Have you ever considered launching small business ideas based on desktop publishing?
If you have an eye for design and computer graphics skills to match, then maybe you should consider it.
In the article “10 Legitimate Businesses for Under $20,” About.com says that “there are plenty of opportunities for you to start up a side business inexpensively. It’s unlikely any of these will make you a living in the first few months, but they all have the potential to grow into full-time businesses.”
One such business is graphic design.
About.com notes the demand for graphic design services: “It’s amazing how many people have a computer and still don’t know how to make a decent flyer!”
Whether they are mothers trying to design graduation announcements or local businesses looking to boost their ad campaigns, there are clients out there. You just need to find them.
What do you need to get started? You just need the basics—your computer, any necessary software, and a high-quality printer.
How do you implement your small business ideas and begin offering your graphic design services?
About.com recommends that you “create a really great-looking portfolio for yourself and go door-to-door.”
That will be your most challenging start-up task. The goal of your portfolio is to market your graphic design abilities. So the graphics you use in your portfolio need to be good. They should demonstrate the extent of your abilities.
The same is true for any advertisements, flyers, and posters that you create to market your graphic design company.
So what items should you purchase with your $20?
Buy yourself some good, quality paper. Use it to create samples for your portfolio.
Your next challenge is to showcase your portfolio to potential clients. As our previous articles emphasized, networking is crucial. This is especially true when you are looking to start a new client base.
Decide if you want to work with individuals on personal jobs or local businesses on company jobs.
If you want to pursue personal projects, try posting fliers at high traffic locations around town—at office supply stores, libraries, community centers.
Target places where people who need graphic design projects completed might go. That could mean places with computers and graphic design supplies. For example, you could post your ads at your local Staples.com or Office Depot.com.
That could also mean specific events that may require graphic design. For example, you could distribute your contact information to local high schools around graduation.
If you want to pursue company projects with local businesses, connect with any old business associates you might have. Join local business associations, and show your portfolio to other small business owners.
You should also go door-to-door and visit local businesses. Call ahead and make appointments to meet with the company contact in charge of marketing.
Target other small business owners, as well. They will be looking to market their own products, and they may also be eager to support a fellow small business owner at the same time.
{ 0 comments… add one now }