Design Studio

Lydiany

Hello Everyone!
     Last October I decided to start up a website that offered my graphic
design services. I recently graduated with a degree in advertising and
photojournalism and I really want to grow my business. I am listed in most
of the search engines and I have ads appearing on Google`s Adwords but I
just can`t seem to get enough clientelle. Any suggestions on how to
advertise my services and get my name out there that is not going to cost
me an arm and a leg? Thanks! My site is
http://www.redefinedesignstudios.com

jwatkins

For a while,  offer to "give away" your graphics. Say for instance you design a logo or header for someone but you make a stipulation that the header or logo must be clickable and linked to your site. Good backlinks and potential visitors.Just something to think about.

stonesledge

I like your site. Did you use a template? I see the contact form is unavailable. If you have problems making the flash work, then either use the html static template and make the contact form work and privacy policy button etc. If you did get this as a template then maybe ask the template people to make sure all pages are working. They may charge you 50.00 to make your contact form to work etc... If someone is going to your site,they may been turned off by things not working, also I would maybe put up some more examples in your pertfolio. If you are just geting started and don`t have much, make up some new logos for viewing etc. Your prices are great. I agree about google, it can be costly and you want to converge those clicks into clients. So if you are getting looks at your site but no response from the site, then think about fixing the above. Locally i would suggest joining a business group...your services would be needed by these folks to help grow their business. Also, what about freelancing with another established company, to gain expeirience and build your portfolio. Your prices are very fair and i know a graphic design company that may be interested in using you as a freelancer. You have to "get out there" in your community and let folks know that you are in business and that you can fill a need of theirs. You have the talent, now just go get them!!!
 
Erin

vannbaker

While design and graphics can be done anywhere, a lot of business
owners want to meet someone face to face or at least get referred to
someone they know will do a good job.

So, you need a strategy for getting known as being good at what you do
as well as delivering as promised.

There are a lot of organizations who don`t have a lot of money, but their
executive director may be well connected. So, doing some gratis work
may pay off with referrals and increased visibility.

Think about Rotary or maybe the Kiwanis and local chambers of
commerce often have business to business networking events.

I think the hardest thing to overcome is the fact that business in general
doesn`t really understand what graphic design can do for them, except
when they`re told the ad someone did in-house won`t work for a national
publication or the do-it yourself to save money approach backfires when
the business image suffers.

Lydiany

Thanks everyone for their input, you all have a lot of great ideas that I will
definately put in effect.

stonesledge

You have the talent, you just have to let people know about it! Local marketing first, gain somemarket share and then go from there. Word of moth can be a great thing!

Lydiany

I have been looking into working with web designers and copywriters like
you suggested. A lot of people seem to be interested in working with me. My
question now is, what is a sensible way for both me and the other
companies to benefit each other. They are all very interested in refering
clients to me, but I don`t feel like I will have enough of my own business to
refer clients to them as well. Would it be better to just offer them a
commission for every client they refer, and if so, what is a fair amount for
my rates? Thank you guys so much!