How do YOU advertise your web design business?

I'm going to bump this over to Internet Business Discussion. It could go in P&M too, but I think the right people will be more likely to see it in IBD.

I like seeing this question resurface on occasion. It gives me a chance to revisit an ever-evolving situation.

First of all, I know exactly where all my business comes from. Keeping track of this is something I strongly encourage. Personally, I keep a flowchart that currently has 6 branches:

- Pro Bono
- Networking
- Web Site
- Internet Marketing
- Friends & Family
- Local Marketing

Whenever I get a new project, I add it to the flowchart. It either goes under one of these 6 branches or, as is increasingly the case, it branches off another project that spawned or referred it. Your portfolio and referrals are definitely your best source of work. It is the "seventh branch" so to speak.

Having said that, you need to start somewhere...

Pro Bono: I still do the odd nonprofit site be it as a worthy cause, personal interest, exposure to a new market, or all of the above. It is a great way to flesh out your portfolio early on. However, thanks to my tracking, I've realized that beyond the positive presence in my portfolio, the pro bono work does not generate a huge amount of paying business.

Friends & Family: This is another great source to tap into and usually helps you out early on. On the other hand, how many people can you know. Having said that, I still get the odd contract through personal contacts and the residual referrals are better on this branch than from most.

Networking: I belong to a couple of local networking groups. These do generate the occasional project for me but I'm not 100% convinced that it is worth the time spent on breakfasts and other social events. I'm not big on the schmoozing thing - ymmv.

Local Marketing: Again, has genetated some business but at what cost? Limited print advertising has not really paid for itself.

Internet Marketing: Well let's face it - This is where it's at. A market of billions and almost no overhead to reach them. Spam is prevelant for a reason. No, I'm not condoning spam. However, if you can come up with innovative ways to market yourself through this medium and stay on the right side of that fine line, it is hard to beat this method.

Web Site: I'd like to say "last but not least." However, I'd have to confess that my web site, in terms of people just searching, finding, and hiring me, is my weakest branch. Definitely, the web site serves its purpose in terms of being an online portfolio to refer people to but new business off the cyberstreet - not so good.

Phew - getting long-winded here and I'm not really sure if I've even answered your question.

Bottom line? A healthy portfolio and good reputation is your best source of business. When that flow of referrals dries up as it is wont to do on occasion, you need to go back and shake one of those branches I refer to. Which branch to shake really depends on the situation.

Great post, taff. Thanks.

Ever consider writing an article?

Quote: Originally posted by Abhishek Reddy
Ever consider writing an article?

Didn't I just?

heh, good point. I meant for a journal of some kind.

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