Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers. No jargon, no runaround.
Website Design Services
Website Design Services
We primarily build websites on WordPress using the Avada theme (but there are exceptions). This combination provides a powerful, flexible, and user-friendly platform that allows our clients to easily manage their own content after launch.
The cost of a new website varies depending on the complexity, number of pages, and specific features required. Our custom website design projects typically start around $5,000. We provide a detailed, custom proposal for every project after our initial Discovery Call.
Yes, we specialize in creating professional, affordable websites for small businesses throughout Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and the surrounding areas. We understand the local market and can build a site that helps you stand out.
Persuasion Architecture is a framework for designing websites that guide visitors toward a specific action (like making a purchase or filling out a form). We use its principles to create intuitive, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also convert visitors into customers.
A typical website project takes between 6 to 12 weeks from start to finish. This timeline can vary depending on the scope of the project and the timeliness of feedback and content delivery.
Yes, every website we build is fully responsive, meaning it will look and function perfectly on all devices, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This is essential for modern SEO / GEO / AEO and user experience.
Yes. We offer both copywriting and on-page SEO services to ensure your website not only looks professional but also ranks well in search engines and communicates effectively with your target audience.
Graphic Design Services
Graphic Design Services
That’s what the discovery call is for! We’ll talk through your goals, and I’ll recommend the right services for your situation.
It depends on the project. Logo design typically takes 2-3 weeks. Marketing materials can be done in 1-2 weeks. Complex projects (packaging, signage) may take longer.
Yes, for an additional fee. Let me know your deadline, and I’ll let you know if it’s feasible.
That’s a normal part of the creative process. Every project includes revision rounds, and we’ll keep refining until the design feels right to you. I won’t consider a project finished until you’re genuinely happy with the result — not just tolerating it. In 30+ years of design work, I’ve never had a client walk away without a design they loved.
Absolutely! If you have existing brand guidelines, I’ll work within them. If not, we can create new guidelines together.
Absolutely! I have many clients in Napa and Sonoma counties, as well as the East Bay, South Bay, Peninsula, Marin and San Francisco. Some clients prefer to meet in person initially and others are content with a phone call or virtual, online meeting to discuss their needs.
Great question. While most print shops offer graphic design services, they may either hire out the work or use templates to produce the work. As a graphic designer, I put your needs and wishes front and center: you maintain ownership of the final artwork, and I ensure that it’s prepared to meet the printer’s specifications, managing all pre-flight of the files provided to them for output.
Great question — and an important one. AI-assisted imagery means I use AI tools to rapidly generate visual concepts based on your brief, so instead of spending hours sketching ideas, we can review 10 directions in the time it used to take to develop 2. That saves you time and money in the early stages.
“Custom refinement” is where my expertise comes in. AI output is a starting point, not a finished product. I evaluate, select, and then refine the best concepts — adjusting composition, color, typography, and brand alignment — until the result is uniquely yours. The final design reflects your brand, not a generic AI prompt.
Think of it this way: AI handles the speed; I handle the judgment.
Marketing Strategy Services
Marketing Strategy Services
It’s a highly personal choice that must dovetail with your own business goals. I’ve seen companies spend from 0.5% of gross sales to 20% (!) of gross sales on their marketing budgets. The good news is that once you build a large enough customer base, it provides a larger repeat and referral base than a new company. Then you can reduce marketing expenses as a percentage of sales.
The bad news is that if your goal is to build a whole new business from the ground up, it will take considerable marketing investment up front to begin to develop your Return on Investment (ROI). You will need to spend more up front before you can begin trimming your marketing budget.
It is a ‘you get what you pay for’ business. More money = more carefully designed strategies and campaigns to bring in more clients. As an independent consultant it is common for my clients to want a quarter to a half of full-time work. And to a certain degree, the results are corresponding: you’d get a quarter to a half more customers. But it does take time to build the new client base.
Marketing results are not overnight. There is no magic silver bullet. Obtaining good results is more like long-term investing. Jump in and out of the market, you’ll get poor results. Remain steady in your strategy and your returns are dramatically improved. I do, however, try to steer my clients to the marketing tools that will get results sooner rather than later. We don’t have time to wait for the economy to turn around, do we?
A marketer’s job is simply to get you more customers. Of course, this should occur naturally by satisfied customers telling their friends about their terrific experience with you. But that doesn’t always happen, and it can be a very slow way to grow your business, waiting for folks to come to you.
A professional marketer’s job is to accelerate your business growth by reducing the amount of time, money, and available resources, in the most efficient way possible, to reach your target market, making it easy for them to buy from you. And the more efficient your marketing is, the more profits you make!
You may have noticed the name of my company: Cornucopia Creations. I am highly creative and have bountiful ideas that flow and flow.
But that’s not enough. I strive for realistic ideas. Skywriting is an idea, but it may not be practical for your business. Wrapping a public bus in an ad campaign may be a great idea – but also may not be within your budget.
Please note that it’s very important for you to participate with feedback on my ideas. Think of it as pairs’ tennis; we are on the same side of the net!
You should expect (and receive!) a fabulous experience, growing your brand, adding new clients to your business and learning how strategic marketing efforts can result in predictable actions by your customers. You should expect that I’ll answer your questions and concerns completely to your satisfaction.
You should expect me to map out strategies, tactics, and a scope of work so you know where we are in the process of completing any one project, and expect me to meet the deadlines we set together.
A project (like a new brochure) is a single tactic. A marketing plan is the overall strategy that ensures you’re choosing the right tactics, at the right time, to achieve your business goals. It’s the roadmap that makes sure all your individual projects are working together.
Yes. In fact, a marketing strategy is the most affordable way to market your business. By focusing your limited budget on only the most effective channels, a good strategy prevents you from wasting money on things that don’t work.
Some tactics, like local SEO improvements, can start showing results in as little as a few weeks. Others, like content marketing, are a long-term investment that builds authority over 6-12 months. Your strategic plan will include both short-term wins and long-term growth drivers.
No. You can start with a one-time Marketing Strategy Roadmap. If you decide you want ongoing support for implementation or coaching, we can discuss a monthly retainer, but you are never locked into a long-term commitment.
Absolutely. While I have deep roots in the Sonoma County business community, I work with clients across the country. Strategy is universal, and we can collaborate effectively via video calls and email no matter where you are located.
Having the tools is not the same as having a plan. Many businesses have a website, a Facebook page, and an Instagram account — and still aren’t growing, because the pieces aren’t connected or pointed in the same direction. A marketing strategy takes what you already have and makes it work together intentionally, so every touchpoint is moving your ideal customer closer to a decision.
Two things. First, I bring a genuine cornucopia of experience — from graphic design and brand identity to web development, print, digital, and email marketing. I’ve worked across industries for over 30 years, so I understand how all the pieces fit together, not just one slice of the marketing pie. Second, every strategy I build is grounded in Persuasion Architecture — a framework that ensures your marketing doesn’t just look good, but actively guides your ideal customer toward a decision. That’s a different standard than most marketing consultants apply.
Newsletter Services
Newsletter Services
Email marketing is more important than ever because it’s one of the only marketing channels you truly own. Unlike social media followers, who are subject to changing algorithms, your email list is a direct line to your customers. It consistently delivers the highest return on investment (ROI) of any digital marketing activity because it allows you to build genuine relationships, nurture leads, and drive sales in a personal, direct way that platforms like Facebook and Instagram can’t match.
The best platform depends entirely on your business goals and budget. For businesses just starting out, Mailchimp is a user-friendly and popular choice. For those looking for more powerful automation and segmentation features, we often recommend ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign. As part of our initial strategy call, we’ll discuss your specific needs and help you choose the platform that provides the best value and capabilities for your Sonoma County business.
We use a collaborative, four-step process to ensure your newsletter content is always relevant and engaging. It starts with a Strategy Call where we dive deep into your business, goals, and brand voice. From there, we develop a Content Plan with topics mapped out for the next 3-6 months. Each month, you approve the topic, and only then do we handle all the writing and design. Finally, you get a final review of the draft before it’s scheduled to send. This ensures you’re always in control while we do all the heavy lifting.
Yes, indirectly. While our primary service is creating the content for your newsletter, a consistently great newsletter is the single best tool for keeping subscribers and encouraging them to share. We also provide strategic advice on how to grow your list. During our work together, we can help you develop ideas for lead magnets (like free guides or checklists), website signup forms, and other tactics to attract a steady stream of new, high-quality subscribers.
Yes, absolutely. We specialize in helping Sonoma County businesses, and wineries are a passion of ours. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the wine industry, from the importance of Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) sales to the art of telling your brand’s story. We can craft newsletters that announce new releases, promote wine club events, and build the kind of loyal customer base that is essential for a thriving winery.
General Services
General Services
Cornucopia Creations is a full-service marketing and design studio based in Sonoma County, specializing in website design, graphic design, and strategic marketing. We help businesses build a strong brand presence both online and in print.
Absolutely! While we love working with our local Sonoma County community, we partner with clients across the country. We use video conferencing and project management tools to collaborate seamlessly, no matter where you are.
We focus on a collaborative, strategy-first process. We don’t just create pretty designs; we get to know your business, your audience, and your goals to build solutions that deliver real results. We believe in clear communication, no jargon, and a partnership built on trust.
The first step is a free, no-obligation Discovery Call. We’ll discuss your needs, answer your questions, and determine if we’re a good fit. You can schedule a call directly from our website.
The cost of a new website varies depending on the complexity, number of pages, and specific features required. Our custom website design projects typically start around $5,000. We provide a detailed, custom proposal for every project after our initial Discovery Call.
Yes, we specialize in creating professional, affordable websites for small businesses throughout Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and the surrounding areas. We understand the local market and can build a site that helps you stand out.
Persuasion Architecture is a framework for designing websites that guide visitors toward a specific action (like making a purchase or filling out a form). We use its principles to create intuitive, user-friendly websites that not only look great but also convert visitors into customers.
We provide comprehensive marketing and design services for small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and non-profits. This includes WordPress website design, graphic design, email marketing (newsletters), and overarching marketing strategy. We don’t just make things look pretty; we build “Persuasion Architecture” designed to convert visitors into clients.
We are proudly based in Sonoma County, California, serving the North Bay and the San Francisco Bay Area. However, we work with clients nationwide. Distance is never a barrier to great collaboration.
Yes. We build our websites on WordPress, specifically designing them to be user-friendly. Before hand-off, we provide some training so you feel confident making basic updates. If you prefer not to touch it, we also offer ongoing website maintenance packages. Even my most technically proficient clients prefer to send me their site updates so that they can concentrate upon running their businesses. You can decide when I conduct training.
Cornucopia Creations is not a big, impersonal agency. When you hire us, you work directly with founder Marcia Macomber. You get senior-level expertise and a single point of accountability. When a project requires highly specialized skills, we bring in trusted, vetted collaborators.
Every business is unique, and so is every project. We don’t use cookie-cutter templates or one-size-fits-all pricing. We start with a free discovery call to understand your specific needs, goals, and budget, and then provide a custom proposal.
It’s our core design philosophy. It means strategy comes before style. We design websites and marketing materials with a clear, intentional path that guides your audience toward taking a specific action—whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or calling for a consultation.
Website Maintenance Services
Website Maintenance Services
A maintenance plan is crucial for keeping your website secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly. Regular updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins prevent security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and ensure compatibility. It’s like insurance for your online presence.
Our plans include daily cloud backups, 24/7 security monitoring, weekly updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins, performance scans, and a set amount of monthly support time for content updates or small fixes.
We offer several tiers of maintenance plans to fit different needs and budgets, starting at $99/month. We can help you choose the right plan based on your site’s complexity and your support requirements.
Yes, we provide reliable WordPress maintenance and support for many businesses in Sonoma County. We’re local, responsive, and dedicated to keeping your website in top shape so you can focus on running your business.
Yes, we offer one-time hack cleanup services. We can identify and remove malware, restore your site from a clean backup, and implement security measures to prevent future attacks. Contact us immediately for assistance.
Absolutely. We’re happy to take over the maintenance and support for existing WordPress websites. We’ll start with a comprehensive site audit to familiarize ourselves with the build and identify any potential issues.
Working with Marcia
Working with Marcia
Please give me a call at 707.721.1095, or send me an email, to answer any questions I haven’t addressed right here.
Give me a call at 707.721.1095, or send me an email, to get started! Lots of my clients are just slightly overwhelmed at the outset: What do I need? Which project should I tackle first? Should I focus online first or my traditional media needs? We can discuss all of your options, goals and imminent deadlines first to determine where our efforts should first be directed. I guarantee you’ll feel infinitely more relaxed once we review this information!
My website contains a wealth of marketing, design and copywriting knowledge which is free for you to peruse. You may review back issues of my blog on these topics (and many others) by searching the Cornucopian archives or resources pages. You may also wish to subscribe to my free newsletter which contains tips and advice for small business owners on marketing, design and writing. I comment on current marketing trends, digital developments and more. You may opt out at any time.
Answer these questions first (because no one buys any product or service without answering “yes” to these questions). Do you think our personalities mesh? i.e. Do we seem to get along well? Do you trust me and my advice? (Without that step you won’t go any further here.) Finally, do you believe I have the expertise to do the job? This is the same order with which all of us make decisions about hiring staff or other consultants. Know. Like. Trust.
You should hire me because I provide high quality products and services at the best possible prices. My expertise ensures your tasks are done right the first time without costly mistakes.
If you’re stuck on one of the questions above, perhaps you should take a look again at some of the testimonials shown on this site? Or perhaps you’d prefer to speak to one of my satisfied clients. (Just ask!) Either way, it’s important that you satisfy all your concerns before proceeding. So if any questions remain, I urge you to give me a call at 707.721.1095, or send me an email, to resolve outstanding issues.
It’s a highly personal choice that must dovetail with your own business goals. I’ve seen companies spend from 0.5% of gross sales to 20% (!) of gross sales on their marketing budgets. The good news is that once you build a large enough customer base, it provides a larger repeat and referral base than a new company. Then you can reduce marketing expenses as a percentage of sales.
The bad news is that if your goal is to build a whole new business from the ground up, it will take considerable marketing investment up front to begin to develop your Return on Investment (ROI). You will need to spend more up front before you can begin trimming your marketing budget.
You should expect (and receive!) a fabulous experience, growing your brand, adding new clients to your business and learning how strategic marketing efforts can result in predictable actions by your customers. You should expect that I’ll answer your questions and concerns completely to your satisfaction.
You should expect me to map out strategies, tactics, and a scope of work so you know where we are in the process of completing any one project, and expect me to meet the deadlines we set together.
It is a ‘you get what you pay for’ business. More money = more carefully designed strategies and campaigns to bring in more clients. As an independent consultant it is common for my clients to want a quarter to a half of full-time work. And to a certain degree, the results are corresponding: you’d get a quarter to a half more customers. But it does take time to build the new client base.
Marketing results are not overnight. There is no magic silver bullet. Obtaining good results is more like long-term investing. Jump in and out of the market, you’ll get poor results. Remain steady in your strategy and your returns are dramatically improved. I do, however, try to steer my clients to the marketing tools that will get results sooner rather than later. We don’t have time to wait for the economy to turn around, do we?
A marketer’s job is simply to get you more customers. Of course, this should occur naturally by satisfied customers telling their friends about their terrific experience with you. But that doesn’t always happen, and it can be a very slow way to grow your business, waiting for folks to come to you.
A professional marketer’s job is to accelerate your business growth by reducing the amount of time, money, and available resources, in the most efficient way possible, to reach your target market, making it easy for them to buy from you. And the more efficient your marketing is, the more profits you make!
You may have noticed the name of my company: Cornucopia Creations. I am highly creative and have bountiful ideas that flow and flow.
But that’s not enough. I strive for realistic ideas. Skywriting is an idea, but it may not be practical for your business. Wrapping a public bus in an ad campaign may be a great idea – but also may not be within your budget.
Please note that it’s very important for you to participate with feedback on my ideas. Think of it as pairs’ tennis; we are on the same side of the net!
