Building a Brand – Redesigning a Business Start to Finish

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Your Website Is Never “One and Done”

Having a professional-looking website is essential—but keeping it updated is just as important. An outdated site can make your business seem inactive or behind the times, even if you're thriving.

Regular updates help your website:

• Stay secure and function properly
• Reflect your latest products, services, or hours
• Improve SEO so customers can actually find you
• Keep content fresh and engaging for repeat visitors

Think of your website as a living part of your business—it should grow and evolve with you. Need help keeping it current? A web designer can take that off your plate.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why great thinkers ask divergent questions | Natalie Nixon

Asking the wrong questions can hold you back. ‪Natalie Nixon‬ explains how to ask divergent questions to become a great thinker.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Focus on What You Do Best—Let Us Handle the Tech

You’re great at what you do. Whether you're a service provider, artist, or entrepreneur, your time is best spent growing your business—not wrestling with plug-ins or broken layouts.

Hiring a web pro means:

• Less stress and wasted time
• A site tailored to your specific goals
• Someone who understands design, UX, and conversions

Let us handle the pixels—so you can focus on your passion.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper in the Long Run

It’s tempting to build your own website using a drag-and-drop builder—but DIY sites often lack the performance, security, and SEO needed to compete online.

Professionally built websites:

• Rank better in search engines
• Are built for speed and scalability
• Come with ongoing support and fewer headaches

Cutting corners today could cost you leads tomorrow. Invest smart, grow faster.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

The Art of Doing Anything Exceptionally Well ( even if you are not pro )

Want to master anything in life?

In this video, we break down The Art of Doing Anything Exceptionally Well — from mastering your craft to understanding the power of repetition, focus, and patience. Learn the real process behind becoming elite at any skill, with a powerful story of Hokusai, the Japanese artist who created his masterpiece at 73.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Your Website = Your First Impression

When someone Googles your business, your website is often the first thing they see. If it’s outdated, slow, or confusing, you could lose potential customers in seconds.

A professional web designer ensures your site:

• Looks polished and reflects your brand
• Works flawlessly on phones, tablets, and desktops
• Loads fast and is easy to navigate

First impressions matter. Make yours count.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Your Business Needs Social Media

Think social media is just for fun? Think again. For businesses, it’s one of the most powerful tools to build your brand, connect with customers, and boost sales.

Here’s Why It Works:
Visibility: Stay top-of-mind with current and potential customers.

Trust: Build relationships by showing the people behind your brand.

Results: Drive traffic, sales, and engagement—often on a small budget.

Easy to Start: You don’t need to be a pro. A few thoughtful posts can go a long way.

Whether you’re sharing tips, behind-the-scenes moments, or customer shoutouts, social media helps you stand out—and grow.

Bottom line: If your business isn’t on social, you’re missing out. Now’s the time to jump in!

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Does stress affect your memory? - Elizabeth Cox

Explore the stages of how your memory stores information and how short-term stress impacts this process.

--

You spend weeks studying for an important test. On the big day, you wait nervously as your teacher hands it out. You’re working your way through, when you’re asked to define "ataraxia." You know you’ve seen the word before, but your mind goes blank. What just happened? Elizabeth Cox details the complex relationship between stress and memory.

Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Artrake Studio.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Build Trust with Testimonials and Social Proof

People trust people. One of the most powerful things you can have on your website? Testimonials and reviews.

Here’s why:

• They show real experiences with your service or product.
• They build credibility.
• They can boost conversion rates significantly.

Bonus tip: Add logos of trusted partners or certifications if you have them. A little social proof goes a long way.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Don’t Forget the Basics – Contact Info and About Page

It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many websites hide the basics.

Always include:

• A contact page with your email, phone number, and social links.
• An about page that tells your story, builds trust, and shows the human side of your brand.

Customers want to know who they’re doing business with—and how to reach you if they have questions. Make it easy.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

How to Fail Intelligently | Amy Edmondson

You may have once feared a big red “F” (for “Failure”) at the top of a graded assignment. Even as an adult, failing can make you feel discouraged or ashamed. But Harvard researcher Amy Edmondson’s research tells us that some failures are smart and productive — and “intelligent failure” offers a potential learning experience that could pave the way to greater success. She argues this desirable “F” should be a goal.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

First Impressions Matter – Make Your Homepage Count

Your homepage is the digital front door to your business. Within seconds, visitors decide if they’ll stay or click away.

Here’s what your homepage needs:

• Clear messaging – Who you are and what you do.
• Strong visuals – Clean design and engaging images.
• A clear call to action – Tell visitors exactly what to do next (e.g., "Book Now," "Learn More").

If people can’t figure out what you offer in 5 seconds, it’s time for a homepage refresh.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

The world is poorly designed. But copying nature helps.

Biomimicry design, explained with 99% Invisible.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Every Business Needs a Website

In today’s digital world, having a website isn’t just a bonus—it’s a necessity. Whether you're a small business, freelancer, or nonprofit, your website acts as your online storefront, open 24/7.

A well-designed site builds credibility, helps customers find you, and showcases what you offer. It’s also a central hub for sharing updates, answering questions, and even making sales. Without one, potential customers may not take your business seriously—or may not find you at all.

Think of your website as your business card, sales pitch, and customer service desk rolled into one. If you're not online, you're missing out.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

"Branding Your Business: Start with What You Stand For"

Branding isn’t just about logos and colors—it’s about creating a clear identity that connects with your audience. The first step? Know what your business stands for. What are your values? What problem do you solve? What feeling do you want customers to walk away with?

From there, build a visual style (like your logo, fonts, and colors) that reflects that message. Keep it consistent across your website, social media, packaging—everywhere your brand shows up. And don’t forget your voice! The way you communicate is just as important as how things look.

Great branding builds trust, tells your story, and helps your business stand out in a crowded market. Start with clarity, stay consistent, and always lead with purpose.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

How to Brand Yourself Without Feeling Fake

In this video,  I’m going to break down why "authenticity" became one of the most powerful currencies in branding, where most people get it wrong, and then I’ll give you my 5-step framework to brand yourself in a way that actually feels like you.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

What Does the Trend Setter Package Inculde?

OUR TREND SETTER PACKAGE INCLUDES ALL THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

>  Professional Website

>  Blog & Regular Blog Posting

>  Limited Social Media Posting & Management

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Linkedin

>  Personalized Email Newsletter

>  Video & YouTube Channel

>  Marketing & Business Consulting

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website