How to create a great brand name | Jonathan Bell

Ever wondered why companies like Apple, Uber and AirBnB are so easily identified in a sea of advertising? Jonathan Bell gives step-by-step advice on how to create a lasting brand name. 

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

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Your Homepage Isn’t Just a First Impression—It’s a First Filter

People don’t scroll to figure it out—they scan to decide if it’s worth staying.

That’s why your homepage should act like a filter: attracting the right people and gently guiding the rest away. Clear messaging, purposeful layout, and one focused call-to-action help your ideal clients feel instantly understood.

You’re not trying to say everything—you’re trying to say the right things, right away.

Less noise. More direction. That’s how strong homepages work.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Content That Connects (and Converts)

Design gets them in the door—content gets them to stay. The words on your site should speak to your ideal customer’s needs, questions, and goals. That means less jargon and more clarity, empathy, and value.

A skilled designer works with a strategic copywriter to make sure every message builds trust and nudges people toward action. Because the right words on the right page? Game changer.

Say what matters. Write with purpose. Build real connection.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Typography Tutorial - 10 rules to help you rule type

Graphic Design Tutorial: 10 Typography rules to help you improve your type skills. Get better at graphic design by understanding how to use type. Improve your layouts instantly by following these 10 easy to follow rules.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Why Every Page Needs a Call-to-Action

Your website isn’t just digital decor—it’s a guide. Every page should answer the question: What do you want the visitor to do next?

Whether it’s “Schedule a call,” “Download the guide,” or “Shop now,” a clear, consistent call-to-action keeps people moving forward. Don’t leave them guessing—or they’ll leave altogether.

Guide the journey. Drive results. Make every click count.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

Your Homepage Has 5 Seconds—Make Them Count

When someone lands on your website, they make a decision fast. Within five seconds, they should know:

• What you do
• Who you do it for
• Why they should care

If your homepage is cluttered, confusing, or vague, visitors will bounce. Clear headlines, intuitive navigation, and one strong call-to-action can turn quick glances into meaningful engagement.

Design with clarity. Lead with purpose. Convert with confidence.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

The ONLY Logo Design Guide You’ll EVER Need (2025 Edition)

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

More Than Looks—Your Website Needs a Strategy

A beautiful website is great—but beauty without strategy won’t convert visitors into customers. A skilled designer helps align your layout, content, and calls-to-action with your business goals.

Whether it’s booking appointments, generating leads, or making sales, your site should guide people toward taking action. That’s the difference between a pretty page and a powerful tool.

Ryan Stone 

p: 707-480-0959

e: rstone@upwardtrend.org

Terry Minion

p: 707-434-9967

e: tminion@upwardtrend.org

Website

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