Graphic Design Marketing: What Do You Need?

This is the second article in a five-part series that details exactly what you need to market your graphic design business and make it a success. Marketing is an investment, not an expense. That's why you should print your materials through a low-cost, high-quality online printing company such as PsPrint for best results (one perk is that you can become a reseller and make money off of your clients' print orders, too!).

A little bit of marketing savvy can go a long way. Use these marketing materials to help your graphic design business hit the ground running.

Business cards - No business is complete without them. Literally your calling card, business cards should be sent with all other materials, handed out at networking events and distributed to happy customers so they can pass them along to other potential customers.

Postcards - Postcards are one of the most cost-effective ways to market a graphic design business. Send them out before the busy season to drum up new business.

Posters - With the right message and graphic elements, well-placed posters can motivate tons of response.

Flyers - Flyers are perfect marketing materials for placement on bulletin boards, windshields, direct mail, storefront windows and more.

Graphic design booklets/guides - Booklets are a unique and profitable way to give your prospects value. Use a booklet to showcase your work by presenting potential marketing campaign ideas to your customers.

Brochures - Brochures are service industry staples, but that doesn't mean they have to be boring. Add pop and pizazz to your brochures with die cuts and oversized printing.

Calendars - Not only will almost anyone take a free calendar, they'll also use it. What better way to put your message in front of potential customers 365 days a year?

Greeting cards - Thanking your customers for their business and commemorating their special moments with greeting cards will earn you a special place in their hearts. Remember that most purchasing decisions are based on emotion, and then justified with logic.

Stickers - Sticker marketing lets you shatter boundaries. Affix stickers to anything: ceilings, floors, magazines, notebooks, windows, cars - anywhere your target audience is likely to find them.

Newsletters - A well-written and informative newsletter that adds value helps you stay connected to your customers year round and supplies the perfect medium to market new and ongoing services.

Vinyl banners - Banners are an affordable way to draw attention to your business. You should also consider producing a website, door hangers and a corporate identity package with letterhead, envelopes, brochure, flyer, business cards and pocket folder. A website is a central online marketing tool, and a corporate identity package is perfect for marketing your services to upscale businesses.