Blog
Explore valuable resources put together by the Concept team to help you make the right decisions for the health of your business.
Is AdSense a Good Idea for my Website?
We get this question often from our clients, “Is AdSense a good idea for my website?”. To some, it seems like monetizing your website through passive advertising is a no-brainer, but there are many things to consider before jumping into it. Before you decide whether or not to use AdSense on your website, make sure to review the reasons for caution below: AdSense (Google Display Ads) can dilute your branding This is a big sticking…
Is Your Business Website Due for an Upgrade?
If your website feels a little outdated or underperforms in search engines and conversions, it might be time for a refresh—or even a full redesign. But what’s the difference between a refresh, a redesign, and a redevelopment, and how do you know which one your site actually needs? Let’s break it down. What’s the Difference Between a Website Refresh, Redesign, and Redevelopment? Website Refresh – A Visual Makeover A refresh focuses on updating the look…
Traditional Marketing Ideas to Boost Your Brand Visibility
Boost Your Brand with Traditional Marketing Strategies At Concept Design Studios, we believe that a well-rounded approach to marketing is essential for building brand recognition and fostering trust with potential clients. While digital marketing is undeniably vital in today’s business landscape, it’s crucial not to overlook the power of traditional marketing strategies. These tried-and-true methods still hold immense value in creating meaningful connections with your audience. The best part? You don’t need a large budget…
How We Can Help: Non-Profit Organizations
Supporting Nonprofits Is at the Heart of What We Do We love partnering with nonprofit organizations that are making a real difference in the world. Whether you’re feeding families, protecting the environment, supporting the arts, or fighting for justice—we’re here to help you amplify your message and reach more people. At Concept Design Studios, we’re proud to offer marketing support that’s both strategic and budget-conscious, so you can make the most of every donor dollar….
Search Optimization for WordPress
We get asked this question all the time – “What’s the easiest way to get started with search engine optimization (SEO) for WordPress websites?” Whether you would like our marketing team to help with content development or you will be writing content yourself, our favorite tool is the Yoast SEO plugin. All our websites include Yoast SEO free of charge, and is a great tool to tweak your existing content or to create new content…
Is Your Marketing Plan Working for You?
Whether your business is well-established or still prepping for its first sale, a fresh marketing plan is essential for future growth. The marketplace—and customer behavior—has shifted dramatically in recent years. What worked in the past may no longer cut it. Here are three updated fundamentals we use to help our clients create marketing plans that actually move the needle. 1. Know the Market You’re Playing In Today’s marketing success starts with situational awareness. To build…
Red, Yellow and Green Clients
Know Your Green, Yellow, and Red Clients You might be wondering: What are Green, Yellow, and Red clients—and what do they have to do with marketing? Great question. Understanding this concept was a game-changer for me when I first started my business, and it’s one I still come back to often. Green Clients Green clients are your ideal clients. They not only bring you consistent business, but they also trust your expertise, value your work,…
Should you be trying to “close” the sale?
Written by Comfort, Owner of Concept Design Studios I was reading a blog from EMyth recently, and it really hit home. The article echoed something I’ve believed for a long time: I don’t believe in “hard sales.” By “hard sales,” I mean putting pressure on clients to decide immediately, using manipulative tactics, or focusing only on what you gain—regardless of whether it’s the right move for them. That style has never resonated with me, and…
Marketing Has Changed—Here’s How to Keep Up
There’s no denying it—digital marketing and branding have changed dramatically in the past several years. And it’s not just younger generations leading the shift. Even older demographics have evolved in what they expect from the businesses they support. It used to be that the loudest voice won. If you could shout the hardest, buy the most ad space, and use the flashiest language, you’d get the attention—and the sale. But that approach is fading fast….
Why Design Matters More Than You Think
It’s fascinating how design influences our decisions every day—often without us even realizing it. The excerpt below, from Subliminal by Leonard Mlodinow, is a powerful reminder of why we’re so intentional with every detail we create. “…Participants were asked to read a recipe for a Japanese lunch dish, then rate how much effort and skill they thought it would take—and how likely they were to try making it at home. When the recipe was printed…
FAQ
Why did you start this business? I started this business because I saw a need for small businesses to have their own personal marketing department, without having to staff it. I managed a sign department for a small business before starting CDS and I learned a lot of valuable lessons from interacting with clients. Most small business owners or managers don’t have a lot of free time and they aren’t designers or marketers. They are…
4 Branding Lessons Every Small Business Should Know
When you’re just getting your business off the ground, there’s a lot to think about—and it’s tempting to dive straight into selling, posting, and building. But branding is the foundation that supports everything else. It’s more than just your logo or colors. Branding is how people feel about your business. It’s your voice, your values, and the promise you make to your customers. Here are four of the most common branding mistakes new businesses make—and…