/ Journal
Notes from the studio
Web design, branding, print, signage and email marketing — written by the team that actually builds the work, for businesses in Colchester, Essex and across the UK.
16 Jun 2026
Designing for Distance: A Guide to Banner Font Sizes
Stop wasting money on banners no one can read. Our plain-spoken guide shows you how to choose the right font sizes for your exhibition and outdoor banners to get noticed from a distance.
BannersGraphic DesignMarketing
Read →10 Jun 2026
How Long Does It Really Take to Build a Small Business Website?
A common question with a frustratingly vague answer. We break down the real-world timelines for building a professional small business website, from one week to a few months.
Web DesignSmall BusinessProject Management
Read →4 Jun 2026
Which Signage Material is Best? Foamex vs Dibond vs Acrylic
Don't know your Dibond from your Foamex? This guide breaks down the most common signage materials to help you choose the perfect option for your shop, office, or vehicle.
SignageSmall BusinessMarketing
Read →28 May 2026
Menu Design Secrets: How Restaurants Can Increase Average Spend
Your restaurant menu is more than a list of food and prices. We look at the simple, effective design choices that can seriously increase your average customer spend.
Graphic DesignPrint DesignBranding
Read →25 May 2026
Why Your Email Open Rates Dropped (And What to Do About It)
Are your email open rates mysteriously dropping? It's a frustrating but common problem for small businesses. Here’s a no-nonsense guide to figuring out what’s going wrong and how to make it right.
Email MarketingDigital MarketingSmall Business
Read →19 May 2026
Designing for Distance: A Practical Guide to Banner Type Sizes
Getting your banner's type size right is crucial for grabbing attention at events. This guide covers the essentials for designing banners that are legible from a distance.
BannersGraphic DesignMarketing
Read →13 May 2026
Signage Materials Compared: Dibond, Foamex, Acrylic, or Aluminium?
A no-nonsense guide to the most common signage materials for small businesses. We compare the pros, cons, and costs of Dibond, Foamex, acrylic, and aluminium.
SignageBusiness TipsColchester
Read →10 May 2026
The Real Cost of a Rebrand: A Colchester Business Case Study
Wondering what a professional rebrand really costs? We break down the process and prices with a local Colchester case study, showing why good branding is an investment, not an expense.
BrandingRebrandingCase Study
Read →7 May 2026
Turn First Orders into Repeat Customers with a Welcome Email Series
Your customer list is a goldmine. A simple welcome email sequence can turn one-time buyers into loyal fans. Here's how to do it right.
email marketingsmall businessmarketing automation
Read →4 May 2026
Core Web Vitals 2026: A No-Nonsense Guide for UK Businesses
Google's Core Web Vitals are always evolving. We look ahead to 2026 to see what will actually matter for your website's performance and SEO.
SEOWeb DesignCore Web Vitals
Read →1 May 2026
The Psychology of Menu Design: Get Customers to Spend More
A well-designed menu is more than a list of dishes and prices; it's a carefully crafted sales tool that can significantly increase your average spend per table.
Graphic DesignMenu DesignRestaurant Marketing
Read →28 Apr 2026
Mailchimp vs Klaviyo vs ConvertKit: Which is Best for a UK SME?
Choosing an email marketing platform is a pain. We cut through the noise to compare Mailchimp, Klaviyo, and ConvertKit for UK small businesses, looking at price, features, and GDPR.
Email MarketingMailchimpKlaviyo
Read →26 Apr 2026
The Email Welcome Sequence That Turns New Buyers Into Repeat Customers
Your job isn't done when a customer makes their first purchase. This guide shows Essex small businesses how to build a powerful welcome email sequence that encourages repeat business.
email marketingcustomer retentionsmall business
Read →