Thoughts +
Work

Kate Andersen   |   07.21.21   |   4 min read
Is Print Making a Comeback?
In the race to have the best, most advanced digital marketing, it can be easy to toss aside the tried-and-true medium of print. But take note. Print is like the tortoise to the digital hare, and right now, the reptile is coming in strong and steady.  As digital devices try to dominate t...
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Jordan Carmon   |   06.23.21   |   4 min read
Simplicity Equals Catchiness
At the beginning of 2021, I recorded a podcast discussing our theme for the year. Simplicity. All too often, especially in our business, processes, communications, products, and even email can descend into a complicated mess. The pandemic certainly didn't help workflows. There are now dozens of "...
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Kate Andersen   |   05.04.21   |   6 MIN READ
Check Your Core Web Vitals Before Google Does
There's a huge update coming from Google that could significantly impact traffic to your website. Spoiler alert: it's all about UX (user experience). According to Google, the update to their algorithm is classified as "a new signal that combines Core Web Vitals with our existing signals for ...
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Kate Andersen   |   04.22.21   |   5 min read
Should You Still Be Blogging in 2021?
Let's start with some fun facts: 1998 marks the first known instance of a blog on a traditional news site. A year later, "weblog" was shortened to "blog," and the platform Blogg... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   03.18.21   |   4 min read
The Best Website Advice for Realtors
The first day of spring is upon us, which signals a hot season for the already booming real estate market. Last year was challenging for many industries, but real estate has bee... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   02.16.21   |   4 min read
What to Do If Your Agency Becomes Unresponsive
We're assuming you're reading this article because you've run into a snag with your current agency. That's never good, and we're bummed to know you're in this situation. Last ye... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   01.22.21   |   3 min read
How to Generate Business Without Facebook
As a follow up to our last blog post on why Facebook isn't your best marketing solution, we wanted to offer a few effective and affordable ideas beyond social media. Here are fo... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   01.20.21   |   4 min read
Why Facebook Isn't Your Best Marketing Solution (or Friend)
In this new year, we'd like to offer a new perspective on something we've talked about since the day we started our studio five years ago. That's the topic of owning your own sp... Read More
  |   01.12.21   |  
Episode 31 - Facebook Likes
We want to talk about the BIGGEST news that came out of last week. Facebook is taking away all of your page likes! This is something we've felt for years but you have to stop ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   01.05.21   |  
Episode 30 - Simplicity
Matchstick Studio's first episode of 2021 is over our theme for the year. SIMPLICITY! Where we live in the web space people try to over complicate everything. We need to keep ... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   12.28.20   |   4 min read
Flash Is Finally Ending, and It's Bittersweet
As we reach the end of the year, we're also coming to the end of life (EOL) for Flash Players everywhere, and it's a little bittersweet if we're being honest. Adobe, the company... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   12.22.20   |  
Episode 29 - Buzzwords 2.0
Buzzwords are back with a vengeance! Jordan's got a new list of buzzwords that should NEVER be used in conversation.If you hear someone mention one of these buzzwords send them ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   12.15.20   |  
Episode 28 - Agency Reporting
Are you receiving reports on website analytics, SEO, or ad campaigns from an agency? Normally it's an extremely well designed, branded report showing a bunch of information that... Read More
  |   12.08.20   |  
Episode 27 - Complacency
Complacency is a challenge in all areas of life. It's easy to fall into its traps with the way this year has been. This should be something that you as a human, partner, emplo... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   11.30.20   |   5 min read
How Secure Is Your Website?
Today is National Computer Security Day, originally created to bring awareness to consumer security and remind you to protect your personal information online. This "holiday," s... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   11.02.20   |   3 min read
Matchstick Jobs: Senior Software Engineer
Matchstick Studio is seeking a Senior Software Engineer to help guide our continued mission of creating the best and easiest to use CMS available, the Matchstick Framework. This... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   10.29.20   |   7 min read
The 5 Best Website Tips for Lawyers
To kick things off, our best piece of marketing advice for every attorney is to have a website. This might sound obvious, but we were surprised to find that 43% of solo fir... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   10.05.20   |   4.5 min read
Have Website Builders and CMS Platforms Met Their Match?
As a business owner, you know that having a solid online presence is key. Sure, you have a Facebook page and Instagram account, but more importantly, you need a website you can ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   09.28.20   |  
Episode 26 - HTML Tags
Want to know what HTML Tags are used for? Are they important? Here are 5 HTML tags that you should make sure you have on your website! If you're a Matchstick Framework user... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   09.21.20   |  
Episode 25 - Social Media
As a business it's almost impossible to stand out on social media platforms. It costs a ton of money and doesn't seem to have much of a return. Listen in to hear Jordan's though... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   09.02.20   |  
5 Years In Business
Listen in to celebrate our 5 year anniversary of being in business! Our Co-Founder and CEO, Jordan, sat down to help answer some of the common questions we've received over our ... Read More
  |   09.01.20   |  
Episode 24 - 5 Years In Business: Answering Questions
Listen in to celebrate our 5 year anniversary of being in business! Our Co-Founder and CEO, Jordan, sat down to help answer some of the common questions we've received over our ... Read More
  |   08.18.20   |  
Episode 23 - Buzzwords
We've all sat in on a meeting where someone will throw out a few buzzwords that mean nothing. Do buzzwords actually add value to the conversation? Does it mean anything? Or is i... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   08.06.20   |   8 min read
15 Pro Tips for Your Website
If you run a business that's looking to increase your online traffic and sell more products or services, you've landed in the perfect spot. We're about to unleash 15 of our best... Read More
  |   08.05.20   |  
Episode 22 - What is the difference between logos and brands?
Jordan sits down to help explain the differences between a logo and a brand. What goes into building a brand versus a logo? As well as providing further explanation to a brands ... Read More
  |   07.29.20   |  
Episode 21 - Paid Advertising
Let's talk about PAID DIGITAL ADVERTISING! We haven't covered this much just yet but creating a strategy around this can help generate traffic instantly. How much does it cost? ... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   07.16.20   |   5 min read
Finding the Sweet Spot Between Artificial Intelligence and Human Intelligence
Without a doubt, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made an impressive impact on marketing, and it will only continue to grow from here. Forrester Research predicted that "by 2020... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   07.14.20   |  
Episode 20 - Backlinks
What are backlinks? Are all backlinks good? How do I get backlinks? Jordan sits down to tell us about all things backlinks! Find out how backlinks can help boost your SEO rank... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   07.01.20   |  
Episode 19 - 15 Pro Tips for Your Website
Are you unsure of the steps you need to take to help improve your website? Listen in as Jordan, Digital Director & Co-Founder of Matchstick Studio, gives 15 tips that you ca... Read More
  |   06.23.20   |  
Episode 18 - Internet Scams
Jordan discusses one of the most common practices in our industry. We aren't talking about the Nigerian Prince internet scams but the more predatory scams that REAL BUSINESSES a... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   06.11.20   |   3 min read
How Often Should You Redesign Your Website?
If you're asking this question, chances are, it's already time to redesign your website. It's common for companies to let their site go for quite some time after it has "expired... Read More
  |   06.10.20   |  
Episode 17 - Client Transparency
Is honesty and integrity at the center of your core values? How do you feel when businesses give themselves self-proclaimed "world's best" titles with nothing to back that up? ... Read More
  |   05.27.20   |  
Episode 16 - Food Shortages? A Food Industry Veteran Gives His Insight to the Food Shortage Situation
We sat down with Food Industry Veteran, Michael Turley CEO Zephyr Foods, to talk about if we should all be worried about food shortages. Listen in to hear his unique insight int... Read More
  |   05.20.20   |  
Episode 15 - The Great Re-Opening
The Matchstick Studio Crew sit down to give their thoughts and opinions on re-opening given the current situation. Should business owners be arrested or fined for re-opening or ... Read More
  |   05.12.20   |  
Episode 14 - Fun with Pet Peeves
Is there something that people do that rub you the wrong way? These things happen in both our personal lives and in business. We talk about a few of our own pet peeves and also ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   05.05.20   |  
Episode 13 - The truth about SEO
Have you or someone you known ever asked how to get their website higher on Google? Well this podcast is for you! Jordan and Chris sit down to discuss the truth about SEO and th... Read More
  |   04.29.20   |  
Episode 12 - Matchstick Framework
The episode everyone has been waiting for! We've hinted at it and given a few sneak peeks in our previous episodes but a full episode on the Matchstick Framework is finally here... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   04.27.20   |   3 min read
It's Time to Imagine A New Normal
We don't have an exact date when we'll be on the other side of this pandemic. No one does. This is new territory for everyone across the globe. But as doctors and scientists tel... Read More
  |   04.22.20   |  
Episode 11 - Modular Websites: Cost Effective Custom Web Solution
Jordan and Chris discuss Matchstick Studio's in house solution for cost effective custom websites. MODULAR! Listen in to find out the entire process of our Modular websites and ... Read More
  |   04.15.20   |  
Episode 10 - How local businesses are handling the current situation?
The Matchstick Studio crew sit down to talk with multiple local business owners and managers to see how they're adapting. Listen close for some great local deals and secrets!Mic... Read More
  |   04.08.20   |  
Episode 09 - Live Marketing Q&A
The Matchstick Studio crew sit down for a Livestream Q&A with local business owners to help answer the questions and concerns during this crazy time.  Read More
  |   03.31.20   |  
Episode 08 - Marketing During Social Distancing
The Matchstick Studio Crew discuss their thoughts on the how to utilize your digital marketing during this time of social distancing and quarantine. Read More
  |   03.24.20   |  
Episode 07 - Special Guest: Leisurlist
The Matchstick Studio crew sit down with the ladies at Leisurlist to discuss how current events are impacting the local scene of everything to Eat, See, and Do in Northwest, AR. Read More
  |   03.17.20   |  
Episode 06 - The secret weapon to your website... Web Development!
We've talked about the importance of user experience and design, and today we're talking about the importance of what's under the hood! Tom, Jordan, and Chris discuss how web de... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   03.13.20   |   3 min read
Is Your Website Ready for the Impact of Coronavirus?
If you know our team, you'd probably describe us as calm, cool, and collected. We don't subscribe to the notion of "when in doubt, freak out." We prefer a more level-headed appr... Read More
  |   03.04.20   |  
Episode 05 - Matchstick Studio Q&A
The entire Matchstick Studio team sits down to answer all the questions we've recently received. In this episode you will hear about the Matchstick Origin story, why Jordan desp... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   02.27.20   |   4 min read
[Insert witty 2020 pun here.]
It's a new year, a new decade, and I've already blinked twice to find myself a sixth of the way through this 2020 calendar. This year will mark a big anniversary for Matchstick ... Read More
  |   02.25.20   |  
Episode 04 - What your website design says about you!
Jordan, Tom, Chris, and Austin discuss EVERYTHING web design! Austin, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Matchstick Studio, gives his insight into the importance of design ... Read More
  |   02.18.20   |  
Episode 03 - Zephyr Foods 1 Source Ground Beef
Michael and Jill Turley from Zephyr Foods stop by to talk about their amazing 1 Source Ground Beef, upcoming events, and a new product line coming out. Go check them out at http... Read More
  |   02.11.20   |  
Episode 02 - Truth In Advertising? Corporate Messaging During Football's Biggest Game.
Jordan, Chris, and Tom cover what everyone really watches the Superbowl for... the ads! They go over their favorites, which ads fell short, and what messaging to look out for on... Read More
  |   02.04.20   |  
Episode 01 - HAS WORDPRESS GONE TOO FAR?
From security issues to bloating your website with plugins has Wordpress gone too far? Jordan and Chris dive into why one of the largest web building platforms is a poor choice ... Read More
  |   01.28.20   |  
Episode 00 - Another Podcast?
Another podcast to listen to? Matchstick Studio co-founder, Jordan, explains what to expect from the upcoming Matchstick Studio Podcast. No topic is off-limits with this podcast... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   06.13.19   |   3 min read
Matchstick Jobs: Project Manager
Matchstick Studio is seeking a Project Manager to be responsible for handling ongoing projects and willing to work in a laidback, fun, and fast paced environment. This position ... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   03.14.19   |   2.5 min read
How the 24-hour Facebook and Instagram Crash Affected Businesses
If you've ever wondered if social media was the best platform to run your business online, yesterday's Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp crash should have given you an answer. S... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   01.15.19   |   5 min read
What Makes Matchstick Studio Different
Corporate identity, packaging, web, apps, print, photography, etc, etc. Our list of services is long, and we work each one with a high level of professionalism and pay attention... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   12.19.18   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists
Advanced Orthopaedic Specialists are the premier sports medicine providers in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas. They are also the official orthopaedic and sports medicine pro... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   12.06.18   |   3 min read
Are You Marketing to Machines or Humans?
If the need to increase the number of social impressions, trick search engines, and constantly improve KPIs becomes the sole focus of your marketing efforts, it's probably time ... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   11.12.18   |   2 min read
How often should you freshen up your website?
The short answer is "very." While it would be awesome, your website isn't like a crockpot where you can set it and forget it and have something magical happen over time. For you... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   10.01.18   |   4 min read
The 6 Most Helpful Tools for Small Businesses
There's no such thing as running a small business. It's more like sprinting. There are so many tasks, deadlines, and decisions. Sometimes it's hard to know what's what as you ma... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   08.23.18   |   2.5 min read
Does Your Business Need a Mobile App or Website? How to Decide.
Without question, mobile use continues to skyrocket. One statistic suggests that by 2019 the number of mobile phone users worldwide is expected to reach the five billion mark. T... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   08.09.18   |   1 min read
New Launch: Inc. CEO Project
The Inc. CEO Project is a coaching and peer advisory group that is affiliated with the Inc. organization that publishes Inc. Magazine. They equip qualified CEOs with training an... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   07.25.18   |   3 min read
How Mobile-First Indexing Will Impact Your Business
You may be hearing a lot of buzz about "mobile-first" indexing, which officially started rolling out a few months ago. It's one of the latest developments in Google's ongoing ef... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   06.26.18   |   2.5 min read
New Launch: Bikes Blues & BBQ
Every fall, thousands of people from all over the country travel to Northwest Arkansas for incredible views of the Ozarks, award-winning food, and the world's largest charity mo... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   05.21.18   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: Acorn Influence
Acorn Influence is an innovative company that works closely with influencers, such as bloggers and social media rock stars, and pairs them up with brands to help communicate the... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   04.30.18   |   2 min read
Custom Websites Aren't Always Costly
There's a common misperception, especially among small businesses, that hiring someone to develop a website will cost crazy amounts of money. While there are some high dollar we... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   04.06.18   |   3 min read
The Trick to SEO Is Not to Rely on Tricks
As a studio that specializes in digital design and development, clients often ask if we have SEO tips and tricks to help get their site or product ranked higher in Google. The i... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   03.14.18   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: Tony Pasquale - National Voice Talent
"Hey, I know that guy!" That's what people say when they hear Tony Pasquale's work. Tony is a national voice talent that has worked with all the top brands and agencies, and we ... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   02.22.18   |   3 min read
Know What You're Really Getting with a WordPress 'Specialist'
It's like the Wild West with agencies throwing around terms like "specialist" and "expert," which may or may not mean they actually know what they're doing. This is especially t... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   02.12.18   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: Leisurlist
Leisurlist is a new website and app that tracks absolutely everything there is to eat, see, and do in Northwest Arkansas. We were excited to be given the opportunity to design e... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   01.12.18   |   3 min read
Sometimes a Professional Can't Be Replaced by a Tool
Website builders and CMS platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, Weebly and Wix have become a popular option for non-tech people to dabble in building their own web presence. Hon... Read More
Kate Andersen   |   12.14.17   |   2.5 min read
Why You Should Go Beyond Social Media to Boost Your Business
First of all, it's smart for businesses to have a social media presence. Social platforms can offer credibility and give you a place to meet and interact with customers - and ho... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   11.22.17   |   1 min read
New Launch: George's Majestic Lounge
George's Majestic Lounge is the oldest live music venue in Arkansas and a Fayetteville staple. After thousands of shows with some of the biggest artists in the country, it's no ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   05.18.17   |   1 min read
New Launch: Daniels & Flynt
Daniels & Flynt is an accounting firm in Bentonville, AR that provides a myriad of financial services to individuals, families, and businesses all across Northwest Arkansas.... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   05.05.17   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: 102.7 FM
When a small classic rock radio station decides on an identity and marketing overhaul, there are a lot of big decisions to make. One of the biggest questions is whether or not t... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   10.31.16   |   1 min read
New Launch: Say It With Beef
We've been fortunate to work with what is probably one of the most unique products you'll hear about. Say It With Beef is a tasty alternative to flower and card giving that will... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   10.07.16   |   2 min read
New Launch: Deerboy
"I'm not a cowboy, I'm a Deerboy." Those were some of the first words we heard when approached by the Deerboy team to describe their products and vision of their new lifestyle c... Read More
Austin Phillips   |   09.19.16   |   2.5 min read
If You're Not Using SVGs, You're Doing It Wrong.
That's a strong statement, but one we strongly believe in. There are simply very few cases where using PNG or JPG files for your logos, icons, and graphics are still preferable.... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   09.14.16   |   1 min read
New Launch: Hatch & Maas Collective
Everyone in Northwest Arkansas knows who Hatch & Maas Collective is. If you don't, you're missing out on some of the best photography in the world. Their lifestyle-oriented ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   08.24.16   |   1 min read
New Launch: Dozier Capital Partners
We recently completed the identity, design, development, and launch for Dozier Capital Partners. Dozier Capital is a group that invests in companies across multiple stages, stru... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   08.08.16   |   1.5 min read
All About Turn Left Skatepro
The sport of roller derby has been on a major comeback over the last several years. It's been modernized and legitimized to the point where you can pick up some games on ESPN. N... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   06.20.16   |   1.5 min read
New Launch: Buffington Homes of Arkansas
We are very excited to announce the brand new website for Buffington Homes of Arkansas! Buffington Homes builds high quality, modern homes all across Northwest Arkansas and they... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   03.01.16   |   1 min read
New Launch: East Texas Brick Admin System
We recently teamed up with CUE Creative, a great agency out of Tyler, TX, to provide a simple way for their client East Texas Brick to manage and maintain their various product ... Read More
Jordan Carmon   |   01.05.16   |   4 MIN READ
Why We Created The Matchstick Framework
The year is now 2016. We have electric cars, drones that can drop your purchases on your front lawn, even reusable rockets. Yet most websites and online stores are running on pl... Read More
Austin Phillips   |   11.29.15   |   4.5 MIN READ
How do I get my startup featured on Mashable or TechCrunch?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked. People always want to know how we got The Matboard (one of our internal projects) featured on Mashable, what the process w... Read More

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