the best places to market your small business and connect with your customers while driving […]
How to turn your side hustle into a full-time job
Working on a passion project, earning extra money, becoming your own boss – there are many reasons to start up […]
Pivoting with purpose: From greenhouse to garden pizzeria
Small businesses constantly have to adapt, whether it’s a change in location or a logo adjustment. One business that’s no […]
How to create a QR code for your small business
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, quick response (or QR) codes made something of a comeback. And be honest…did […]
40 Ways to Thank Your Team and Your Customers
Saying thank you is important – it feels good, makes others feel good and is great for business. It needn’t […]
Small businesses prioritise marketing & customer acquisition despite current climate
While the lingering impact of the pandemic and new economic headwinds are creating uncertainty for small businesses, our latest research […]
7 ways to increase small business customer engagement
You’ve probably heard the term ‘customer engagement’ while marketing your small business. Customer engagement encompasses all of the ways you […]
7 ways eateries can use QR codes
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes QR codes have made a comeback in the last few years — they’ve proven to […]
How small business is shifting in 2023
Regardless of industry, the small business world is ever-changing. In 2020, we saw resilient small business owners shift their offerings […]
Redesign resolution: A new look sparks a brand transformation
MY MARKETING MUST-HAVES Redesign resolution: A new look sparks a brand transformation Estimated reading time: 6 minutes A new year […]
Turning customers into a community: How Pride Fitness built a loyal following
A small business is nothing without its customers. But as many small business owners know, there is a fine art […]
Adapting to change: Serving up something new with food truck-inspired takeaway
Adapting to change: Serving up something new with food truck-inspired takeaway Estimated reading time: 7 minutes The COVID-19 pandemic threw […]
How to respond to negative reviews as a small business owner
The internet is one of the first places people turn to when they’re searching for a new provider or service. […]
Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events
Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events Estimated reading time: 4 minutes One of the best […]
How to create a stand-out shopfront
How to create a stand-out shopfront Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Many small business owners who have a brick-and-mortar store […]
How to pick effective small business packaging that fits your brand
You deserve packaging that’s as powerful as your products. From sending out online orders to bagging up in-store purchases, custom […]
Email marketing subject lines: 6 guidelines & best practices
Email is one of the most budget-friendly marketing tactics available to small businesses, but it is only effective when your […]
Selling on Etsy: Tips for small business owners
The business world has been shifting to e-commerce for years. But that shift has definitely accelerated over the past 12 […]
The Power of Referrals: How Word-of-Mouth Marketing Can Accelerate Your Business.
Would you go to a hairdresser without a recommendation from a friend? What about trusting someone to prepare your taxes? […]
8 website merchandising tips for your online shop front
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on creating a website that makes the […]
How to write a marketing plan when you know nothing about marketing
What’s the big secret to starting a successful business? The answer is, in a word, marketing. No matter how good […]
Trade show booth must-haves: Everything you need to stand out at events
Meeting new customers: it’s not only the lifeblood of your small business, it’s the reason you bring your business to […]
Trade show tips & advice
For a small business owner, trade shows can seem overwhelming. They often require a lot of additional work on top […]
Stickers for small business: Your complete marketing guide
These days, stickers aren’t just for kids — consumers of all ages love, use and collect them. And as a […]
Wow your customers with custom small business packaging
Have you ever received a package that popped with colour and personality? As a business owner, you no doubt want […]
How promotional merch can turn your customers into brand advocates
These days, digital connections offer lots of value to brands — but there’s just something special about engaging with people […]
Which types of websites and layouts are best for your business?
As a small business owner, you know your website is a direct reflection of your brand. And with a vast […]
Stand out from the crowd with these creative business sign ideas
As an entrepreneur with an exceptional offering, it’s no wonder you want your business signage to stand out from the […]
How to market your small business as a new entrepreneur
Marketing materials are often one of the first things small business owners think about when starting their company. Do you […]
Send it with style: 5 tips for high-impact small business packaging
You know that feeling when you’re expecting a delivery and hear your doorbell ring? Or, perhaps you’re more of an […]
How to increase retail sales at your small business
We chatted with Kate Nightingale, a consumer psychologist, to learn more about the subtle cues shoppers take that lead to […]
6 unexpected ways to use stickers for small businesses
Stickers are amazingly versatile tools for promoting your brand. You probably showcase your branding on your essential marketing materials, like […]
5 big benefits of social media for small business
Social media has evolved from a space for personal interaction into a vibrant marketing channel for businesses of all sizes. […]
Valentine’s Day Card Messages: How to write the perfect Valentine’s Day Card
Valentine’s Day is around the block. You’ve set the date, planned your outfit and can’t stop daydreaming about the big […]
Creative announcement ideas to share your next big milestone
Getting married, having a baby or packing up and moving to a new city? When you have exciting news to […]
Introducing the Vista Creativity Report
Whether it’s a way to unwind from everyday stresses or a part of your daily life, creativity is within us […]
Personalised Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list
Christmas is all about connecting with loved ones — whether in person or from afar with heartfelt gifts and greetings. […]
25 business Christmas card messages for 2023
‘Tis the season… to get ready for the festive rush! As a small business owner, your seasonal prep routine should […]
14 Christmas signage ideas for the festive season and a few bonus tips
Tips and tricks for designing the perfect holiday signs.
14 corporate gifts for Christmas: Choosing the perfect presents for your team
Tired of gifting your team the same old boring presents? Time to step up your game and rock this festive […]
40+ save the date quotes for every personality
Save the dates are an early heads-up for your friends and family, basically asking them not to make any big […]
9 best packaging design trends for 2024
As we step into 2024, fresh packaging design trends are emerging, offering new ways for businesses of all sizes to […]
10 inspiring graphic design trends for 2024
Much like the impact of photography on the art world in the 19th century, we find ourselves in the midst […]
Sticker size and shape guide
Stickers may seem small, but they pack a punch when it comes to marketing. These sticky wonders have the potential […]
Poster design ideas: how to design an engaging poster
When it comes to being seen, a poster just might be the most effective piece of paper you’ll find in […]
10 golden rules for designing your business card
A business card represents the next step in making your small business dream a reality. For many potential customers, it’s […]
Working with a Designer: 5 Essential Tips to Get the Best Results
Working with a designer can help you create a polished website or a visually appealing piece of marketing. But like […]
What customers love – and loathe – in a business card
In an increasingly digital age, some might wonder whether business cards were getting a little old school. At the same […]
6 visual merchandising tips for your small business
If you run a business with a brick-and-mortar shop, the term ‘window of opportunity’ couldn’t be more appropriate. Your window […]
Breaking down barriers: An introduction to accessible signage
When establishing your small business as a welcoming operation, it’s important to recognise how accessible signage plays a key role. […]
7 modern business card designs to spark your creativity
There’s nothing quite like giving someone a memorable way to remember you and your business. That’s why choosing a unique […]
Poster size guide
If you’re promoting your business or an event around town, directing customers through your space or spreading the word about […]
How to choose a logo for your business
We chatted with Megan Morahan, Creative Director for product creation at Vista, to get her insights into what makes an […]
How to use the back of business cards: 11 creative design ideas
Your business card contains a lot of essential information about your business. Your logo should be loud and proud on […]
How to design a brochure in 8 steps
Are you ready to take your small business brochure design up a level? After all, you pride yourself on what […]
Business card design ideas for different industries
We chatted with Mark LaRosa, a Creative Manager at Vista, for his insights on business card design. Read on for […]
6 ways to make your product packaging market itself
Each time a customer buys something from your business, whether online or in person, it’s a golden opportunity to get […]
Flyer size guide
When it comes to attracting customers to your business, getting the word out is usually the first hurdle. That’s why […]
Tips for small business owners when working with designers
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for his insights into how small business owners can […]
Logo maker: Why you should use an online logo creator
Your logo is the face of your business. It’s your visual identity and often the first thing that customers notice […]
Branding glossary: Key terms every business owner should know
You’ve probably heard the word ‘branding’ thrown around constantly – especially since starting your small business. And though you might […]
Should you rebrand your business in 2022?
The world — and the world of small business — is constantly evolving. Maybe you started out as just a […]
How to create brand guidelines
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on creating a brand style guide. Read […]
10 things that make your business look unprofessional online
Whether you’re launching a business for the first time, or you’re looking for ways to grow your existing business and […]
How to Write Your Business Pitch [ eBook ]
As a small business owner, it’s vital to clearly and succinctly pitch your business to prospective customers or clients. However, […]
Barbiecore branding and the rise of hot pink
What comes to mind when you think of pink? Is it the colour of frilly dresses, fun cocktails and Valentine’s […]
How to choose brand colors using color theory
Colour theory can play an important role in your small business branding. Colours carry meaning, and the colours you choose […]
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