<!-- SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT -->
<!-- SPDX-FileCopyrightText: 2025-2026 Marcus Quinn -->

# Startup Bold — Do's and Don'ts

## Do's

1. **Do** use bold font weights (600–800) for headings — confidence starts with type
2. **Do** use the indigo/emerald combination for clear primary/secondary action hierarchy
3. **Do** use solid-fill buttons for primary CTAs — outlines and ghosts are for secondary actions
4. **Do** alternate between white and `#f9fafb` section backgrounds to create visual rhythm
5. **Do** include social proof elements (metrics, logos, testimonials) near CTAs for conversion
6. **Do** maintain consistent 12px border-radius across all components for system cohesion
7. **Do** use the accent (emerald) for action-oriented CTAs: "Start Free", "Get Started", "Try Now"

## Don'ts

1. **Don't** use light font weights (300 or below) — they undermine the bold personality
2. **Don't** use more than two brand colours in a single section (indigo + emerald is the max)
3. **Don't** use decorative borders or patterns — the system is clean and structural
4. **Don't** mix rounded and sharp corners within the same component group
5. **Don't** use grey buttons for primary CTAs — reserve grey for truly tertiary actions
6. **Don't** crowd the above-the-fold area with competing CTAs — one primary, one secondary max
7. **Don't** use thin (1px) borders on buttons — either solid fill or 2px border for visibility
