Ideas & Advice
A small business blog with helpful tips, practical advice and inspirational stories.
Print or digital signage for small businesses — why not both?
Your signage lets the world know that you’re in business — and with custom branded signs, you can show off […]
The significant benefits of effective small business signage
Until you start a business, it’s easy to take signage for granted. After all, every time we venture outdoors, we’re […]
Why you still need business cards in a digital world
In today’s tech-charged world, where people carry so much information in their pockets, it’s reasonable to question the value of […]
5 steps to starting a business with confidence
Getting the ball rolling on your new small business idea is an exciting time. Ideas are flowing, tasks are lining […]
What we learned: The importance of heritage & a strong brand story
Learn how family heritage can be an important part of a brand.
What we learned: Hiring employees & growing a staff
Hiring your first employee is a major step for a small business owner. When you decided to start your business, […]
How to launch & market your summer side hustles
Whether you’re a small business owner looking to branch out, or just want to earn a bit of extra cash […]
From creative experimentation to creative entrepreneur, read Nicola’s Success Story
After creating fun accessories to cheer up her friends and family during lockdown, Nicola turned her products into a business […]
A love of animals leads to a dream come true, read Ellie’s Success Story
The Enterprise programme helped Ellie, 22 from Sandwell, rebuild her confidence and give her focus to grow her business in […]
How to have the best small business summer ever
There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenging experience for many small business owners. But as […]
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 […]
5 tips for building trust & credibility as a small business owner
You pour your heart and soul into your business, but can others tell you’re the real deal? In a highly […]
Small business spotlight: Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
When Ali Kashani-Rafye took his family and their small ice cream business all the way from Iran to Los Angeles […]
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 design a label
Personalised labels are an affordable way to add professionalism and personality to your products, packaging and more. But with so […]
How to respond to negative reviews as a small business owner
In this article you’ll learn some tips on how to respond to negative reviews including the following: Acknowledge the issue […]
Rooted in community: How Kelly Polanco stands out at local events
Learn how one small business owner sets herself up for success at local events.
How to create a stand-out shopfront
How to create a stand-out shopfront Estimated reading time: 4 minutes Summer is the perfect time for window shopping. And […]
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 […]
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 […]
Top trends and tips for designing the perfect T-shirt in 2023
Personalised t-shirts and other types of custom clothing have become increasingly popular among businesses and consumers over the years. Whether […]
How to choose a logo for your business
Plus, expert logo design tips from one of Vista's Creative Directors.
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 […]
Outdoor event marketing & branding to help you stand out
Outdoor events, like craft fairs and farmers’ markets, are great places to make meaningful connections, attract new customers and build […]
How to design a great T-shirt
We chatted with Tristan Le Breton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on how to create T-shirts that […]
Attract attention with these signage design tips
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, to get some tips on creating stand-out signage. Read […]
The best colours for logos
Decide what colours work best for your logo with these tips and advice.
How to design merchandise for your business
Find out how to design merchandise for your small business.
What makes a good logo?
Read our guide on how to create a great logo for your business.
Business card dimensions & size guide
A business card is a marketing classic for a reason – as a small business owner you’ve probably passed them out […]
Understanding Logos
Why having a memorable, well-designed logo should be at the top of any small business’s list of priorities. As the […]
What your small business can learn from famous signs
Think about the most high-profile logos or famous signs you see all the time. In most cases, the design and […]
How to promote events as can’t-miss brand experiences
Imagine you have a launch party for a new product coming up in a few months. How will you ensure […]
Tips for using outdoor event signs before and at events
Picture this: You’ve pooled resources with several businesses in your local area to co-host a small business street party. Together, […]
Don’t overlook these 7 unique types of business cards
Every small business is unique, and your business cards should be, too. In fact, the most effective types of business […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Connect with customers to get the most from small business events
As a small business owner, you know how to tap into your creativity to make the most of a small […]
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 […]
5 steps to promote your brand with event swag
Picture this: You just got invited to a local small business event where there will be loads of potential for […]
DIY marketing for small business: make the most of your resources
Starting a small business takes hard work and a clear vision of what you hope to accomplish in the long […]
The best types of signs to market your small business
You’ve secured a physical location for your new business and just finished displaying your amazing products for all to see. […]
How to create a business website
Websites have become an essential component of any successful business. For small businesses, though, knowing where to start can be […]
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 […]
Ready, set, glow: How this woman-owned business continues to grow
To be successful, small businesses have to grow — whether that means evolving their offerings or ensuring their customer bases […]
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 […]
Colour psychology for business branding: How to choose the right colours
We chatted with Dr. Sally Augustin, PhD, an environmental and design psychologist, to learn more about the psychology of colour. […]
Create a unique look for your business & watch it grow
Beautiful design can help your business grow – especially when it translates into branding that works everywhere your customers see […]
Branding made for word-of-mouth marketing
As a small business owner, there are plenty of things you can do to make your brand stand out. But […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to brand your business in a post-pandemic world
Thanks to social distancing, masks and an increasing vaccination rate, we’re moving closer to normality than at any other point […]
Design that works everywhere you do
When it comes to branding your small business, consistency is key. Whether you’re adding a page to your website or […]
Should you rebrand your small business?
The world — and the world of small business — is constantly evolving. Maybe you started out as just a […]
How to create a brand style guide
We chatted with Tristan LeBreton, Creative Director at 99designs by Vista, for tips on creating a brand style guide. Read […]
Our customers share tips on how to get the most from stickers and labels
Whether you promote in shops, at fairs or online, the presentation of your products speaks volumes about your business. And […]
5 point-of-sale marketing tactics
Whether you run a retail shop or a quick-service restaurant, the checkout experience plays an incredibly important role in the […]
The best fonts for business cards
Picture this: You open a business card template and type your small business’s name. It looks tiny against the white […]
Your ultimate wedding planning guide
Congratulations on getting engaged! Now that you’ve celebrated your engagement with family and friends, it’s time to set a wedding […]
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 […]
Save the date wording – what to write and how to write it
So, you’re getting married? Congratulations! Now it’s time to get organised –and one of the first steps is to let […]
What to write in a wedding thank you card: Everything you need to know
You’ve said your vows, opened gifts and maybe even been on your honeymoon…now, it’s time to sit down and write […]
When to send save the date cards
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! From the engagement to the planning, it’s such an exciting – and busy – […]
8 personalised gift ideas for Valentine’s Day
Yes, we know, we should show our love for those around us every day and not just on Valentine’s Day. […]
When to send Christmas cards: Christmas card etiquette and timing
Planning for the festive season? Christmas cards are a great way to get in the festive mood while reminding your loved ones […]
First Impressions Count
With our research revealing that it takes just 14 seconds to decide whether a gift will be kept, returned or regifted, we know the pressure is on to find the perfect gifts this Christmas.
Photos for Christmas cards: 8 creative ideas
Christmas is right around the corner. And if part of your family’s festive tradition is sending a homemade photo Christmas […]
The subtle cues small businesses can use to harness Christmas spending
Every business, big or small, has its own ways of interacting with customers. But there are some small things you […]
Behind the scenes: Christmas card trends for 2022
What does it take to make VistaPrint’s annual Christmas card collection? Over nine months of work, 50 people (including researchers, […]
Christmas giveaway ideas for your small business
Christmas is right around the corner, and if you want to promote your business, connect with customers and ramp up […]
Your 2021 Christmas Handbook
Your 2021 Christmas Handbook Christmas marketing tips for your small business in 2021 Get your marketing ready with Vistaprint’s Christmas […]
Uni essentials: Room decoration ideas
Get your uni bedroom looking it best with our tips and inspiration.
Uni essentials: Stationery checklist
It’s almost that time of year. As the weather cools and summer comes to an end, it can only mean […]
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 […]
Say ‘I love you’ without saying ‘I love you’ with custom photo gift ideas
A picture says a thousand words…so, show someone you love them with a photo gift. Go beyond a simple framed […]
12 gift ideas to thank your employees & customers this 2023 festive season
Christmas is right around the corner, and ’tis the season to give a big thank you to all the people […]