Brand and Website Design for TwigBerryStudio

As I mentioned in my previous blog post, I refreshed some key priorities this season in my business. One of the things I’m focusing on in a greater scope is taking on more design and strategy clients. And part of that includes posting each project to my blog to share with you.

I thought it would be fun to kick-off this series with a design that’s a little extra special to me. I’m excited to share it with you because this brand and website project actually features my very first creative business and the brand that kick-started my journey as an entrepreneur: TwigBerryStudio.

While I designed the bulk of this brand years ago, and while it’s been sitting in my portfolio all this time, I recently added a few finishing touches to accommodate several new ventures within my business, so it’s the perfect time to make its debut here on the Ponder Trail blog with a full project breakdown.

The fun part about today’s post is that you’ll also get a glimpse at the creative things I’m working on when I’m not writing blog posts, designing brands and websites, or working one-on-one with my brand strategy clients. Ready for the tour?

Branding, Brand Strategy, Brand Design, Website Design, SquarespaceSarah ForestMay 17, 20222022, small businessComment

Exciting Updates to the Ponder Trail Website

If you read my blog post about how I’m changing up my approach to planning out my year, you might know that a big website refresh was on my list for the first half of the year.

As a brand and website designer, I often talk about how it’s important to update your site every year or so to keep things prioritized and relevant, but it had been quite some time since I had switched things up on the Ponder Trail website.

I officially published the site updates last week, and I’m excited to return from my blogging hiatus to walk you through what’s new.

I think you’ll find some of the new content helpful—especially the new free jam-packed resources. Let’s dive in!

Strategy, SquarespaceSarah ForestJune 25, 2021Website, 2021, small business Comments

How to Create a Secure Membership Site with Squarespace using Member Areas (without 3rd Party Programs)

Squarespace is hands-down my favorite website provider for small businesses, bloggers, and content creators alike.

And it just got better.

If you’ve ever thought about creating a password protected area on your website or envisioned what a members-only area could do for your brand, then it’s the perfect time ever to take action. Why now?

Because Squarespace just rolled out its latest feature: Member Areas.

The Worst Website Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

In 2019 and beyond, every creative business can benefit from a website, and most already have one set up. However, there are many things that can make a site subpar.

You don’t want your website to be one of the many that fall prey to these rookie mistakes.

Even the smallest error can result in the largest loss—such as deterring potential clients or customers because of a site’s faux pas that’s easily fixed.

I’ve rounded up the most common website errors I’ve spotted in 2019 right here in this post. Give your business an advantage by avoiding these top 11 mishaps.

Creating a Responsive Filterable Gallery in Squarespace

Have you ever wanted to create a responsive gallery to feature different collections of your work all within one page?

While Squarespace doesn’t have a content block to create this magic, I do have handy trick I’ve used in various ways across my website. This method actually uses several pages, and the results are so similar to a one-page feel that your audience will hardly realize it while your responsive gallery changes with a click of a button right before their eyes.

On this “one page,” your audience can select different categories to view. And they can easily toggle between these filtered views without losing their bearings or ever having to click the <— Back button of their browser.

Similar to a storefront with categories listed at the top for easy sorting, this Squarespace work-around has many uses.

Let’s jump right into today’s step-by-step tutorial!

SquarespaceSarah ForestJuly 24, 2019creative entrepreneur Comments

Squarespace 101 for Creative Entrepreneurs and Bloggers

video + blog post

In this Ponderstream episode, learn the basics of Squarespace as I take you behind my computer screen and give you a step-by-step tour of the back end.

Get a detailed glimpse of Squarespace’s many features to see how simple and easy it is to use.

From creating pages to setting up shop, I cover practical ways creative entrepreneurs and bloggers can use Squarespace to build their brand’s headquarters.

Missed joining this one live? Register for next week’s Ponderstream webinar here.

An Inside Look at My Brand and Website Design Service

My love for graphic design and creative entrepreneurship is what led me to venture out and start Ponder Trail. I wanted to offer branding for small businesses and be a valuable resource, too.

While I have a page dedicated to my design service, I haven't yet spelled out the process on my blog.

So today, I’m sharing the details of my brand and website design package.

There are several features that make it a little different, and this post walks you through the process and highlights some of the elements that make it unique.

I hope you enjoy this in-depth look at what it’s like to work with me to transform the visual brand identity of your business.

An Inside Look at the Strategy Behind My Homepage

Last week, I shared a post about the 7 essential pages to include on your website. As I was writing, the content I wanted to share about the strategy behind a homepage kept growing, so I decided to create an in-depth post dedicated just to this one topic.

If you're itching for a look behind the scenes at the thought process and purpose behind an effective homepage, this post is for you!

If you already have a website, or if you're are just getting started with one, I hope you enjoy today's insights as I spill the beans on the strategy behind my homepage.

Business, Squarespace, BrandingSarah ForestSeptember 25, 2018Website, Strategy, Blog Pod, Experience, Design, creative business Comments

7 Essential Pages Every Website Needs (and the Strategies behind Them)

It’s no secret that every business in 2018 needs a website.

It’s the best place to build your online presence because you own and control your website.

. . . And because you won’t have to worry about changes to algorithms on social media.

While the possibilities are endless for designing and setting up your brand’s website, there are 7 pages in particular that are critical for a successful site.

Keep reading to learn how you can implement these essential pages on your business’s website.

10 Reasons to Use Squarespace for Your Website Platform

I’m all about saving time.

As an entrepreneur, there’s always so much to do. From creating content for the blog and website to managing design work, my to-do list is in constant ebb and flow.

I’m sure you can relate, too.

Since my website is the headquarters of my business, it’s essential for me to use an effective platform that keeps things simple.

That’s why Squarespace is my website platform of choice. It’s among my list of top 5 things I couldn’t run my business without, and it’s one of the most effective time-saving tools I use.

Squarespace is simple, streamlined, and straightforward. And it has allowed me to be more intentional and strategic with my business. I recommend it to each of my design clients and to almost every creative entrepreneur I meet.

I’ve been a Squarespace user for over a year now, and here are 10 reasons why I love it.

Squarespace, Website DesignSarah ForestSeptember 7, 2018Blog Pod, Website, creative business Comments

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