Here are three essential digital marketing tools every new business needs to build credibility, attract customers, and thrive—fast.
1. A Professional Website:
Your website is your digital storefront—and often your first impression. It should clearly showcase what you do, who you are, and how people can get in touch.
Whether you hire a professional team like ours or use platforms like Squarespace or Wix to build it yourself, the key to success is strong content and high-quality photos. Authentic images of your team, products, or workspace build trust. Clear, engaging copy keeps visitors interested and helps with search engine visibility.
2. Accurate Online Business Listings
Help people find you—online and in real life. Claim and complete your business listings on Google, Bing, Apple Maps, and MapQuest. Make sure your business name, address, phone number, and website match exactly across all platforms, including your website.
Consistency builds credibility and improves your chances of showing up in local search results.
3. A Cohesive Brand Identity
Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s the overall look and feel of your business. Even a simple, clean design can go a long way when applied consistently across your website, social media, listings, signage, brochures, and business cards.
A unified brand presence makes your business look more polished, trustworthy, and established—even if you’re just getting started.
Just getting started? We’d love to help.
If you or someone you know has launched a business within the last year, we’re offering one of these three resources free to help build momentum and boost visibility—no strings attached!
1. Free Website & Brand Audit
We’ll take a look at your current website and branding and provide quick, actionable insights. From mobile responsiveness to visual consistency, we’ll tell you what’s working—and what could be better.
2. Free Google Business Profile Setup or Tune-Up
Don’t miss out on local visibility. We’ll help you claim or optimize your Google Business Profile, making sure your business information is accurate, searchable, and looking great.
3. Free SEO Keyword List + Quick Content Guide
We’ll send you a custom list of keywords tailored to your industry and location, plus a short, easy-to-follow guide to help you write content that ranks. Learn how to write homepage copy, blog posts, or service descriptions that attract the right audience.
Let us know if you or someone you know could use these marketing tools—we’re happy to support local businesses however we can.
Easter isn’t the only reason for treats this season. This month, we’ll be sending you three short snippets each week that you, as a business owner, can implement immediately to:
If you ever want help with these things or something else, be sure to reach out.
Website:
Week 1: No matter the business, people will go to your website before they hire you or buy your products. Therefore, make sure all the information on your website is accurate. Nothing turns a potential customer away faster than outdated information. Staff information, hours, and contact information are most commonly neglected. As a business owner, keeping this info updated should be a top priority. Bonus: Make sure your Google, Bing, and Apple Maps listings are also accurate!
Week 2: Video is one of the most powerful tools for building trust and giving users an immediate sense of who you are. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be professionally produced. While we love working with talented videographers, a simple video recorded on your phone can be just as effective. We can take any raw footage and turn it into something engaging and polished.
Take Pastor Tom, for example—he sent us a basic video clip, and we transformed it into a warm, welcoming introduction. He’s even creating a unique video for every page of his website! It’s a fantastic way for new visitors to get a feel for the pastor and what they can expect from the church before they ever walk through the doors.
Week 3: Create a “Start Here” or “New Visitors” Page Most websites are built with return users or informed customers in mind—but new visitors often feel overwhelmed or unsure where to begin.
A simple “Start Here” page (or button in the top nav) can:
Quickly explain what you do and who you help
Direct users to the most relevant services or products
Introduce your team or process in a friendly, low-pressure way
Build trust with a human tone
Think of it as a concierge desk for your website.
Why it works:
Reduces bounce rate
Increases time-on-site
Helps turn curious visitors into qualified leads
Marketing:
Week 1: There are a few opportunities that most businesses miss when marketing their business.
The first is the signature in their email. Make sure it looks good. It does not have to be a fancy design, but it should be nicely branded and similar for each employee—and this is a GREAT space to talk about a current promotion or upcoming event or new product/service. The second is invoices or receipts. Adding information on something new happening with your business to these mailings or emails you are already sending can elevate your customer’s understanding of your business. The third is a thank-you note. When someone new does business with you, send them a hand-written note. Bonus if it is designed with your branding! This can be a note card, a postcard, or even an old-fashioned letter.
Week 2: Once you create a video for your website, don’t stop there! That same video can be repurposed in all kinds of valuable ways.
You can share the full version and shorter clips of key points on social media to boost engagement. Upload it to YouTube and start building playlists—did you know YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world? (Makes sense, since it’s owned by Google.)
You can also email it to your list to help deepen trust and connection with people who already know you. Play it at trade shows or events, include it in presentations, and even add a link to your email signature for an easy, professional touch. A single video can go a long way when used strategically—and as a business owner, leveraging video like this adds serious value.
Week 3: Feature your PROCESS, not just your product. Most businesses focus all their marketing on the finished product or service—but showing how you do what you do builds trust, transparency, and interest.
Here’s how you can use this:
Share behind-the-scenes videos or photos on social media
Highlight your tools, techniques, or materials in blog posts or emails
Turn your process into a story that customers can connect with (especially if it’s unique, local, sustainable, etc.)
Use phrases like: “Here’s how we bring your [product/service] to life…”
Why it works:
Builds credibility and sets you apart from competitors
Makes customers feel more invested in the end result
Encourages sharing (people love seeing the “making of”)
Branding:
Week 1: Did you know that your employees are the most important part of your brand? Most businesses will invest in a logo, a brand guide, signage, business cards, even vehicle wraps—but they will not train their employees on how to live the brand when interacting with customers. This could be as simple as making sure each employee knows the business mission and goals and providing a check list for each customer interaction.
Week 2: Video is also a powerful way to extend your brand. As we talked about last week, your people are the heart of your brand—so let them shine! Invite team members who are willing to step in front of the camera to share their roles, their passion for what they do, and what makes your business special.
These videos don’t have to be long or formal—sometimes the most engaging content is quick, authentic, and full of personality. Let employees highlight their expertise or give a behind-the-scenes look at a part of the business they know best.
Shorter clips from these interviews are perfect for social media, and when your team is wearing branded merch, it reinforces your visual identity too. Bonus points if the video backdrop also includes your logo, space, or product in action!
You could even create a video series—”Meet the Team Mondays” or “Behind the Scenes Fridays”—to build consistency and keep people coming back for more. A smart, approachable move for any business owner.
Week 3: Create “Micro-Brands” Within Your Brand Instead of making everything feel the same, give special programs, events, services, or product lines their own mini-brand identity — still tied to your main brand, but with a twist.
What this looks like:
A signature product line with its own logo or name (think Starbucks’ “Reserve” line)
Naming your newsletter something catchy that fits your brand vibe
Branded internal initiatives like “Project Spark” or “Customer Hero Awards”
Themed events, campaigns, or seasonal content with visual variety
Why it works:
Adds depth and flexibility to your brand without losing cohesion
Sparks curiosity and engagement (especially for repeat customers)
Makes your offerings feel more curated and intentional
If you took our advice last week, you’ve already started keeping your website fresh with updated content—something both visitors and search engines appreciate. You’ve ensured your brand stays consistent across your site, reinforcing trust and recognition. And best of all, you’ve learned how to boost your site’s SEO without needing an expert. This week, we’re giving you three new local search marketing tips that will help you once that foundation is established!
Your customers love YOU — not stock images.
Using your own photos on your website helps create an authentic, trustworthy, and memorable experience for visitors. Unlike stock images, which can feel impersonal and overused, original photos showcase your unique brand, team, products, and services in a way that truly represents who you are. Custom imagery builds credibility and connection, helping potential customers see the real people behind your business. It also enhances SEO, as original images can be optimized for search engines, giving your site a competitive edge. While stock photos may be a quick fix, original photography (and video!) ensures your website stands out and tells your story in the most genuine way possible.
Your customers love communicating with you — in lots of ways.
Providing multiple ways to contact your small business—such as phone, chat, text, contact forms, and social media—ensures that customers can reach you in the way that’s most convenient for them. Some prefer a quick call, while others may feel more comfortable sending an email or messaging through social media. A variety of contact options builds trust, improves customer experience, and increases the chances of turning inquiries into sales. Making it easy to connect shows that you’re accessible, responsive, and ready to help.
Search engines crave authority!
Search engines prioritize websites that demonstrate authority and provide valuable, educational content. When your site offers insightful, well-researched information, it builds trust with both users and search engines, improving your rankings. Incorporating local search marketing strategies—such as creating content tailored to your region or targeting location-based keywords—can further enhance your visibility in local search results. One effective way to establish authority is through a blog that answers common customer questions. For example, if you run a home renovation business, publishing guides on topics like “How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home” or “5 Signs Your Roof Needs Repairs” positions you as an expert while also improving SEO. By consistently educating visitors, you not only attract more traffic but also establish credibility in your industry.
At the end of last year, our clients Kelly and Chad Prusz, owners of O’ My Mini Donuts and SweetBay Shave Ice, took an exciting step and moved into their first-ever “brick and mortar” location at 460 Willamette Street (5th & Willamette) in Eugene. Their new space is absolutely charming, nestled in one of the oldest buildings in Eugene, with plenty of nearby parking for convenience. It’s always inspiring to see local businesses grow, and their story is a perfect example of how passion and perseverance can turn dreams into reality.
Now, they can serve their delicious treats in a cozy, warm location with indoor seating—but that’s not all. This move sparked something truly amazing…
SweetBay is lovingly named after their oldest daughter, Bailey (aka “Bay”). Kelly and Chad initially opened their first food truck as a way to provide their kids with an income during high school and college. However, over the past 10 years, what started as a single food truck has grown into something much bigger for their entire family.
During that time, they’ve expanded their business, employing not only their own kids but also the kids of friends—including my son, Levi. But that’s not where the story ends…
At the same time O’My Mini Donuts and SweetBay Shave Ice moved to their new location, Bailey decided to chase one of her long-time dreams. With the support of her family and friends, she opened Daffodil Books & Gifts, a Romantasy bookstore in the space right next to the restaurant.
The world Bailey has created is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to another place. Even if you’re not familiar with or a fan of Romantasy books, the experience at Daffodil Books is something you don’t want to miss. Every detail of the space is thoughtfully designed and truly enchanting.
Don’t just take our word for it—check out this article recently published about Daffodil Books. And keep in mind, this incredible press comes after being open for just three months!
Daffodil Books & Gifts is also home to Chapter and Steam, a charming coffee shop run by Kelly and Chad’s son, Chase, and his long-time girlfriend. Picture yourself sipping a rich hot chocolate, enjoying a mini donut, and diving into a good book, all while surrounded by cozy elegance and seated next to a crackling fireplace. It’s cozy, eclectic, and undeniably inspiring—a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
And there’s even more to discover! This historic building is full of surprises, with a couple of “in-between spaces” that are constantly evolving. One of the latest additions is a mocktail bar. Every visit brings something new, and I can’t wait to see what they dream up next!
Kelly’s motto for O’My Mini Donuts has always been “Enjoy The Little Things.” But we think it’s time to celebrate just how big of a deal this business truly is. Kelly and Chad have built something extraordinary—not only elevating their own lives but also creating opportunities for their children and friends. Their success is a testament to the strength of local businesses and the impact they have on the community.
As a friend and a client, I’ve seen firsthand how much hard work, dedication, and perseverance it has taken to reach this point. I couldn’t be more excited to see it all paying off! And I can’t wait to see what amazing things come next for their family and these incredible local businesses.
I love how every day seems to have its own national celebration. While some might initially seem a bit quirky (National Squirrel Appreciation Day, anyone?), each one offers a unique opportunity. Whether you’re brainstorming social media content, looking for ways to show appreciation to clients or employees, or planning events and promotions for your business, these national days, weeks, and months can inspire creativity, help you stand out, and provide unique opportunities for how to market your business.
Today, we’re excited to celebrate National Gluten-Free Day by spotlighting one of our incredible clients: Jazzy Ladies Café & Coffeehouse. Did you know this gem is entirely gluten-free? Most people don’t—because you’d never guess it! The food is phenomenal. I had the pleasure of dining there on New Year’s Eve, and every dish was a masterpiece—especially the dessert.
Celebrate how far gluten-free cuisine has come while supporting a local business that’s truly raising the bar. I HIGHLY recommend the Mochi Pancakes, Chicken & Waffles, or Benedict Latkes. Yum!
https://crestline.com/c/calendar-of-events — helps you identify observances that could be tied to promotional products, which is a great example of how to market your business by using these celebrations to increase traffic to your website!
We’re not saying you need to be Jimmy Fallon funny, we’re just saying it certainly wouldn’t hurt if you were. That’s because more and more studies are coming out confirming what we kind of already know – humor in marketing works.
However, we don’t just want to tell you what to do, we want to show how effective humor can be, especially humor in marketing strategies. Let’s take a look at a company that has mastered humor in their marketing and see what lessons we can take from it.
ChatBooks- Humor in Marketing Perfection
ChatBooks. Yep – you heard us right.
Chatbooks – those plain square books that pull your pictures from Instagram and categorize them all by the tag you choose, then print out the month’s pictures in a nice book – all for 8 bucks. If you go to their website, it’s expected. In fact, it’s kind of “ok cool, another automated something I could just do myself and save 8 dollars a month. That’s 2 Starbucks!”
Humor in marketing perfection. Absolute perfection. We know you’re LOTI (laughing on the inside) and thinking,“PRAISE THE BABY JESUS WHERE HAVE THESE BEEN MY ENTIRE LIFE?”
“And only 8 bucks! Take.my.money.”
All of a sudden, something you weren’t willing to spend 8 bucks on is something you now can’t live without and have to have. So what changed? Do you suddenly need to have these photo books? No. Not even close. We all grew up with those photo albums with the sticky backs and plastic covers from the 80’s just fine, thank-you-very-much.
Do you all of the sudden just lack the desire to make the memory books yourself, like you would have five minutes ago?
Nope, you’re still just as capable as before.
So, what in the world changed?
1. Humor Proves The Brand Relates to its Audience
Chatbooks related to you. On a seriously personal level, but in a way that made you laugh, because of #life, amiright?
Chatbooks took something that, deep down, all Moms (working or not) felt: the overwhelming exhaustion over the huge responsibility of raising kids and oh, by the way, don’t forget to write down everything because time is so fleeting – and turned it into pure comedy. And what most people miss about this: You can’t truly be funny unless you actually GET IT.
Deep down, that’s what people want: to be deeply understood.
Now, all of a sudden, you want these Chatbooks. These Chatbooks won’t only give you pictures in hard copy to look at it, but it’s somehow going to relieve that stress and help you just exhale and feel, maybe for the first time, understood.
And how do we know that? Because it already did, just by making you laugh.
2. Humor Tells the Audience it’s OK to Need Help
Isn’t that what we want all our clients or customers to know? That it’s OK to need your service or product? That they can’t, in fact, do everything on their own? Of course, that’s what we all want, and humor does this in a non-offensive way.
Nothing is worse than feeling like you have to keep up with a world where you take time to smell the freshly pressed, organic, free-range leaves, on your handmade photo album. Who has time for that?
Chatbooks not only relates to its audience with humor but uses it to say, “hey, if making photo books sucks the life out of you, it’s OK.” What’s brilliant about this is that there’s no fancy jargon here. No big words, and even, to be blunt, some slang. Chatbooks calls it like it is because it’s true. There’s zero shame. None.
By the brand having no shame, the target audience is given permission to also have no shame as they click, “order now” and get on their merry way.
3. Humor in Marketing Builds Brand Loyalty
When we share something as intimate as a laugh with someone, way in our brain and nervous system, all the happy chemicals are released. These happy endorphins are the same ones released when a mother has a child, when people exercise, or even when an addict uses street drugs. And the entire purpose of those happy endorphins is to create a bond, a need, an addiction of sorts.
Or, in the world of business, loyalty. Not only does a brand want to win new customers, but they want to keep customers, too. We could get all into the science about it, but we’ll spare you (you can thank us by sending wine or coffee).
Chatbooks, by getting you to laugh and releasing those endorphins, is tying that happy feeling to those books. So now, just by looking at the books, your brain will immediately go back to that feeling you had when you first experienced Chatbooks. A feeling of happiness and of being understood and relieved of meaningless stress.
Forking brilliant, Chatbooks. Brilliant.
How to Use Humor in Marketing
So, now what? How the heck do you infuse humor in your already-there brand? How do you make sure you’re taken seriously but still, you know, not? How do you be funny in a virtual world?
1. Blogs
Blogs, by nature, are always more casual than website copy, so there’s a lot more freedom to just have at it. Blogs allow you to take the readers through a story where you can have them laughing in one minute, and converting in the next. Blogs make humor in marketing easy and natural and should be started as soon as you possibly can.
Here Are a Few Tips to Ensure There’s Humor in Your Stories:
Talk about something funny that happened, and tie it to what you want the reader to know.
Use relatable gifs or memes to drive home a point.
Refer to something trending and poke fun at it in a very nonchalant way.
Don’t forget to use those funny blogs in your email marketing, too!
Fun side note: We’re really stepping up our blogging and content services, as we’ve seen how vital high-quality content is to the success of our clients (that’s you!) so if blogging isn’t something you have time for, but know you need, give us call.
2. Facebook and Twitter
Facebook and Twitter are great ways to humanize the brand to consumers with humor. Don’t take things too seriously with these platforms and instead use it to poke fun at yourselves and show that lighter side.
While showing that more relaxed side of the brand does many good things, the most important thing it does is make the business far more approachable, far more “human.” This is that final push that people still in the informational gathering stage need to get up and walk through your door (or to click that call to action).
Here Are a Few Actionable Ways to Humanize the Company and Brand with Facebook or Twitter:
Skip the professional graphics from time to time and get a candid one of you, the team, the office dog, or the sink that decided to overflow (oh no!)
Do live videos. Forget about how you look and just do them. Don’t plan. Don’t script. Just get in front of that phone camera and educate your followers on how to use your product or service in a fun and light-hearted way. Bonus points if you’re like everyone else and have to hide in the supply closet to get one second without interruption.
Share funny and related memes that always seem to float all over FB and Twitter, and do so with a quick and witty caption.
3. Know That You Can Have Professionalism and Humor in Marketing
There seems to be this mindset that anything work-related has to be boring and “professional.” Yes, professionalism matters, but not to the point that the brand is forgettable and dry. Chatbooks does this perfectly – their website is professional and easy to use, but their ads are brilliantly funny and relatable. You can, and should, have both.
While we want to finish this off in a clear, professional way, we’re going to just leave you with another video ad that we find to be a-freaking-amazing in how it uses humor. Marketing in humor for-the-win (for more funny ads, just watch all the Old Spice commercials)!
Enjoy. Laugh. And don’t forget we’re here to help you navigate all things digital and funny.
