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Take your business from small to smallnormous

5.0
5 reviews

Smallnormous is a new kind of partner, a trusted advisor, bringing big-brand expertise and Fortune-100 experience to help local businesses tell their stories, get noticed, and grow. We deliver innovative solutions in an efficient, two-person ecosystem that gives small businesses the advantages that might not have otherwise been within reach of their budgets.

We help small companies tell their stories and strengthen their brands in ways that make good financial sense. We get to know your business and then provide world-class strategy, design, and messaging to help you reach your goals.

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$1,000+
 
$100 - $149 / hr
 
2 - 9
 Founded
2018
Show all +
Santa Rosa, CA
headquarters
  • 1874 Waltzer Rd
    Santa Rosa, CA 95403
    United States
    707-583-9505
other locations
  • 1850 Clay Street
    San Francisco, CA 94109
    United States
    415-531-6956

Portfolio

Key clients: 

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, The Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor, Docker, Tuxton China, Paul Osincup, End Incivility Today, Estela Salon Sonoma, Wine Cube Tours, Get Up Business Development Services, Team Becca, Best Bite Nutrition, Mike Lucia Design Build, Midsets Fitness, NorCal Animal Rescue, Ph. Creative UK, Hangar 12,   

Award-Winning Wine Cube Tours Branding & Web Development Image

Award-Winning Wine Cube Tours Branding & Web Development

Stunning vistas, incredible wine, and amazing food. Our client Raymond, owner and host of Wine Cube Tours, offers the total Wine Country experience. So we created a cohesive brand for his business, complete with updated logo and a streamlined website that clearly conveys what makes his service unique.


Optimized from a seven-page site, his new, three-page site improves the user experience and boosts the

…
numbers of reservation requests he receives. We designed modern page layouts, creating an image-rich, immersive experience paired with powerful messaging that conveys the premium nature of the Wine Cube Tours experience. Finally, we created new SEO for each page of the site to significantly improve the site’s search rankings.


AWARD WINNER: Summit International Creative Award 2019, Hospitality and Tourism Website Design, SILVER

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Estela Salon Branding & Web Development Image

Estela Salon Branding & Web Development

Our client Estela’s dream salon came to life in a Sonoma Craftsman bungalow, a light-filled oasis with a modern farmhouse look. After visiting the salon, we were inspired to create a unique brand expression for this special place. We started with a custom video/photo shoot and then developed an inviting website filled with luscious imagery and evocative messaging. We also created new SEO for each section of the site to improve

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the site’s all-important search rankings.


Additionally, we created a series of branded pieces to launch the business: a grand opening invitation, a client intake card, and a menu of services. We also developed a branded Instagram presence, Google My Business listing, and business Facebook page, so new and existing clients can enjoy that special estela salon feeling—even between salon visits.

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The Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor Image

The Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor

When the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, an international nonprofit dedicated to using humor to enhance health and human performance, asked us to redesign their website, we worked closely with them to develop a solution that fit into their budget and maximized their ROI. We began by conducting an audit of their existing site and dramatically streamlined and reorganized it for a better user experience. We

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developed a detailed messaging strategy and then worked closely with AATH to guide them in writing the copy, which we then edited and polished.

 

Featuring numerous videos, an integrated social feed, and compelling testimonials, the site offers a dynamic, energetic user experience in keeping with the organization’s brand. Mindful design and layouts alternating plenty of white space with color ensure that the content feels accessible, inviting, and funny. We also crafted SEO to help improve the site’s search rankings. 

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Best Bite Nutrition Branding & Web Development Image

Best Bite Nutrition Branding & Web Development

Stacey Wenzel, a Sonoma-County-based nutritionist, came to smallnormous for help launching her new business. We were delighted to consult with her to help determine the key differentiators of her approach. Then, we leveraged what we learned to develop the name “Best Bite Nutrition,” which speaks to how Stacey guides her clients to make healthy food choices that don’t sacrifice flavor.


Taking inspiration from

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the new name, we developed an elegant, botanically themed logo that speaks to her affinity for using herbs in her recipes. Next, we created two-sided business cards with a custom texture on the back. To help fully launch her business, we created an image-rich website that features her blog posts, integrates her Instagram feed, and explains her approach and pricing, creating an overall aspirational look and feel that is true to her personality and approach to serving her clients. We continue to provide her with strategic consulting to maximize her brand exposure and success.
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Get UP Business Development Services Branding & Web Development Image

Get UP Business Development Services Branding & Web Development

As the principal of her business consulting firm, Get UP Business Development Services, Lucia needed a brand overhaul. To begin, we created a new logo that conveys how their strategic guidance can help businesses generate more revenue, as expressed in the upward revenue curve graphic. We updated the brand’s color palette with tonal adjustments that lend a modern, warm feel. We translated these new elements into beautiful

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business cards with space for notes on the back. 


Next, we completely redesigned her website, adding better UX, powerful metrics, and compelling testimonials, as well as beautiful imagery featuring a custom overlay of the Get UP brand colors and a bespoke texture that echoes the revenue curve in the logo. We finished by developing meticulously targeted SEO. Today, the site ranks #1 in organic search for her main service.

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Adamas Pharmaceutical Employer Brand Campaign Image

Adamas Pharmaceutical Employer Brand Campaign

Adamas Pharmaceuticals, a provider of time-dependent biologics, asked us to create a new employer brand to help attract the industry’s best talent as well as those who would be a good fit for the company’s culture of ongoing learning. To get at the heart of what it means to work at Adamas, we interviewed both staff and senior leadership and then used our findings to develop a compelling new brand expression that dovetailed with

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the corporate brand.


We conducted an extensive photo shoot to create appropriate imagery for the new website and subsequent materials. The new website (not yet live) also features inviting messaging, deploys a powerful job search function, and tells the story of the company’s culture and dedication to patient well-being. We extended the brand to an updated presence on LinkedIn and Glassdoor. 

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Docker Digital Advertising Image

Docker Digital Advertising

Docker Inc., the industry leader in the containerization market, came to smallnormous for help with digital promotions. We developed a series of animated and static banners to showcase the global release of several whitepapers in many different languages. Leveraging a mix of brand assets and new, custom illustrations, these ads drive engagement and conversion.


In addition, we were tasked with promoting a

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series of webinars and in-person events—both on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter—across a variety of industries and languages. We likewise extended the brand to create compelling, easy-to-grasp assets that generate excitement and encourage sign-up for these events.
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Reviews

5.0
5 reviews
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Website Design and Development for Leadership Consultant

"They really understand the importance of balance professionalism and creativity."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Nov. - Dec. 2019
Project summary: 

smallnormous designed and developed a website from the ground up for a leadership and management consulting company, providing updates and insights on how to best utilize the sight.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Los Angeles, California
Brian M Harman
Owner, Business Management Hallmark
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The features and advice provided by smallnourmous have helped their client successfully represent their services within their industry. Their team kept communication flowing throughout the project, providing regular updates on their progress towards milestones. 

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

As the owner of a boutique corporate training and leadership development company, choosing the right partners to work with are often make it or break it decisions. My success is heavily dependent on the quality of work my vendors can provide because that translates into what I can provide to my clients.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire smallnormous?

Complete website design and development

What were your goals for this project?

My goals were to have a professional website built that could appropriately and accurately illustrate my brand and services.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

Based on seeing their other work, I quickly moved them to the top of my list. The more I interacted with them, the more I became certain they were the right ones.

They were a strong fit for my kind of business but their energy and attitude towards the work had a balanced level of professionalism with creativity.

Describe the project and the services they provided in detail.

They interviewed me and asked a lot of questions during the discovery process. This level of detail helped me to better understand my own business and what I offer my clients. They turned all those answers into a beautifully designed website that I am very proud of.

They designed my website from scratch, provided updates and insights every step of the way, and ultimately delivered exactly what I had hoped for while exceeding my expectations.

What was the team composition?

They have 2 wonderful founders that are involved in everything they do.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any information that demonstrates the impact that this project has had on your business?

The website has just become 'live', so I do not have any impact yet, but I am confident in sharing my new website and having it be the face of my business on the internet.

How was project management arranged and how effective was it?

They provided a full project layout before any work was completed. It was helpful that they continued providing updates daily until the project was done. It was finished ahead of schedule.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

They really understand the importance of balance professionalism and creativity. Sometimes designers are too creative and can't execute, or vice versa. The final deliverable exceeded my expectations and they remained impressive on the project management side of things.

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nothing that I can think of.

5.0
Overall Score one of the best partners I've ever worked with - if not the best.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    very fast and reliable.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    cost was fair and competitive.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    excellent in all areas.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    definitely recommending them.

Advertising Strategy for Audiovisual Rental Company

"They are exactly who they present to be, high-level marketers affordable for the small business."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
October 2019
Project summary: 

smallnormous developed an advertising strategy for an audiovisual equipment rental company. Their team provided prioritization advice, created a draft, made edits, and finalized the strategy.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Sebastopol, California
Angie Monette Harrison
Operations, CMAV
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

While the campaign is still being run, the internal team is confident that it will achieve the desired results. smallnormous provides high-quality results through a communicative and collaborative process. Open to feedback, their team is professional and personable.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I manage operations at CMAV, an audiovisual production and equipment rental company. We provide full-service event production and audiovisual-equipment rentals for corporate meetings, conferences, social gatherings, and special events.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire smallnormous?

We purchased print and digital ad space in our local business journal to promote a winter sale. Wanting to make the most of our investment, we hired smallnormous to help dial in our strategy and come up with a brilliant execution.

What were your goals for this project?

Our goal was to increase visibility and business during our slow season. We wanted to have an on-brand, cohesive look and feel to our ads across multiple channels.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had vetted over 100 local marketing firms via Yelp and Google, looking for a particular level of quality. I was surprised to read how focused they were on helping small businesses. I was sure that they'd be out of my price range. After a very generous free strategy session and fully understanding our needs, they gave a proposal for performing each need piecemeal -- the kind of bites my budget needs.

Describe the scope of their work in detail.

We prioritized a new print ad, two digital ads, and on their wise suggestion, a landing page so that ad space could be conserved and greater detail could be provided on the landing page.

What was the team composition?

I worked with both Eric and Jennifer together. Jennifer is the copywriter and Eric graphic design. Both are top-notch strategists and complemented each other well.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The work product produced was much better quality than what we had before, which was the first success. Time will tell, but I think this campaign will be more effective than our marketing in the past, as they were able to dig to the emotional driver behind the promotion and develop copy and imagery to support it. They selected just the right photography and while the ad has a distinctive feel, it's certainly in line without already developed brand. That takes serious skill!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Fantastic. They took my briefing and presented a proposed strategy. Once aligned, they created a draft, took edits, refined and finalized. They are quick to respond and let me know when they anticipated delays (never more than half a day).

What did you find most impressive about this company?

Everything. I loved first their own marketing on their site -- fun, smart, and different. They are exactly who they present to be, high-level marketers affordable for the small business. There are lots of graphic designers out there touting branding experience. Developing a logo for a friend is not the same as being seriously educated in branding and marketing. These folks are the real deal. I will use them for as long as they'll have us!

Are there any areas for improvement?

Nope! Keep on keepin' on!

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer

Web Design & Branding for Nutrition Consulting Business

"...I felt that they really understood me each step of the way."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Feb. - June 2019
Project summary: 

smallnormous assisted with setting up everything for the business, from naming and logo creation to web design and development. They offered multiple name and logo options to finalize on the best one.

The Reviewer
 
1-10 Employees
 
Petaluma, California
Stacey F. Wenzel
Owner & Nutritionist , Best Bite Nutrition
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

They produced a visually stunning website and graphics, which have gotten numerous compliments. smallnormous is highly recommended for their creativity, discipline, and responsiveness, but what stands out the most is their commitment to their clients’ satisfaction.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I’m the owner and nutritionist at Best Bite Nutrition, a nutrition consulting business.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire smallnormous?

I hired smallnormous to help us with naming, branding, logo development, and website design and development for my new business.

What were your goals for this project?

I basically needed to set up my business completely.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I had known Jennifer (Co-Founder, smallnormous) as a personal acquaintance for many years prior to smallnormous and had recently reconnected with her and her partner Eric (Co-Founder, smallnormous). I'd already begun researching vendors before reconnecting and had almost decided to work with someone else when I was introduced to smallnormous and their work.

After seeing examples of their work, I felt that it was of much higher quality compared to what I'd seen from other vendors. Theirs was so beautiful and sleek. Overall, I felt that they would be a better fit for me.

Describe the project in detail.

We had an initial meeting so that Jennifer and Eric could get a good feel of my personality, my preferences, my dislikes, and more. Once that was complete, they gave me a timeline of expectations.

First, I was presented with several amazing suggestions for business names. I had a difficult time choosing because I loved so many of them. Next, I was presented with various logos to choose from, and once again I had a difficult time choosing. We moved onto color variations from there. Once that was all complete, website design was started and completed. I provided assets as requested and Jennifer and Eric worked their magic on my website. I am so happy with the end result.

What was the team composition?

I worked with both Jennifer and Eric—sometimes together and sometimes one at a time depending on whether we were working on copy or design or both.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The website is still brand new, but I can say is that I’ve received so many compliments on the design and UI that I've recommended smallnormous more times than I can count. Specifically, people love the clarity of my site as well as its ease of use.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Jennifer and Eric are extremely easy to work with because they take their business very personally. They’re responsive, extremely organized, and they strive for excellence. smallnormous wants its clients to be 1,000% happy.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

My mind was blown with the choices I was offered for business names, logos, and colors. Their overall creativity is outstanding and I felt that they really understood me each step of the way. The options I was given and how the project progressed showed me that Jennifer and Eric were really listening. In my experience, that’s a rare and valuable quality.

Are there any areas for improvement?

There are no areas of improvement at all. Jennifer and Eric ensured I was satisfied during the entire project.

5.0
Overall Score I had a fantastic experience with smallnormous!
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    smallnormous was very accommodating.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    I felt that every penny was well spent.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    smallnormous produced outstanding and gorgeous work.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I have already recommended smallnormous several times.

Web Dev & Copy Edits for Humor Therapy Nonprofit

"… they spent a lot of time with me to make sure we felt great about our new website."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
5.0
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
May - June 2019
Project summary: 

Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing produced a new website, focusing on modernizing the UI while reducing the amount of content and pages. The team also provided edits for the website’s copy.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
Rockford, Illinois
Paul Osincup
President, Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The new website has received praise for its visual appeal as well as an increased amount of visitors. Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing tailored its strategy to fit the project’s needs, learning as much as possible about the nonprofit to deliver exceptional results.

The client submitted this review online.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. We're an international nonprofit dedicated to the study and application of humor to enhance health and human performance. We help people, organizations, and communities increase their wellbeing and results through humor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing?

We hired them to create a new website for us. We had an old website that had too much text and way too many pages.

What were your goals for this project?

We wanted to pare down the website content to what people really needed to know and make the new website more current and aesthetically pleasing.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

I was referred to Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing by someone else.

Describe the project in detail.

They consulted with me about what I wanted, learned what we were about, and took time to get to really know us. After that, Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing sent me an outline template of what the new website would look like as well as a step-by-step framework for the copy we would need to write. I wrote the copy exactly how I wanted it, and then they reviewed and edited to make it better.

What was the team composition?

Both their owners worked on the website. One actually created the website and the other worked on copy edits.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We are getting many more visitor through our website now than we previously were. I've also been contacted by at least 20 members of the organization specifically to tell me how great the new website is and how it’s such a tremendous upgrade.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

The workflow was excellent. Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing went out of their way to work with us. In fact, we had an IT person on our end that was a little difficult to work with, and they did a great job navigating that.

What did you find most impressive about this company?

I appreciated the fact that they tailored the project to our needs and budget. I know they have bigger clients but they spent a lot of time with me to make sure we felt great about our new website.

Are there any areas for improvement?

I really can't think of anything for them to improve. They were excellent.

5.0
Overall Score Hands down, you won't be disappointed with Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing.
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
    Scheduling with them was super easy.
  • 5.0 Cost
    Value / within estimates
    They are definitely worth it.
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
    They were incredibly tuned in to our needs and delivered a beautiful website very quickly.
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer
    I already have recommended Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing.

Branding for Pharmaceuticals Company

"They have really good energy in terms of getting us excited about the work they’re doing."

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5.0

Quality: 
5.0
Schedule: 
5.0
Cost: 
n/a
Willing to refer: 
5.0
The Project
 
Less than $10,000
 
Sep. 2018 - Ongoing
Project summary: 

Smallnormous helped define a brand image for a new website. They created several different iterations before delivering a fully-realized result. Their work continues with refining the final version.

The Reviewer
 
51-200 Employees
 
California
Director, Pharmaceuticals Company
 
Verified
The Review
Feedback summary: 

The team exuded patience and positive energy throughout the course of the project. Excellent service and superb client management skills are what make Smallnormous a standout vendor.

A Clutch analyst personally interviewed this client over the phone. Below is an edited transcript.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the director at a 150-person pharmaceutical company.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing?

We needed to refresh our employer brand for a new career site.  

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

They were hired to consult on the employer branding and make a proposal for what it should be. The team was instrumental in sorting out what a more formal employer brand could be. We went through several iterations before landing on a final version.

What is the team composition?

I worked with Jennifer (Owner/Creative Director, Smallnormous) and Eric (Owner/Creative Director, Smallnormous).

How did you come to work with Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing?

They were hired before I started my current position.  

What is the status of this engagement?

They began the project in September 2018 and our engagement is ongoing.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

We don’t have any tangible metrics right now, just because we haven’t launched the new site yet.

How did Smallnormous Advertising & Marketing perform from a project management standpoint?

The team is definitely flexible, consultative, and serves as a great partner. They displayed very good client management skills, overall.

What did you find most impressive about them?

They have really good energy in terms of getting us excited about the work they’re doing. The team was able to maintain that excitement throughout the entire process, all while staying motivated and engaged.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could benefit from listening more.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

I would suggest sticking to the project timelines to make the whole process smoother.

5.0
Overall Score
  • 5.0 Scheduling
    ON TIME / DEADLINES
  • N/A Cost
    Value / within estimates
  • 5.0 Quality
    Service & deliverables
  • 5.0 NPS
    Willing to refer