Advise on expanding my business

[esealey]

Hi,

I'm a freelance graphic designer and have a few clients but would like to build up my clientele list into a successful small business. I am attending a business lunch in a few days to make contacts and am also part of a few networking groups.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can get more clients and what would be the best way to advertise myself.

I have also redesigned my website to try and give a more professional look.

http://www.esealey.com


Thanks
Emma Sealey


Email: contact@esealey.com
Tel: 07881 965333

[Admiral Collections]

Hi Emma

Just chat, chat, chat. Networking is brilliant. BNI Groups, business referral groups. Also, even if the person you are speaking to doesn't want your services they may know someone who does.

Good luck, Im sure you will do really well.

Nic :wink:

[creacom]

Hi Emma

I completely agree with Nic there. Just by going out and speaking to people, leaving them a few cards and getting yourself known will help. Maybe your chamber of commerce or other networking groups can help you too.

Like yourself my business partner and I left our corporate design jobs and started up alone. I have 6 years experience and my business partner has 12 so at the start it was a bit daunting !

It has taken just under 1 year to get this company really on its feet. Which in some respect is not that long. Now practically all of our clients have referred us to other people along the way and we have built up from there.

Try and volunteer work for local events or associations etc too. This can really get your foot in the door and lead to a lot of paid work.

Best of luck

Jacqui

[MorethanWords]

I really like your work - it is well designed and it has an obvious feminine touch.

I'm sure you'll do really well. Just carry on networking and check out Business Link for details of other events in your area.

Get in touch with bigger design agencies to see if they outsource work too, just to tide you over as well.

This place is also great for referrals, there's always someone who needs something on here. Have you joined the freelance forum too? They also have temporary and freelance placements - loads of design stuff.

Good luck!

[directmarketingadvice]

Firstly, I think you should totally re-design your website.

It doesn't explain your business. For example, there are 2 contact numbers. One in France and one in the UK, but no explanation why.

There's nothing about price and no real explanation of the types of work you take on or why prospects should choose you over your competition.

Secondly, the best way to advertise yourself depends on what benefit(s) you're bringing to your marketplace.

(1) Why should someone choose you over your competitors?

(2) Who should choose you over your competitors and under what circumstances? (and when should they not choose you)

(3) Once you know what your sales message is and who you should be selling to, then it's time to work out the most effective way to deliver that message to the right people.

Steve

[Tin]

Hi Emma

Just endorsing what others have said about networking, getting your business cards in as many places as possible, offering advice on here or generally just chatting to others can help as well. I'm sure you'll feel at home and get plenty of useful tips here so stick around.

Personally, after looking over your site the design doesn't do a lot for me but that's no bad thing as I'm no designer really :-) but if you're happy with it then that's fine, at least it has got design. As they say, "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" so go on girl, get networking and rattle as many doors as you can.

Ray