The Design Circle: Branding, Websites & Business Insights
Here you’ll find candid insights on branding, website design, accessibility, SEO, and running a small business—along with practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes and save time, frustration, and money along the way.
I also share personal stories and lessons from life and business in hopes they’ll educate, encourage, or resonate with you—or someone you know.

Design Circle for Brand Authority Blog
Here you’ll find candid insights on branding, website design, accessibility, SEO, and running a small business—along with practical tips to help you avoid common mistakes and save time, frustration, and money along the way.
I also share personal stories and lessons from life and business in hopes they’ll educate, encourage, or resonate with you—or someone you know.

How long does a website last? Most sites have a shelf life of just 2–3 years before needing a refresh or rebuild. In this post, we break down what shortens (or extends) a website’s lifespan—covering design trends, tech updates, SEO factors, and how to know when it’s time for an...
Read MoreChoosing the right website builder can be tough! This guide compares WordPress and Squarespace to help you decide based on the unique features of each platform. The pros and cons and tips on choosing the right platform based on your business goals.
Read MoreNot sure whether to DIY your website or hire a professional designer? Learn the pros and cons of each, real-life examples of free help gone wrong, and when it’s time to invest in professional design services.
Read MoreBuilding trust is crucial for women-owned, minority-owned, and nonprofit organizations. A well-crafted website can be a powerful tool to establish trust with potential clients and supporters. By showcasing expertise, addressing concerns, and demonstrating impact, organizations can attract clients, secure funding, and foster long-term partnerships.
Read MoreChoosing the right website builder can be tough! This guide compares Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace to help you decide based on the unique features of Squarespace, Wix, and Weebly. The pros and cons of each platform and tips on choosing the right platform based on your business goals.
Read MoreWhile the importance of having an online presence is widely acknowledged, a website’s actual value and potential often remain hidden beneath the surface. Join me as we delve deep into a well-crafted website’s multifaceted benefits.
Read MoreI want to highlight how important font choice is in your brand. Even large corporations with established brand guidelines can make the wrong typeface/font choice that can be amusing to the viewer.
Read MoreCompelling copy always grabs your attention, sparks interest, and drives website visitors to hit the CTA (call-to-action) button. Sounds easy, right? The thing is, writing this type of copy takes time and skill.
Read MoreNow available! Episode 113 with Marisa Gonzales. She is a Mexican-American brand strategist and website designer from Kansas. She reached out to me because she wanted to help out and give back by sharing her diagnosis story.
Read MoreAs a small business owner, female minority, mother and someone who’s experienced chronic health issues, inclusiveness (or lack thereof) is what got me here.
Read MoreBefore I posted here about my story with migraine – I debated whether I should keep it in the dark room for longer. But, I decided it was time to change the perception of how we see our business partners, contractors, employees, life partners, friends, children, and mothers who suffer...
Read MoreLaunching a website for your online coaching business takes a village. For as strong as you may be, launching a new website and holding space for your clients can drain you.
Read MoreTracking your website conversion rate every month, you will understand what is working for your business and what is not. 𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝒍𝒆𝒕'𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒆𝒃𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏. Read on...
Read MoreA candid personal story of infertility with PCOS, failed IUIs, chemical pregnancy, grief, self-advocacy, and hope after nearly three years of trying.
Read More“Does your business need a website, or maybe you need a little help in the rebranding department? Today’s guest, Marisa Gonzales, is going to share the benefit of hiring an expert! Please don’t neglect the first thing that people see when they google your name. This is not the place...
Read MoreHere are five simple ways to increase traffic to your website with social media: ➡️ Share news about newly published blogs (really leverage LinkedIn here). Read on to learn more.The last one is key. Sometimes all you need to do is ask, and your followers will gladly help.
Read MoreYour website can increase business growth because it tells your story and builds an online presence for your brand. Together with the right content, graphics, and colors, your website is expressing the essence of who you are. This attracts your ideal audience and holds their attention to understand how you...
Read MoreEither way, in order for the Latin/x people to thrive, we need to be helping each other. We need to share our knowledge, make introductions with others in our network, invite more Latin/x people to the table, and just be kind.
Read MoreCommon client struggles are brand messaging and target market. Branding questionnaires are critical to determining the optimal marketing path.
Read MoreThe right combination of market research and understanding your ideal client will help you figure out what brand colors to use to attract them. If you have the wrong colors, it can attract the wrong clientele.
Read MoreThere's no such thing as arm's length distance while caring for others. I've been there! All of us who enjoy working in close proximity to our client's (who am I kidding, family) and then this COVID-19 pandemic hit us like a shock wave overnight. We are doing everything we can...
Read MoreEveryone is assessing their personal finances, business plans (debts, projections, marketing), insurance, etc. If you are a small business that performed your business in-person and let your marketing fall behind because you didn't have time, that's no longer an excuse. Take advantage of this time when your doors are closed...
Read MoreSteps to Proper Hand Washing to Protect Lives. 1 Step to take AFTER you've washed your hands properly.
Read MoreI help purpose-driven womxn create clear brand identities and high-end WordPress websites by designing intuitive and functional visual assets as a visual brand strategist + web designer. I’m also a wife and a woman of color (Latina-American) mama living outside of Kansas City, Missouri.
Read MoreThis is a miniseries of weekly posts called “Graphic Design Candor” about what I’ve learned through my design education and/or experiences. I know design and trends change but I feel like there are some design aspects that are always relevant. This may not earn me extra money as a graphic...
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