As I am sitting here and thinking about the dozen thingsonmyto-dolistalongwiththegoalsIhaveset formybusinessinthenextyear/months,Iamexcited toseehowBradentonBusinessMagazinecanhelpyou andme!
Weallwishwehadmoretimetoplanordothethings we set out to in the new year, but most of us are owner-operated businesses, so that always doesn’t happen.Forme,Ialwayswritedownmytasksforthe dayandlovescratchingthemoutwheneachonegets completed Sure, there are a million interruptions, thingscontinuallybeingadded,andsomeendupon thenextday’slist Thatislife!
Also ask yourself, “is there anything I need to take awayoraddthatIsaidlastseasonbutneverdid?”
Write it down! Utilize the calendar in the back for thesetasksandvisititoften!
This business magazine is also your source for valuable information As business owners, you don’t havetimetogotoseminarsorkeepupwiththelatest trends as many of you are the heart, soul, and frontman of a brick-and-mortar business So, we are bringingtheinformationtoyouwhereyoucanreadat your leisure! And the advertisers may have the productorservicesyouneedtomakeyourbusiness runsmoother.Win,win!
If you have any specific topics, you would like us to cover,pleaseemailme!paula@bradentonmag.com.
PaulaWright
Ivonne Ribeiro, Brand Strategist
Kendra Gemma
Thriving Through the Summer Slowdown
BY IVONNE RIBEIRO
Why Local Matters in Bradenton
A BRADENTON BRAND GUIDE
Bradenton is a city of doers People here don’t just dream of a better life They make bold moves to create it Many of us came to "The Friendly City" seeking something more not just warmer weather, but a life with intention, connection, and meaning We didn’t just relocate We reinvented
That leap takes courage People who choose Bradenton are adventurous, focused, and ready to build something new That energy now moves alongside the deep roots of those who have shaped this community for generations We’re not just living here We’re building something better
When the pace slows at the end of snowbird season, it’s local relationships that carry us through When your brand feels like part of the community, when it reflects local values and shows up with heart, people notice They support They refer They rally
That is the power of local It’s how we grow something lasting, rooted not just in a place, but in people
About the Author
Ivonne Ribeiro is a Bradenton-based brand strategist and founder of iBrandStrategist She helps entrepreneurs and small businesses build values-aligned brands through holistic marketing and bold storytelling Learn more at ibrandstrategist com
Know the Heart of Bradenton
To root your brand in Bradenton, you need to understand not just who lives here, but why This is a city with a small-town soul: welcoming, tight-knit, and full of character
With just over 56,000 residents and a median age of 45 5, Bradenton blends seasoned experience with fresh energy Nearly 27 percent of the population is 65 or older, drawn by the area’s warmth, charm, and strong sense of community. But this isn’t just a retirement town. Many entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families are building intentional lives here, too
That independent spirit runs deep More than 13 percent of the local workforce is self-employed, double the national average From art studios in the Village of the Arts to digital consultants working beachside, small businesses are part of daily life
Locals value authenticity, nature, and relationships They show up for Little League, support farmers markets, and line the streets each spring for the De Soto Grand Parade, a celebration rooted in Bradenton’s founding story
For brands, this isn’t just a market It’s a mindset
Summer may be slower, but it’s a chance to lean in
Craft a Brand Story That Feels Like Home
Branding isn’t just about standing out It’s about belonging, and that’s especially true in Bradenton This is a community that values connection, authenticity, and local pride Your brand story matters Not just what you offer, but why you’re here, and how that story carries through every part of your business using a holistic marketing approach
That story isn’t only told on your website It comes through your social media, the tone of your emails, how you show up at events, and even your swag Every touchpoint is a chance to show who you are, what you value, and why your work matters
Start by asking yourself: Why Bradenton? What drew you here? The charm, the creativity, the slower pace with deeper meaning? Whether you’re a newcomer or a native, weaving that "why" into your brand helps people connect with you.
Then align your mission with what Bradenton values. If you care about sustainability, wellness, creativity, or giving back, say so Let people see how your values reflect theirs
Use imagery and tones that reflect Bradenton’s beauty: Riverwalk sunsets, historic architecture, and Gulf Coast colors Local details help your brand feel right at home
And share the human side Tell stories about your team, your customers, or your first big local moment When your story feels like Bradenton, people don’t just notice They support you, even in the slower seasons
Create Content That Builds Connection
In Bradenton, showing up like a neighbor starts with content that feels real It’s not about polish It’s about presence
Share the people behind your business Highlight team members, partners, and customers These authentic snapshots build trust and remind people that you’re part of the community
Let your content reflect where you are and who you’re with Whether you’re at a school event, a local fundraiser, or opening your doors each morning, show up Tag partners, share quick photos, and celebrate what matters here
Especially during the summer slowdown, content is one part of a holistic marketing strategy that keeps you visible and connected When your brand reflects the spirit of Bradenton, you become more than a business You become a neighbor
Collaborate with Local Businesses to Grow Together
In Bradenton, relationships drive growth Collaboration isn’t just smart marketing It reflects the spirit of the community When local businesses team up, everyone benefits
Partner with businesses that complement your own A boutique and café could host a "Sip & Shop " A fitness coach might collaborate with a juice bar. A youth nonprofit could team up with a local accountant to offer a back-toschool fundraiser or financial literacy workshop. Th partnerships create momentum, expand your reach show that you ' re part of something bigger
Co-host events, sponsor something meaningful, or la giveaways with other local brands Shared visibility lea stronger engagement and content that reson especially in slower seasons
Plug into our business network Join the Manatee Cha of Commerce or groups like:
These communities offer visibility, referrals, and support
And never underestimate a simple introduction Visit shops Attend events Say hello The best collaborations often begin with a conversation
In Bradenton, showing up for each other is how we grow
Be Present: Online, In-Person, and Everywhere Locals Are
In Bradenton, visibility is about showing up where your people are Consistently, authentically, and with purpose
Start local Attend neighborhood events, markets, or fundraisers These aren’t just promotional moments They’re chances to connect Whether you set up a booth or simply walk the crowd, presence builds trust
Online, stay engaged Share content that shows your connection to Bradenton Highlight partnerships Tag locations Repost community events Let people know that you ' re part of the local rhythm
Whether someone sees you at a farmers market or on Instagram, each interaction strengthens recognition The more consistent your presence, the more familiar your brand becomes.
When the crowds thin, familiarity keeps your business top of mind
Think Hyperlocal: Strategies That Grow Deep, Not Just Wide
Big reach is great, but in Bradenton, deep roots matter more Hyperlocal marketing isn’t about trends It’s about showing up where your neighbors are and speaking to what matters to them
Use local references Riverwalk sunsets, Cortez charm, Manatee High pride to show that you’re part of the community Choose platforms where locals gather, like neighborhood Facebook groups, local directories, and hashtags such as #BradentonLife or #SupportLocal941
Offer perks that reward your year-round neighbors A locals’ card, summer loyalty punch pass, or early access to new offerings can go a long way. You might feature a “Local of the Week,” offer spontaneous thank-you gifts, or bundle services to encourage referrals These small touches show locals they matter all year, not just in the off-season
Hyperlocal marketing is about resonance When your brand feels familiar and neighborly, loyalty follows
Conclusion: Grow Deeper, Not Just Wider
Bradenton isn’t just a place to do business It’s a place to belong In a city rooted in connection and pride, the brands that thrive are the ones that show up Not just in busy seasons, but all year long
Summer may slow things down, but it also opens space A chance to deepen relationships, invest in your neighbors, and become not just seen, but known
When your brand reflects the story of this city, you earn more than visibility You earn trust
So, root yourself here Collaborate Show up Reflect the soul of this place. Because in Bradenton, when you grow deeper, you grow stronger.
Quick Wins for Summer Branding:
• Host a “Locals Appreciation” pop-up with exclusive discounts or giveaways
• Team up with a nearby business for a co-branded summer special.
• Share a weekly
#GoodMorningBradenton post that highlights your team or community.
• Reward referrals with a “hot season” thank-you perk or discount
• Stay visible. Post consistently, attend events, and engage with local stories.
Accessing Capital for Your Growing Business
BY KENDRA GEMMA
Your business is growing Great! But you know that to take the next step in your growth journey, you need more funding What is the best way for you and your business to approach accessing capital? Read on to learn about the various sources of capital, how to secure it, and local resources that may help you
Ways to Obtain Capital
You might know a couple of sources of capital off the top of your head Bank loans and investors probably spring to mind immediately
While those are the two traditional methods to gain access to capital, you should also look into several alternative funding sources Crowdfunding, grants, loans from family or friends may be other options for you and your business.
What to Consider
Each source of capital has its benefits and challenges
A bank loan from a reputable institution has a lot going for it, like competitive interest rates and the freedom to use the money how you see fit But you will probably need excellent personal credit and years of proven business success
Investors or venture capitalist funding won’t require monthly payments or even collateral However, you will have to give up some equity in your business and the expectations for fast growth can be high
Crowdfunding can allow anyone to help you grow your business, and you might get publicity from it, too Be aware that some crowdfunding platforms have a time limit for campaigns and you may lose your proceeds if you haven’t raised your goal before the deadline The platforms also charge a fee
Grants are basically “free money,” and receiving one can often lead to others. The downside: they’re competitive, time-consuming to apply for, and there are usually restrictions when it comes to how you can use the funds
Loans from loved ones may offer a lower interest rate and fewer hoops to jump through than a traditional bank loan You will still need to consult with an attorney to draft a loan agreement, and there is always an inherent risk of harming the personal relationship when money is involved
Where to Find Opportunities and How to Prepare for Them
Your next step depends on which route – or routes – you choose to take
If you decide to go for a bank loan, start with your own bank or credit union You’ve already established a relationship with someone there, so it stands to reason you’d have the best experience and receive the best guidance from your own financial institution You’ll need to gather documents that explain what your business does, who owns it, and its financial health. These could include a business plan, social security numbers for all majority owners, tax returns, profit and loss statements, and financial projections. Your lender should inform you of everything that’s required, but it’s good to be prepared
Finding an investor to help you scale your business will take more upfront research than seeking a bank loan, unless you happen to know some Networking locally may be your best bet because you can establish a relationship with potential investors, and they are probably more likely to want to support a local business than an out-of-area venture capitalist would You can also search online for angel investor groups and on LinkedIn but be sure to do your due diligence before going too far in pursuit of a partnership Put together a pitch deck that you can present to potential investors that shows them a succinct version of your business plan, what products and services you provide (and what problems you solve), high-level financial projections, and how much funding you’re seeking
Crowdfunding works best if you already have a strong following on social media Experts also recommend lining up donations from family and friends before launching your campaign so that you achieve at least 30 percent of your goal in the first week. You also should have a specific reason for your campaign, such as expanding your storefront or offering a new product Your marketing plan is crucial for raising capital this way Tell your story in a passionate, professional, and concise way, and offer incentives to your donors to encourage participation (and perhaps some pride and loyalty)
Government entities, large corporations, foundations, and other organizations offer grants Find opportunities through your circle of contacts and by searching for opportunities online For federal funding options, visit Grants gov Once you’ve chosen one or more grants that seem to be a good fit for you, you might want to hire a grant writer to help you craft your application
Loans from family and friends can seem like a good plan, especially if you’re just starting out You still need to treat the entire transaction in a business-like manner Be transparent about how much money you need, what you need it for, your business plan and finances, and when you expect to repay the loan. Once a verbal agreement has been established, enlist your business attorney to draft the written agreement
Remember that you don’t have to rely on just one source of capital In fact, diversifying may be what yields success Grants and crowdfunding can raise money for specific efforts, while loans and investors can provide unrestricted funds A financial consultant can help you determine the ideal approach to take
Manatee County and the State of Florida have various programs and opportunities to help businesses expand by accessing capital The following list contains a sampling of resources for entrepreneurs
Bridge Angel Investors provides funding and mentoring for Florida-based entrepreneurs in an array of industries, from cyber security to education
CareerSource Suncoast has several funding opportunities for business that want to train their current employees or recruit new employees
Community Redevelopment Agencies in Bradenton and Palmetto have grants and incentives for qualified businesses that want to rehabilitate commercial spaces in designated areas of the cities.
The Economic Development Incentive Grant, bestowed by Manatee County Government, focuses on job creation in predetermined target sectors
Florida SBDC Capital Access Specialists guide business owners seeking financing They offer low-cost training and free consultations to help entrepreneurs through everything from repaying loans to developing a business plan to successfully establishing lender relationships
About the Author
Kendra Gemma has owned her content marketing business, klg communications, since 2018 She works with a variety of clients, from small marketing agencies to local nonprofits, providing content strategy, copywriting services, and social media management
Tactical Tips for Scaling Your Socials
BY AMANDA GRAY
Social media for business goes beyond what you might think. It’s not just about posting beautiful images or wanting to go viral It’s also not a one-size-fits-all approach Strategic and thoughtful social media can reinforce brand awareness and strengthen reputation and credibility It can bolster trust because of the casual way it reaches consumers, which leaves room for levity
We’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help new and seasoned business owners scale their social media programs and businesses
Start with Your Customer
If you’re a business owner, you likely have a strong pulse on who your customer is And if not, you know the customers you are trying to acquire Start by asking yourself what motivates your customer, what problem they are trying to solve by purchasing from your brand, and where they spend their time online If you’re already running ads on Meta, you’ll know if they tend to engage more on Facebook or Instagram And, if you’re already active on social media channels, it’s easy to identify which platform your customers prefer
A successful social media strategy relies on the data points you have on your customer If you have conducted postpurchase surveys or connected with them on social media or your customer service channels, dig into the data A few simple data points can help you develop content geared towards what you already know about them Deeply understanding your customers is the best place to start when it comes to ideating content that will resonate with them enough for them to engage with it on social
Audit Your Socials
If you’re already on social media, chances are you’re on multiple platforms When it comes to upping your game on your social engagement, a social audit will help you or external hires identify the best path forward to increasing engagement, lead gen, and conversions Ask yourself:
Which platforms are we on?
What kind of content do we post?
Are our customers engaging, liking, and commenting on our posts?
Scan your social media, gather the information, and put together a simple audit that will serve as your starting point as you plan a more targeted and thoughtful strategy
Don’t panic if some platforms are not garnering engagement prioritize the ones that do while maintaining a consistent presence across all
Understand the Platforms
From Facebook to Instagram to TikTok and beyond, social platforms are unique and differ from each other It’s important to keep that in mind and make sure your content is dynamic do not just post the same format and style on all platforms It’s a little more work, but it goes a long way
If you’ve allotted an ad budget, Facebook’s Business Suite is a user-friendly, powerful tool that will help you create, launch, and monetize ads This will increase your overall reach and expand your audience
On the opposite spectrum of ad monetization and reach, Facebook Groups offer spaces to invite your followers and customers You can set specific parameters to ensure that only the followers/customers you want to join can participate First, you’ll want to identify that you have customers who have shared interests and are like-minded A good indicator is if your customers are interacting with your posts. Creating a private Facebook Group brings them to a central location to share peer-to-peer reviews with one another and connect on their shared enthusiasm and affinity for your brand. You can also utilize tools like chat and polls to interact with them while gaining unbeatable insights from being privy to their conversations
Facebook Instagram
Instagram is slightly more creative and interactive than Facebook it’s helpful to either learn all the tools or hire a social media manager who has the skills to leverage the platform
On Instagram, you can post standalone posts on your feed, live stories on your “story,” and short video snippets with music, voice-over, and more on the reels feature The possibilities are endless, but the one must-have is ensuring you have an actionable call to action in your bio, as this is a prime location to direct your Instagram followers and viewers to an impactful landing page whether it’s your homepage or a targeted landing page this is how to capitalize on your audience, directing them to learn more or make a purchase
TikTok
Don’t worry about conversions think connection Show behind-the-scenes content, process videos, or trend-based clips Create a hashtag vault to build your niche and experiment with what sticks Don’t be intimidated by the younger platform but do pay attention to whether your customer demographic is using it Hire a pro and lessen your load, especially if content creation is not in your toolbox
Customizing Your Content Strategy
Once you have a handle on your customer data, your audit, and the overall current state of your social media program, you can further customize your content strategy
Decide how regularly you want to post, what types of posts you want to post, and where Set small goals in terms of the engagement (comments, likes, shares) that you want to see Keep it realistic, and don’t burn yourself out
Use Google Sheets to create a free calendar for each platform If you have a budget for social, consider signing up for a social media management platform Buffer, Planoly, Later, and Hootsuite offer free versions and a centralized hub to manage your content, schedule posts, and gather insights The free versions tend to keep it basic, while paid platforms like Sprout Social provide deep analytics, audience insights, and social listening tools, in addition to all the content management they offer
Unsure of how to create your content? Use a graphic design platform like Canva, which offers tiered plans, to use their AI tools and easy interface for seamless content creation that you can batch
Don’t be afraid to take a human approach to your content make it funny, relatable, and thought-provoking On social media, it’s less about direct sales tactics and more about creating connections that lead to long-term loyalty and value
Create an Engagement Plan
Social media isn’t a “set it and forget it” game If you’re putting in the effort to have a social media presence, you must monitor your channels and engage and respond to your audience As a small business owner, you might not have the time to log in and respond in real-time This is an area you should hire for ensuring that the person behind the accounts understands your business and has impeccable communication skills You might notice that sometimes customers will contact you via social media if they have a problem, so be sure to sync your social engagement specialist with your customer service team if questions or issues arise The algorithm loves to see activity, so the more you respond and engage, the more people your posts will reach You can also communicate with the other accounts that your audience follows and collaborate with like-minded brands in your niche
Social media constantly evolves, but your approach doesn’t have to be overwhelming By staying true to your brand, leaning into what you know about your customers, and using tools that simplify the process, you can build a presence that feels authentic, manageable, and aligned with your goals Whether you’re posting once a week or running daily campaigns, consistency, and connection will always win
About the Author
Amanda Gray is a digital communications leader with 15 years of social media experience She has supported the building of social programs for small businesses and 500M CPG companies
Stop Standing There! How Small Businesses Can Actually Win at Expos
BY MELISSA MCLIN
Expos and tradeshows aren't just a chance to hand out some pens and hope someone notices you they’re a powerful way for small businesses to build brand awareness, make real connections, and grow their client base But success doesn’t happen by accident. To make the most of it, you need a plan, some personality, and a whole lot of follow-up.
Let’s walk through the full expo game plan from pre-show prep to post-show action
Before the Show: Set Yourself Up to Shine
Your expo experience starts well before the event opens
STEP 1:
Build a booth that turns heads.
STEP 2:
Don’t forget your print!
STEP 3: Choose smart promotional products.
STEP 4: Start the buzz early.
Think eye-catching backdrops, custom tablecloths, signage that pops, and promotional products that people actually want to take home Skip the boring stuff and go for pieces that reflects your brand’s vibe and professionalism.
Flyers, postcards, business cards, anything you’d hand out at the show should be designed to inform, impress, and leave a lasting impression
Don’t give away the same stuff as everyone else Be intentional Select something useful, something that represents you or your industry Everyone thinks they need pens they don’t! Instead, go for unique items that solve a small problem, spark conversation, or make someone’s day better That’s the kind of promo item they’ll keep and remember.
Let your current customers and followers know where you’ll be Post sneak peeks of your setup, tease any giveaways or expo-only specials, and invite people to stop by. Hype it up on social and via email After all, you’re throwing a party why not fill the room?
During the Show: Don’t Just Stand There
You’re here, you’re set up, and now it’s go time The number one rule? Don’t stay glued behind the table
Get out front Engage Smile Start conversations
This isn’t the time to be shy or scroll Instagram Say hello to other vendors, compliment someone’s swag, ask visitors what brought them in today It’s not about having a perfect pitch it’s about creating genuine connections
When you’re talking with a potential client, keep it light but clear Explain what you do, how you help, and why you’re different Watch their body language if they seem interested, lean in If they’re just grabbing candy and avoiding eye contact? Let it go
Make it fun, make it memorable, and most importantly make it about them
After the Show: Follow Up Like a Boss
This is where most businesses drop the ball You collected contact info now what?
STEP 1: Pick up the phone.
STEP 2: Send something tangible.
STEP 3: Stay top-of-mind.
How MM Print Design Can Help
Call every single connection you made. Thank them for stopping by, remind them who you are, and offer the next step whether that’s a quote, a demo, or a coffee chat
A thank-you postcard or branded follow-up mailer can go a long way Most people won’t do it That’s exactly why you should
Run a quick mailing campaign Add contacts to your CRM Schedule follow-ups These aren’t just leads they’re relationships waiting to happen
Here’s the part where I make your life easier. At MM Print Design, we do it all from custom tradeshow displays and tablecloths, to flyers, postcards, and unforgettable promo products
And if you want to follow up like a pro, I’ll help you run a direct mail campaign to your new leads and existing clients
Need help getting your booth branded, your message dialed in, and your post-show plan ready? Let’s make it happen
Because whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned expo-goer, one thing’s for sure: You think it, I ink it and we make it unforgettable
Making AI Work for You: Easy Ways to Save Time and Boost Your Business
BY BETH DEYO
If you ' re a business owner who's curious about AI, you ' re not alone It seems like everywhere you look someone is talking about it offering bold opinions, wild predictions, or the latest tool you “have” to try While the possibilities are exciting, it can also feel overwhelming even for those who’ve already gone all in
Here’s the good news. AI is finally becoming what it should be practical, easy to use, and genuinely helpful when time is tight and the to-do list just won’t quit.
You don’t need a tech background or hours of free time to start seeing results In fact, it only takes a few minutes to start working more efficiently and clearing space for the things that matter most Here are a few simple ways you can use AI to boost your business
AIChatbots:YourNewBusinessBestie
AI chatbots are the go-to tool for getting things done faster and better Tools like ChatGPT and Claude can handle a wide range of everyday tasks that eat up your time, from writing follow-up emails to planning social media posts or creating an employee handbook Think of them as a super-smart assistant that doesn’t call in sick, need breaks, or give you a hard time
ChatGPT is fast, flexible, and great for things like writing newsletters, generating promotional ideas, or drafting website content It’s also helpful for things like:
Rewording a long message into something shorter and more direct
Coming up with ideas for seasonal promotions or events
Creating social media captions or email subject lines
Drafting job descriptions or internal procedures
Claude tends to shine when something needs a more thoughtful or human tone like writing thank-you notes, customer service replies, or heartfelt messaging for nonprofit initiatives or community events
These tools get even smarter when you train them on your business and brand voice using features like Custom GPTs (ChatGPT) or Projects (Claude), but that’s something to explore when you get more comfortable Even without this extra step, they’re incredibly useful for handling everyday tasks quickly and with less effort
SmartMeetings,BetterFollow-Up
Meeting notes, follow-ups, and action items have a way of slipping through the cracks especially when you’re jumping from one conversation to the next But AI meeting assistants like Fireflies ai work behind the scenes to capture every word and keep things organized
This simple, affordable tool gives you an edge by:
Automatically joining calendar meetings to record video and audio
Generating time-stamped transcripts and customized summaries
Creating action items for each attendee based on the conversation
Transcribing in-person conversations using the mobile app
Quickly searching past meetings for a specific topic, phrase, or speaker
Delivering conversation intelligence like sentiment analysis and topic tracking
Whether you choose this tool or an alternative like Otter ai or TL;DV, investing in an AI meeting assistant could be one of the best things you do It will help you stay present during conversations, ensure follow-ups don’t get missed, and give you a reliable record you can refer back to anytime
Pro-LevelDesignWithout theHeadaches
From social media graphics to flyers, signage, and menus, small business owners often need professional-looking visuals But a professional designer can get expensive and rarely offers ondemand service.
Canva has long been a favorite for making DIY design easier, but its new suite of AI-powered tools takes things to a whole new level Their Magic Studio includes tools built to simplify every step of the design process and unleash your creativity Imagine instantly:
Turning ideas into images or videos in just a few words
Using a text prompt to create an AI voice
Generating clips from longer videos
Effortlessly editing photos and creating new backgrounds And more!
These tools make it faster and easier to create high-quality, on-brand content even if design isn’t your thing Canva is now a full creative hub where you can build everything from visuals and videos to audio and written content, making your business stand out both online and off.
This simple, affordable tool gives you an edge by:
Automatically joining calendar meetings to record video and audio
Generating time-stamped transcripts and customized summaries
Creating action items for each attendee based on the conversation
Transcribing in-person conversations using the mobile app
Quickly searching past meetings for a specific topic, phrase, or speaker
Delivering conversation intelligence like sentiment analysis and topic tracking
Whether you choose this tool or an alternative like Otter ai or TL;DV, investing in an AI meeting assistant could be one of the best things you do It will help you stay present during conversations, ensure follow-ups don’t get missed, and give you a reliable record you can refer back to anytime
Jaw-DroppingVisuals inSeconds
When you want to create visuals that are unique, stylized, and hard to ignore, Midjourney is one of the most powerful tools available Instead of scrolling through stock photo sites or struggling to describe your vision to a designer, you can type a simple prompt like “moody interior of a cozy coffee shop at golden hour” and get back stunning images in seconds
Midjourney is especially useful for creating branded visuals, campaign inspiration, seasonal themes, or social content that goes beyond the basics The level of detail and artistic style set it apart from most other tools, making it ideal when you ' re going for something more polished or conceptual. And, as long as you use the paid version, anything you create in Midjourney is automatically approved for commercial use, so you won’t have to worry about copyrights or licenses
Canva and ChatGPT now include image generation features, which are great for quick ideas or simple graphics But when you really want to stand out or bring a creative vision to life Midjourney gives you options you won’t find anywhere else
StartSimple;Build Momentum
You don’t have to overhaul your business to benefit from AI Start with one tool that solves a problem you’re facing whether it’s writing, meetings, design, or visuals and go from there A few small changes can save hours each week, reduce decision fatigue, and cut down on mental clutter
For more tips on how to integrate systems, automation, and AI in your business, join The Business Breakthrough Collective a free Facebook group for small business owners who want to work more efficiently and grow with ease.
Join the Facebook group:
About the Author
Beth Deyo is a small business mentor and the creator of The Business Breakthrough Lab She helps small business owners simplify their workflows, integrate AI, and build sustainable systems that make their dayto-day easier and more efficient Her anti-hustle approach is designed to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise, reconnect with their priorities, and run a business they truly enjoy
