For most freelance graphic designers, finding new clients and gaining momentum in their business is the biggest fight. However nice the Internet is as a marketing place, there is still much value in advertising your services locally. In fact, having a freelance business locally will help build the foundation for much trust, relationships, and long-term success. Below we will learn some effective strategies on how to advertise your freelance graphic design business locally.
1. Word of mouth referral
Most probably, the power way to develop your client portfolio locally is word of mouth. Your clients are referring your services to their friends and colleagues or even perhaps family. To that, you have to ensure first of all the quality work and most importantly, good customer service. Take out the project by asking your clients at the end of the project if they know anyone else who may need your services.
Another even better incentive would be offering a referral discount or bonus to your clients when they refer new business to you. That might encourage them to introduce even more new business by referring other people to your work.
2. Strong Local Online Presence
Even for local freelance businesses, an online presence is important. Your site should be a portfolio of your best work and easy to browse. Use words that people in your locality may use when they are looking for services like yours – “graphic design in [Your City]” or “freelance designer in [Your Location].
Yet another simple way to further your digital presence is to add your business to the Google My Business directory. So, your freelance graphic design business can be found not only in local search but also on the map for those who are looking for design work or services around their local area. Activate all of your social media profiles and connect locally with other businesses and groups on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
3. Network in Your Community
Networking is always a good idea when launching a business, perhaps especially so when launching a freelancing business. So, go ahead and attend some events and workshops that have to do with the local business or neighborhood. Attend a local business seminar or, who knows, a charity event for which your design skills could be used.
For instance, and teaming up with professionals like the marketer, photographer, or a web developer in availing an opportunity. Here, you are literally working with them because you are crossing each other’s services to a wider local public.
4. Free Workshops and Seminars
Offer your freelance graphic design services locally by teaching workshops and seminars. You could easily host free or low-cost events directly related to design, which would make it much easier to show off your skills in front of your local audience. You might hold sessions like “Creating Your Brand Identity” or “How to Design Professional Logos.”
Those workshops will benefit your attendees, but it also helps to make you look like the expert in your chosen domain. It opens up the chance of interacting with business people around you who could be in need of your design service someday.
5. Partner with Local Businesses
Another step can be to team up with other local businesses to expand your customer base. At the same time, most small local businesses require graphic design work but can’t afford to hire a designer full-time. Offer doing marketing materials, logos, or websites for these smaller local businesses and, in return, get excellent exposure to their customer base.
For example, it may involve package deals whereby design work would be involved, such as designing a few promotional social media graphics or flyers for them. You can take those relationships to the extent of getting a network of constant referrals and customers.
6. Attend Local Fairs and Events
Local fairs, festivals, or markets are great open spaces to display your goods. Register for the exhibition as a seller or simply as an attendee of the event that will be your meeting point with individuals in your locale who may require your graphic design services. Get some nice display of your work. Carry business cards or order a few brochures for your presentation.
Participate in any event that the local chambers of commerce and/or other business organizations are hosting. It is an avenue whereby you will network later be able to connect with your potential clients who would require services to design for businesses.
7. Sponsor Local Events
Sponsorship of local events, charity fundraisers, and community initiatives can spread awareness about your freelance graphic design services. You may present promotional events for exposure by having your logo put up as a sponsor with exposure towards your community while generating goodwill by contributing towards local causes.
For example, most charity runs or art exhibitions print stuff like posters, banners, or flyers that you can be of help in designing. What will be on display is your sponsorship, and being seen as participating will position you as a community-oriented business.
8. Advertisement in Local Publications
Though online marketing is extremely basic, a more conventional approach could also be fine for local communities. Promote on local newspapers, magazines, or newsletters for real capture in the local space. Most of these local publications have relatively low advertising rates, like small businesses or freelancers.
You can write guest articles on design tips or trends to the same publications further to strengthen your position and capture the attention of clients seeking talent in the local area.
9. Tie-Up with Local Educational Institutions
You can also hold design classes among the students at the local school, college, or community centers. You can take the opportunity of conducting classes and lecturing at a local educational institution and then present your business to those whom you haven’t touched yet. Most local students or working professionals need a freelance graphic designing service as they are launching their venture or businesses.
These educational relations also define your credibility and notoriety in your community.
10. Flyers and Posters
As your digital advertising reaches its crescendo, posting or distributing flyers can still do wonders for a local business. Design a flyer promoting services offered-that is, your contact information, link to your portfolio, and different pricing options. Distribute those flyers in local coffee shops, libraries, coworking spaces, or community centers.
Let the design of your brochure speak for your skills in graphic design. The importance lies in that it does not only act as an eye-opener but also work-in-example to present to your clients.
Conclusion
Advertising a freelance graphic design business locally should use a mix of digital strategies, traditional marketing, and community involvement. A well-established freelance business starts with getting a good customer base through a mix of networking, sponsoring local events, contacting companies for partnerships, and local SEO. True relationships take time, and this is done by consistent engagement with your community when giving value and showing capabilities.
