What a month it has been! I wanted to take a moment to update you on some exciting things I’ve been doing and share a few insights that can help you as we gear up for Q4.

As a small business owner, staying on top of industry trends is key, especially when it comes to branding. I recently attended the Squarespace Circle Day event, and it was an eye-opener on how vital branding remains in crafting an impactful and intentional website. Here’s a recap of what I learned and how you can apply these insights to your business.

The Power of Storytelling in Branding

One of the most emphasized points during the event was the importance of having a strong story behind your brand. Your website should tell an authentic story that resonates with your audience. It’s not just about what you offer but why you do it. A well-crafted story can make your website more engaging and relatable, turning casual visitors into loyal customers.

Takeaway: Start by identifying the core story of your brand. Why did you start your business? What problem are you solving for your customers? Use this narrative as a thread that ties your entire website together.

Consistency is Key

Consistency in branding was another critical lesson. This includes maintaining consistent colors, imagery, and tone across your website. These elements work together to create a professional and trustworthy image. A disjointed or inconsistent brand can confuse visitors and make your business appear less credible.

Takeaway: Audit your website and other brand touchpoints. Are your colors, fonts, and imagery consistent? Is your tone of voice uniform across all your content? If not, it’s time to make some adjustments.

The One CTA Rule

A standout tip from the event was the importance of having one clear, compelling Call to Action (CTA) on your website. While it’s tempting to offer multiple options, focusing on one primary CTA can guide your visitors more effectively toward the action you want them to take, whether it’s signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or scheduling a consultation.

Takeaway: Review your website’s CTAs. Are they clear and focused, or are you giving visitors too many choices? Simplify your CTAs to improve conversions.

The Professional Touch Matters

Your website is often the first interaction a potential customer has with your brand. The way it looks and functions can significantly impact whether they choose to do business with you. A professional, well-designed website not only attracts attention but also builds trust.

Takeaway: Ensure that your website looks polished and functions smoothly. If necessary, consider investing in professional design services to elevate your site.

Community and Connection

The event was also a reminder of the value of community. Reconnecting with industry peers and learning from experts was invigorating. These events serve as a platform for exchanging ideas and staying inspired, which is something I want to pass on to you.

Takeaway: Don’t underestimate the power of networking and community. Engage with other business owners and industry professionals to stay motivated and informed.

Final Thoughts

Attending Squarespace Circle Day was a great opportunity to gather actionable insights that can help small business owners like you build stronger, more effective brands. Whether you’re refining your website’s story, ensuring consistency, or streamlining your CTAs, these steps are vital for making a lasting impression on your audience.

As we move forward, let’s keep these lessons in mind and continue to invest in our brands. After all, a well-branded website is more than just an online presence—it’s a powerful tool for growth and success.

Heading into Q4

Q3 Reflection & Goal-Setting Workshop Online: Before we dive into Q4, I’m hosting a Q3 Reflection & Goal-Setting Workshop Online on September 30th at 12 p.m. EST. This is a great opportunity to reflect on our achievements and map out our next steps. 

We’ll use prompts from the Business Growth Journal, and I’ll guide you through creating actionable goals for the year's final stretch. Register here!

Coming Soon: Template Store: Another exciting update—I've just created my first Squarespace template website with SquareKicker! Stay tuned if you’re looking for an easy way to get a beautifully branded website at a fraction of the cost of hiring me to customize it for you. The Template Store launches in November, and you can join the waitlist now!

Launching New Online Workshops and Resources Soon: If there is one thing I've learned over this past year, it is that branding education is still needed for all businesses. Learning how to tell your brand story, find customers, create branded content to break through the noise, and much more is still needed!

I have some new workshops in progress, and I'm excited to share them soon. In the meantime, take a look at the current workshops and resources that have been helping over 500 businesses apply branding more effectively.

P.S. I Would love to hear from you about what challenges you are having. What would you love to learn how to do it and stop searching the internet on how to do it! Leave a comment below and let me know!

Need Help With Your Website?

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Our tailored resources are designed specifically for small businesses like yours. Whether you’re dealing with a high bounce rate, a confusing user experience, or an unclear brand message, we have the expertise to help you overcome these common issues.

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