by Cindy Hartman

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2008

Website, e-mail marketing and print material such as brochures, sell sheets, newsletters and business cards can be very affordable and presentable when using templates. Home-based and small businesses can now support a professional image while keeping within their smaller budgets by using template software.

Templates make the process easy, and are now available for almost any marketing piece you want to put together. They offer a variety of styles and colors to create a cohesive business image. Consider the weight and texture of the paper you'll use to promote your business, as it is part of the overall image of your business. Also, it is necessary to use a high quality color printer and copier. Without attention to the equipment, the finished product will scream "home-made"!

Be aware that templates can be limiting, not always offering the design throughout all types of print and electronic marketing materials. Pre-planning your entire marketing package before even one piece is developed will save you a great deal of time, money and frustration. Without thinking about each piece that will be produced, you might find that the initial design created won't work throughout your marketing message. Often complimenting pieces work very well and serve as a variety in your portfolio. However, they must be harmonious in color, image and message.

For print material, consider the business cards, stationery (including the envelopes), brochures, etc. - each piece should fit together like a puzzle, creating one consistent message. Make sure the design template you choose includes all the pieces you need or think you might need.

By planning ahead, you can find electronic and paper templates that will compliment each other if the image you choose isn't available from one vendor for the entire print and electronic formats. Sometimes you'll even have to use two different vendors for your email template and your web template. If your business colors are gray and red, for example, there are plenty of electronic templates that use that color scheme. One might have a gray background with splashes of red while another might have a white background with gray and red color accents. You can see why planning ahead is necessary, but when approaching your marketing image with a plan, you can create a professional image that will fit any budget.

Business cards are usually the first item created. When printing them yourself, choose a high-quality stock, and one that has clean perforations.

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