You can have the best business in the world, but if you don't have a website or your current website looks really outdated, people are going to click the "X" and leave your website before they even see what you do. As a designer, I see these same mistakes every single day. The good news is that most of your website's problems are super easy to fix. If your site has any of these 5 red flags, then it's time to build a new one or give your current site a little glow-up.
Let’s be real: in 2026, if your business isn’t online, it basically doesn’t exist. When people hear about a new brand, the first thing they do is stalk the website or look for the Google reviews or check out their social media. We recently presented the 7 Marketing Essentials Every New Business Needs to contestants at The Fremont Pitch It Contest and students at Midland University and we want to share our insight with everyone. Whether you're just starting out or leveling up your current set up, here is your starter pack for digital success.
Going viral is often viewed as the ultimate social media success. One video takes off, views skyrocket, and suddenly your brand is in front of thousands or even millions of new users. While viral content can be incredibly valuable for brand awareness, it is not realistic or sustainable to rely on virality alone.  The primary goal of social media marketing is not to go viral with every post. The goal is to clearly communicate who your business is, what you offer, and why your audience should continue engaging with your content. Virality should support your strategy, not replace it.
First Impressions Aren't Just In-Person Anymore
1. Start With Simple, Clear Goals
From Status Updates to Storytelling
1. Canva - For Graphics That Don't Look DIY
Small businesses are what make communities so unique. They are the coffee shops with the best vibes, the boutiques that actually carry cool stuff you can't find anywhere else, and the local restaurants that everyone recommends. They add personality and connection to a city in a way that big corporations can't. But here's the thing: even if you've got the best product or service, people won't know unless they see you. And in 2025, "being seen" means showing up online. That's where digital marketing comes in.
Short-form videos isn't just the future anymore. Every platform is pushing video front and center. In Metricool's latest report , which looked over 5.6 million videos from 582,000+ accounts worldwide, proves it. Short-form video grew 71% in the last year and TikTok is leading the charge with massive jumps in both new acounts and videos posted. Instagram is still the biggest by volume, but its growth is slowing.
Branding isn't just a logo slapped on a website or instagram post. When your branding is consistent across everything, it actually makes people trust you more and remember you easier. Here's why it matters and why it's way easier than it sounds:
Cracker Barrel has been known for not just their country style cooking, but also for the nostalgic charm that greets customers the moment they step inside. Everything about the brand has been tied to comfort and tradition. That's why the company's recent logo redesign has sparked such a strong reaction online. Cracker Barrel gave its logo a makeover. They kept the same gold and brown colors, but they took out one big detail: the man sitting next to the wooden barrel. Now it’s a much more simplified, modern-looking design. But many longtime fans aren't on board. Social media was quick to light up with criticism. For a lot of customers the original design carried nostalgia and a kind of charm that you don't just get everywhere.
