David Martin Design

10/13/2026

Asking customers for reviews feels pushy to most business owners. It doesn't have to.

New on the blog: when to ask, what to say, how to respond — and the Google and FTC rules every local business should know first.

http://davidmartindesign.com/blog/

09/23/2026

AI can now help create a website faster than ever.

That’s exciting, but it also makes one question more important: are we building the right thing?

A polished website can still miss the mark if it doesn’t reflect what customers actually need, if the content isn’t accurate, or if nobody has thought through accessibility, security, maintenance, and what happens after launch.

In my latest post, I connect that idea to something I learned years ago at Lean Startup Machine: treat your assumptions as something to test, not something to defend.

AI can help us build faster. Good judgment still matters.

Read the full post here:

AI can build websites faster than ever. The harder part is deciding what to build, testing assumptions, and thinking critically about the result.

09/23/2026

Does anyone else feel exhausted by the internet lately?

Back in 2004, having a website was relatively simple. Today, it’s a constant avalanche of faster tools, more channels, and endless noise. From basic hosting and local search to complex analytics and AI visibility, the sheer volume of "must-haves" is overwhelming.

I made this short video because we believe it’s time to take a breath. Beneath all the tools and technology, the part that actually matters is still you.

Your voice. Your mission.

At David Martin Design, we help Bloomington businesses cut through the clutter to build web design and digital marketing that actually resonates. Let's amplify your mission.

🌐 davidmartindesign.com

09/01/2026

I don't usually post about things that have nothing to do with web design, but this one's saved my family real money for almost seven years, so I am making an exception.

Back in 2019 we switched from a shared Verizon plan to Visible Wireless, mostly to stop getting hit with overage fees. Seven years later we're still on it, now covering three lines instead of one.

Here's what's changed (and what hasn't) since then: https://davidmartindesign.com/tools/still-using-visible-wireless-seven-years-later/

Heads up: that link includes our referral code. If you switch through it, we both get a credit, just want to be upfront about that.

Quick disclosure up front: the Visible link below is my referral link. If you sign up through it, we both get a credit toward our bill. That's the only reason

08/22/2026

Learn about Indiana limestone, its legacy, and the Institute supporting education, design, and sustainability.

08/13/2026

Why do programmers love eating skewers?
Because they always prefer kebab-case! 🍢

(Honestly, I was today years old when I learned the actual technical term for how I’ve been naming files for years...)

What’s your default file-naming style?
kebab-case | snake_case | camelCase | CHAOS_FINAL_v2_DEFINITIVE.docx 👇

08/10/2026

If your web developer retired tomorrow, could you still get into your own website?

A lot of small businesses build up followers, reviews, and years of customer history on tools they do not actually control. My latest post is a plain-language look at what your business truly owns, what you are only renting, and what to keep accessible so one change does not take everything with it. It ends with a simple audit you can run on your own accounts this week.

Own the foundation. Rent the reach.

Read it here: https://davidmartindesign.com/resources/digital-ownership-for-small-businesses/

06/17/2026

Search is changing, and AI is becoming part of how people find, compare, and choose local businesses.

But small businesses don’t need to panic. The fundamentals still matter:

A clear website.
Helpful content.
Accurate business information.
Strong reviews.
Local trust.
A digital presence that clearly explains who you are and how you help.

The difference now is that your online presence needs to be easy for both people and AI tools to understand.

I wrote a new guide about what AI search means for small businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations, and how to start preparing without getting overwhelmed.

Read the full post here:

AI search visibility matters for every small business. Here's what's changing, what still works, and practical steps to stay visible in AI Search.

05/23/2026

Time for this week’s Feature FDavid Martin Design!

David Martin Design provides creative media, design, and visual storytelling services that help organizations and businesses communicate clearly through strong branding, digital content, and thoughtful design.

Member Since: 2021
Make sure to check them out!
davidmartindesign.com

05/12/2026

Quick question: when did you last log into your Google Business Profile?

For a lot of local businesses, the honest answer is "a while ago" and that's completely understandable. It's one of those things that's easy to set up and forget.

But your profile is often the first thing a potential customer sees before they ever visit your website. Hours, photos, reviews, the little details... they all matter more than most people realize.

I put together a practical guide covering everything from claiming and verifying your profile to what ongoing maintenance actually looks like in practice.

No jargon. Just what to do and why it matters.

👉 https://davidmartindesign.com/local-business/google-business-profile-guide/