Sunday Muse Design

What’s better than transforming your brand into a revenue-generating machine? Doing it with exclusive, invite-only tips and strategies for free.

Let’s be real. You know you’re supposed to be growing your brand and boosting your online presence...

But between juggling client work and managing the daily hustle, who has the time?! 😩

If you feel more than a little called out… join the club.

That’s why I created the Brand Wave podcast!

It’s a must-listen series for when you want to:

→ Learn how to craft a brand message that truly connects and converts.
→ Discover how to build a visual identity that stands out.
→ Turn your website into a powerful business tool that drives profits.

Who DOESN’T want all of those things?!

Sign me up. And while you’re at it, sign you up, too.

So what are you waiting for? 🔗 Click to join the waitlist and be the first to get access when we go live! IT’S FREE!

Private Podcast: Brand Wave Waitlist GAIN ACCESS TO THE [FREE] PRIVATE PODCAST Transform your brand into a revenue-generating machine Get ready to dive into the juicy secrets of branding and website design with Shannon in this invite-only podcast. This isn’t your average business podcast—it’s your new favorite resource for transf...

If you're on the hunt for a web designer, it's crucial to know exactly what (and who) to avoid. Navigating the world of web design can be a bit like dating – sometimes, the red flags are subtle, but ignoring them can lead to disastrous results. Trust me, you don't want to end up in a committed relationship with a web designer who doesn't have your best interests at heart!

First off, let's talk about communication. 🚨 If your potential web designer takes forever to respond to emails or messages, that's a major red flag. Communication is key to any successful partnership, and if they can't keep up now, imagine how frustrating it will be when deadlines are looming.

Then there's the portfolio issue. 📁 If a designer can't show you a portfolio of previous work, run the other way! A solid portfolio not only showcases their skills but also helps you see if their style aligns with your vision. No portfolio often means no experience or, worse, a lack of confidence in their work.

Speaking of style, beware of the one-trick ponies. 🎨 If all their designs look eerily similar, they might be trying to fit every project into a single template. Your website should be as unique as your brand, so a cookie-cutter approach simply won't do.

Another red flag? 🚫 Overpromising and underdelivering. If a designer guarantees the moon and the stars but has no concrete plan to get there, be wary. Promises are great, but results are what matter.

Let's not forget about transparency with pricing. 💰 If a designer is cagey about costs or suddenly hits you with hidden fees, that's a huge no-go. A trustworthy designer will be upfront about their rates and any additional costs from the get-go.

Curious for more? Dive into my latest blog post where I break down these red flags in detail and share some tips on finding the perfect web designer for your project. Trust me, you'll want to read this before you make any decisions.

Red Flags to Watch Out for When You Hire a Website Designer — Sunday Muse Design | Brand Strategy and Website Design Services for Small Business Discover the essential red flags to watch out for when you hire a website designer. Learn how to spot warning signs of subpar designers and find reliable professionals who can bring your vision to life with creativity and professionalism. Ensure your brand stands out with a thoughtfully designed web

If your branding and web design feel overwhelming, you're not alone.

Many entrepreneurs struggle with finding the right balance and the best approach. It can be frustrating to juggle everything and still feel like your brand isn’t reflecting your true potential.

That’s why I’m bringing back the [improved] 2-Week Design Intensives.

Design Intensives Waitlist Transform Your Brand or website in Just 2 Weeks Coming (back) in September:Design Intensives This is your fast-track solution to achieving a polished and professional brand or website that stands out and drives results, without the added stress. Be one of the first to access this transformative expe...

Do you ever feel like SEO is this mysterious creature lurking in the shadows of the internet, waiting to pounce on your unsuspecting website? Same.

But here's the thing: SEO doesn’t have to be scary or confusing.

In fact, with the right SEO marketing services, it can be downright fun and incredibly beneficial for your business.

https://sundaymusedesign.com/blog/the-power-of-seo-marketing-services

Stop what you're doing and tell me—which color palette would you give this brand?

Being able to identify a brand's colors based on their personality, goals, and ideal client is a critical (and fun!) part of the branding process.

Want to steal part of my brand strategy process? Grab my free Brand Strategy Workbook: https://sundaymusedesign.com/free-brand-strategy-workbook

Branding is more than just your logo, colors, and fonts. It's also more than your website. Today's guide walks you through super strategic and practical ways to infuse your branding into your website for one holistic, cohesive experience.

Navigating the Intersection of Branding and Web Design: A Strategic Guide — Sunday Muse Design | Brand Strategist & Web Designer for Small Businesses Craft a captivating online presence with our guide on blending branding and web design. Elevate your site with strategic insights, and grab your free Brand Strategy Workbook now!

Can we get real for a sec?

People always say that ranking high on Google is all about optimizing your website for SEO.

But no one really talks about what SEO really entails.

So get ready for a hard truth...

👉 If you want to rank higher on Google, you need to pay attention to the PAGES of your website. WebPAGES rank, not websites.

So when it comes to optimizing those pages? Add more.

‼️ But don't go adding pages all willy-nilly.

It's not about just adding more pages. It's about strategically adding more pages. And the EASIEST way to do that?

Blogging.

Your goal for blogging as a business owner: get found in more searches to improve your brand awareness, reach your target audience, and increase your clients or customers.

Here are 6 steps to writing a keyword-rich blog post like you're the Taylor Swift of blogging: (continued in comments)

Did you know that the real secret to having a website that converts isn’t just having a beautiful design? And it’s not just having great, compelling copy either. (I know. GASP.) It’s finding the perfect balance of the two.

Your golden ticket? A strategy-focused plan.

A brand and website strategy will help you fuse your words AND your design to build an immersive, memorable, and unique experience for your visitors. I promise that if you start with an actual strategy, you’ll be watching your website visitors take action.

Want more tips on brand and website strategy? Comment ‘brand’ below and I’ll sent you my free, interactive brand strategy workbook…and I’ll personally send you the link. Not a bot 😏

Here’s the thing about your potential growth...

You can’t know FOR SURE what it’ll look like for you.

The “average” doesn’t show you the mom who’s running a business while keeping 3 kids at home at the same time.

Just because one of my clients took a leap into holistic branding and surpassed her goals in 4 months doesn’t mean everyone will.

Because it’s not just about filling out a brand strategy workbook and crossing your fingers you’ll see results.

(If it was, you wouldn’t need my help 😏)

It’s about actually doing something with the work we put in.

And when you put in that work? Some people see results in one month. Others see results in one year.

But if you want to give yourself the BEST chance of growing your business and getting ahead of the curve? You’ve got to update your brand and website strategically👈

And if you’re thinking, “Cool. Where do I begin?” Join my email list to get super specific, actionable tips.

Honestly? I had a REALLY hard time narrowing down Heather’s description for this graphic to 3 lines. I want to add “Kindest woman I know” and somehow figure how to concisely say “I owe a lot of the success of my wedding planning business to her.”

If you’ve been around here for any length of time, you’ve likely seen me mention a time or two. She’s a wedding planner in California, an educator for wedding planners, and a powerhouse of an entrepreneur.

I’ll spare you the backstory of how I know Heather. But if you’re a wedding planner or an aspiring wedding planner, she’s one you want to have in your corner and definitely want to learn from. ( was hands-down one of the best investments I made when I owned my own wedding planning company.)

All this to say—the Women to Watch series wouldn’t be complete without an interview from Heather 🫶🏻🥺❤️

👉 The big takeaway: strategy rules. 

I never thought I’d want to add “research” to my project to-do list.

But here I am!

Flashback to 2022... I stopped focusing on offering anything more than web design and SEO services.

The problem?

Clients started focusing on *just* a pretty website.

📢 And a pretty website alone won’t move the needle.

So in 2024? I’m bringing back a more comprehensive and holistic approach to rebranding and building your brand.

And honestly? I’ve beta-tested this with a few people and immediately saw a shift in their mindset and the way they approach their business.

Anybody else looking at their website from more than just an aesthetics standpoint? What are your thoughts?

If you want to learn more about holistic branding, head to the blog to read more and see some examples of what it looks like (link in bio).

This is why I’m obsessed with brand strategy.

Tropicana’s fan-favorite orange juice was known for its classic packaging: an orange with a straw poked in it, with the beloved logo above it.

But in 2009, Tropicana did a complete 180 and rebranded the packaging to a modern, sleeker design.

And the result?

Massive backlash that cost them more than $50 million.

It’s not that Tropicana was doomed. They just missed some research during the rebranding process.

(Spoiler alert: They reverted to the original design less than 50 days after launching the new one)

There’s a lot to learn from this case study, and one of the biggest takeaways is that branding and brand strategy are complex. There are a lot of moving parts. And some of them are unpredictable.

But if you want to get a solid step in the right direction? Grab my free Brand Strategy Workbook at the link in bio.

Ever wondered what takes a brand from "meh" to "wow"? It's not just about colors and logos; it's diving deep into strategy, design, and messaging – that's holistic branding.

Brands that not only stand out but compel and captivate their audience are magnetic. They are the brands who "get" it. And they're giving their clients and customers an unforgettable experience as a result.

But how do you get to that point?

Through a holistic approach to branding, web design, and marketing.

You forge an identity that resonates with your audience on a deeper level. And as a result—drive growth and leave a lasting impact.

Read more about holistic branding and connecting your design & message:

The Holistic Approach to Branding: Connecting Design and Message — Sunday Muse Design | Brand Strategist & Web Designer for Small Businesses Crafting a captivating brand experience goes beyond visuals; it's about holistic branding. Explore our comprehensive guide on holistic branding strategies, intertwining strategy, design, and messaging for digital growth. Dive into the power of cohesive visual identities, SEO-friendly web designs, an

So there I was, hands on my head in utter frustration, 5th cup of coffee halfway done at 3:00 in the afternoon.

I’d just gotten off Zoom with a very frustrated client, and I was disappointed. Frustrated. Confused.

This particular client hired me for a VIP Day (Psst—these are currently on pause, more on that later). We’d never worked together before but seemed to ‘click’ during a consult to review everything she wanted done.

This was supposed to be a simple web design for her brick-and-mortar store and new online shop.

(NOTE: VIP Days are typically 6-8 hour work days where you get undivided attention on your project. They’re great for people who are quick decision-makers & need something done quickly. They’re also great for straightforward projects.)

I’d already built her entire site.

Id even redesigned her e-Comm shop twice at this point during the day.

And yet… she wasn’t happy with this 3rd iteration and wanted to go back to the 1st iteration for her e-comm shop design 🫣

So at this point, 6-7 hours into the day, I’d built her a 4-page site with an online shop. I’d given her 3 different designs for her online shop. And now she wanted to take it back to the original design we started with… the same design I recommended she go with in the first place… all based on our research and strategy.

I mean, when I tell you I almost threw a chair against my wall, I mean it 😩

But hey—haven’t we all done this? Doubted ourselves and what we’re doing? Looking back, I’m glad she realized she wanted the original design because it taught me that yeah—all of that research and strategy… all of that planning and goal setting and pinpointing exactly what you want in the end? It’s all done for a reason. And if done correctly—it works. (even though I’d NEVER EVER want to disappoint a client again. Like…never.)

So here’s the moral of the story: Know what you want. And if you’re unsure of what you want? Trust the experts you’ve hired to help you figure it out and get there.

Need a little help starting your own strategy? Download the Brand Strategy Workbook now at the link in bio. (Did I mention it’s free?! Like, $0. Don’t walk—run.)

This year my Spotify Wrapped consisted of a lot of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Blippi, and Disney soundtracks (seriously—Spotify should have a filter for moms).

Regardless, I LOVE seeing it every year.

So here’s MY version for Sunday Muse... my year in review.

It’s been a good year. A year of growth. A year of refining. There have been ups and downs. But overall? It’s been amazing.

And your support has meant everything to me. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being the biggest part of what I do.

(And instead of posting every day this week as usual, this is it. This is my post. See you in 2024!)

I’m getting vulnerable with you here.

When I first started digging into SEO, I knew NOTHING about it.

Even the subtle mention of keywords and organic SEO left me in a 30-minute-long Google search loop *cue: sweaty palms*

So, to save you the 20 open tabs, here are a few words to start your SEO Glossary:

* SEO: stands for search engine optimization and is the process of improving (aka optimizing) the pages of your website to increase the visibility of that page/content in organic search results on search engines like Google....without paying for ads.

* On-Page SEO: everything on your site that you can control to improve your website for higher rankings in search results (page titles and descriptions, proper use of headings, images, alt text, internal links, URL redirects, etc.)

*Off-Page SEO: all the strategies you implement off your website that help drive organic traffic to your website (guest blogging, being a podcast guest, optimizing and updating your Google Business Profile, backlinks, etc.)

*Technical SEO: the strategies that optimize a website so Google (and other search engines) can easily find your content

* Keywords: the words and phrases that someone uses to find information online.

* Keyword Research: the strategic process of finding the keywords and phrases that are most relevant to your website and business.

* Search Volume: the number of times a particular keyword or phrase is searched for in a given period

* Search Query: a word or phrase that someone types into Google to find information on a particular topic.

Get it? Got it? GOOD. You’re already 10 steps ahead of where I was. 

You’ll be understanding your SEO Specialist a little more in no time 😉

Want more juicy SEO tips? Follow along for more!

There’s no better time to kickstart a strategic brand journey than right now, and let me tell you why...  

Every day you’re likely overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list while you binge-listen to podcast after podcast, skim every blog post you can find, and * peek * at what your competitors are doing.

This means our brand foundation, how we portray it, and how we set ourselves up to expand and grow all impact our ability to build the life and business we’ve always dreamt of.

If you’ve ever wished for a holistic, strategy-focused, results-driven, and highly personalized roadmap to navigate the complexities of taking your business to the next level and reaching a place of clarity and confidence, you’re in the right spot (it me). 💁‍♀️

✨ That’s why I’m completely remastering the client-favorite service that’s been behind a locked door all year. It completely transforms the way you feel every day about your brand.

Comment ‘refined’ in the comments, and I’ll slide the waitlist sign-up form right into your DMs. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

In 18 days your website could be sitting exactly as it is now...
OR you could be confident it’s ready for 2024 (I’m talking next level confidence). Which would you prefer?

If you’re thinking “Wow, OKAY... but how on earth will I do that?!”

Steal my 8-day game-plan below:

Day 1: Update the copyright year in your website footer

👉 Level of ease: SUPER EASY
⏰ Time Commitment:

Did you know...

If you had a strong brand strategy that went beyond just your logo, you could not only set your business up for the long-term and have a solid marketing plan, but you’d be able to maximize your leads and have tailored solutions that align with your values and spark growth?

There are probably things you’re doing right now that are taking the time and space you could be putting towards building the life and business you’ve always dreamed of...

🤔 Maybe you’re spending too much time trying to convince your clients to work with you only to have them second-guess your value.
🫠 Maybe you’re working wayyyy too many hours and still haven’t raised your prices to where you want them.
🥴 And maybe you even find yourself scrolling through IG and clicking on your competitors’ sites to compare your brand with theirs.

But if you stopped spinning your wheels and had some serious clarity, you’d be able to show up confidently and consistently with a stylish, strategic, and impactful brand and website.

📢 This is your PSA.

Ready to start 2024 off on the right foot? Let’s plan a date to chat!

THIS is why I do what I do.

For results like this. 

When Sydney first came to me, she was STRUGGLING.

→ She wasn’t booking out... much less booking the best clients.
→ Her website no longer resonated with her.
→ And her SEO? Don’t even ask.

But then she popped into my DMs.

Now, just 5 months after working with me, she’s having her BIGGEST. YEAR. EVER.

I mean, she’s raised her rates TWICE since working together. [

It’s always a little intimidating to write about someone who writes for a living.

But nevertheless, here we are.

I found Rachel on Instagram a while back and loved her ever-relatable Reels. And after digging into some of her website copywriting projects, I knew she’d be someone I’d want to collaborate with on a website design.

Fast-forward a bit, and I’m currently in the middle of designing a website around copy she wrote for one of our clients. And telling you the copy is good is an absolute understatement 👀

Rachel owns , a copywriting studio for photographers. And the writing genius that rolls out of her studio is awe-inspiring.

Naturally I asked her if I could interview her for the Women to Watch series. So without further ado… meet Rachel Greiman, Owner of Green Chair Stories, a copywriting agency for photographers…. Give her a big hug 🫶🏻

It’s not failure, it’s a perspective and cultural shift.

In a world filled with a hustle-culture mentality, it can certainly feel like you’re falling behind or failing at business if you decide to take a break from work.

The truth? It’s far from that.

The “GO GO GO” and “work at night and on the weekends” mentality often perpetuates a narrative of success vs failure, overlooking the complex and individual journey we each may face.

Running your own successful business is deeply intertwined with cultural norms and expectations, creating an emotional rollercoaster for those who really want to find work-life balance and experience the freedom of working for yourself.

We’re long overdue for a time to redefine this narrative (and I know of a handful of people who advocate for it) to acknowledge that every single person’s perspective on work vs rest is different.

The notion of failure should be replaced with understanding, support, and complete removal of shame for taking time away from your business.

If you or someone you know is trying to find that delicate balance between working and wanting to succeed while also wanting to experience the freedom of being able to stop in the middle of the day (or take a month off from your business), remember, you’re not failing if you take a break from work.

Let’s shift the perspective and acknowledge that maybe you can be better at your craft if you’re well-rested.

Comment ❤️ if you agree!

Listen up, y'all.

I don't have to tell you that implementing a strong brand strategy is KEY when it comes to getting crystal clear and taking your business to the next level.

But if every time you sit down to make a decision in your business you want to bang your head on the keyboard and quit altogether, you're not alone.

The thing is, when it comes to doing the thing you do, you've got it DOWN.

📸 Photographers? You're already shooting the right shots and editing them juuuuust right.

🛋 Interior Designers? You're taking someone's outdated, boring living room and bringing it to life in a carefully styled, yet effortless way.

📋 Wedding Planners? You're taking 2373 details and 21 vendors and somehow magically weaving it altogether while simultaneously putting out fires your couples never know about.

So... why are you still struggling to make even the smallest decision in your business?

Believe it or not...

Because—deep breath—actually making decisions won't help you take your business to the next level if you're not ALSO making sure those decisions are aligned with your brand strategy.

So here's your starting point!

Want to learn more about my brand strategy services? My DMs are open.