Mobile Matters—Is Your Site Ready?

Over half of all web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website doesn’t look or work well on a phone or tablet, you're likely losing customers before they even see what you offer.

A good web designer will create a responsive site that adapts beautifully to any screen size. Because first impressions don’t just happen on desktops anymore—they happen in the palm of someone’s hand.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Your Designs Still Look Amateur (And How Pros Think Differently)

Most graphic designers want to improve their skills, but very few talk about the mindset of advanced graphic designers!

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why DIY Websites Can Cost You More Than You Think

It’s tempting to go the DIY route when building your website—but what you save in money, you may pay for in lost opportunities. Slow load times, poor mobile design, or broken links can frustrate visitors and hurt your search rankings.

A professional designer ensures that your site is fast, functional, and optimized—so you make a strong impression every time. Think of it as investing in your credibility from day one.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July!

Be Safe and Enjoy Your Holiday Weekend

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Is Swiss Design So Clean and Cool?

Swiss Design, also known as the International Typographic Style, is famous for its clean grids, sans-serif typefaces, and minimalist approach. In this video, we break down the core features that define Swiss Design and explore how its clarity and functionality continue to influence modern design. Whether you're a beginner or a design enthusiast, you'll see why this timeless style is still everywhere today.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

What a Professional Website Says About Your Business

First impressions matter—especially online. When someone visits your website, they’re instantly forming an opinion about your business. A cluttered layout or confusing navigation can send them clicking away before you ever get a chance to connect. Hiring a professional to build your site ensures that your brand is represented clearly, confidently, and credibly. It shows that you take your business seriously and value your customers’ experience. In a crowded digital space, a polished, purpose-driven website isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. And the right designer will make sure it speaks for you even when you’re off the clock.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Your Website Deserves More Than a DIY Job

Building a website might seem like something you can figure out on your own—and with enough time, maybe you can. But your website isn’t just a placeholder online. It’s your business’s digital front door. It needs to load fast, look great on every device, and guide visitors to take action. A professional web designer brings more than technical skill—they bring strategy. They know how to design for your audience, align with your brand, and turn browsers into buyers. When your site is crafted by someone who understands both design and user behavior, you’re not just getting a better website. You’re setting up your business for real results.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

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