Freelance Marketing: What Materials Do You Need?

This is the second article in a five-part series that details exactly what you need to market your freelance business and make it a success. If you want to make sales - and make money - you have to promote with well-designed and professionally printed marketing materials. Here's a look at what you'll need for your freelance business.

Business cards - Business cards are a staple marketing tool. Leave a business card with everyone you meet, send one with all correspondence, insert one into your identity package, and leave one in places potential customers are likely to find them. They're cheap to print and expendable.

Postcards - Postcards are an incredibly cost-effective way for lone freelancers to engage in successful direct-mail marketing.

Posters - Well-placed posters have the power to brand even freelance businesses, so distribute wisely to earn customer loyalty and generate revenue.

Flyers - Flyers are extremely versatile tools for marketing your freelance business. They can be placed on bulleting boards, counter tops, walls and just about anywhere else.

Booklets - Booklets on how to get started in your field - for example, how to choose company colors for a web designer - can lend credibility to your freelance business. Write a guide and send it to customers via direct-mail marketing.

Brochures - Like business cards, brochures are staple marketing tools. Print a brochure for each specific, well-defined product and service you offer and each sales situation (leave-behinds, follow-ups, point-of-sale, etc.). Make sure you highlight your features and benefits!

Calendars - Everyone loves (and uses) free calendars, which makes them a cost-effective way to gain visibility in front of your target audience each day of the year.

Greeting cards - Many a business has reaped the benefits or maintaining close personal relationships with their customers. For freelancers, who interact with each customer on a one-to-one basis, greeting cards can help foster long-term business relationships. Stickers - You've seen them everywhere: car bumpers, gas station pumps, walls, windows, doors, waiting room magazines and more.

Newsletters - Print newsletters remain a great way to stay connected to your customers. Supplement your daily e-mail newsletter with a monthly print newsletter. Other materials you should consider producing include a website, door hangers, rack cards, table tents, and a corporate identity package (complete with letterhead, envelopes, brochure, flyer, business card and pocket folder).