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Journal — Field NotesShopify · Klaviyo · CRO · Brand

The journal.

Honest thinking on Shopify, Klaviyo, CRO and the craft of building DTC brands that compound — not just launch.

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Woman using smartphone at night with glowing email icons floating around herGeneral
General·Jun 25, 2026·

How a Properly Built Klaviyo Setup Turns Purchase History Into Repeat Revenue

Most e-commerce brands treat email as a broadcast channel. They batch, they blast, they discount. And then they wonder why retention numbers don’t move. The problem isn’t the creative. It isn’t even the offer. It’s that the data infrastructure underneath the program isn’t built to support anything more than generic sends. When your Shopify store […]

CareerWise website homepage design featuring the headline 50 States, One Apprenticeship Movement.Design
Design·Jun 18, 2026·

Elevating the Digital Blueprint for National Apprenticeships with CareerWise

At BLKDG, we love seeing local innovations scale to make a massive national impact. That is why we are incredibly proud to celebrate the launch of our latest design and development project: a comprehensive platform revamp for CareerWise. As CareerWise continues to reshape the American workforce through modern, paid youth apprenticeships, they need a digital […]

Hand reaching to tap a glowing digital shopping cart iconDev
Dev·May 14, 2026·4 min

The Right Time to Migrate Your B2B Operations to Shopify Plus

For years, B2B e-commerce was treated as a purely transactional space. As long as wholesale buyers, distributors, and retail partners could log in and place bulk orders, the user experience didn’t matter much. Today, that outdated mindset is costing manufacturers and distributors serious revenue….

Shopify
Shopify·May 12, 2026·8 min

Hydrogen in 2026: when to migrate, when to stay on Liquid

Headless is not a personality. A clear-eyed look at when Hydrogen earns its keep — and when a fast Liquid theme will out-ship it.

Person typing on a smartphone at a desk with laptop, surrounded by digital business icons and chartsAgency Life
Agency Life·May 8, 2026·3 min

Why Klaviyo is the Customer Data Platform Your Brand Needs in 2026

At BLKDG, we audit dozens of complex e-commerce tech stacks every year. The most common vulnerability we see isn’t a lack of data—it’s the friction between collecting that data and actually using it. Historically, brands have poured budgets into standalone Customer Data Platforms (CDPs), only to …

CRO
CRO·Apr 27, 2026·5 min

The five PDP tests every DTC brand should run first

Before you redesign anything, run these. The product page is where intent meets friction — and where the fastest wins live.

Woman checking her phone while hiking above clouds in mountainsAgency Life
Agency Life·Apr 21, 2026·4 min

Gearing Up for Summer: 4 Ways to Stress-Test Your Shopify Store Before Peak Season

At BLKDG, our Denver roots mean we live for the summer outdoor rush. But before you clock out to hike the Rockies or hit the river, there’s serious work to do. For active lifestyle brands, apparel retailers, hospitality groups, and any eCommerce business banking on summer, late spring is the calm…

Klaviyo
Klaviyo·Mar 30, 2026·6 min

Beyond welcome flows: 12 lifecycle automations that pay rent

Your welcome flow is table stakes. The revenue is in the flows nobody brags about — replenishment, win-back, post-purchase education.

Coworkers typing on laptops around a wooden table in a meetingAgency Life
Agency Life·Mar 20, 2026·4 min

Why Cross-Disciplinary Teams Build Better Digital Products

There’s a common misconception in our industry: that great digital products are the result of one isolated team doing exceptional work. The reality is far messier—and much more interesting. At BLKDG, we’ve seen this firsthand. The strongest work we ship doesn’t come from perfect handoffs or tight…

CRO
CRO·Mar 9, 2026·4 min

What one second of checkout speed is really worth

Speed is a feature with a dollar value. Here’s how we put a number on it — and why the checkout is where it matters most.

Smartphone screen showing 'Accept All' and 'Reject All' cookie consent buttonsGeneral
General·Feb 20, 2026·5 min

Cookie Consent Built for Brand Trust and Compliance

Let’s talk about something super important for your website and your relationship with your visitors: cookie consent. A few years ago, cookie consent could feel like a simple banner you install and forget. Today, it’s a moving target. More U.S. states have enacted comprehensive privacy laws, enfo…

Brand
Brand·Feb 18, 2026·7 min

Make your Shopify store look nothing like a Shopify store

Performance gets the click. Brand makes it memorable. How to build the layer that makes a store feel like more than a theme.

Hand pouring Lawson's Finest Little Sip IPA into a glass beside Sip of Sunshine cansDesign
Design·Feb 13, 2026·4 min

Lawson’s Finest, Reimagined: A New Digital Home Built by BLKDG

Lawson’s Finest Liquids is the kind of brand people don’t just buy — they follow. It’s built on craft, community, and the feeling you get when the day’s been well spent and the beer is exactly right. Their website needed to match that same energy: welcoming, easy to explore, and designed to scale…

Lighthouse beacon shining through fog and sea mist at duskGeneral
General·Feb 2, 2026·6 min

Common Accessibility Gaps in Content Workflows (And How to Fix Them)

We audit dozens of websites every month for accessibility compliance. And while we see plenty of developer-side issues like keyboard navigation problems, ARIA misuse, and focus management, the most persistent barriers come from the content side. These aren’t malicious oversights. They’re the resu…

Group holding a Positive Tracks 'Sweat For Good' banner on a beachDesign
Design·Jan 30, 2026·3 min

Positive Tracks x BLKDG Wins Gold at the 2025 Davey Awards!

Celebrating a mission-driven partnership—and a website built to help young people sweat for good. Positive Tracks is a national nonprofit driven by a powerful belief: young people can change the world—and they deserve real opportunities to do it. Their programs help young people (ages 12–25) turn…

Shopify
Shopify·Jan 24, 2026·6 min

How to migrate platforms without losing your SEO

Re-platforming is where brands quietly torch years of organic traffic. A field guide to moving without the cliff.

IRIS jewelry store interior with illuminated glass display cases and pendant lightingDesign
Design·Jan 12, 2026·3 min

Built for the Gold Standard: The Iris Piercing Web Transformation

At BLKDG, we believe that a brand’s digital presence should be as refined and intentional as the products they create. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with Iris Piercing, a premier name in high-end body jewelry and professional piercing services, to overhaul their web experience. The goal …

Skeleton hands typing on a laptop keyboard surrounded by toy spiders on an orange background.Marketing
Marketing·Oct 31, 2025·3 min

Resurrecting Your Rankings and Escaping the SEO Graveyard

It happens to even the best of websites — one day, your traffic is thriving, and the next… it’s like someone turned off the lights. Pages that once ruled Google’s first page have vanished into the abyss, organic traffic has flatlined, and conversions are gasping for air. Welcome to the SEO Grav…

Magnifying glass highlighting a yellow figure among rows of blue figures in a crowd illustration.Marketing
Marketing·Oct 24, 2025·4 min

From Broad Strokes to Laser Focus: Understanding Audience Development and Custom Targeting

In the crowded digital landscape, simply broadcasting your message to the masses is a strategy destined to fail. The modern marketing game isn’t about volume; it’s about relevance. To cut through the noise and achieve meaningful engagement, you need a two-pronged approach: Audience Development an…

Designers reviewing wireframe sketches and color swatches on a desk with a laptop.Design
Design·Oct 16, 2025·2 min

Bringing Brand Personality to Life Through Digital Design

Your website should do more than look good — it should feel like your brand. At BLKDG, we believe great design goes beyond pixels and layouts. It’s about crafting digital experiences that express who you are, connect with your audience, and convert visitors into loyal customers. Our design proces…

Businessman in a suit pointing at a holographic ecommerce shopping cart interface.Marketing
Marketing·Oct 9, 2025·4 min

How BLKDG Helps Smart eCommerce Brands Start Holiday Planning Early

The calendar says it’s October, but your customers are already thinking about Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the entire holiday gift-giving season. In the world of eCommerce, the biggest revenue-driving quarter of the year doesn’t start in November—it starts now. For online retailers, success is…

Illustration of a responsive website displayed across desktop, tablet, and mobile screens.Dev
Dev·Sep 19, 2025·3 min

Multisite vs. Microsite: Decoding the Lingo

In the world of web development, you’ll often hear terms like “multisite” and “microsite” thrown around. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the distinction is crucial for making the right strategic decisions for your digital presence. At BLKDG, we help bus…

General
General·Sep 5, 2025·2 min

A Digital Platform as Powerful as Musco’s Lights

When you’ve lit everything from Olympic venues to professional stadiums, airports, and city landmarks, your digital presence needs to shine just as brightly. That’s why Musco Lighting, a global leader in sports and large-area lighting, turned to BLKDG to reimagine their website. Musco’s influence…

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard against a blue backgroundDev
Dev·Aug 1, 2025·2 min

Agency Tools We Trust: Monitoring And Automation With WPMU DEV

At BLKDG, we’re always on the lookout for tools that empower our development team and enhance the performance, security, and reliability of the websites we build. One of the most valuable platforms in our WordPress ecosystem is WPMU DEV—an all-in-one solution that helps us streamline automation, …

Hayden Outdoors website page for farm and ranch equipment for saleGeneral
General·Jul 18, 2025·4 min

How BLKDG Empowered Equipment Auctions for Hayden Outdoors

When Hayden Outdoors, a leading name in farm, ranch, and recreational real estate, approached BLKDG, they presented an exciting challenge. Known for representing some of the finest land for sale across the nation – from sprawling legacy ranches to productive farms, luxury estates, and prime hunti…

Woman typing on a laptop surrounded by holographic data analytics graphicsMarketing
Marketing·Jul 11, 2025·5 min

Measuring Marketing Success: Multi-Touch Attribution and ETL Tools in the Digital Age

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, determining the success or failure of efforts to reach, engage, and convert your target audience often yields complex answers. Despite the wealth of insightful data and sophisticated media platforms available today, achieving an interconnected view…

Illustration of a businesswoman managing tasks on a kanban board with a stopwatchGeneral
General·Jun 27, 2025·4 min

Unlocking Community Engagement with WordPress Events Calendar Pro

At BLKDG, we’re constantly seeking robust and versatile tools that empower our clients to connect with their audiences more effectively. That’s why we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on one of our go-to integration partners: WordPress Events Calendar Pro. This powerful plugin and its comprehensi…

Woman in a sunhat clinking BuzzBallz cocktail cans during an outdoor picnicDesign
Design·May 22, 2025·3 min

BLKDG Helps BuzzBallz Make Loyalty Fun

When innovation meets engagement, amazing things happen. Just ask BuzzBallz, who partners with BLKDG to infuse their Buzzclub loyalty program with dynamic, custom-built games that captivate and reward their biggest fans. Here at BLKDG, we’re passionate about crafting digital experiences that not …

Hand presenting holographic bar charts and data dashboard graphicsMarketing
Marketing·May 16, 2025·3 min

Supercharge Your 2025 Marketing Success with BLKDG and Funnel.io

Remember early 2024? That’s when BLKDG officially announced our exciting partnership with Funnel.io, the leading marketing data hub. Well, over a year later, this collaboration continues to be a game-changer for our clients, delivering cutting-edge data insights and optimization tools that drive …

Illustrated hands designing a website mockup with color palette and layout toolsDesign
Design·May 9, 2025·3 min

Iconography: A Powerful Tool for User Experience and Brand Clarity

Building powerful and user-friendly websites is at the heart of what we do at BLKDG, and we believe that even the smallest visual details, like effective iconography, play a significant role in the overall success of a digital presence. Think about it. Every day, you interact with countless icons…

Smartphone screen showing 'Accept All' and 'Reject All' cookie consent buttonsDesign
Design·Apr 30, 2025·3 min

Unlock Trust and Effortless Website Cookie Consent Compliance

Let’s talk about something super important for your website and your relationship with your visitors: Cookie Consent. Trust us, getting this right is crucial, and that’s where WordPress plugins like CookieYes comes in as a game-changer for you and your website’s compliance. What is Cookie Consent…

Freediver swimming beside a humpback whale near the ocean surfaceGeneral
General·Apr 11, 2025·3 min

BLKDG Delivers a Deep Dive Website Refresh for OceanicWorldwide.com

Spring’s arrival in Denver sparks thoughts of outdoor adventure, much like the anticipation building for diving season worldwide. Connecting with that energy, BLKDG has partnered with our valued client Huish Outdoors to deliver a significant website refresh for OceanicWorldwide.com. Oceanic is a …

ListenUp ecommerce homepage banner promoting a KEF headphones saleGeneral
General·Mar 6, 2025·2 min

Driving Sales with a Homepage Update: E-Commerce Evolution for ListenUp

At BLKDG, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the digital experiences of our clients, ensuring that their websites not only look stunning but also drive engagement and conversions. A common discussion in the digital space is whether to build a new website from scratch or opt for a redesign. …

Construction crane assembling website content blocks on a desktop screen, line-art styleGeneral
General·Feb 13, 2025·3 min

Is Your Website Showing Its Age? Why a Website Redesign is Crucial

In today’s digital landscape, your website is often the first impression you make on potential customers. It’s your digital storefront, your 24/7 salesperson, and your most valuable marketing asset. But just like a physical store needs a refresh every now and then, your website needs attention to…

Glowing blue low-poly trophy illustration symbolizing an award or achievementGeneral
General·Jan 29, 2025·2 min

Celebrating Double Wins: BLKDG Secures Two Awards at the 2024 W3 Awards

Every project we take on at BLKDG is an opportunity to create something meaningful. This year, our dedication has been recognized with two Silver Awards from the 2024 W3 Awards for our work on Abita Brewing Company’s website and Nature Connects Us. Both of these projects highlight BLKDG’s core va…

Timber-and-stone mountain home surrounded by snow-covered aspen treesGeneral
General·Jan 24, 2025·2 min

Merging Design and Functionality: The New Website for Rowland + Broughton

At BLKDG, we take pride in collaborating with innovative, design-driven clients, and our recent project with Rowland + Broughton is no exception. Known for their timeless approach to architecture and interior design, Rowland + Broughton (R+B) needed a website that would reflect their sophisticate…

General
General·Dec 19, 2024·3 min

A Digital Refresh for Vail Veterans Program: Honoring Service with Design

The BLKDG team takes immense pride in partnering with organizations that make a tangible difference in the world. One of our most meaningful collaborations to date has been with the Vail Veterans Program (VVP). Dedicated to empowering wounded service members and their families through world-class…

General
General·Dec 11, 2024·2 min

BLKDG X ABITA: Celebrating a Davey Awards Gold-Winning Website

The BLKDG team believes every digital experience we create should be as unique and compelling as the brands we partner with. This commitment to excellence has led to some extraordinary projects, and we’re excited to announce that ABITA Brewing Company’s website has won Gold at the Davey Awards! T…

Multi-level indoor play structure with spiral slides, climbing nets, and colorful towersGeneral
General·Dec 6, 2024·3 min

A New B2B Website for Softplay: Where Creativity and Usability Meet

At BLKDG, we love working with brands that ignite creativity and foster imagination. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with our client Play Power again to design and build a brand-new website for  one of their B2B companies, Soft Play. Soft Play specializes in providing innovative, contained…

General
General·Nov 21, 2024·2 min

From the Archives: Chugach Powder Guides X BLKDG

As the snow begins to blanket the peaks and the winter season approaches, thoughts of powder-filled adventures and epic mountain escapes take center stage. For skiers and snowboarders, it’s the time of year when the mountains call louder than ever. In the spirit of ski season, we’re highlighting …

General
General·Nov 13, 2024·2 min

BLKDG Partners with Flora Materials for a Sustainable Shopify Experience

At BLKDG, we’re passionate about supporting companies that make a positive impact. Flora Materials, a new business based in Carbondale, CO, is on a mission to reduce carbon emissions with sustainable building materials—and we’re thrilled to have partnered with them to bring their vision to life w…

Variety of gourmet plated dishes arranged overhead on a wooden tableGeneral
General·Nov 8, 2024·2 min

BLKDG Wins GOLD at the Davey Awards for Denver Restaurant Week Website

We’re thrilled to announce that our design and development project for Denver Restaurant Week 2024 has been awarded a GOLD Davey Award in the Food/Drink category! This prestigious award celebrates exceptional work from creative professionals across the globe, and we’re honored to be recognized am…

Group of young volunteers on a beach holding a 'Positive Tracks Sweat For Good' bannerGeneral
General·Oct 24, 2024·3 min

Bringing Positive Tracks’ Mission to Life with a New Digital Platform

At BLKDG, we pride ourselves on helping brands and nonprofits bring their visions to life through innovative digital experiences. Our recent collaboration with Positive Tracks, a national nonprofit empowering youth to use physical activity for social change, allowed us to make a meaningful impact…

Cyclists riding road bikes through a paved urban plaza with modern buildingsDev
Dev·Oct 4, 2024·2 min

Streamlining Global E-Commerce for Cuore of Switzerland

At BLKDG, we thrive on tackling complex projects that push the limits of digital innovation. Our recent collaboration with Cuore of Switzerland, a premium international cycling apparel brand, is a perfect example. Cuore needed a tailored solution that could cater to its customers across different…

Hand holding tablet displaying holographic 'B2B' text and business iconsGeneral
General·Sep 20, 2024·2 min

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your B2B Website

In today’s fast-paced digital world, a B2B website must be more than just an online presence—it needs to be a strategic tool that generates leads, fosters relationships, and ultimately drives revenue. For businesses looking to stand out, having a website that communicates value, offers seamless u…

Two black-and-white spaniels sharing a large antler chew toyDesign
Design·Sep 5, 2024·3 min

Unleashing the Perfect E-Commerce Experience: RidgeRunner Antlers’ New Shopify Site

At BLKDG, we specialize in delivering digital experiences that are both eye-catching and user-friendly. One of our latest projects was a collaboration with RidgeRunner Antlers, a family-run business based out of Breckenridge, CO. Known for their high-quality antler chews that are natural, sustain…

Denver Beer Co sign beside a colorful 'Greetings From Denver' muralGeneral
General·Aug 22, 2024·3 min

Crafting a Digital Experience for Denver Beer Co.

At BLKDG, we pride ourselves on creating digital experiences that not only look great but also serve the unique needs of each client. Our web project with Denver Beer Co. is a perfect example of how we bring this philosophy to life. Denver Beer Co., a beloved brewery with multiple locations acros…

Hands typing on a laptop overlaid with glowing digital network linesGeneral
General·Aug 8, 2024·3 min

BLKDG Partners with Allyant and AccessiBe to Enhance ADA Accessibility Services for Clients

In today’s digital age, ensuring that websites and applications are accessible to everyone is not just a legal requirement—it’s a moral imperative. The American Disabilities Act (ADA) has long been a cornerstone in promoting accessibility, and as awareness grows, businesses are increasingly prior…

Two anglers fly fishing from a drift boat with a dog aboardGeneral
General·Aug 2, 2024·3 min

Navigating Digital Waters: Boulder Boat Works’ Digital Presence

At BLKDG, we pride ourselves on partnering with exceptional clients who push the boundaries of innovation and craftsmanship. Today, we are thrilled to spotlight one such client: Boulder Boat Works. Specializing in handcrafted drift boats, Boulder Boat Works combines traditional craftsmanship with…

Design team reviewing wireframe sketches and color swatches spread on a tableDesign
Design·Jul 26, 2024·2 min

Master Your Brand Story: Why The Best Brands Combine Branding and Web Design Under One Roof

Every little interaction with your brand—from a simple social media post to a sleek and stunning landing page—shapes how users and potential customers perceive you. Throw that in an arena flooded with competing brands and media vying for attention and dollars, we can’t stress enough the importanc…

Two people with arms raised celebrating on a mountaintop at sunsetDesign
Design·Jul 9, 2024·2 min

BLKDG Triumphs at the 2024 Communicator Awards with Three Wins!

At BLKDG, we pride ourselves on pushing the boundaries of design and development to create exceptional digital experiences for our clients. This year, we are thrilled to announce that our hard work and dedication have been recognized with three 2024 Communicator Awards. Our projects for Black Tie…

Person holding a credit card while typing on a laptop keyboardGeneral
General·Jun 27, 2024·4 min

Shopify Loyalty Programs: The Ultimate Guide

Loyalty programs are a great way to encourage repeat purchases and build customer relationships. Shopify makes it easy to set up and manage a loyalty program, and offers a variety of different types of programs to choose from (plus tracking tools to check their effectiveness).  Many of these prog…

Four Revelshine wine bottles arranged on driftwood with colorful kayaks in the backgroundGeneral
General·Jun 7, 2024·2 min

Double Gold! Revelshine Wines Takes Home Top Honors

We’re thrilled to announce that our stunning website design and development for Revelshine Wines has struck gold…twice! Revelshine Wines has been awarded a Gold Davey Award and a Gold W3 Award, both in recognition of their exceptional website. At BLKDG, we take immense pride in crafting digital…

Aerial view of a dense evergreen forest canopyGeneral
General·May 31, 2024·2 min

Nature Connects Us: A Website Built to Foster Connection

At BLKDG, we believe in the power of design to spark positive change. That’s why we were thrilled to partner with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) on their “Nature Connects Us” initiative. This website, designed and built by the BLKDG team, aims to reignite and strengthen the bond between peo…

Blurred colorful code editor on dual monitors beside a laptop keyboardDev
Dev·May 23, 2024·4 min

Why eCommerce Companies Should Outsource Web Development

If you’re heading an eCommerce company, you’ve got a lot of responsibilities to balance. Trying to handle your website design, development, and additional marketing efforts, along with everything else on your to-do list, is quite the lift.   Some may be hesitant to look to outsourcing such a big …

Two hikers pause on a sunlit trail among golden aspen treesGeneral
General·May 3, 2024·2 min

Snowmass Ice Age Website Takes Home Top Awards!

BLKDG is celebrating another design win! The website built for our friends at Snowmass in honor of their Ice Age Archaeological Site, located near Aspen, Colorado, has snagged top honors at two esteemed design competitions: the W3 Awards and the Davey Awards. This impressive feat underscores BLKD…

Aerial view of a Revel yacht cutting through open water leaving a white wakeGeneral
General·Apr 25, 2024·2 min

Web Design That Makes Waves: A Luxurious Site for Revel Yachts

When Revel Yachts, a strong competitor in the luxury yacht industry, approached BLKDG to design and build their new website, we were thrilled to dive in. Our mission: create a digital experience that reflects the prestige and innovation that define Revel’s brand. Our first step was collaborating …

Abita Brewing Party Pack variety case with Amber, Purple Haze, Strawberry, and Jockamo cansDesign
Design·Apr 10, 2024·2 min

BLKDG Brews up a Fresh Website for ABITA Brewing

BLKDG, is proud to announce the launch of a brand new website for ABITA Brewing Company, a Louisiana favorite known for its delicious craft beers. The new ABITA website captures the brand’s vibrant personality and rich brewing heritage. BLKDG worked closely with the ABITA team to create a website…

Black Tie Ski Rental Delivery staff loading snowboard into van beside skisGeneral
General·Mar 27, 2024·2 min

Black Tie Skis Website Honored with Awards!

Black Tie Skis, the leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery, is hitting the slopes and the podium in style! Their recently redesigned website, crafted by the team at BLKDG, has snagged gold medals from two prestigious award organizations: the W3 Awards and the Davey Awards. This is a major wi…

Purple-lit fabric shade canopy over a live band performing at an outdoor night concertGeneral
General·Mar 5, 2024·2 min

Transforming Shade Solutions: A New Site for USA Shade

The summer sun can be relentless, but so can the competition in the commercial shade industry. That’s why USA Shade, a leading manufacturer of shade structures, tapped BLKDG to create a website that would cast a long shadow over its competitors. Before diving into design, BLKDG took the time to u…

Colorado flags and string lights strung above Larimer Square shops in DenverGeneral
General·Feb 9, 2024·2 min

A Feast for the Eyes: BLKDG Designs Website for Denver Restaurant Week 20th Anniversary

Denver Restaurant Week, a foodie’s dream come true, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and to mark this momentous occasion, BLKDG crafted a website that’s as mouthwatering as the participating restaurants’ menus. The collaboration brings a fresh, immersive digital experience to locals and…

Two phone mockups displaying BLKDG and Funnel logos on dark screensMarketing
Marketing·Jan 11, 2024·2 min

BLKDG Announces Official Partnership with Funnel.io

BLKDG is thrilled to announce our official partnership with Funnel.io , the leading marketing data hub. This collaboration is all about supercharging your marketing success with cutting-edge data insights and optimization tools. Our agency is now able to deliver more value to its clients through …

Skier carving through deep powder snow between snow-covered pine treesDesign
Design·Jan 8, 2024·2 min

Peak Performance Online: Black Tie Skis Website Upgrade

As the digital landscape continues to redefine customer experiences, companies across industries are seeking innovative ways to showcase their services online. Black Tie Ski Rentals, a premier provider of high-end ski gear and equipment, teamed up with BLKDG to revolutionize their digital platfor…

Mist rising over a dense pine forest hillsideMarketing
Marketing·Dec 13, 2023·5 min

Preparing for Google and Yahoo Email Marketing Updates in 2024

Starting in February 2024, Google and Yahoo will require senders to implement email authentication alongside other significant policy changes surrounding consent and engagement. Senders who fail to meet these requirements will see their emails delayed, blocked, or directed to spam.  While this ma…

Group of people clinking champagne glasses together in celebrationGeneral
General·Dec 4, 2023·2 min

Sierra Nevada Brewing Website Wins Awards!

BLKDG is thrilled to announce that the website it designed for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Sierranevada.com, has garnered recognition from two prestigious design competitions: the Davey Awards and the W3 Awards. SierraNevada.com stands as more than just a digital platform; it’s an immersive journe…

Three men laughing together outdoors, one holding a canned beverage and an insulated tumblerGeneral
General·Nov 13, 2023·1 min

Crafted with Passion: Revelshine Wines New Website

BLKDG had the opportunity to design and build the new website for Revelshine Wine, a wine brand that is shaking up the industry with its innovative packaging and commitment to sustainability. The Revelshine Wine website is a clean and modern layout, built on a custom WordPress theme that showcase…

Aerial view of the New Orleans downtown skyline and riverfront at sunsetAgency Life
Agency Life·Oct 12, 2023·1 min

BLKDG Travels to ABITA Brewing Company HQ

In the heart of Louisiana, where craft beer meets creative web design, an exciting partnership is brewing. ABITA Brewing Company, renowned for its exceptional brews, recently welcomed members of the BLKDG team to kickstart an exciting journey – the creation of a brand-new website that will captur…

General
General·Sep 28, 2023·1 min

From Code to Client Relations: Journey to Account Manager

Two years ago, Nora Curcio embarked on a remarkable journey with BLKDG, joining our team as a Junior Developer. From the very beginning, her passion for technology and her innate knack for problem-solving were evident. Nora’s commitment to learning and her relentless pursuit of excellence set her…

Illustrated prehistoric landscape with mammoths and a giant ground sloth by a mountain lakeGeneral
General·Sep 19, 2023·2 min

Unearthing the Past: The Snowmass Ice Age Website

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, within the enchanting Snowmass Village of Colorado, lies a trove of archaeological wonders that has captivated scientists and enthusiasts for decades—the Snowmass Ice Age site. This prehistoric gem, dating back to the Pleistocene epoch, has unearthed a…

Contemporary stone-and-wood home exterior at dusk, a Beck Builds projectGeneral
General·Aug 30, 2023·1 min

Elevating Design: Beck Builds Online Presence

BLKDG is happy to announce an award-winning website design for Colorado based custom home building firm, Beck Building Company. The project seamlessly translates their construction mastery into the digital realm, encapsulating the very essence of luxury residences in every pixel. This collaborati…

Hot air balloons glowing at night above a crowded Steamboat ski resort plazaGeneral
General·Aug 9, 2023·2 min

Steamboat Full Steam Ahead Site Receives CSS Design Awards!

We’re thrilled to announce that the website for Steamboat Full Steam Ahead Project has been honored with prestigious awards from CSS Design Awards. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering dedication to excellence in design and innovation. The BLKDG team is immensely proud to receive thi…

General
General·Jul 14, 2023·2 min

Revamped Website for BuzzBallz!

BLKDG’s expertise shines through in the new Buzzballz website, offering a modern and user-friendly interface. BuzzBallz is a popular line of ready-to-drink cocktails crafted with all-natural ingredients and premium spirits. The redesign focuses on providing a seamless and engaging experience for …

Hiker with arms raised celebrating atop a snow-capped mountain peakGeneral
General·Jul 6, 2023·1 min

Colorado Ski Country Website Receives Multiple Awards!

BLKDG is thrilled to announce that the website for Colorado Ski Country USA has received multiple design awards! The team objective was to build a website that would serve as a one-stop destination for skiing enthusiasts, providing them with comprehensive information about the ski resorts, snow c…

Aerial view of a turquoise river cutting through a rocky, forested valleyAgency Life
Agency Life·Jun 20, 2023·2 min

Empowering Success: Brian Waugh Ascends to Director of Marketing

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Brian Waugh to Director of Marketing at BLKDG. Brian’s tenure at BLKDG began seven years ago when he joined the agency as a Digital Marketing Specialist. As a Colorado native, Brian earned his BA from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, eventuall…

Uptown Cocktails website homepage screenshot with hero image and navigation menuDesign
Design·Jun 12, 2023·2 min

BLKDG Takes The Uptown Cocktails Website to New Heights

In today’s digital world, having a visually stunning and user-friendly website is essential for businesses to make their mark. When it came to creating a website that matched the elegance and charm of Uptown Cocktails, BLKDG stepped up to the challenge. With their expertise and creative flair, BL…

Skier carving down a steep snow-covered mountain slope in sunlightGeneral
General·Jun 6, 2023·1 min

4FRNT Website Receives Multiple Awards!

BLKDG is stoked to announce the multiple awards that the 4FRNT website has won since its launch September of 2022! BLKDG’s website for 4FRNT Skis showcases their expertise in crafting visually striking and user-friendly digital experiences. The website features a clean and modern design, with a f…

Aerial dusk view of downtown Boston skyline and waterfrontAgency Life
Agency Life·May 22, 2023·2 min

BLKDG Shares D2C Experience at Beer Amplified Conference

In the ever-growing craft beer industry, breweries are constantly looking for innovative ways to stand out and capture the attention of beer enthusiasts. Recognizing the need for a platform that focuses specifically on marketing strategies within the brewing industry, Beer Amplified emerged as a …

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Agency Life·May 18, 2023·2 min

New Website for Sierra Nevada: Now Live!

In the fast-paced world of craft beer, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has long been a trailblazer. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has made them a household name among beer enthusiasts. As Sierra Nevada sought to expand and evolve its digital presence, they turned to De…

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Agency Life·May 8, 2023·1 min

Morrow Global Community Website Receives Multiple Design Awards!

BLKDG is thrilled to announce the multiple awards that the Morrow Global Community website has won since its launch September of 2022! BLKDG created a completely custom, unique WordPress theme, consisting of 10+ flexible component templates to aid in the launch of the Morrow brand. This theme pro…

Marketing
Marketing·Aug 29, 2022·3 min

Klaviyo: Basic Triggers vs. Advanced Triggers

Interested in improving your email, SMS, and/or overall audience engagement? Klaviyo offers many tools to drive engagement, sales, and audience interaction. You can start with basic triggers to define the set of workflows that (in our opinion) every business should have, or dive even deeper into …

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Marketing·Jul 18, 2022·2 min

The Approaching Cookie-less World

The end of cookies is approaching – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. With many marketers reacting and responding in different manners to the encroaching deadline of 2023 as presented by Google, it’s clear that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all for this transition. But despite that, the best …

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Agency Life·Jul 8, 2022·3 min

BLKDG Honored to Win Multiple Communicator and CSS Design Awards

BLKDG is proud to announce that we’ve received multiple awards for 4FRNT Ski’s Black Friday Campaign, Denver Beer Co’s website, Erem Life’s website, Hayden Outdoors’s website, National Forest Foundation’s website, and Steamboat’s Full Steam Ahead microsite. These Communicator Awards and CSS Desig…

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Agency Life·Apr 28, 2022·5 min

Klaviyo + eCommerce: Best In-Class Integrations

While there are various email platforms to work with, Klaviyo is top-tier for eCommerce clients.   Their all-in-one platform, specifically engineered for eCommerce, syncs your website, email and SMS communication together, and Klaviyo also provides extensive analytic tools to streamline it all to…

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Agency Life·Apr 8, 2022·3 min

BLKDG Grows Agency with New Hires, Expands Hybrid Work and Client Expansion into eCommerce

BLKDG, a leading Denver-based digital design & solutions agency is proud to announce the hiring of five new employees to grow its creative, development & marketing teams through a hybrid remote-work structure. In addition to new hires, BLKDG has grown its client roster with the addition of new eC…

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General·Jan 14, 2022·7 min

What is CCPA, and Why Does It Matter to You?

What is CCPA? CCPA, also known as The California Consumer Privacy Act, is “a state-wide data privacy law that regulates how businesses all over the world are allowed to handle the personal information of California residents.” (CookieBot). So anyone who lives in California is able to, with the pr…

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Agency Life·Oct 25, 2021·4 min

The Effect of Apple’s iOS 15 on Email Metrics

With another clear step in the direction of more consumer privacy, Apple released iOS 15 with further data protection for users. The most notable ramification of this update is the change to email open tracking. As many marketers use open rate as a baseline to gauge the effectiveness of an email,…

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Agency Life·Aug 1, 2021·2 min

BLKDG is Hiring for WordPress Developer Growth

BLKDG is looking to fill multiple mid-level/senior Developer roles responsible for both back-end and front-end development, including creating WordPress themes and plugins from scratch. This position requires a combination of programming skills (namely PHP, HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript) and an und…

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Agency Life·Jul 14, 2021·2 min

BLKDG is hiring for Digital Marketing growth

BLKDG is actively hiring qualified candidates to support growth in digital marketing, specifically for performance campaign managers and search engine marketing specialists. Successful candidates must display exceptional problem solving and organizational skills and can demonstrate high-quality w…

BLKDG HubSpot Official Solutions Partner badgeMarketing
Marketing·May 12, 2021·2 min

BLKDG Announces Official Partnership with Hubspot

Today we are excited to announce that BLKDG has been recognized as a Certified HubSpot Gold Agency Partner. In its new status, the agency is now able to deliver more value to its clients through  strategic guidance, creative planning & technical expertise to new and existing HubSpot users. Levera…

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Agency Life·May 12, 2021·2 min

BLKDG Grows its Denver Presence with New Hires, Partnerships

Denver, Colorado – BLKDG, a leading Denver-based digital design & solutions agency, is excited to welcome the addition of three new hires to its growing team in Denver.     Grant Savidge, Julia Norek and Remy Pazner recently joined BLKDG’s Denver office. “All three of the new hires bring a deep l…

Digital Transformation: The Power of PlatformsMarketing
Marketing·Jan 26, 2021·3 min

Digital Transformation: The Power of Platforms

In today’s digital age, it’s a common expectation of company leaders to “build a culture of innovation that permeates the organization,” “hire Chief Tech Officers that report directly to the CEO,” and “harness data infrastructure to enable AI.” This may be sage wisdom for some but the roadmap to …

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Agency Life·Oct 1, 2020·2 min

BLKDG Proud to be Named a Top Digital Agency in Colorado!

Here at BLKDG, we know it can be stressful and time consuming to balance building a masterful web presence while trying to strategize ways to grow brand loyalty and an established customer base. That’s why we’re here to help. We’re expanding our web development & design services, from Shopify Age…

Agency Life
Agency Life·Oct 22, 2019·2 min

BLKDG Announces Denver Agency Growth and New Hires

BLKDG, a Denver-based leading digital design & solutions agency, is excited to announce the addition of three new hires to its growing team. Justin Symons, Rebel Kline and Matt Kaminski recently joined BLKDG’s Denver office. Symons and Kaminski joined the agency as senior UI/UX designers, and Kli…

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Agency Life·Jul 10, 2018·1 min

PHP / Laravel Developer

BLKDG (blkdg.com) is a Denver based group of passionate designers, developers, and marketers. At its core, BLKDG is digital agency servicing web, social and mobile projects with a focus in best-in-class active lifestyle brands. Located just minutes from downtown Denver, the office is conveniently…

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Marketing·Dec 28, 2017·2 min

WordPress SEO Strategy | Go Beyond the Yoast SEO Plugin

If there is ever a time to look far beyond the common WordPress SEO tools, such as Yoast SEO Plugin, 2018 is the year. All things considered, the Yoast plugin is still an excellent baseline tool for best practice on-page SEO, however the tools and tactics that impact positive rankings are far bey…

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Marketing·Dec 26, 2017·2 min

Mobile First Indexing and What You Need to Know

Not sure what Google has been up to in the world of mobile-first optimization? Let’s get you up to speed. To recap, Google’s Mobile-first indexing means that the Google algorithm will use the mobile version of the content for indexing and ranking, to better assist – primarily mobile – users find …

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Marketing·Oct 19, 2017·6 min

Google Tag Manager: An Introduction

Google offers a number of tools that help you learn more about your users and Google Tag Manager (GTM) may be the most powerful tool in the arsenal. While GTM doesn’t actually collect data on your users, it simplifies and demystifies the means by which you collect that data. Even as a developer I…

Group of people seated around a table with drinks in conversationDesign
Design·Mar 8, 2017·2 min

Going #nextlevel Storytelling at Camp9600

I first heard about Camp9600 halfway through my second IPA, chatting with a friend at a brew pub in Boulder. A humble guy in his own right, he casually told me about this “conference” in Breck where some of the most iconic brands gather to spill the goods on digital marketing strategy and methodo…

Smartphone screen showing Shopify's Payment Processing page for online store checkoutAgency Life
Agency Life·Jun 20, 2016·1 min

eCommerce Data Points to Desktop, Not Mobile for Purchase

We’ve long recognized the importance of an intuitive and frictionless mobile website experience, but as BLKDG’s responsive design capabilities continue to grow beyond the basic parameters of simple CSS and styling there is a noticeable dent in purchase or conversion data at the mobile level. In a…

Ski brand website screenshot showing a video of Kästle athlete Chris Davenport with sponsor logosDev
Dev·May 16, 2016·2 min

BLKDG honored with Awards in Excellence at the Communicator Awards

Aspen area websites honored with awards of excellence at the Communicator Awards.   Denver, CO – May 16, 2016 – Denver based digital agency, BLKDG, has been honored with two awards recognizing excellence in website design at the 22nd Annual Communicator Awards. The winning projects include Aspen-…

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Agency Life·Dec 10, 2014·2 min

BLKDG is hiring an Interactive Web Designer

BLKDG is offering an INTERACTIVE WEB DESIGN internship to qualified candidates. This position is open for course credit based on the candidates’ requirements. Successful candidates must display exceptional skill and can demonstrate high-quality work in the field of development and design. All can…

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Agency Life·Sep 26, 2014·1 min

BLKDG lands Gold, Silver at the W3 Awards

We are beyond stoked and humbled to see hard work pay off this month after being awarded two W3 Awards. Thank you to our amazing clients and designers who allow us to bring such amazing interface and web experiences to life. We truly believe in a matching web functionality with great design, deli…

HappyGov Denver logoAgency Life
Agency Life·Jun 3, 2014·1 min

@HappyGov is born at #HACK4CO

What started on Friday at 6:00 pm as a seemingly casual weekend of coding, designing and idea making quickly turned into a full on hackfest. Our team charged throughout the weekend on caffeine (shout out to PedPod) as we were holed up in the Remotely space at Galvanize Denver. The chance to work …

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Agency Life·May 9, 2014·1 min

Hack 4 Colorado

BLKDG is really psyched to be participating in the 2014 Hack 4 Colorado. This will be the first of (hopefully) many events to come. We’ll put out an update as we get closer to the event. In the mean time, check out their video.

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Agency Life·Apr 10, 2014·3 min

#internship

It’s been a really great start to 2014 and we are busy (a separate thank you post to everyone that has supported us in over due). We’re looking to hire a Junior Web Development intern for the Spring / Summer. The ideal candidate is someone we will fight to hire full time, knowing their skills […]

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Agency Life·Feb 26, 2014·1 min

Perfection

Memorable and lasting design is achieved when there is nothing else that can be taken away.

BLKDG logoAgency Life
Agency Life·Feb 10, 2014·1 min

BLKDG Joins PRISM

I’m a huge fan of the collaboration and ideation that comes with co-working spaces. The chance to meet new people, hear new ideas and maybe even work on a project with a complete stranger is really exciting for us. We recently moved into an office at PRISM Workspace in Denver. The folks that run …