Blogs







Our Latest News & Blogs


Maintain brand consistency with multiple purchasers: a simple file checklist

How many versions of your logo are floating around right now? If you have multiple people ordering on behalf of your company, the answer is probably "more than you think."

We built a simple checklist to fix that. Seven files, one named approver, and your brand stays consistent across every order, every location, every person on your team.


What's the difference between a "Logo" and a "Brand"?

Most people think branding is your logo. London Transport proves it isn’t. One of the biggest trust wins they ever made wasn’t a Logo redesign, it was those little “next train” screens. They gave people solid expectations, and the moment you know what’s coming, you stop bracing for chaos and you relax.

This post breaks down why certainty is a branding tool, how physical touchpoints build trust fast, and how you can steal the same idea in your own business.


Building a Trade Show Booth

We’re building a trade show booth… and we don’t love it (yet). Because we’re not trying to build a display. We’re trying to build an experience. Come see what we land on at the Lacombe and District Chamber Trade Show. If you're wondering what to do for trade show season, this blog might help your think through some of the deeper strategy that helps make your booth memorable AND effective. 


Why should you put decals on your work truck?

I keep seeing service trucks with zero identification on them. No name, no number, nothing. At first I thought it was no big deal, but I wonder what an unmarked bow truck says to a customer. Our cultural understanding for an "unmarked van" isn't good. There may be reasons to avoid a full wrap, but there are other ways to show your legit instead of sketchy.


Make Your Print Worth Keeping

Most print gets binned because it behaves like a tiny billboard: “Here’s our logo, please care.” This post shows a better play for Alberta businesses: stop making print talk and start making it work. You’ll see two simple shifts that turn NCR books, notepads, brochures and mailouts into practical tools people actually keep, use, and trust, plus a quick test to spot wasted print before you spend another dollar.


How To Make Your Company Vehicle Wraps Work for Your Brand

Wrapping your business vehicles soon? There are a few key decisions smart Alberta businesses make first: who they’re targeting, what to signal, and how long the branding needs to hold up.


The Silent Revenue Killer: How Your Physical Presence Is Losing You Business You’ll Never Know About

Most companies obsess over analytics and conversions, but few consider those who never even give them a chance. Here’s why your physical presence may be quietly turning customers away long before they encounter your marketing.


Your Logo Isn't Your Brand, and That Matters

Understanding the difference between your brand and your logo could save you thousands in marketing dollars!


Christmas is Coming

The holiday season is your golden opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients, reward employees, and leave a lasting impression. Start planning now!


Ultimate Guide to Print Marketing in Alberta

As a small to medium sized business in Alberta, do you struggle with what to print, why it matters, and how you can create smarter marketing campaigns that win local trust? Check out our complete guide to print marketing in Alberta.


Creating Better Business Signs To Attract More Local Customers

Your sign speaks before you do. Learn how well-designed, well-placed business signage helps Alberta companies attract attention, build credibility, and boost local visibility.


Building Authentic Connections Through Print, Swag, and Signage

Modern customers crave authenticity, not perfection. Learn how to create trust and recognition through real-world branding, from print and swag to signage that truly reflects who you are.


From Draft to Display: Graphic Design That Brings Brands to Life

Behind every polished sign, brochure, or digital ad is a graphic designer bringing ideas to life. This blog explores how design powers print, signage, swag, and content for stronger branding.


Why Visual Consistency Matters in Business Marketing

Visual consistency builds trust, recognition, and professionalism. This blog shows Alberta businesses how to align design, print, and promotional materials for stronger branding.


Developing a Content Marketing Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

A strong content marketing strategy saves time and builds consistency. This step-by-step guide shows Central Alberta businesses how to plan, create, and promote content effectively.


Content Marketing Services: Driving Engagement and Conversions

Content marketing isn’t just for digital. This blog explores how strong messaging boosts the value of printed materials, signage, apparel, and promotional items in real-world settings.


Content Creation Services to Craft Messages That Resonate With Your Target Audience

Your business has something to say, content creation services ensure your message is heard. From websites to social media, this post explains how professional content connects and converts.


Marketing That Works Together: Designing Content That Converts

When your design and content work together, your message becomes more powerful. Learn how visual consistency helps brands convert browsers into buyers.


Graphic Design Services: Enhancing Visual Identity Across Platforms

From logos to signage, great design builds brand trust. Discover how consistent visuals across platforms support stronger marketing results.


How Great Design Fuels Better Marketing: From Signs to Socials

Design plays a critical role in how Alberta businesses connect with their audiences—from storefront signage to social media. This blog explores how strong visual design strengthens marketing across every channel, from print to apparel to digital platforms.


Modern Branding: Design, Strategy & Storytelling

Design, strategy, and storytelling work together to build a brand customers remember. Here’s how Alberta businesses can connect the dots and grow with impact.


How to Build a Brand in Central Alberta

Discover what it really takes to build a successful brand in Central Alberta. From design to content to strategy, here’s how rural businesses can stand out.


What’s the Difference Between Brand Management, Graphic Design Services, and Content Creation?

Learn the difference between brand management, graphic design, and content creation, and how they work together to build stronger, more consistent brands.


How to Plan a Successful Trade Show or Event

Maximise your Alberta trade show and event impact with expert tips on displays, event signage, branded apparel, giveaways and vehicle graphics.


From Storefronts to Vehicle Wraps: Signage Solutions for Alberta Businesses

Discover the best signage solutions for Alberta businesses. From storefront signs to vehicle wraps and trade show displays, learn how to maximize brand visibility and attract more customers.


Maximizing Impact: How Alberta Businesses Can Use Trade Show Displays & Event Signage to Stand Out in 2025

Trade shows and business events offer Alberta companies a huge opportunity to connect with potential customers, showcase their products, and build brand recognition. But with hundreds of booths competing for attention, the right trade show displays and event signage can make all the difference!


How AI Can Revolutionize Product Development & Innovation

Discover how AI is transforming product development by accelerating processes, reducing costs, and driving innovation with actionable insights.


Custom Signage Trends Alberta Businesses Need to Know

Discover the latest custom signage trends with Strand360, Alberta’s trusted sign shop. Eco-friendly material to minimalist designs, and digital integrations that power your brand. 


AI for Supply Chain Optimization: Streamline Your Operations

Discover how AI can optimize supply chain management for your business by improving inventory control, enhancing logistics, and reducing costs.


How AI Can Increase Your Sales Performance

Discover how Artificial Intelligence can improve your sales team's performance by optimizing lead generation, automating follow-ups, and enhancing customer personalization.


How AI Can Improve Customer Service: A New Era of Efficiency and Personalization

Discover how AI can streamline customer service with automation, personalization, and data-driven insights. Boost customer satisfaction with AI tools that transform support processes.


Creating a Cohesive Brand Image: Why Consistency in Design, Content, and Brand Management Matters

Discover the power of a cohesive brand image. Learn why consistency across design, content, and brand management is crucial for building trust and brand recognition.


How AI Can Enhance Your Marketing Strategy

Discover how AI can streamline marketing, optimize ad targeting, and personalize customer experiences. Enhance your strategy with these AI-driven tools. 


An Introduction to AI for Business

AI can assist with everything from automating repetitive tasks to analyzing vast amounts of data, enabling faster decision-making. But what exactly does AI mean for your business, and how can it be applied effectively?


Corporate Gifts for VIP Clients

Does your corporate gift strategy feel a bit generic when it comes to your VIP clients? But what constitutes a VIP-worthy gift? And how can you ensure that your present strikes the right balance between luxury and branding?


Corporate Calendars: A Practical Marketing Tool for Year-Round Brand Awareness

Custom Corporate calendars provide year-round brand visibility, boost credibility, and enhance client loyalty to make your marketing more impactful.


Marketing Pillars That Bring Your Brand Full Circle

Discover the key marketing pillars—printing services, custom signs, digital marketing, and corporate swag—that bring your brand full circle and ensure consistent, impactful results across all your marketing efforts.


Printed Marketing Materials: They Still Matter in The Digital Age!

Printed marketing materials remain vital in the digital age. Explore their evolution and integration with digital strategies for maximum impact. 


Boost School Spirit with an Online Swag Store

Increase school spirit with an online store for branded apparel and swag. Engage students, parents, and staff, and turn them into brand advocates with easy access to school merchandise. 


Awards & Promotional Products for Employee Recognition

Enhance employee recognition with award engraving and promotional products. Learn the benefits of laser engraving for corporate swag and employee awards. 


Essential Marketing Materials to Power Your Brand for Success

Discover the essential marketing materials that drive business success, including print, signage, and corporate swag. 


Event Marketing: Your Key to Engaging New & Loyal Customers

In the fast-paced world of business, creating meaningful connections with both new and loyal customers is essential for sustained growth. Event marketing has emerged as a powerful strategy to Be On Brand In Everything You Do and foster these valuable relationships.


Top 10 Giveaways for Your Spring/Summer Events

Discover the best promotional giveaways for your spring and summer events. Learn how to create brand awareness and improve your marketing strategy with our top 10 giveaway ideas.


QR Codes: Maximize Your Traditional Marketing Strategies

Discover how QR codes maximize traditional marketing efforts. Track your offline marketing campaigns seamlessly with this digital tool.


Maximizing Your Website's Role in Your Digital Marketing Strategy

In the modern marketing landscape, your website isn't merely a component of your strategy—it's the nucleus around which your entire marketing effort orbits. Despite its significance, many businesses overlook the full potential of this crucial […]


One Vendor, One Brand, One Voice: The Strand360 Symphony

In today's crowded marketplace, your brand's voice is its heartbeat, pulsating through the myriad of touchpoints with your audience. The challenge? Maintaining that heartbeat's rhythm across all platforms without missing a beat. […]


Be On Brand: The Essence of Memorable Full Service Marketing

Be On Brand: The Essence of Memorable Full Service Marketing

In today's vast marketplace, distinguishing your brand isn't just beneficial; it's imperative. The key to not only capturing attention but also holding it lies within the realm of brand consistency.  […]


Top selling products provided by printers

Printed products are always popular as gifts or promotional items. But what are the top-selling products provided by printers? Find out more from Strand360, a marketing agency specializing in digital and traditional marketing in Alberta. T-shirts Printed T-shirts are what kickstarted the revolution of printed promotional products. It’s no doubt but one of the most […]


How to market your business with vehicle wraps

Are you looking to market your business through the use of vehicle wraps. Strand360 explains how to do so effectively. How do vinyl vehicle wraps strengthen your business marketing strategy Strand360 outlines ways in which using vinyl vehicle wraps for your vehicles can create an impact: As soon as the vinyl vehicle wrap is installed […]


3 Reasons to Use Promotional Apparel For Marketing

Promotional apparel is all about the SWAG. Something We All Get (SWAG) is also referred to as freebies or promotional products. It includes t-shirts, coffee mugs, notepads, calendars or reusable water bottles with a company’s name or logo on them. Something practical that people can use.   Handing out swag products at community or business events […]


9 Low Budget Marketing Tips For Small Businesses

When marketing your small business, especially a start-up, it can seem like everything is out of reach financially. Small business marketing services don’t need to be expensive. If need be, you can do it yourself on a low budget.  Remember that doing it your self can still be costly. The number one cost being your […]


50 Marketing Strategies For Small Businesses

Whether business to business marketing or business to consumer, you need a marketing plan that fits your goals and brand. Marketing services come in all shapes and sizes. No industry is the same and neither are the individual companies within that industry.  All small business marketing needs to be unique to your brand culture. 1. […]


What Is A Digital Marketing Strategy?

Let’s start with a simple answer to the question, what is a digital marketing strategy? Any marketing efforts that happen on the internet or with the use of an electronic device. It is a marketing practice that uses multiple web services and channels to connect with your audience. This includes digital devices, digital platforms, digital […]


Marketing During Covid 19

The world looks much different now from what it did  a year ago. The economic unpredictability’s caused by Covid 19 should be incentive enough to take a hard look at the strategy you’re using to maintain and continue growing your business. From a marketing aspect, the new normal can seem quite challenging. Unfortunately, it’s no longer “business as usual”. Strategic marketing services may be needed […]


How to Create a Sign and Graphics Plan for Your Business

As a business owner, do you have a sign and graphics plan for your business? If not, you may not be receiving the visibility your business needs to flourish. Read about why your business needs custom signs.


Marketing vs. Branding – What’s the Difference?

Marketing and branding are two different things that are both vital for a successful business. So, what’s the difference between marketing vs. branding? Definitions of Branding vs. Marketing As Julie Andrews sang, “Let’s start at the very beginning…” It is indeed a very good place to start! Q: What is branding? A: Just like burning […]


How Much Should You Pay for Logo Design?

Before breaking down graphic design prices and the cost of logo design, consider the value of a custom business logo. Getting a logo is not just popping an image next to your company’s name because everyone else does. Your logo visually identifies the inimitable character of your business and what your brand represents. Think of […]


Top print industry trends of 2022

February 15, 2022

The print industry is constantly undergoing change and innovation. Keeping a track of the top print industry trends of 2022 can be highly beneficial for your digital marketing strategy and business. Strand360 outlines the trends that are making headlines in 2022 that you should include to enhance your digital marketing plan. Digital opt-ins in direct […]


Best Digital Marketing Strategies for B2B Business

Digital marketing strategies targeting businesses differ from those targeting clients directly. Business to Business (B2B) customers are efficient, logical and driven by return on investment (ROI). They want to be informed. They buy long-term solutions, and there are multiple people involved before making a purchase decision.  If you want to target a B2B company, you […]


New updates to Google My Business profile

Google is now giving you more features to promote your business and opportunities to connect with customers. In late 2021, the search engine giant announced some changes to Google My Business (GMB). All the changes are intended to benefit business owners who want to reach more users online. The first change is a simple name […]


3 branding mistakes undermining your company’s image

For any business that is looking to grow, there are a few key branding mistakes that prevent it from building a memorable and authentic brand image with their customer base. Strand360 outlines the branding mistakes to avoid for more effective brand awareness and a more consistent visual identity. Inconsistency across different platforms and mediums While […]


Understanding the color psychology used in marketing

Have you ever wondered why color psychology in marketing is important? According to an interesting infographic by Homestead, 93% of customers buy a product just based on its visual appeal, with 84.7% stating that color is the main element that appeals to them and influences their buying decision. A whopping 80% also believe that color […]


What is the difference between marketing and advertising?

While marketing and advertising have the same function: persuading customers to buy products and services, understanding the difference between the two can be helpful in the long run. Read on to find out more from Strand360. Marketing includes advertising and more Let’s start at the very beginning: advertising is an important component of marketing. Marketing […]


Why is Branding Such a Vital Part of Your Business

Have you ever asked yourself why branding is so important for your business? The answer is simple: branding is how your customer base perceives you. Many businesses believe that branding is about designing a fancy logo or eye-catching packaging for their products or services. But the truth is branding should be an all-encompassing process that […]


Why Your Company Needs a Digital Marketing Strategy

With the growing popularity of the internet, businesses that have a robust digital marketing strategy are setting themselves up for success. Strand360 explains why. What is Digital Marketing? The Six Pillars. Digital marketing, often referred to as online marketing, occurs when a business utilises the internet to connect with existing and prospective customers. The digital […]


Does Visual Marketing Help Businesses Succeed?

In our digital world where social media and websites rule the roost, visual marketing is a tool that businesses use to appeal to the senses of their audience, especially the sense of sight. Strand360, marketing expert in Alberta, explains further.   What is Visual Marketing? Any element related to your business that can be seen by […]


What is the Difference Between Vehicle Stickers and Vehicle Decals?

All vehicle decals are stickers, but not all stickers are decals. So, what is a decal and what differentiates them from regular stickers? Let’s explore this further to clear up the commonly confused (and often interchangeably used) branding terms. Here is where vinyl vehicle stickers and vehicle decals are similar: Both come with the adhesive […]


Marketing Product Ideas To Giveaway During The Holidays

Having a hard time thinking about what to giveaway to your employees, clients and potential customers this holiday season? Lucky for you, Strand360 has compiled a list of potential marketing products you can gift during the holidays this year.  TRY SOMETHING UNIQUE  Try something different from the typical go-to promotional products like pens, notebooks, bags, hats and other apparel items. There’s […]


What is Protac Antimicrobial Protection Film?

Protac AMP Film by Drytac is a 150µ (6 mil) textured polyester film that incorporates Microban antimicrobial protection. When microbes contact the Microban reservoirs in the Protac AMP film, the cell wall of the microbes becomes disrupted. This results in the surface of the film providing constant additional protection against spreading of microbial contamination. This […]



Dibond Signs Are Replacing Aluminum Signs

Choosing the right sign for your business can be overwhelming especially with several metal sign options in the market. Dibond or aluminum - which material is the right choice for your custom sign?


A Guide on How to Do a Successful Rebrand

In today’s fast-paced world, trends are constantly changing. As a result, your image can quickly become outdated. When this happens, it could be time to rebrand in order to maintain a modern image. Keeping the look and feel of your brand current could be the key to keeping your company at the top of your […]


Company Operating Name Change Announcement

Dear Valued Customers, Partners and Suppliers Strand Media Becomes Strand360 We are excited to share important news about the evolution of our company. It’s our delight to announce our company operating name will be changing to Strand360. This new operating name takes affect October 1, 2020. How will this change will affect you?   This […]


Advantages of Branded Clothing for Your Business

Your organization’s two most valuable assets are the people and the brand. Combining the two with branded clothing then makes perfect sense. Because your brand is so important to your business, it needs to be represented in a consistent way across all channels of communication. For businesses of all sizes, branding is a means to […]


What Is Screen Printing?

Andy Warhol and Maud Lewis did not ask what is screen printing. They created art with it. Warhol made a color screen print of Marilyn Monroe, and works by Maud Lewis were recreated in screen printing by other artists, with her approval. But screen printing is not just for famous artists. You can have detailed […]


Ponoka Rising Sun Golf Tournament 2018

Strand Media (currently Strand360) are proud to make this announcement. We are a sponsor of The Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society’s Charity Golf Tournament 2018. This 18 hole, 4 player Texas Scramble will take place at the Ponoka Golf Club on Friday, June 15, 2018. Registration will start at 11:30 am before the tournament begins


6 Ways To Improve Your Website About Page

Research and analytics show the ‘about’ page is one of the most visited areas of a website. It’s also one of the most neglected pages when it comes to content.


Lacombe Days 2018 – Silver Sponsor

The annual Lacombe Days festival is approaching quickly! Starting on July 26, 2018 and ending July 29, 2018. Lacombe Days is community organized and consists of multiple events, 


3 Print Marketing Materials to Promote Your Business

Promoting your brand’s products and services is effective when you have bespoke, eye-catching marketing materials.


How To Pick The Perfect Name For Your Business

Congratulations on being so brave to start a business. Are you wondering how to pick a business name? We understand what a struggle it can be, after all, we went through the same process when we chose our own.


Google Ads for B2B Businesses

Have you considered Google Ads for business-to-business (B2B) advertising, or are you under the impression it is only for business-to-customer (B2C) advertising? Although intended as a B2C tool, Google Ads is a great way to generate B2B leads. 


Step By Step Guide To Improving Your Website Performance

Somehow, three seconds seem long when website performance causes one to wait for a webpage to open. And it is easy to lose a potential customer in that time unless they really want to make use of your services or purchase your products.  


Why Should Your Business Invest in Christmas Cards?

There are various reasons why you should send out  Christmas cards including  establishing new connections and solidifying current connections. Sending cards to business contacts makes a lasting impression on your customers and your team with a minimum investment


The Importance of Graphic Design in Print Marketing

The importance of graphic design is evident in companies like Coca-Cola, McDonalds,  or Starbucks. The choice of light or bold colors, image manipulation, and the arrangement of elements are all carefully crafted to positively sway audience opinion


What is Experiential Marketing?

Experiential marketing ( a.k.a. engagement marketing) is a form of advertising that focuses primarily on creating memorable experiences related to your brand. 


LinkedIn Company Page Features to Start Using Now

Do you have a LinkedIn company page? If not, you are missing out on connecting with the more than nineteen million members they have in Canada, and the opportunity to connect with more than 850 million members of this business social media platform worldwide. To make full use of LinkedIn’s global professional network, start using the following features.    


Promotional Magnets In Print Marketing

Do you have promotional magnets on your fridge? Maybe you had some during your childhood? 

Before social media, people sent postcards when they travelled, or brought back refrigerator magnets to commemorate the special places they visited. Using magnets as promotional material is nostalgic, practical, and everyone enjoys receiving a free gift.  


What Is Screen Printing?

Andy Warhol and Maud Lewis did not ask what is screen printing. They created art with it. Warhol made a color screen print of Marilyn Monroe, and works by Maud Lewis were recreated in screen printing by other artists, with her approval. But screen printing is not just for famous artists. You can have detailed designs recreated on t-shirts for a charitable event or conference, so don’t let your company SWAG get boring, try something new.   


Developing Your Digital Marketing Plan

The world of internet marketing can get confusing. Which is why Strand360 exists, to provide our clients with simplified marketing solutions. You have a business to run, you don’t need to deal with the mundane day-to-day tasks that can be important to a digital marketing plan. 

Recent Posts 

Maintain brand consistency with multiple purchasers: a simple file checklist

Feb 18

Maintain brand consistency with multiple purchasers: a simple file checklist

How many versions of your logo are floating around right now? If you have multiple people ordering on behalf of your company, the answer is probably "more than you think."

We built a simple checklist to fix that. Seven files, one named approver, and your brand stays consistent across every order, every location, every person on your team.

What's the difference between a "Logo" and a "Brand"?

Jan 28

What's the difference between a "Logo" and a "Brand"?

Most people think branding is your logo. London Transport proves it isn’t. One of the biggest trust wins they ever made wasn’t a Logo redesign, it was those little “next train” screens. They gave people solid expectations, and the moment you know what’s coming, you stop bracing for chaos and you relax.

This post breaks down why certainty is a branding tool, how physical touchpoints build trust fast, and how you can steal the same idea in your own business.

Building a Trade Show Booth

Jan 12

Building a Trade Show Booth

We’re building a trade show booth… and we don’t love it (yet). Because we’re not trying to build a display. We’re trying to build an experience. Come see what we land on at the Lacombe and District Chamber Trade Show. If you're wondering what to do for trade show season, this blog might help your think through some of the deeper strategy that helps make your booth memorable AND effective. 

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