Automate Your Way to a Stress-Free Holiday

Holidays are all about family, friends, and maybe a little bit of R&R. But if you're a small business owner, stepping away can feel impossible without things piling up. The good news? Automation can help keep your business moving while you enjoy the festivities. Here are nine easy ways to make it happen with a few simple tweaks!

Set Up an Away Message That Feels Human

First things first: let people know you’re stepping away. A quick auto-reply on your email can work wonders. Keep it professional but personal, like: "Hey there! Thanks for reaching out. I’m out of the office from [dates] for a little holiday R&R. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can after my return. Need something sooner? Check out [link to FAQ or resource page]. Happy holidays!" This way, you're setting up expectations and letting everyone know you're still on top of things!

Personalize Your Social DMs

Social platforms like Instagram and Facebook let you set up auto-responses for direct messages. Make it fun and helpful! For example: "Hi! Thanks for dropping by. I’m away for the holidays but will get back to you after [date]. If you’re looking for info about pricing, head over here: [link]. Happy Holidays!"It’s a little touch that shows you’re on top of things, even when you’re not glued to your phone.

Update Your Email Signature

This one’s super easy. Add a quick note to your email signature letting people know you’re on holiday hours. Something like: "Heads up! I’m taking a holiday break from [dates]. Replies might be slower during this time."It’s subtle but gets the job done.

Make Your Website Work Overtime

Your website can be your best assistant while you’re away. Add a banner or pop-up with your holiday hours, update your contact page to say when you’ll be back, or link to a handy FAQ page for common questions.

Block Off Your Calendar

Using a scheduling tool like Calendly or Acuity? Make sure your holiday break is blocked off so no one can book appointments while you’re gone. Add a friendly note to the next available dates, like: "Can’t wait to chat! My next availability starts on [date]. See you soon!"

Pre-Schedule Social Media Posts

Keep your social media active without lifting a finger. Use tools like Meta Business Suite, Planoly, or Later to schedule posts ahead of time. Now, you can sip hot cocoa without stressing about your Instagram feed.

Automate Your Shop Updates

If you sell products, make sure your shop is ready to handle things without you. Auto-confirmation emails and shipping notifications are a lifesaver here. Platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce make it easy to set these up. In some stores, you can also automate your products to disable on certain dates or when they sell out, ensuring the products are no longer available. 

Write & Schedule Emails Ahead of Time

Whether it’s a holiday thank-you note or reminders for upcoming deadlines, scheduling emails in advance keeps things moving while you’re offline. Gmail, Mailchimp, ConvertKit—whatever you use, get those emails queued up before you log off.

Make a Game Plan for Your Return

Before you sign off, jot down a quick list of things you’ll tackle when you’re back. This way, you can enjoy your break without a million loose ends swirling in your head. If helpful, schedule a "return to work day" without meetings, so you can catch up on emails and get organized on your first day back. 

Taking time off doesn’t mean hitting pause on your business. With a few easy automations, you can enjoy the holidays and keep things running smoothly. So go ahead, set yourself up for success, and enjoy the season—you’ve earned it! If you need a hand setting up any of these automations, schedule a consultation now because we'll be out of the office enjoying our family over the holidays :)

The Power of Print Design

We know print design can sometimes feel a bit archaic in today's digital world. But print materials bring the personal touch and lasting impression that online ads or social posts just can't touch. Holding a high-quality brochure or an embossed business card feels intentional—it shows care, effort, and professionalism. Print not only builds credibility but also offers a way to step outside the screen and connect with your audience on a more human level. Here's why we love it:

It boosts brand recognition. Cohesive print materials—like postcards, banners, or business cards—help reinforce your brand’s identity, making you more memorable.

It creates a multi-sensory experience. Touch and texture add a new layer of engagement. The feel of premium paper or the shimmer of a foil-stamped logo leaves an impression that lasts.

It supports community marketing. Posters in neighborhood spots, direct mail, or branded flyers can engage your community in ways digital ads often can’t.

It provides Longevity. Unlike a digital ad that’s gone in a scroll, print materials stick around. A well-designed flyer or catalog can sit on a desk for weeks, keeping your brand visible.

Not sure where to start? Business cards are a timeless way to make an impression. Brochures showcase your services in a professional, portable format for people to grasp at a glance. Postcards are perfect for promotions and reminders. Or you can use signage to draw attention to your business with banners, posters, or table displays.

Not to mention, the holiday season is the perfect time to incorporate print design into your marketing strategy. A physical holiday greeting feels more thoughtful and stands out from the endless flood of e-cards. Hosting a holiday event? Printed invites add a sense of formality and excitement, encouraging RSVPs and attendance. Branded gift tags or wrapping paper for products show attention to detail and elevate your customer’s unboxing experience. Or use a personalized note or branded calendar to thank clients for their support. It’s a simple yet powerful way to strengthen relationships.

Keep in mind your marketing strategy should not consist of print OR digital. By integrating print with your digital efforts, you create a seamless and engaging brand experience that resonates with your audience both online and offline. When used together thoughtfully, they can really amplify your message. Here's how:

Drive online traffic. Use print materials like postcards, flyers, or brochures to include QR codes or website links that direct customers to your online store, social media, or a landing page for exclusive offers.

Reinforce brand recognition. Consistency between your print and digital designs strengthens your brand. Your logo, colors, and messaging should align across all platforms, making it easy for your audience to recognize you wherever they see you.

Create a multi-touchpoint strategy. Combining digital campaigns with print materials ensures your message reaches customers in different ways. For example, follow up an email campaign with a physical thank-you card or a direct mail flyer for a sale.

Expand your reach. While digital marketing is great for connecting online, print helps you reach people offline. By blending the two, you ensure no customer is left out, whether they prefer scrolling Instagram or browsing a local coffee shop.

Whether you’re gearing up for the holiday season or want to elevate your brand, investing in thoughtfully designed print materials can make all the difference. Take some time to think about how print could fit into your business strategy. Print design offers small businesses a unique way to connect with their audience, create lasting impressions, and stand out in a crowded market.

Crafting the Perfect About Page

The About Page. Let’s be honest, writing about yourself (or your business) can feel awkward. Where do you start? How much do you share? And how do you get that perfect balance between friendly and professional?

No worries—We've got your back. Here are our top tips to make your About Page say more than just “hello.” Let’s make it work hard for your business!

Tell Your Story—but Make it Relevant

The About Page is a great spot to tell people about your journey, but remember—it’s not your life story or a resume. Instead, think about your customer. What do they want to know about you or your business that will build trust and connection? Also, although you likely have a very smart following, you want to keep your text written for an average reading level of age 9-12 years old for maximum impact.

Here are some prompts to get you started:

• What inspired you to start your business?

• What problems are you solving for your customers?

• What’s unique about your approach?

Keep it relatable. You’re not writing a novel; you’re writing to connect with your audience. Don’t be afraid to show your personality—whether it’s quirky, professional, or somewhere in between.

Show Off Your Team (or Yourself)

If you have a team, your About Page is the perfect place to introduce them. People love knowing the faces behind the brand. You can talk in general about the culture of your company with some group shots, or you could add headshots with a brief bio, including a fun fact about each person.

If you’re a solopreneur, this is your chance to shine. Share your personal background and expertise, but also what makes you, well, you. Have a passion for making the perfect cup of coffee while you work or have a pup that keeps you company while you do your thing? Sprinkle that in!

Highlight Your Values

What do you stand for? Your About Page is an opportunity to explain your mission and core values. Customers love to feel aligned with the brands they support, so this is your chance to shout out what matters to you.

Maybe you’re all about sustainability, or perhaps customer experience is your focus. These are the things that build loyalty and trust.

Add a Call to Action

A well-written About Page doesn’t just end with your story. You want to lead visitors somewhere. What’s the next step? Maybe you want them to book a discovery call, check out your services, or sign up for your newsletter. Whatever it is, make it clear and easy.

Example:"Curious to learn more about how we can help your business grow? Let’s chat—book a strategy session today!"

Include Social Proof

Got a killer testimonial? Awards? Any feature in a major publication? Slide that into your About Page. Social proof builds credibility, and it’s a powerful way to show you’re not just talking the talk—you’re walking the walk!

Don’t Forget SEO

Here’s where we sneak a little strategy into the fun. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the secret sauce that helps Google recognize your site. So, how can you optimize your About Page for search engines?

• Optimize the Top of the Page: Make sure you're hitting your audience with an info-rich summary as soon as they hit the page. Hold off on internal links/buttons until later in the page; this encourages them to continue on and read more. Keeping your readers on important informational pages before they click away can help with Google rankings

• Use Keywords Naturally: Think about what your audience might type into Google when looking for a business like yours. Sprinkle those terms into your About Page without sounding robotic. If you’re a graphic designer in Chicago, phrases like “Chicago graphic design” or “branding services in Chicago” should flow naturally in your copy.

• Optimize Headers and Subheaders: Search engines love well-organized content. Use clear headings (H1, H2, etc.) to break up your sections. This makes your page scannable for both humans and Google bots. A couple more helpful hints: aim for only 1 H1 per page, and keep in mind subheaders are crucial to be displayed as featured snippets on Google.

• Don’t Skimp on Descriptions: Make sure your About Page has a concise page description that sums up what you do and includes a keyword. This will show up on search engine result pages and should entice potential visitors to click through.

  
  

Keep It Fresh

Your About Page isn’t a “set it and forget it” type of deal. Every time your business evolves, your About Page should too. Revisit it every year to make sure the content still reflects where you are and where you’re going.

An About Page is more than just a paragraph about your business. It’s your chance to connect, engage, and build trust with potential customers. Have fun with it, stay true to your brand’s voice, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine!

Ready to take your About Page to the next level? Book a 1-hour Strategy Session with us! We’ll sit down, chat about your About Page, tweak anything that’s not clicking, or tackle any part of your site that’s giving you trouble. Whether you need help with copy, design, or just want a fresh perspective, we’re here for you. Let’s work through it together—grab your session now and get your website looking and feeling just right!