Can Marketing Be a Tax Write-Off in 2026?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can marketing be a tax write-off next April?” — good news: it can.
Marketing and advertising costs are considered ordinary and necessary business expenses, which means most of them are 100% tax deductible. According to Paychex, any cost related to promoting your business or finding new customers can typically be written off…as long as it’s directly tied to your business activities.
What Counts as a Marketing Write-Off?
When asking “Can marketing be a tax write-off?”, it’s important to know which expenses qualify. Marketing can take many forms — and most of them count.
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Billboards and print ads — Think traditional advertising like newspapers, magazines, or local posters.
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Business cards and promotional materials — Printing flyers, postcards, or branded merch all count.
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Social media and digital ads — Paid campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Google Ads are deductible.
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Web design and development — The cost of building and maintaining your business website can qualify.
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Freelance creative work — Payments to designers, writers, videographers, or marketing agencies (like us!) for content creation and branding projects are usually deductible.
In other words, if it helps your business get seen, grow, or connect with customers — it’s likely deductible.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While most marketing expenses are eligible, there are limits. The IRS allows deductions that are “ordinary and necessary” — meaning your expenses must be common for your industry and helpful for running your business.
So yes to social media ads and branded t-shirts.
But probably no to skywriting your logo over Times Square or hiring a celebrity for a private event, unless that’s truly part of your marketing plan and your accountant agrees it’s reasonable.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
For small businesses, these deductions can add up fast. Marketing is essential for growth — not a luxury. And knowing that those expenses can also reduce your taxable income makes it easier to invest confidently in your brand.
Whether you’re running Facebook ads, revamping your website, or working with a creative agency like Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, keep detailed records of every invoice, contract, and receipt. Your future self (and your accountant) will thank you.
The Bottom Line
So, can marketing be a tax write-off?
Yes — 100%.
From digital advertising and website creation to promotional products and printed materials, you can typically deduct the full cost. Just make sure it’s connected to your business and documented properly.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we help brands build awareness and grow — and we love seeing our clients make smart financial moves while they do it.
Ready to invest in marketing that not only grows your business but can also pay off at tax time? Let’s make it happen.
DIY Marketing? Here's What to Do: 3 Tips from Experts
Maybe you’re working with a friend who ‘does social media,’ a family member who builds websites. They’re cheap or even free, so why not? DIY marketing can be great…but what do you do when you hit a wall?
We get it. Sometimes you’ve got to be scrappy. We’ve been there too.
But just because you can’t afford a full-service agency right now doesn’t mean your brand has to look DIY. DIY marketing can be powerful when it’s done with intention — you just need the right foundation.
Here are a few free or low-cost ways to make your business look professional — and where to bring in the experts when it really matters.
1. Create a Brand Style Guide
If you do nothing else, do this.
A brand style guide keeps your visuals and voice consistent across every post, page, and ad. It’s basically the rulebook for your brand — covering your colors, fonts, logos, mission, vision, tone, and a few example photos or posts that capture your vibe.
Keep it all in one PDF or Canva document so you can easily share it with anyone who helps you with marketing.
👉 Free option: Use Canva’s built-in brand kit to store your colors, fonts, and logos.
👉 Ready-to-scale option: If you’re planning to advertise or grow your team soon, work with us to create a professional brand guide that includes your tone, voice, audience profiles, and mood board.
2. DIY the Basics — But Leave Strategy to the Pros
Yes, you can (and should) make simple posts or website updates yourself. That’s the beauty of DIY marketing — it gives you control and keeps costs low. Just make sure whoever’s helping you knows the basics.
On social media, that means:
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Using location tags and trending audio
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Posting at optimal times for your industry
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Celebrating industry holidays or community events
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Boosting posts that deserve extra visibility
✅ On your website, that means:
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Using relevant keywords your customers actually search
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Writing clear meta titles and descriptions (we can recommend several great plugins on WordPress, our favorite website builder)
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Keeping your site fast, readable, and mobile-friendly
These little things make a big difference.
But when it comes to deeper strategy — like paid ad targeting, keyword research, or building SEO that actually ranks — that’s when hiring a pro saves time and money. If your “friend who builds websites” has no clue what you mean by “metadata” or “Keyword Planner” is, it’s time to call in someone who does.
3. Stay Consistent — and Don’t Ghost Your Audience
You’ve built the foundation — now you have to show up.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Whether you’re posting three times a week or once a day, stick to a rhythm. In the world of DIY marketing, showing up consistently is what separates the businesses that grow from the ones that fade out. When your audience doesn’t hear from you for a month, they forget you exist. Then you post again, and the algorithm barely recognizes you.
Even if you’re busy, plan ahead. Schedule content, keep your tone steady, and show up regularly. That steady presence (also known as brand awareness) builds trust — and when you’re ready to invest in ads or bigger campaigns, your audience will already be warmed up and ready to buy.
TL;DR?
We love a scrappy business owner. But make sure your foundation is solid before working with various folks outside your business…and when you’re ready to scale, Blue Ridge Creative Marketing can help you do it with strategy, not guesswork.
Hit a wall? Book a free strategy chat with us on Calendly—we’re here to help you get unstuck
5 Ways to Share Your Healing Work Online Without Burning Out
As a healer, your energy is your most powerful tool. Whether you’re guiding clients through spiritual practices, offering bodywork, or holding space for emotional healing, the heart of your healing work depends on you being fully present.
But here’s the challenge... today’s world asks us to be both practitioner and promoter. Social media, websites, email, and content creation can feel like full-time jobs on their own, leaving many healers stretched too thin.
The good news is that marketing doesn’t have to drain you. With the right strategies and boundaries, you can share your healing work online in a way that feels aligned, sustainable, and even nourishing. Here are five ways to grow your practice without burning out.
1. Choose One Main Platform to Promote Your Healing Work
One of the biggest causes of burnout for healers online is trying to “do it all.” You don’t need to be on every social platform, posting five times a day. Instead, pick one main platform that feels both manageable for you and aligned with where your ideal clients spend their time.
If you enjoy visuals and short storytelling, Instagram may be your sweet spot. If you prefer long-form teaching, YouTube or blogging could be better. If deeper, consistent connection matters most, email marketing might be your anchor. Choosing one platform doesn’t mean you can’t branch out later, but it gives you a focused foundation. Doing one thing with intention is far more impactful than spreading yourself thin everywhere.
2. Batch Your Marketing Content
Trying to come up with content in the moment is exhausting and inconsistent. Instead, try batching. This means setting aside a few hours once or twice a month to create multiple posts, videos, or emails at once. You can then use scheduling tools (like Later, Buffer, or even native schedulers on Instagram and Facebook to automate when they go out.
Batching reduces decision fatigue and gives you breathing room. Imagine having a month of posts done in a single afternoon. You free up energy to focus on clients and your own self-care while still showing up online.
3. Repurpose What You Already Have
Not every post has to be brand new. Chances are, you’ve already created content that can be reused in fresh ways. A client testimonial can become a social media graphic. A workshop recording can be clipped into short, shareable reels. A blog post can be broken into bite-sized posts or an email series.
Think of repurposing as recycling your wisdom. Your audience likely didn’t see everything the first time around, and even if they did, repetition builds trust. By repackaging what you already have, you honor your energy while expanding your reach.
4. Share From the Heart, Not From Obligation
Healers often feel resistance to marketing because it can feel forced or “salesy.” But here’s the truth: you don’t have to perform online; you just have to share. Authenticity is magnetic. When you speak from your lived experience, share client breakthroughs (with permission), or post a reflection from your own practice, your audience feels your genuine energy.
Instead of worrying about what the algorithm wants, ask yourself: What feels meaningful to share today? When your content comes from your heart rather than a sense of obligation, it connects more deeply with the people who are meant to find you.
5. Set Boundaries With Your Energy
Marketing is important, but so is your well-being. Decide how much time and energy you realistically want to devote to your online presence. Maybe it’s 30 minutes a day or a few hours a week. Once you set that boundary, stick to it.
It can also help to create energetic rituals around your marketing. Light a candle before you start writing posts. Say an affirmation about reaching the right clients before you hit publish. This keeps your energy clean and aligned, turning marketing into part of your spiritual practice rather than a draining chore.
In essence, sharing your healing work online shouldn’t feel like a burden. By focusing on one main platform, batching your content, repurposing what you already have, sharing from the heart, and protecting your energy with boundaries, you can grow your practice in a way that feels grounded and sustainable.
Your clients aren’t looking for polished perfection. They’re looking for connection. When you market with authenticity and balance, you not only attract the right clients but also preserve the energy you need to serve them fully.
✨ Remember: your light matters. And when you protect your energy while sharing your healing gifts, your business can thrive without burning you out.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we help healers grow their practices with grounded, authentic strategies that actually feel good to implement. Sign up for our marketing tips & tricks to get practical advice delivered to your inbox, or book a call to explore how we can support your business.
The Best SEO Tools for Businesses in Wilmington, NC
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is essential for any business striving to succeed online. Whether you’re running a quaint coffee shop in Wilmington or a thriving digital marketing agency like Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, having the right tools can give you a competitive edge. To help you navigate the digital landscape, we’ve compiled a guide to the best SEO tools, including SE Ranking, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, Yoast, and Rank Math. These tools are game-changers for improving your online visibility and driving more traffic to your website.
1. SE Ranking: The All-In-One Powerhouse
SE Ranking is a comprehensive platform perfect for businesses seeking an affordable yet powerful tool to manage all aspects of SEO. It’s especially helpful for small to medium-sized businesses and agencies in Wilmington looking to streamline their SEO efforts.
Key Features of SE Ranking:
Keyword Tracking: Monitor how your target keywords perform locally in Wilmington to better reach your audience.
Competitor Analysis: Gain insights into what your competitors are doing and identify opportunities to outrank them.
Website Audit: Diagnose issues like slow page speeds or broken links to optimize your site’s performance.
Why Choose SE Ranking?
For businesses in Wilmington, SE Ranking’s user-friendly interface and robust local keyword tracking make it one of the best SEO tools available. Whether you’re targeting “best seafood in Wilmington” or “digital marketing services Wilmington,” SE Ranking helps you climb search engine rankings efficiently.
2. Ahrefs: The King of Backlink Analysis
Ahrefs is the go-to tool for businesses serious about building authority through backlink strategies. If you’re a Wilmington-based company looking to strengthen your online credibility, Ahrefs delivers unmatched insights.
Key Features of Ahrefs:
Backlink Checker: Discover who’s linking to your site and identify high-quality backlink opportunities.
Keyword Explorer: Pinpoint low-competition keywords with high traffic potential, tailored to Wilmington’s audience.
Content Explorer: Find trending topics in your niche and create content that resonates with your target audience.
Rank Tracker: Monitor your website’s ranking progress and adjust strategies to improve visibility.
Why Choose Ahrefs?
Ahrefs is ideal for businesses or agencies aiming to dominate competitive niches. If you’re optimizing for terms like “beach rentals Wilmington” or “best SEO tools for small businesses,” Ahrefs helps you craft a winning strategy.
3. Google Search Console: The Essential Free Tool
Google Search Console (GSC) is a must-have for every business, regardless of size or budget. This free tool provides insights straight from Google, making it critical for understanding your website’s performance.
Key Features of Google Search Console:
Performance Tracking: View clicks, impressions, and rankings for specific keywords.
Index Coverage Reports: Ensure Google is indexing your site correctly—a crucial step for showing up in search results.
Mobile Usability Insights: Identify and fix mobile optimization issues.
Search Query Data: Learn what terms users search for before landing on your site.
Why Choose Google Search Console?
For Wilmington businesses, GSC ensures your website is optimized for local searches. Whether your audience is searching for “Wilmington restaurants” or “best SEO tools near me,” GSC provides the data you need to optimize effectively.
4. Yoast SEO: Simplify On-Page Optimization
Yoast is one of the most popular WordPress plugins, making on-page SEO effortless. It’s ideal for businesses managing their own website and needing straightforward guidance.
Key Features of Yoast:
Content Analysis: Get recommendations to optimize readability and keyword usage in real time.
XML Sitemaps: Automatically create sitemaps to improve how search engines crawl your site.
SEO Scoring: Receive actionable feedback for improving each page’s SEO performance.
Why Choose Yoast?
For Wilmington businesses using WordPress, Yoast provides a beginner-friendly yet effective solution for managing on-page SEO. It’s particularly helpful for optimizing blog posts targeting phrases like “best SEO tools for Wilmington businesses.”
5. Rank Math: The Advanced WordPress Plugin
Rank Math is another excellent WordPress SEO plugin, known for its advanced features and user-friendly interface. While similar to Yoast, Rank Math offers additional customization options for more experienced users.
Key Features of Rank Math:
Advanced Schema Markup: Add structured data to your site, making it easier for search engines to understand your content.
Focus Keywords: Optimize posts and pages for multiple keywords at once.
404 Monitor: Identify broken pages and redirect users seamlessly.
Why Choose Rank Math?
For businesses in Wilmington ready to take their WordPress SEO to the next level, Rank Math provides more advanced options and flexibility compared to Yoast. It’s particularly useful for agencies like Blue Ridge Creative Marketing that handle multiple client websites.
How to Choose the Best SEO Tools for Your Business
Selecting the right SEO tool depends on your goals and budget:
For local keyword tracking and all-in-one features: Choose SE Ranking.
For backlink building and in-depth competitor analysis: Go with Ahrefs.
For essential performance tracking: Use Google Search Console.
For beginner-friendly on-page optimization: Opt for Yoast SEO.
For advanced WordPress functionality: Try Rank Math.
Why Local SEO Matters in Wilmington, NC
The Wilmington market presents unique opportunities to connect with local customers. To make the most of these tools, keep these tips in mind:
Target Local Keywords: Use phrases like “marketing agencies in Wilmington” or “best seafood restaurants Wilmington.”
Claim Your Google Business Profile: Appear in local search results and map packs.
Encourage Customer Reviews: Positive reviews boost your visibility and credibility.
Use Geo-Targeted Ads: Focus campaigns on Wilmington-based audiences for better ROI.
Conclusion
Investing in the best SEO tools is a smart move for any Wilmington business looking to grow online. Tools like SE Ranking, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, Yoast, and Rank Math provide essential insights and strategies to boost your website’s visibility.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we’re experts at helping businesses implement these tools and optimize their digital presence. Contact us today to learn how we can help your Wilmington business climb to the top of search engine rankings!
How to Use Canva (& When You Probably Shouldn't)
Ever wanted to know how to use Canva? Canva has transformed the way businesses and individuals create graphics, offering an accessible platform for high-quality designs. Whether you’re a social media manager, small business owner, or someone who needs visuals in a pinch, Canva is often the go-to tool. Its intuitive interface and wide range of templates make it an incredible asset for everyday design needs.
However, Canva isn’t the answer to every design challenge. While it’s perfect for creating social media posts, presentations, and other marketing materials, there are instances when you’ll want to rely on professional designers. In this blog, we’ll explore how to use Canva effectively, including tips for leveraging its Brand Kit and design templates. We’ll also explain when not to use Canva, particularly for creating logos or other brand-critical assets.
How to Use Canva
Canva’s versatility is one of its biggest strengths. To make the most of this platform, it’s essential to understand how to use its key features.
1. Master the Brand Kit for Consistent Designs
One of Canva’s most powerful tools is the Brand Kit, which allows you to centralize your branding assets. Consistency is crucial for building brand recognition, and the Brand Kit ensures every design aligns with your visual identity. Here’s how to set it up:
- Upload Your Logos: Start by uploading your company logo to Canva. This makes it easy to incorporate your logo into any design with a simple drag-and-drop.
- Set Your Brand Colors: Choose your brand’s primary, secondary, and accent colors. These will be saved as a palette that you can apply to designs with a single click.
- Define Your Fonts: Select your preferred fonts for headings, subheadings, and body text. Canva offers a wide selection of fonts, or you can upload your own custom font files.
Once your Brand Kit is set up, you can quickly create branded designs without manually adjusting colors or fonts for every project.
2. Leverage Canva’s Design Templates for Versatile Use Cases
Canva provides thousands of pre-designed templates for a variety of purposes. One of the most versatile options is the Instagram Square Post format. Here’s why:
- Optimized for Multiple Platforms: The Instagram square format (1080 x 1080 pixels) works seamlessly across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. This saves time and ensures your posts look polished on any channel.
- Simple Resizing: With Canva Pro, you can resize a single design into multiple formats—such as turning a square post into a vertical Instagram Story or a horizontal LinkedIn banner.
Beyond social media, Canva also offers templates for:
- Presentation Decks: Use these for client pitches, webinars, or internal reports. Canva’s sleek templates make it easy to create slides that capture attention.
- Posters and Flyers: Perfect for promoting events or sharing offline marketing materials.
- Short Videos: With Canva’s animation tools, you can create engaging video content to stand out in your audience’s feeds.
3. Use Canva’s Collaboration Features
If you’re working with a team, Canva makes collaboration easy. Multiple users can edit the same design in real-time, and you can leave comments or suggestions directly on the design. This is especially helpful for marketing teams or small businesses where input from different team members is crucial.
When NOT to Use Canva
As great as Canva is, it’s not suitable for every design project. One area where Canva falls short is logo design. While Canva offers logo templates, this isn’t the best choice for creating a unique and professional logo.
Why You Should Avoid Canva for Logo Design
- Lack of Originality: Canva’s logo templates are made from pre-designed elements that are accessible to all users. This means your “unique” logo might also appear on someone else’s business card, website, or storefront.
- Trademark Issues: Trademarking a logo is essential for protecting your brand. To qualify for a trademark, your logo must be 100% original. Designs created in Canva often don’t meet this standard because they use shared assets.
- Missed Branding Opportunities: A professional designer can create a custom logo that reflects your brand’s personality and values. They’ll also provide scalable file formats and versatile designs for use across digital and print materials.
Investing in a professional graphic designer ensures you’ll have a one-of-a-kind logo that strengthens your brand identity and avoids potential legal pitfalls.
Why Canva Is Still a Must-Have Tool
While Canva isn’t ideal for tasks like logo design, it excels in other areas:
- Speed and Accessibility: Canva’s drag-and-drop interface makes it easy for non-designers to create professional-quality visuals in minutes.
- Cost-Effective: Canva’s free version offers robust features, and Canva Pro provides additional tools like resizing and premium templates for a reasonable price.
- Versatility: From social media posts to event flyers, Canva covers a wide range of design needs.
Here are a few examples of when Canva shines:
- Social Media Content: Quickly create eye-catching posts, Stories, and ads that engage your audience.
- Infographics: Use Canva to visualize data in a way that’s easy to understand and visually appealing.
- Email Graphics: Design banners or visuals to enhance your email marketing campaigns.
The Right Tool for the Right Job
Canva is an essential tool for creating everyday designs, but knowing its limitations is key to using it effectively. Here’s a quick recap:
- Use Canva for social media posts, presentations, flyers, and other marketing materials.
- Set up your Brand Kit to maintain consistent colors, fonts, and logos across all designs.
- Stick to the Instagram Square Post format to optimize designs for multiple platforms.
- Avoid Canva for logo design or other brand-critical tasks where originality and trademark protection are essential.
By understanding when to use Canva—and when to call in the pros—you’ll ensure your brand looks polished and professional in every situation.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses create cohesive, professional visuals that make an impact. Whether you need help designing social media content or developing a custom logo, we’ve got you covered.
Ready to elevate your brand? Visit weareblueridge.com/contact to get started today!
How to Create a Brand Identity that Resonates
Your brand identity is more than just a logo—it’s the personality of your business. It communicates who you are, what you stand for, and why customers should care. Understanding how to create a brand identity involves diving into the art and psychology of design, paired with a deep connection to your mission and vision.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we ensure every client has either a simple or comprehensive brand style guide before we start working on web design, social media strategy, email marketing, or any other project. This ensures consistency and a strong foundation for every aspect of your brand.
1. Start with Your Mission and Vision
Before exploring how to create a brand identity, reflect on the “why” behind your business.
Mission Statement: What do you do, and who do you serve? A strong mission statement should be clear and actionable.
Vision Statement: Where do you want your business to go? This provides direction and inspiration.
For example, if your mission is to provide eco-friendly products for families, your brand identity should exude trust, sustainability, and care.
2. The Psychology of Color
Colors evoke emotions and set the tone for your brand. Learning how to create a brand identity includes understanding the psychology of color to align your visual identity with your values.
Blue: Trust, reliability, and professionalism. Great for corporate or tech brands.
Green: Growth, sustainability, and health. Ideal for eco-conscious or wellness-focused businesses.
Red: Passion, energy, and urgency. Works well for bold, dynamic brands.
Yellow: Optimism, creativity, and warmth. Perfect for playful or family-oriented brands.
Pro Tip: Pair Colors Strategically
Use a primary color for your logo and main branding elements. Add complementary colors for accents. Tools like Adobe Color or Canva’s color wheel can help you find perfect pairings.
3. Choose Fonts That Speak for Your Brand
Fonts, like colors, carry emotional weight. Mastering how to create a brand identity means choosing fonts that match your business’s tone and personality.
Serif Fonts (e.g., Times New Roman): Classic, sophisticated, and trustworthy. Great for traditional or professional brands.
Sans-Serif Fonts (e.g., Arial): Clean, modern, and approachable. Often used by tech and minimalist brands.
Script Fonts (e.g., Brush Script): Elegant and personal, suitable for creative or luxury brands.
Display Fonts: Unique and bold, ideal for businesses with a playful or unconventional edge.
Pro Tip: Limit Your Font Choices
Stick to two or three fonts to maintain consistency. Use one for headings, another for body text, and possibly a third for accent pieces.
4. Incorporate Symbolism
Learning how to create a brand identity also involves leveraging industry-specific symbols and imagery. These elements help visually communicate your brand’s story and connect with your target audience.
Healthcare: Symbols like crosses, hearts, or hands represent care, healing, and humanity.
Technology: Abstract designs and futuristic icons signal innovation and modernity.
Hospitality: Warm imagery like suns or waves evokes a welcoming atmosphere.
Retail: Shopping carts or tags connect directly to commerce.
Education: Books and lightbulbs symbolize learning and growth.
5. Bring It All Together
Once you’ve explored how to create a brand identity, ensure consistency across all touchpoints. From your website to social media to printed materials, your brand identity should be instantly recognizable.
- Logo Design: Combine your elements into a simple, versatile logo.
- Brand Guidelines: Whether simple or comprehensive, your style guide should outline your colors, fonts, logo usage, and tone of voice.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to create a brand identity is both an art and a science. By blending psychology, design principles, and a clear sense of purpose, you can craft a brand that not only looks good but also connects emotionally with your audience.
At Blue Ridge Creative Marketing, we make sure your brand is set up for success. With a simple or comprehensive brand style guide as the cornerstone, we’ll help you achieve a consistent, recognizable presence before diving into web design, social media strategy, email marketing, and beyond.
Ready to learn more about how to create a brand identity? Contact Blue Ridge Creative Marketing—we’ll help you bring your vision to life!
