THE PALMS POST
Welcome to the PALMS Post — your go-to spot for branding tips, website design advice, creative marketing ideas, and a behind-the-scenes look at our latest projects. We're a Maine-based creative studio passionate about helping businesses grow with great design, better branding, and smart strategy. Explore insights, inspiration, and real work from the PALMS team.
Staying True to Yourself in Crowded Marketplaces
In today’s fast-paced marketplace, it’s tempting to chase what’s trending — but that path can lead to wasted time, money, and a diluted brand. At PALMS, we believe the strongest brands are the ones that stay grounded in their values, voice, and vision. Here’s why staying true to yourself matters more than ever — and how to build a brand that lasts.
The Power of Good Branding: Why It’s More Than Just a Logo
Your logo might catch attention — but your brand is what people remember. In this post, we break down the difference between logo and brand, explain why strong brand identity matters, and share how we help small businesses and startups build branding systems that grow with them.
Turning Up the Heat: Rebuilding the Too Haute Sauna Website
We teamed up with Too Haute Saunas to refresh their website and boost bookings for their wood-fired mobile sauna in Maine. With simplified messaging, a clean new design, a seamless booking calendar, and professional photo and video content, the site now does exactly what it should—get more people in the sauna.
Top 5 Signs Your Website Needs a Refresh (and What to Do About It)
Let’s face it—websites age like milk, not wine. If it’s been a minute since you gave your site some love, it might be time for a refresh. Not sure if you're due? Here are five signs your website is begging for a makeover—and how PALMS can help bring it back to life.
How to Start a Business in Maine: A Step-by-Step Guide
Maine is a fantastic place to start a business, with its supportive entrepreneurial community, access to natural resources, and a strong culture of small business success. Whether you’re launching a food brand, an online store, or a local service, this guide will walk you briefly through the key steps to getting your business up and running in the Pine Tree State. If you would like to chat about starting a business in Maine, feel free to reach to us!
Building a Memorable Brand Identity: Where Strategy Meets Creativity
A strong brand identity is the heartbeat of any successful business. It’s more than just a logo or a catchy tagline—it’s the essence of what makes your brand unforgettable. At PALMS Creative, we know how crucial it is to craft a brand that resonates deeply with your audience, stands out in competitive markets, and remains consistent across every touchpoint. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements that make up a memorable brand identity, from defining your core values to designing packaging that pops and telling a story that leaves a lasting impact. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to refine your brand, these tips are designed to inspire and guide your journey.
Capturing the Essence of Wise Bar
At PALMS Creative, we love teaming up with brands that align with our passion for clean design and storytelling. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Wise Bar, a super clean, delicious energy bar brand from Boulder, Colorado. Known for incorporating high-quality mushrooms and adaptogens into their bars, Wise Bar stands out not just for its great taste but also for its commitment to wellness and quality. This project gave us the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of their brand through clean and compelling studio photography.
Palms: Reflecting on an Incredible 2024
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what has truly been our best year yet at PALMS Creative. 2024 brought exciting projects, amazing clients, and countless opportunities to create, collaborate, and grow. From new partnerships to continuing work with longtime collaborators, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
Top 5 SEO Practices for Small Business Success
Boosting your online presence doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a quick guide to the top five SEO practices every small business owner should implement.
Gift Shop Maine: Palms New In-House Brand
We’re excited to announce a new venture born right here at PALMS Creative: Gift Shop Maine! This project has been brewing for a while, and we’re thrilled to finally share it with you. Inspired by Maine’s rugged charm, its iconic culture, and the everyday experiences that make life here so unique, Gift Shop Maine is all about bringing the spirit of the Pine Tree State into carefully crafted apparel, accessories, and gifts.
Palms Unofficial Rebrands: Bearded Brothers
Discover the first installment of our unofficial rebrand series, a tribute to brands we admire. Our journey begins with Bearded Brothers, a Texas-based organic food bar. See how we've put a unique Palms spin on their brand!
November Featured Film Roll
This month’s featured roll takes us back to October 2019 (seems like ages ago now in a pre-COVID world!) at Ricker Hill Orchard in Turner, Maine. A magical place! This day was quite brisk with temps in the high 40’s and a breeze coming off of the Western Maine and White Mountains.
Good To Go Foods Instant Meal Cup Packaging Design
Discover the latest from famed Maine-based brand Good To-Go: Instant Cup Meals designed for convenience without sacrificing quality. Learn how Palms took on the challenge of designing packaging that retains the brand's essence while appealing to a wider audience.
Mini-Interview: Michael Swett
We recently had a chance to shoot a home built by one of our favorite designers + builders here in Maine, Michael Swett! Michael specializes in Scandinavian style builds - a refreshing departure from the typical Colonials and Capes of New England.