The Short Story blog

Your Google Strategy: What’s Ranking (and What’s Not)? We recently shared The Half-Life of Social Media Posts , breaking down how fast your brilliant content disappears into the void on social media. Spoiler: pretty fast. But Google? Google isn’t just looking for fresh content—it’s looking for a full-on content buffet. If your strategy is “blog posts and nothing else,” you’re basically serving up plain toast when your audience (and Google) is craving a full meal.  Expanding your content mix isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the key to more traffic, more engagement, and better rankings.

Some online spaces provide fleeting exchanges like a chat with strangers in an elevator, while others are like a cozy library nook, inviting for extended narratives and repeat visitors, and encouraging readers to linger. On one side, you've got Facebook, and on the other, you've got blog posts. Or think of it a different way... Facebook is like an airplane skywriting your message across a clear blue sky— it grabs attention instantly (from those who happen to be looking up), but as soon as as a gust of wind blows, poof! It's gone.

At Short Story Marketing, we had the opportunity to let our inner child out, with a little imagination, a lot of creativity, the end result is pure magic in our clients' eyes. Designing the website for Play Favorites , a charming toy store in Front Royal, Virginia, was no exception. In fact, it might have been the most fun we’ve had in a while—because building a site for a toy store is almost as fun as playing with the toys themselves!

In today's fast-paced digital world, a website isn't just an online presence; it's a powerful tool that can drive growth, attract members, and showcase the unique value of an organization. This was the realization the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) came to as they found their once-functional website no longer met their evolving needs. They needed a change, and that's where we came in.

Crafting the brand of Ally Striping: A Journey in Design and Development

Behind the Scenes: Designing a local restaurants make over logo

Master the art of SEO-friendly blogging with our gourmet guide. Learn how to craft irresistible content that pleases both Google and your readers.

Let us tell you about a hidden gem in Tillamook County - Jandy Oyster. These folks have been dishing out some of the most delicious seafood you can imagine. But there was a little problem - their online vibe didn’t really scream “Come and get it!” to both the locals and visitors. That's where we came in, ready to give them a digital makeover and put them on the map as the go-to spot for seafood lovers. So, What's the Scoop with Jandy Oyster? Jandy Oyster is all about bringing the freshest oysters straight from the local waters to your plate, making it a seafood lover's paradise. But, let's be honest, their digital presence was kind of like finding a pearl in an oyster - tough to come by. They were practically swimming in the vast ocean of the internet without making much of a splash. The Mission: From Hidden Gem to Local Legend The goal was crystal clear - Jandy Oyster wanted to jazz up their online presence to catch the eye of both the town folks and tourists. They dreamed of becoming the place everyone talked about and where everyone wanted to be seen. How We Spiced Things Up We believe that Jandy Oyster's story is like a fine seafood platter - full of coastal charm and delicious tales waiting to be shared. So, we rolled up our sleeves to create a digital experience that would make you feel the sea breeze and taste the salt in the air. The Recipe for Success Imagine a website that's a visual feast, with stunning photos of Tillamook County's landscapes and drool-worthy shots of Jandy Oyster's dishes. We added a pinch of interactive features, like signing up for special events, joining local clubs for beekeepers, and even ordering garden baskets and veggies. It's all about making you want to dive right in. The Catch of the Day: A Story of Transformation Their online presence now mirrors the passion and excellence that have always been their hallmark, firmly establishing them as a culinary beacon in Tillamook County. Savoring the Victory This digital makeover story is a toast to the magic that happens when great storytelling meets design. At Short Story Marketing, we're over the moon to have been part of Jandy Oyster's voyage to becoming a digital darling. Thinking about taking your business online? Let’s join forces and craft your own tale of success. Cheers to that!

You know, one of the coolest parts of what we do is getting to work with a kaleidoscope of clients, each with their own stories, challenges, and dreams. Today, we're super excited to share the journey we embarked on with Astaria Global, a real powerhouse in the biotech scene, especially within the Equine Industry.

In the bustling world of organizations that really make a mark, 2Fast has been a standout, powering through with some of the best motorcycle track days and instruction you can find in the Pacific Northwest. But, there was a bit of a snag - their online look didn’t quite match the awesome work they were doing in real life. That's when they teamed up with us, ready to give their digital presence a much-needed boost to match their real-world zest. The Starting Line with 2Fast.org 2Fast has always been all about that thrill of the ride and sharing the know-how on motorcycle safety. They’ve got this deep-rooted passion that's seriously contagious. But when it came to their website, it felt a bit like taking a ride on an old, dusty road – not the smooth ride they're known for providing. It was time for a change, to bring that online experience up to speed with the excitement of hitting the track. Facing the Digital Bend Getting their website to truly reflect what 2Fast.org is all about was our main mission. The site needed more than just a fresh coat of paint; it needed to become a hub that's as dynamic and welcoming as the community they've built around motorcycle racing and education. Shifting Gears with Our Approach Here’s the thing - we believe that a great website is like a great ride: it should be smooth, intuitive, and, most of all, memorable. That's exactly the vibe we aimed to bring to 2Fast.org’s online space. It wasn't just about making things look pretty; it was about creating a journey that visitors would enjoy, from start to finish. The Transformation Journey We dove deep, rethinking the whole 2Fast.org website experience. We wanted every visitor to feel the adrenaline, the community, and the passion behind track day experience and improving their skills on motorcycle riding. From streamlining navigation to punching up the content with more energy, we redesigned their site to be a virtual gateway to the thrill of the track. Crossing the Finish Line The results? A total game-changer. The new site really revved up engagement and brought the community closer. It’s like 2Fast.org got a brand-new set of wheels online, making it easier and more exciting for everyone to connect with their passion for motorcycles. Riding into the Sunset This adventure with 2Fast.org was a reminder of how powerful a stellar digital presence can be, especially when it mirrors the passion of the folks behind the organization. We’re stoked to have been part of this journey, and we’re geared up for the next challenge. If you’re thinking it’s time to kick your digital presence into a higher gear, you know who to call. Let’s make the online world a place where your passion shines bright.

Oceanside Gateway Signage Funding/Contest