Owning your own business can be tough, especially in a competitive field like graphic design. Business card printing, social networking, and more can be what you need to get ahead of the competition. These simple tips below can help get you the customers you need for a thriving business.

Network

Networking is probably the most important advertising tool for the local market. Start by using a good business card printing service and create business cards that can act like a brochure; include your business name, contact information, and online portfolio site address. Armed with business cards, pass them out to local business owners. A good way to connect with local business people is to join the Chamber of Commerce, local entrepreneur’s groups, and special interest clubs — just don’t act like you are only there to get clients. Also, be sure to attend local business expo’s and conventions, and remember to take advantage of your business card printing and pass out those cards.

Use Clients to Get More Clients

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Make sure your work is top quality and that you make your current clients happy. If you do a great job, they will recommend you to others. As clients come in, use your business card printing and give them each several business cards; ask them to pass out the cards to business associates. If you haven’t heard from a client in a while, call and ask how they are doing — ask if they are still happy with the work you have done, or if they need an update.

Have a Phonebook Listing

A lot of people still look in the yellow pages for services, so putting an ad in a local phone book is a good idea. These aren’t cheap, but they’re worth it. And you don’t need to buy a big fancy ad; most prospective clients will call several designers anyway to check quotes. You can also take the middle ground approach and choose a medium-sized ad. Often, these are simply a copy of your business card printing design, so they are easy to create.

Team Up

Sometimes big design firms are overloaded and need outside help. You can sub-contract some of their work to supplement your own. If the client you design for really likes your work, you might gain a new customer. Use your work to build up your portfolio. You can also work with web programmers; some may know the nuts and bolts of web site creation but don’t know the artistic side, which is where you come in. And don’t forget, utilize your business card printing by handing out business cards to whomever you work with.

Use the Web

The people who aren’t looking in the phonebook are searching online for services, even local ones. Online classified ads, such as Craigslist and Yahoo Classifieds, are great for advertising your business.

The most important advice for advertising your design work is to use a variety of techniques to attract business, from old fashioned business card printing to new classified ads. Just get your name out there and provide excellent work, and soon your design business will be on its way to success.