Often I get clients that have no clue where to begin. With so many advertising options in the world today, and a tight economy, you need advertising that is both effective and cost effective. Where do you start? Every business is different, but here are some generalized starting points that would work for 90% of you.
Unless you are a complete recluse or shut-in you need to get business cards. The average cost is about $65 to $200 for about 2000 cards. They should be designed by a pro, be colorful, thick, and look like they cost a fortune. You can get "free" business cards but they advertise the printers and are poor quality, it makes you look fly by night. You also need a logo, even if its all text, to use on all your marketing. Getting a logo designed can be free to about $50 if you use the trick I learned from Nike. Yes Nike, the iconic shoe brand paid $30 to a college student for the swoosh. So hit up your local college and put a flyer on a bulletin board, or even talk to a art professor.
A website is not a huge expense but a free website will not do the trick. Save yourself some time and energy by hiring an expert to do the job for you. A custom website by a professional can cost $500 to $30,000. Yes, a guy from church sold another guy a not-so-custom website for $30k. So paying more is not necessarily better. Look at portfolios, reviews, and even call the past clients of the prospective web design company. Ask the references for ease of use, if they like their website and what the web design company did not deliver just to be safe.
Business Cards
Business cards are the number one tool in advertising your business. Even if you are a 100% online driven business you need business cards to give the people you meet or to leave at a counter at a coffee shop or diner you frequent. Passing the cards our to everyone you meet is the best way to get your business going. Most of these clients will refer you and will be extremely loyal to your business if you do a good job or treat them right.Unless you are a complete recluse or shut-in you need to get business cards. The average cost is about $65 to $200 for about 2000 cards. They should be designed by a pro, be colorful, thick, and look like they cost a fortune. You can get "free" business cards but they advertise the printers and are poor quality, it makes you look fly by night. You also need a logo, even if its all text, to use on all your marketing. Getting a logo designed can be free to about $50 if you use the trick I learned from Nike. Yes Nike, the iconic shoe brand paid $30 to a college student for the swoosh. So hit up your local college and put a flyer on a bulletin board, or even talk to a art professor.
Web Design
Web design is arguably the best, or even a close second to the business cards. A website takes the place of a mega office and can even the playing field with any size business. A website give you an entity, a location and reputation online. Your website can be a hub of useful information to keep users coming back. Your website can cross promote, advertise your services, and do so much for your business you need to have one even before you are "open" for business.A website is not a huge expense but a free website will not do the trick. Save yourself some time and energy by hiring an expert to do the job for you. A custom website by a professional can cost $500 to $30,000. Yes, a guy from church sold another guy a not-so-custom website for $30k. So paying more is not necessarily better. Look at portfolios, reviews, and even call the past clients of the prospective web design company. Ask the references for ease of use, if they like their website and what the web design company did not deliver just to be safe.
