In the age of social media, cloud computing, and all-things digital, there are as many ways to promote your creative or entrepreneurial side as there are stars in the sky. Although the world of graphic design can be competitive, there are plenty of ways to make your business pop.
You don’t need to have a Donald Trump budget to create your design empire, you just need a solid plan and the perseverance to generate the buzz that brings your creative ideas to life.
An Energized, Consistent Approach to Marketing
The Small Business Administration reports that seven out of ten new small businesses survive two years, and a healthy 51 percent make it five years. This is good news for those who have the ambition to see their goals through. Drive, independence and the ability to pick yourself up are all key ingredients for success.
Build a Foundation
You need more than just nice looking, expertly tailored website, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter pages. Don’t forget to order those business cards online, have your elevator pitch
primed and ready, and be poised to network at the drop of a hat. You’re building a design business, so ensuring every bit of promotional material reflects you should be at the top of the branding totem pole.
Start With the Basics
Business Week
entrepreneurial expert Karen E. Klein lays out a map of questions new business hopefuls should ask about their plans before getting started. Primarily, she urges budding entrepreneurs to focus on case studies of their idols, competition and businesses that have failed in the past.
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Give Away Something Valuable: How many people taste those alluring little samples at Costco and fall in love? A lot. Giving away a taste of what you offer can help garner attention and loyalty that lasts. In the graphic design world, that could mean a tutorial, an image, or just simple advice.
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Blogging: A blog allows you to create an informal forum with your costumer base, allowing them to get to know you and what you stand for. A blog also helps get your name out there and provides valuable SEO opportunities.
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Social Media Consistency: Business Week mentions that although social media is user friendly, it is far from easy. Social networking is time consuming, extensive and requires vigilant upkeep. Anyone can get lost in the shuffle of statistics and how to’s, which is why it’s important to create an outline of where you want to go with your social media plans, while still allowing for change and tailoring to demographic trends a long the way.
Behind It All is Love
Business writer Patricia Schaefer reminds us that behind all the work, planning and follow-through, the most successful businesses are the ones that are driven and fueled by passion and love for your craft. If you don’t believe that what you are selling is the best, fills a societal need, and is backed by educated research, then finding your niche and soaring above the rest probably isn’t on the agenda. Graphic design is a field dominated by the creative genius, so make sure you remember that’s what you are and that’s what you love.
Online Video
You didn’t think we would leave out an opportunity to tell you how Online Video fits into the design picture, did you? In all seriousness, just like all other aspects of Graphic Traffic, Online Video needs to fit in with the overall branding of your image. At Swamp City Productions our Producers and Editors work closely with your people, including your Graphic Artists to ensure the videos we produce flow perfectly with the key pieces of
your brand – including but
not limited to colors, logos, fonts and more. For more info – reach out to your Swamp City Productions rep today!