Are Hashtags Still Relevant? My 1 Million View Reel Says Yes.

by Danielle Farris | Jun 8, 2026 | Graphic Design

Are Hashtags Still Relevant? My 1.2 Million View Reel Says Yes.

Every so often, social media gives you a little reminder that the basics still matter.

Are hashtags as powerful as they were years ago? Not exactly. Social media platforms have changed. Instagram is smarter now, search is stronger, captions matter more, and Reels are built to reach people beyond your current followers.

But does that mean hashtags are dead? Absolutely not. In fact, I recently had a very unexpected reminder of just how powerful the right hashtag can still be.

The Art Project That Turned Into a Social Media Lesson

I recently purchased what I’m calling my new art project: a 1947 International Harvester truck that I’m turning into a rat rod.

Not familiar with what a rat rod is? Click here

A rat rod is a custom hot rod designed to look unfinished, worn-down, and intentionally “ratty.” Often built using repurposed or non-automotive parts, rat rods show off rugged individuality and a whole lot of personality. I always love seeing them at car shows because they have so much character!

I started an Instagram page, @47.Rat, to document the progress. I figured it would be a fun place to share the transformation and all the creative details along the way.

So I posted a Reel. Nothing overly complicated. Just a Michael Jackson 8-track that was still inside the truck.

I used the hashtags #ratrod and #michaeljackson.

And wow…

That one Reel has now reached over 1.2 million views and 107,000 likes!!

So… Are Hashtags Still Relevant?

Yes, when they are relevant. The key word here is relevant.

Hashtags are not magic. You cannot throw 30 random trending hashtags on a post and expect it to take off. That kind of strategy usually feels spammy and disconnected from the content. But when a hashtag directly connects your post to the right audience, it can still help your content get discovered.

In my case, #ratrod connected the Reel to car lovers, vintage truck fans, restoration accounts, garage builders, and people who love unusual old vehicles.

#michaeljackson connected it to an entirely different audience: music fans, collectors, nostalgia lovers. It was also especially relevant because of the new Michael Jackson movie, Michael, which has just come out. That kind of current pop culture moment can make a hashtag even more searchable and timely. (Michael)

The Reel worked because the content was interesting, but the hashtags helped categorize it. They gave Instagram extra context about who might care about it.

Hashtags Are More Like SEO Now

This is how I think businesses should look at hashtags today: less like a growth hack and more like social media SEO.

When someone searches Instagram, browses a topic, follows a niche, or interacts with similar content, the platform is constantly trying to understand what posts are about. Hashtags are one signal that can help with that.

For a business, that means your hashtags should support the content, not distract from it.

A web design post should use hashtags connected to web design, graphic design, SEO, branding, small business, and your local area.

A restaurant post should use hashtags tied to the food, the town, the vibe, and the type of experience.

A boutique post should use hashtags related to style, shopping, seasonal trends, and the community.

The goal is not to use the biggest hashtags. The goal is to use the right hashtags.

Relevance Beats Reach

It is tempting to use huge hashtags with millions of posts, but bigger does not always mean better.

For example, a hashtag like #design may be too broad. Your post can disappear quickly because so many people are using it. But something like #WebDesignNH, #DerryNHBusiness, #SmallBusinessMarketing, or #BrandDesignStudio may connect you with a smaller but more relevant audience.

And that matters.

You do not just want views. You want the right views.

You want people who understand the content, care about what you offer, and are more likely to engage, follow, click, book, buy, or remember your brand.

What Businesses Can Learn From a Rat Rod Reel

My viral Reel was a fun surprise, but it was also a great reminder for business owners: social media is not always about overthinking every post.

Sometimes the content that performs best is the content that feels real, specific, interesting, and easy to connect with.

For businesses, that could be:

A behind-the-scenes project
A before-and-after
A funny moment
A customer story
A product detail
A local event
A process video
A team member spotlight
A throwback

Then, when you pair that content with relevant keywords and hashtags, you give it a better chance of reaching people who are already interested in that topic.

Final Thoughts: Hashtags Still Have a Place

Hashtags are not dead. They have just changed.

They are no longer about stuffing every post with as many trending tags as possible. They are about helping your content get categorized, discovered, and connected with the right audience.

A relevant hashtag can still make a difference.

My 1947 International Harvester rat rod Reel proved that.

So yes, keep using hashtags. Just use them with intention.

Need help making your social media content more strategic, searchable, and scroll-stopping? Allure Creative can help with web design, graphic design, SEO, digital design, print design, social media management, and advertising that actually makes sense for your brand.

Contact today!

Why a Personal Designer Beats a Big Agency Every Time

by Danielle Farris | Oct 23, 2025 | Design, Graphic Design, Social media, Web Design

Why a Personal Designer Beats a Big Agency Every Time

Have you ever felt like your company is “just another client” at a large ad agency? Maybe your emails sit unanswered, projects take weeks longer than promised, or your brand feels like it’s being forced into a one-size-fits-all template.

The truth is, big agencies often juggle dozens — if not hundreds — of clients. That means less personal attention for you, slower turnarounds, and decisions made for efficiency, not impact.

The Personal Designer Difference

Working with a personal designer means you get:

Direct Communication: No account managers, no “we’ll get back to you” delays. You talk directly with the person designing your brand — someone who knows your company, your goals, and your vision.

Tailored Strategy: Every decision is based on YOUR company’s objectives, not a cookie-cutter process. Your marketing, branding, and design needs are treated uniquely.

Faster Turnaround: Without layers of red tape, projects move quickly and efficiently. Need a change? You’ll get results promptly.

Consistency Across All Platforms: Whether it’s your logo, website, SEO, social media content, ads, or print materials, everything works together seamlessly to create a cohesive brand experience.

Full-Service, Without the Fluff

While I work independently, you’re never limited in what you can achieve. I personally design and manage projects, and I have an amazing network of trusted experts ready to step in whenever needed. From website development and branding to social media strategy, video production, and print design, we cover it all — without the overhead of a large agency.

This means you get:

Responsive service — someone who answers quickly and takes ownership.
Expert talent — a curated team for specialized needs.
High-quality results — tailored, not templated.

Why Larger Companies Are Choosing Personal Designers

More and more large companies are realizing that working with a personal designer or small creative team produces better outcomes than big agencies. You get personal attention, fast execution, and a team of experts who can deliver across all channels — without the bureaucracy and generic solutions.

Here are a few local experts I work with:

Digital Marketing: BYBDGTL

Screen Printing & Embroidery: Blueprint Custom Apparel

Photographer: Oxford Media Films

Illustrator: Jason D. McIntosh

Printer: Colonial Printing

If your company is ready to stop feeling like just another client and start experiencing truly personalized, results-driven design and marketing, it’s time to make the switch. From website design and branding to social media strategy, and full-service marketing solutions, I handle your needs personally — and my trusted team of experts steps in whenever specialized skills are required.

Stop settling for slow responses, cookie-cutter solutions, and long agency wait times. Large companies across industries are discovering the benefits of a dedicated creative team and the impact of a personal designer over a big agency. If your brand deserves attention, strategy, and creativity tailored specifically for you, now is the time to take control of your marketing and elevate your results. Contact Today!

Cracker Barrel Learns the Hard Way: Don’t Mess With Tradition

by Danielle Farris | Aug 28, 2025 | Design, Graphic Design

Cracker Barrel Learns the Hard Way: Don’t Mess With Tradition

When it comes to iconic American brands, tradition often outweighs trendiness. Just ask Cracker Barrel, the beloved restaurant chain known for its country cooking and rustic charm. In an attempt to refresh its image, the company unveiled a new logo — only to be met with swift and overwhelming backlash from loyal fans.

For decades, Cracker Barrel’s original logo has been more than just a visual. It’s been a symbol of comfort food, southern hospitality, and nostalgic family memories. Customers associate the old-timey imagery with warmth, familiarity, and authenticity — values that have defined the brand since its founding.

So when Cracker Barrel attempted a modern logo redesign, fans didn’t see innovation. They saw a disconnection from the very essence of the brand.

Across social media platforms like Instagram and Reddit, customers voiced their disappointment. Many said the new logo looked “sterile,” “corporate,” or “generic.” Rather than embracing change, the public rejected what they perceived as a move away from Cracker Barrel’s identity.

The Power of a Logo: More Than Just Design

This serves as a critical reminder: a brand logo isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s an emotional touchpoint. When a brand becomes part of a customer’s life, especially one as steeped in tradition as Cracker Barrel, its visual identity holds deep emotional value.

Changing a logo can feel like changing the story — and if done without care, it risks alienating the very community that built the brand’s success. Gap’s failed logo redesign in 2010 is another classic example of this.

The question isn’t just whether a brand is “ready” for a rebrand — maybe it’s that the design simply wasn’t right for them. In Cracker Barrel’s case, the redesign didn’t reflect the values or emotions their customers hold dear.

Customer Feedback = Brand Gold

Faced with growing outrage and a dip in stock prices, Cracker Barrel made a smart — and humble — move. They listened.

“We thank our guests for sharing your voices and love for Cracker Barrel. We said we would listen, and we have. Our new logo is going away and our ‘Old Timer’ will remain.”

In a world where companies often double down on controversial changes, this decision was a refreshing pivot back to core values.

A Blessing in Disguise?

Here’s where I think this gets interesting.

Maybe the real issue wasn’t that Cracker Barrel wasn’t ready for a rebrand — maybe the rebrand simply didn’t reflect who they are. There’s nothing wrong with evolving a brand. But evolution needs to be rooted in authenticity, not aesthetics alone.

This whole incident is a great case study for marketers and designers alike. Want to modernize your brand? Great — but make sure it still feels like you. Stay true to the emotional core that makes customers care in the first place.

Cracker Barrel has a rare opportunity here. By returning to its original logo, they’re not just appeasing fans — they’re reclaiming their identity. They’re proving that tradition and relevance aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, when done right, honoring your past can be the most powerful path forward.

Final Thoughts

In the rush to stay “fresh,” many brands forget what made them beloved in the first place. Cracker Barrel’s logo fiasco shows that sometimes, the best branding strategy isn’t about changing — it’s about listening.

Want to rebrand your business successfully? Don’t just chase trends — honor your roots, engage your audience, and ensure your design choices reflect your true identity. That’s the kind of branding that lasts.

Contact us today to create a rebrand that connects, not just impresses. Let’s build a brand story your audience will believe in.

Contact today!

Why I Love Designing Restaurant Menus — And Why It Matters

by Danielle Farris | May 9, 2025 | Design, Graphic Design

Why I Love Designing Restaurant Menus — And Why It Matters

There’s something uniquely satisfying about designing a restaurant menu. As a graphic designer, it’s one of the most complex, yet fun challenges I get to tackle. From fitting every item neatly on the page to making sure each section is visually balanced and easy to read, menu design is a blend of creativity and strategy — and I love every part of it.

The Art and Strategy Behind Menu Design

Menus are more than just a list of dishes — they’re a key part of a restaurant’s brand experience. A well-designed menu can guide diners’ choices, highlight high-margin items, and set the tone for the entire dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy café, an upscale restaurant, or a food truck with attitude, the design has to match the vibe.

I enjoy the challenge of organizing lots of information in a way that’s visually appealing and easy to scan. From choosing the right fonts and colors to adjusting spacing and layout, every detail plays a role. It’s like solving a puzzle — and I’m all about those satisfying solutions.

A Foodie’s Dream Project

Another reason I love menu design? The food descriptions! While I’m laying out sections and organizing headers, I get to read through every item — appetizers, entrées, desserts, you name it. It’s like a mini culinary tour while I work. And sometimes, I’ll even find a new dish I can’t wait to try!

Why Professional Menu Design Matters

Many restaurants start out with DIY menus, which is totally understandable. But over time, an inconsistent or hard-to-read menu can hurt business. A professional designer brings not only an eye for layout but also experience in user behavior, branding, and readability — all of which impact how customers interact with your menu.

Great design can:

Make your best dishes stand out
Guide customers’ choices strategically
Reinforce your brand identity
Improve readability and user experience

If you’re in the food industry and your menu needs a refresh, let’s talk! I offer custom graphic design services that include restaurant menu design, branding, print collateral, and more.

Ready to Upgrade Your Menu?

Whether you’re opening a new restaurant or rebranding an existing one, investing in professional design can make a big difference. Let’s create a menu that looks as good as your food tastes!

Reach out today to get started!

Contact today!

Check Out Some of My Menu Designs I have done:

Design Inspired by the Wild Colors of Costa Rica

by Danielle Farris | May 6, 2025 | Design, Graphic Design, Web Design

Design Inspired by the Wild Colors of Costa Rica

After an amazing adventure in Costa Rica, I’m back — and bursting with inspiration!

From breathtaking ocean views to vibrant jungle colors, Costa Rica delivered nonstop visual magic. Every corner of the landscape was alive with creativity — from the deep greens of the rainforest to the dazzling blues of the Pacific, and the pops of color from tropical birds and blooming flowers. There’s no doubt: Costa Rica is nature’s design playground.

Costa Rica reminded me that inspiration is everywhere — if you’re open to seeing it. And now, I’m excited to channel this energy into my work. Expect to see bold colors and a touch of jungle flair in upcoming projects.

Being surrounded by such raw beauty helped me remember why I became a designer in the first place: to tell stories visually, to celebrate color and creativity, and to bring a sense of wonder into everyday life.

So here’s to bringing a little of Costa Rica’s wild creativity into my next designs — and hopefully into yours, too. Want to bring that same energy to your brand? Let’s work together.