by Lisa Luff

Created on: April 20, 2009   Last Updated: April 21, 2009

I've just started up my own Graphic Design business. I have designed my stationary and my marketing materials. I am in the process of designing my website and launching it. How do I find the work?

The potential for networking is endless in this country. We have recourses in place that we just have to take advantage of. I began by putting ads up online. A great source for freelancers is 'Melbourne Gumtree'. Do a search for it in Google. I put a new ad up every second day and am returned at least 2 new leads daily from clients in and around Melbourne wanting all sorts of design work done.

If you do a Google search for FREE ADVERTISING there's plenty of results. Place free ads across online media, do a search for FREE PORTFOLIOS. Sometimes if you contact your local newspaper and say you want to place a looking for work ad, they do it for free. It can't hurt! Give it a go!

Tell people what you're doing and what you're about. Nothing speaks louder than work of mouth advertising! If your going to advertise with flyers or business cards, keep it simple and make sure your design reflects your business in a way your clients can relate to i.e. If your aiming your business at the beauty industry...ask to advertise in hair dressing salons and beauty salons...keep it simple. Businesses get more response with advertising campaigns that focus in on something specific i.e. If your a photographer that does ...this... this... and this... and more... offer one hour photo shoots for X amount of money and have that be all that piece of advertising says. If you home in on specifics you can get a bounteous response.

Your local supermarket will have a message board. Put up a flyer or pin up a few business cards. Come back in a few days and see how many have been taken. People will take things that are free and readily available. Another great way to network and build a clientele is to go around to your local competition and give them your card. You can always bounce work off one another.

The most important thing to remember is that you're a business. You may have just started your business. You're trying to make money and people will tell you that you have to spend money to make money. But you really don't. There's free resources available. You just have to maximise your time and your resourcefulness.

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