Advertising

[Rythmic]

Hi im aged 18 and set up a graphic design business 4 years ago, although i've had varous clients its never really been full time. This has lead me to think about a website and sending flyers promoting it to prospective clients.My parents company consultant said that most flyers that are sent to companys do not get read or taken serously, if thats the case, how could i possibly advertise at minimal cost, the flyer would advertise my website. If i do a website seperatly then, how are people going to know its there?. i cannot afford to pay search engines the money to get on there list. any surgestions on how i could advertise, and/or whether i should get a website- and would i actually generate any business from the website?
Thankyou
john

[Statler]

Hi John,

A website can be useful as a way of introducing people to your work (ie, a small portfolio of who you have worked for; testimonies from clients, etc), but they are not the 'be all and end all'. A website should complement your overall marketing / advertising strategy.

There are many graphic designers who are members of our online community - perhaps you'd find it useful to talk to them? If you haven't already joined and would like to do so, send me an e-mail and I'll pass on your details: lee.longstaff@pne.org

I also recommend networking as much as possible. You need to get your name known among as many people as possible. Attend trade exhibitions, etc, and always have a business card at hand. There are also events where people get introduced to other small businesses, and talk about what they are doing for 60 seconds. These seem to be getting more popular. I suggest contacting the likes of your local enterprise agency, Business Link, Chamber of Commerce, etc, and finding out what exhibitions and events they have coming up.

Lee