Offer Free Makeovers
- For those just getting started in desktop publishing or graphic design doing free work is one way to develop a portfolio. Even for free, some businesses might be reluctant to entrust an unproven designer with their projects. One way around this is to look for fliers, ads, and other materials that are in need of a makeover. Redesign the material and send it, along with your brochure, to the business.
Some people suggest that you include a watermark or stamp across the work to prevent the business from using the item without first paying you. However, in some cases you might do better to send a clean camera-ready copy and a letter offering the material as a complementary sample of your work for them to use. Whether or not the business uses your makeover, include it in your portfolio.
Write All About It
- You don’t have to be a writer to write articles for magazines and newsletters. Many small publications hunger for material. Write about what you know and let a trusted friend or associate help you polish it up if needed. Some publications only offer a simple byline (your name) but others will give you a small bio at the end of the article. Even if you are unsure of the publication’s policy, send along a brief bio describing your business. Include contact information.
Although you can write about many subjects, topics specifically related to your business are the best for generating new business. Résumé Consultants can offer résumé writing tips and cover letter etiquette guidelines. If you are proficient in specific software packages such as Adobe InDesign or CorelDRAW, write a helpful tips & tricks article. Do you specialize in newsletters? An article that outlines the purpose and benefits of having an organizational or marketing newsletter would work in many types of publications.
Get copies of your published material (clips). Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer right now, sometime down the road those clips may come in handy when you try to get paid real money for your writing.
- You can also self-publish your own free booklets. Offer them freely (or almost free) to all who call or write. You will be developing a mailing list for future use while establishing your credibility and expertise in your chosen field.
- Print publications aren’t the only place you can have your words seen and read. The Web is another place where you can write about what you know — and establish yourself as an expert in your field. Even if you don’t have your own home page, there are others already on the web who are happy to have your articles to offer to visitors. In fact, what about right here? Submit an article or review for About Desktop Publishing.
Publicize Your Freebies
- Put credit lines on print and electronic documents. Put copies of your free work in your portfolio. Send out press releases when any of your work, including freebies, garner you awards or other recognition. When appropriate, include the work you do for free in your résumé or professional bio.
- Get familiar with your local newspaper. Getting a story in the paper about your business doing the PTA newsletter for free may not be newsworthy. But a short blurb in the Community News or the Business News section that says, “At the May 25th meeting of the Cambridge Elementary PTA, Jill Logan of Logan Words & Graphics was recognized for her work as volunteer editor of the Cambridge PTA Newsletter during the 05-06 school year,” is possible. Every little bit helps. Using every possible opportunity to create a press release is almost like doing volunteer work. It may take a while for your work to get noticed but you get lots of practice along the way.
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