Task 3

When thinking about how to promote myself and my work i think its important for me to look at how other designers and agencies, that are successful, do this.

The image above is from Elmwood design agencies homepage. The website is very functional and easy to navigate around with a list of options on the bottom which tell customers everything they need to know. It's interesting that one of their options is to see their clients. By allowing the customer be able to see who they work for shows they can be trusted, and that they must have a good reputation.

To advertise myself i would make my own website and as i work for more people i would show who my clients are to promote myself, i may also ask past customers to comment on my service to show customers that im reliable.

Here's the homepage to another agency, it didnt communicate well, it wasnt clear i dont think the type was considered very well or the layout. Unlike Elmwood there was no clarity. This isn't how i would want my website to turn out.

Elmwood has a link which shows who they are, it shows a series of photos of the designers, this makes it much more personal. We get to know who we would be dealing with and its almost like we've been introduced to them. Again something that i would bring into my website.

For direct marketing i would firstly have my own business card that would have a clear, sharp design thats easy to understand. Since my customers could be small businesses that are new and need promoting i will design a mail shot and mail it to new businesses, clearly introducing myself, what i do, and how i could help promote their new shop. This would seem personal to them, and show my effect and consideration because its directly to them. This would also be less time consuming then standing about handing out business cards but would seem just as personal.

To help promote myself further i would offer a free initial meeting, talking over ideas before i actually start working on this. This way the customer hasnt lost on money if he/she decides they don't want to employ me. However it would be time demanding on me and id have nothing to show for it until they employ me. I feel that if they're wanting to meet me to talk over what they want then they're most likely going to want me to design for them, so i dont think id be losing out on much.

Its going to be important for me to be living close to the centre of Leeds so i wont be spending too much on travel. The majority of my clients will be located in central leeds or another city centre. At least if im leaving close to leeds city centre im also close to the train station so i can get to other clients easily.