Marketing Ideas

[L[Design]]

Lately I have taken a step or two back to evaluate my design efforts. I have been spending a lot of time lately working for people I know, who compensate me, but not to the point that I could be. I have recently told them all that things will now work business to business, no more favors. I spent a lot of time branding and designer for their businesses, so with the time I will not spend with them I want to focus all the energy I have into new markets.

I seem to be having a hard time finding ways to market myself to new clients. Would a direct mail piece be beneficial. Business Cards don't seem to get me much. Any other ideas? I am primarily a print media designer, been working on my website, still using the blog though. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

[zumojuice]

I know a lot of agencies tend to have people who got to networking events, such as young business owners clubs or the like and that can be one way to get work. A little social sparkle and a well placed business card could be perfect. I'd say, firstly, what sort of clients do you want? and what kind of clients do you think you can get and keep? - These are two different things, believe me.

[L[Design]]

I never thought of what kind of clients do I want. Not sure! I need to think of that.

[zumojuice]

I mean everyone would like the likes of Nike or Coke in their portfolio. Seeing how much they like to mix it up, it's possible you could get such work.

I think you need to decide the sort of clients: local or national; large or small; general design or sector stuff; print or web; publishing or branding; websites or multimedia.

Know you strengths and your weaknesses before going into this. There is no point going for work that you can do either skills or scope. Yes, you can pull on freelancers but that should be a reserve option and not your ace card.

[L[Design]]

Great info! That really gets me thinking about what I would like to get. Perhaps the outdoor market, alternative energy, environmental, conservation, etc. For the most part, probably more local. Sticking with print, it's what I'm good at, outsource the web design. At times I feel like I need to do it all, but what I gather from your comment, pick one and go at it, don't try for it all. I feel much better with that, I mean, I can put a site together, but it's not my thing. I like logos, cards, brochures and such. I wish I could just start a magazine....

[zumojuice]

You sound much like me then. I've read the advice about concentrating on what you're good at not spreading yourself too thin. Yeah, you might need to wider from just print into some web, as you say. If anything, many so called web designers need the design input of someone who knows the visual aspect to design; the coding side is a technical aspect that makes the design function and work, but it is not the design itself.

[Toon]

Originally Posted by L[Design]

Lately I have taken a step or two back to evaluate my design efforts. I have been spending a lot of time lately working for people I know, who compensate me, but not to the point that I could be. I have recently told them all that things will now work business to business, no more favors. I spent a lot of time branding and designer for their businesses, so with the time I will not spend with them I want to focus all the energy I have into new markets.

I seem to be having a hard time finding ways to market myself to new clients. Would a direct mail piece be beneficial. Business Cards don't seem to get me much. Any other ideas? I am primarily a print media designer, been working on my website, still using the blog though. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Integrated Card Sheets are a great way to market yourself

[zumojuice]

If it were anyone, that might be seen as spam. but meh! if you can't beat them....

[james]

There's a widow on the light blue header Toon (when you follow the link)... Hope you don't mind me pointing that out!

[Toon]

Where?