Are you doing the work you want?<\/p>\n
If not, why not?<\/p>\n
If so, which projects and clients would you like more of?<\/p>\n
If you don\u2019t know the answer to these simple questions, or if you are just taking what comes along (or think you\u2019re lucky because you get word-of-mouth\u2014which isn\u2019t something you can control), it may be time to think again.<\/p>\n
The work you want isn\u2019t going to magically find you. You have to know who you want to work with, and then find those clients.<\/p>\n
In between that, a lot of creative professionals get bogged down in the what of marketing.<\/p>\n
There are so many ways to approach clients that it\u2019s easy to get overwhelmed:<\/p>\n
- \n
- How will you find your best prospects?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Which tools are most effective for reaching them?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Should you reach out to them directly?<\/span><\/li>\n
- How many networking events should you attend each month?<\/span><\/li>\n
- Should you be blogging?<\/span><\/li>\n
- What about social networks: are they worth the time?<\/span><\/li>\n
- And if so, which outlets\/sites should you focus on?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
1.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Positioning Your Creative Business<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-Positioning-Your-Creative-Business-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nI firmly believe that marketing gains momentum over time when done consistently. But before you start running campaigns and deciding which tools to use, you need to decide who you serve.<\/p>\n
Effective marketing requires focus: You have to position your products and services to stand out amongst your competitors.<\/p>\n
Otherwise, not only will you waste time and money, but your ideal clients won\u2019t listen when you\u2019re speaking.<\/p>\n
Everyone is so overexposed to advertising, our natural instinct is to cup our hands over our ears.<\/p>\n
Properly positioning your business is how you show your clients, \u201cHey, we\u2019re the solution for you.\u201d And personalization is the key to hearts and minds.<\/p>\n
Plus, knowing your own position will show you who your best prospects are, as well as who they aren\u2019t. And eliminating ill-fitting prospects, companies, and marketing efforts is the key to a simple and efficient marketing plan.<\/p>\n
Video: How to Find Your Focus<\/h4>\n
Once you\u2019ve decided where to focus, you\u2019ll know which people to approach, which companies to target, and which events and campaigns are worth spending your money on. And you\u2019ll know which ones aren\u2019t worth the time, money and effort.<\/p>\n
Every marketing dead-end you eliminate today is energy you save for good prospects later on. Plus, continuous positive interactions are going to be a multiplier when stacked together.<\/p>\n
Your clients respond to confidence and happiness. And in turn, those clients tend to agree to more lucrative projects. Good positioning positively reinforces all your other marketing efforts.<\/p>\n
What do you think? Doesn\u2019t good positioning<\/a> sound better than bad positioning, or more likely, no position at all?<\/p>\n
2.<\/strong><\/p>\n
You Have to Choose<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-You-Have-to-Choose-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nWe talked about focusing your business. One of the first steps in that direction is researching your market.<\/p>\n
You need to be looking for new & better prospects, and finding new places where you can meet with the people who are in a position to engage your services.<\/p>\n
Where do you start?<\/p>\n
I recommend beginning by exploring 2-3 areas or industries.<\/p>\n
Ideally, you\u2019re looking at areas in which you already have a strong combination of experience, connections & examples of work to show.<\/p>\n
As you explore, look and listen for the specific needs and challenges of the people and the organizations in those markets. That information will become the substance of your marketing.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
Video: How to Research Your Best Prospects<\/h4>\n
First, Look at the Markets<\/h3>\n
A successful business is centered on the needs of the market, not around the business owner\u2019s personal wishes and desires.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t start with \u201cWho do I want to work with?\u201d Instead, ask, \u201cWhat does the market need and how can I satisfy that need while doing something I love?\u201d<\/p>\n
How do you find out what the market needs? You do that by following business trends in the news and watching where investors and the government are investing.<\/p>\n
Ideally, your desires will overlap with the needs of the market in a Venn diagram of sorts that will lead you to an effective positioning.<\/p>\n
Look Next at What You Know.<\/h3>\n
<\/strong>Whenever possible, don\u2019t start from scratch. The foundation of your business should be rooted strongly in something you know well and in which you already have some experience and connections.<\/p>\n
Even if you\u2019re just starting out, you\u2019ll get further faster by building on past career experiences, a recent pro bono or freelance project, or even an extracurricular passion or hobby.<\/p>\n
You must be able to confidently say to your prospects, \u201cI understand your challenges and can help you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Look at the Industries You\u2019ve Served in the Past<\/h3>\n
Your clients need to know that you not only understand the specific challenges they face, but also that you have explicit experience that will help them.<\/p>\n
For example, if you have done a lot of work for hospitals and medical practices, although they\u2019re both in the broad \u201chealthcare\u201d world, you should target each market with a slightly different message that emphasizes your direct experience, perhaps even with a competitor.<\/p>\n
Choose Growing Markets<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t focus on markets that are on the wane, no matter how much you love them. Look for the growth, whether in the markets you know or in ancillary areas.<\/p>\n
For example, the publishing world continues to be in flux but is unlikely to disappear altogether. How is it changing? Where are the growth areas that you could move into, even if it involves learning something new? (Hint: think e-books and interactive publishing.)<\/p>\n
Choose Markets With Money to Spend<\/h3>\n
Most creative professionals who rely on word-of-mouth also seem to get a lot of prospects with little-to-no budget to spend or tiny budgets coming directly out of the business owner\u2019s pocket.<\/p>\n
If this is fine with you and satisfies your needs, then build your marketing plan on those same markets and you\u2019ll do well, as those clients are easy to find.<\/p>\n
But if you want to grow and find better clients, look for markets with budgets to spend\u2013and not their own money. If they can\u2019t pay what you need to charge, don\u2019t even put them on your short list.<\/p>\n
How do you tell if a market has money to spend? You can usually tell pretty quickly by looking at the web sites and marketing materials of a range of companies in that market. If they value your type of service, they will invest money in it, and it will show.<\/p>\n
Also, as part of your research, go to a trade show and collect marketing materials. Take that opportunity to chat with the people, because the best way to really find out if a market has money to spend is to ask the actual people directly.<\/p>\n
Remember, this is research, not sales at this point. So you can ask, \u201cWhat are your budgets for X or Y?\u201d This type of research can also be done online where your prospects gather or are members, especially in LinkedIn Groups.<\/p>\n
Once you\u2019ve chosen a few markets to explore, here\u2019s what else you need to find out:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Approximately how many prospects there are (locally, nationally, globally)<\/span><\/li>\n
- The average project or purchase size<\/span><\/li>\n
- The frequency of the need for your services<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
There may be data available from a trade association<\/a> to help answer these questions; you may have to ask questions of people in the markets and you may be able to deduce certain facts from what you see.<\/p>\n
For example, you may find that the healthcare technology market has thousands of prospects nationwide, average projects with healthy budgets and a regular need for promotional materials, which makes it a very promising market.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, if a local industry has no more than 15 companies that only need updates to their web site (and 13 of the 15 clearly show no evidence of valuing web design, steer clear.<\/p>\n
Make sense?<\/p>\n
Let it sink in a bit.<\/p>\n
3.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Connect and Grow Your Business<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-Connect-and-Grow-Your-Business-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nOnce you\u2019ve chosen who to pursue, it\u2019s time to connect with them. These connections are the keys to growing your business and finding new clients. This can be done in many different ways. Here are a few of the most effective:<\/p>\n
Networking<\/h3>\n
<\/strong>Relationships are everything when it comes to business. Networking is the tool that allows you to develop the strongest relationships.<\/p>\n
Try to attend at least one event per month where you can meet real prospects. Joining a trade association<\/a> is the best way to do this.<\/p>\n
If there are no local events for you to attend, you might have to travel or connect virtually. Either way, be patient. This takes time, but is fruitful if you do it properly.<\/p>\n
LinkedIn<\/h3>\n
Make sure your profile is up to date and speaks to your best prospects. Then leverage your existing network by connecting with everyone you have ever known and some you\u2019d like to know.<\/p>\n
The more people in your network, the more access you\u2019ll get to others. It makes sense to build it and to accept invitations from others.<\/p>\n
Also, join groups on LinkedIn that are related to your target markets. The icons and group names will show up on your personal profile, thereby enhancing your positioning.<\/p>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of LinkedIn Profiles of Designers<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of LinkedIn Profiles of Copywriters Content Strategists<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of LinkedIn Profiles of Agency Owners<\/h4>\n
Warm Email Prospecting<\/h3>\n
Start by using email to introduce yourself to people you want to work with. Take the time, though, to find a shared connection, so you can approach them with a personalized message and a reference they will recognize (that\u2019s why it\u2019s warm and not cold).<\/p>\n
That connection could be a mutual contact or simply the fact that you love their brand and want to work with them. Then, your message will seem just like it\u2019s written for them, because it actually is!<\/p>\n
Follow up with a phone call, followed by snail mail. Don\u2019t worry if only one or two out of ten prospects actually respond. That\u2019s normal. Just stay in touch unless they tell you to stop.<\/p>\n
Let it sink in a bit.<\/p>\n
4.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Cultivate Your Leads<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-Cultivate-Your-Leads-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nOnce you\u2019ve connected with your prospects (especially those who\u2019ve responded), you need to cultivate those connections. They need to get to know you better and remember you when they\u2019re ready for your help.<\/p>\n
Remember: Timing is everything when it comes to marketing. If you neglect to cultivate your connections, they\u2019re essentially wasted.<\/p>\n
Here are a few of the marketing tools that do a great job at cultivating and developing those burgeoning relationships:<\/p>\n
Email Newsletter<\/h3>\n
Send a regular message to your growing opt-in list of prospects (monthly if possible, quarterly at a minimum).<\/p>\n
As you connect with prospects, you should also be building your list of people who\u2019ve granted you permission to stay in touch. Quality trumps quantity here: The list doesn\u2019t have to be huge.<\/p>\n
Stay in touch by disseminating relevant information and examples of your work, further demonstrating your understanding of their needs. This is content marketing at its most basic and it keeps you top of mind so that when they have a need, you are easy to remember and easy to find.<\/p>\n
The trick, however, is to be consistent. If you stop, you are quickly forgotten. So plan ahead and get help developing this content if you can\u2019t do it yourself.<\/p>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Email Newsletters of Designers<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Email Newsletters of Copywriters & Content Strategists<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Email Newsletters of Agencies<\/h4>\n
Social Media<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t try to be on all the platforms. Instead, focus on those most frequented by your prospects. In business, it\u2019s usually LinkedIn, Twitter or sometimes, Facebook.<\/p>\n
Whichever networks you focus on, make sure your profiles are up to date and consistent with each other and with your web site. Use them as one more way to demonstrate and reinforce your positioning in the markets you serve.<\/p>\n
Build your own following by following and connecting with others. Most will reciprocate.<\/p>\n
Start by passing along useful material by others\u2014a daily retweet is plenty to start with. This creates good will as a by-product.<\/p>\n
Build from there by re-purposing (i.e. posting) the content from your email newsletter for those who missed it and\/or aren\u2019t on your list.<\/p>\n
Personal Messages\/Outreach<\/h3>\n
Go through your list of prospects on a monthly basis and reach out with a simple \u201cHello, are you ready yet?\u201d message.<\/p>\n
Even if they don\u2019t respond, you\u2019ll know that you are staying in touch and they will appreciate it. Plus, it shows you\u2019re organized and interested.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t fill that mental vacuum with negativity that sounds like, \u201cThey don\u2019t want to hear from me, I\u2019m bothering them.\u201d<\/p>\n
And when they do respond, I'll bet they will thank you for staying in touch. They may even apologize for not responding!<\/p>\n
5.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Building Credibility Through Marketing<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-Building-Credibility-Through-Marketing-10.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nBuilding your credibility is the most effective marketing effort you can make. It\u2019s also the most elusive and practically impossible to measure!<\/p>\n
Credibility can precede you and prime your prospects so that all you have to do is show up and they\u2019re ready to buy. It can also be used to weed out the tire-kickers and demonstrate your expertise.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the active marketing tools that build your credibility:<\/p>\n
Blogging<\/h3>\n
Post on your own blog or offer to be a \u201cguest blogger\u201d on industry blogs where your prospects go looking for advice. Than take that material and post it on LinkedIn\u2019s publishing platform for wider reach and visibility.<\/p>\n
Writing<\/h3>\n
Expand your blog posts and email newsletters into longer form articles and submit them to online and offline publications in your target markets.<\/p>\n
Speaking<\/h3>\n
Re-purpose your written materials (blog posts, email marketing messages and articles) and turn them into presentation topics. Then submit them to associations and conferences where your target market gathers, in-person or virtually. Or, organize and sponsor your own networking or educational events (even webinars) on topics of interest to your market.<\/p>\n
“Unofficial” (But Essential) Marketing Tools<\/h3>\n
When I ask creative professionals how they market their services, many say they don't, that they get all their work through word-of-mouth. But when we I probe a bit, I find out they are in fact using the “unofficial” or more passive marketing tools, such as an “elevator pitch” or a website.<\/p>\n
Along with your active marketing efforts, you want to make sure your passive efforts are helping build credibility, too. Those efforts include:<\/p>\n
Your Website<\/h4>\n
It must be up to date. If it\u2019s not, you might as well just forget about getting clients who need anything related to their web sites. You\u2019ll either be too embarrassed to send them to yours or they\u2019ll go there and be unimpressed by what they see.<\/p>\n
Here are the top five things your web site must have<\/p>\n
- \n
- 1<\/span>Strong positioning: You must communicate clearly on the homepage who you best serve and how. For example, the positioning statement at Marketing Mentor is: \u201cThe go-to online resource for creative professionals who want better clients, bigger budgets and better projects”<\/span><\/li>\n
- 2<\/span>Good SEO\/keyword usage: You must offer useful content that addresses your client\u2019s business needs, integrating the language your best prospects are using to search for your services.<\/span><\/li>\n
- 3<\/span>Intuitive navigation: The site mustn\u2019t confuse your visitors with \u201ccreative\u201d ways to find what\u2019s on the site.<\/span><\/li>\n
- 4<\/span>Calls to action: You must tell visitors what to do and where to go, taking them through a path that will generate qualified leads for your pipeline.<\/span><\/li>\n
- 5<\/span>Up to date technology and social links.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Marketing Smart Homepages of Designers<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Marketing Smart Homepages of Copywriters & Content Strategists<\/h4>\n
Video: 6 Excellent Examples of Marketing Smart Homepages of Agencies<\/h4>\n
Your Blurb<\/h4>\n
One formula that works when it comes to answering the question, \u201cWhat do you do?\u201d is this:<\/p>\n
“Who you help + what they get\/you provide for them?”<\/p>\n
Here are some examples of blurbs:<\/p>\n
- \n
- A web developer: “We do app and website development for flooring resellers.” <\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- A content writer: “I write success stories and case studies that earn trust, land million-dollar sales deals, earn major PR in industry publications, and secure funding for leading technology companies.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- A marketing agency: “We are a boutique graphic design, brand development and marketing agency specializing in the craft beer industry.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Getting the Blurb Right<\/h5>\n
If you want a certain type of work, adjust your blurb (on the fly, even) to mention those services specifically. In fact, mention them first and see if that grabs your prospect\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a designer, talk about designing web sites or WordPress or direct mail pieces with pURLs or whatever is trendiest at the moment (because that\u2019s what they\u2019ll think they need).<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a writer, talk about writing for the web or creating content that creates loyalty or generates sales.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a marketing strategist, talk about the latest digital marketing tools.<\/p>\n
The point is: Include your specialty in your blurb so you don\u2019t inadvertently alienate those who are looking for it.<\/p>\n
So the blurbs above could be modified as:<\/p>\n
- \n
- “App and website development for flooring resellers with specialized product databases connected to ERP\/CRM systems.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- “I write success stories and case studies that earn trust, land million-dollar sales deals, earn major PR in industry publications, and secure funding for leading technology companies. I also do strategic testimonials, customer success stories styled for PR opportunities, and custom corporate case study training.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- “We are a boutique graphic design, brand development and marketing agency specializing in the craft beer industry. We design logos, labels, packaging, tap handles, marketing collateral, point-of-sale, apps, websites, and anything else your brewery may need.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And don't worry if you\u2019re not an \u201cexpert\u201d yet. Talk about \u201cmoving in that direction\u201d or \u201cdoing more and more web design work\u201d or \u201cexploring social media marketing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Download my Elevator Pitch Worksheet! It will help you get your blurb right:<\/p>\n
![\"Elevator](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Elevator-Pitch-Worksheet-Illustration-Square-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Elevator")
<\/span><\/p>\nElevator Pitch Worksheet<\/h3>\n
Social Media<\/h4>\n
Make sure you have a presence on the social networks most frequented and used by your prospects.<\/p>\n
For most professionals, it\u2019s LinkedIn, but Twitter is very popular for business, and some also use Facebook for business purposes.<\/p>\n
Use social media as an extension of your in-person networks.<\/p>\n
Whichever networks you focus on, make sure they\u2019re up to date and consistent with each other and with your web site. Use them to demonstrate your position in the markets (vertical industries) you serve and be sure to mention specific services you offer, as in your blurb.<\/p>\n
Join groups on LinkedIn that are related to your target industries as well. On your profile, the icon and group name will show up and become part of the impression made by your profile, thereby enhancing your positioning.<\/p>\n
Bottom line: If you do marketing well for yourself, it\u2019s obvious that you can help your clients with the same. You must practice what you preach, especially when it comes to interactive or digital media.<\/p>\n
6.<\/strong><\/p>\n
Networking Isn\u2019t What You Think\u2026<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-Networking-Isnt-What-You-Think-1.0.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nNetworking is scary for a lot of people. But if you\u2019re scared, then networking isn\u2019t what you think.<\/p>\n
Networking is actually a way of seeing the world.<\/p>\n
And that way involves seeing all the potential opportunities in front of you and connections you could possibly make, and then deciding (on a case-by-case basis) which ones you want to act on.<\/p>\n
Here is some information that will help you recognize good opportunities, and take the right steps to maximize their benefit:<\/p>\n
Four Contacts You Need in Your Network Now<\/h3>\n
It\u2019s impossible to do everything by yourself, especially when you\u2019re self-employed and trying to grow your own business. That\u2019s why networking is absolutely essential to your success.<\/p>\n
But networking isn\u2019t about tacky events, schmoozing sales people and uncomfortable socializing; it\u2019s simply a way of looking at and living in the world.<\/p>\n
Your network is your most important asset. But it has to be intentional, rather than happenstance.<\/p>\n
You must know what and who you need, then figure out what\u2019s missing, so you can find it.<\/p>\n
The first step is determining what you can do yourself and what others can do better than you can.<\/p>\n
This takes practice, but once you figure it out, you will need to develop different categories of relationships within your network.<\/p>\n
Make a spreadsheet with the following four categories and begin to fill out names of people you know in each to determine where you might need more connections.<\/p>\n
Clients and Customers<\/h4>\n
Many people don\u2019t think about clients as part of their network, but they\u2019re actually a very important part. First of all, they pay you and you couldn't do your work without them. Secondly, if you develop strong relationships with clients, you can keep them around for a while rather than always having to look for new ones.<\/p>\n
Think about which client relationships you can build on. Who can you offer more to?<\/p>\n
When was the last time you were in touch with clients you\u2019d like to continue working with? If it\u2019s been a while, reach out today.<\/p>\n
Peers and Colleagues<\/h4>\n
If you have a hectic project and no manpower or are looking for a new perspective on a challenge you\u2019re tackling, you should be able to reach out for help to someone from your network of peers and colleagues.<\/p>\n
They can help you with overflow and you can help them (just don\u2019t confuse peers with competitors).<\/p>\n
Mentors<\/h4>\n
Paid or unpaid, formal or informal, near or far, mentors come in all shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n
Which traits make them mentor material? They\u2019ve been there before and they can guide you.<\/p>\n
Too many people are unjustly embarrassed by what they don\u2019t know. This prevents them from looking for help, which inhibits growth.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be stubborn. Seek the guidance of a mentor and you\u2019ll accelerate your success.<\/p>\n
Referral Sources<\/h4>\n
Any of the people above can be referral sources, too.<\/p>\n
The best referral sources are the people who know you well, understand your strengths, and recognize the kind of assistance or customers you need.<\/p>\n
They are open, always networking and love to help. Make sure to invest time with these people. Identify the “connectors” in your network and get to know them better over coffee or Skype.<\/p>\n
Networking in Person? Do This First.<\/h3>\n
If you\u2019re attending an in-person networking event, showing up isn\u2019t the first thing you should do. These four easy actions will give your networking a head start.<\/p>\n
A Week in Advance, Connect With Them<\/h4>\n
Back in the 20th century, not only were you in the dark about who\u2019d be there, you also couldn\u2019t connect in advance. Not so in the 21st century. <\/p>\n
Now, because of all the information available, there are multiple ways to reach out in advance to lay the foundation with choice prospects for a potentially fruitful connection. You can:<\/p>\n
Connect on LinkedIn<\/h4>\n
Because you are both attending the same event, you have a genuine reason to connect and a built-in opening to connect with. Simply write, \u201cI see you\u2019re attending the X or Y Conference next week. I am too and would love to connect and meet you there. I think we might be a good fit.\u201d (And choose \u201ccolleague\u201d when asked how you know them.)<\/p>\n
Start a Discussion on LinkedIn<\/h4>\n
If the event or the group hosting the event has a LinkedIn Group, join it and use the opportunity of the upcoming event to initiate a discussion on a topic related to the event topic or simply to ask who\u2019s going. That way, you\u2019ll already know a few people when you get there.<\/p>\n
Pre-Tweet<\/h4>\n
Follow and then send a tweet to anyone you want to meet, especially the speakers. This not only buys you some mental real estate; it also establishes goodwill by giving them visibility to your followers. In less than 100 characters, you can say, \u201cLooking forward to meeting at the conference. I\u2019ll be there too and will say hello.\u201d<\/p>\n
Follow Them on Twitter or \u201cLike\u201d Their FB Page<\/h4>\n
Facebook is generally used more for personal than for business. But it can\u2019t hurt to connect there too, if it seems appropriate.<\/p>\n
Real networking is an ongoing effort to cultivate relationships. Forget about awkward interactions and stale cheese plates. The best way to create a great network is to be open and authentic in your daily dealings with people. Strive to help others yourself and it will come back to you tenfold.<\/p>\n
Marinate in these ideas. It takes time to change bad habits.<\/p>\n
7.<\/strong><\/p>\n
One Marketing Effort Every Day<\/h2>\n
![\"Marketing](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Marketing-for-Creatives-One-Marketing-Effort-Every-Day-1.0.jpg.jpg\" "\\"Marketing")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhen I ask creative professionals how they market their services, most say, \u201cWord of mouth.\u201d And they say it with pride!<\/p>\n
This makes me cringe every time.<\/p>\n
Why?<\/p>\n
Because word of mouth is not a marketing tool!<\/p>\n
A marketing tool is something you do. It\u2019s active. You control it.<\/p>\n
Word of mouth is the opposite.<\/p>\n
It happens to you. It\u2019s passive. And you can\u2019t control it \u2013 at all!<\/p>\n
In fact, \u201cword of mouth\u201d is nothing more than a euphemism for \u201ctaking whatever comes along.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s true that, sometimes, what comes along isn\u2019t all that bad; it may even be really good. But if that\u2019s all you\u2019ve got, if that\u2019s the foundation of your business, you may be in trouble and not even know it \u2013 until it dries up.<\/p>\n
That means you are at the mercy of whatever — and whoever — comes along, and that forces you to take on any project, whether it\u2019s right for you or not, even the clients waving bright red flags in your face.<\/p>\n
In the last recession, too many designers (and all kinds of creative professionals, for that matter) took a big hit when their biggest clients pulled back & took the work in-house (or their clients disappeared completely).<\/p>\n
People like you were left with almost no work. They had to scramble and take whatever they could find. Some are still in that position.<\/p>\n
This is no way to run a serious business. You don\u2019t have to rely on word of mouth \u2013 indeed you can\u2019t.<\/p>\n
But there is another option.<\/p>\n
All it takes is one marketing effort per day.<\/p>\n
Discipline yourself to fit that effort in\u2014first thing if necessary\u2014before your day is hijacked by client work.<\/p>\n
You know now you need to be marketing your services regularly. You just need a little help\u2014a kick start, a nudge, a prompt.<\/p>\n
And here it is! Download this marketing check list:<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/The-Marketing-Mentor-Weekly-Marketing-Checklist-4.0.jpg\" "\\"The")
<\/span><\/p>\nThe Marketing Mentor Weekly Marketing Checklist<\/h3>\n
I truly hope this guide is going to help you make a few improvements in how you promote yourself.<\/p>\n
My goal was to help you get a good grasp of what it takes to get new high-quality clients.<\/p>\n
What's next?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Are you're ready to double down on your success? Then I got marketing plans for all levels.<\/p>\n
Choose the best one for you:<\/p>\n
Top 2 Marketing Plans for Creative Professionals<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Get-the-Work-You-Want-Marketing-Plan-3D-Square-10-Off-1.0.png\" "\\"Get")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe discount is added automatically at checkout.<\/p>\n
For Newbies<\/strong><\/p>\n
Get the Work You Want Marketing Plan for New Creative Professionals<\/h3>\n
This simple, entirely downloadable marketing plan will tell you exactly what to do every day\u2014without overwhelming you or your calendar.<\/p>\n
__CONFIG_colors_palette__{“active_palette”:0,”config”:{“colors”:{“9bd08”:{“name”:”Main Accent”,”parent”:-1}},”gradients”:[]},”palettes”:[{“name”:”Default Palette”,”value”:{“colors”:{“9bd08”:{“val”:”hsla(var(–tcb-main-master-h, 210), var(–tcb-main-master-s, 77%), var(–tcb-main-master-l, 54%), 1)”}},”gradients”:[]},”original”:{“colors”:{“9bd08”:{“val”:”rgb(19, 114, 211)”,”hsl”:{“h”:210,”s”:0.83,”l”:0.45}}},”gradients”:[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__ Learn More<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>
![\"The](\"https:\/\/flauntmydesign.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/The-Simplest-Marketing-Plan-2022-3D-Square-10-off-1.0.png\" "\\"The")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe discount is added automatically at checkout.<\/p>\n
- “I write success stories and case studies that earn trust, land million-dollar sales deals, earn major PR in industry publications, and secure funding for leading technology companies. I also do strategic testimonials, customer success stories styled for PR opportunities, and custom corporate case study training.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- A content writer: “I write success stories and case studies that earn trust, land million-dollar sales deals, earn major PR in industry publications, and secure funding for leading technology companies.”<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- 2<\/span>Good SEO\/keyword usage: You must offer useful content that addresses your client\u2019s business needs, integrating the language your best prospects are using to search for your services.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The average project or purchase size<\/span><\/li>\n
- Which tools are most effective for reaching them?<\/span><\/li>\n