Become A Commenter

Writers and designers crave and need feedback. If you have taken the time to visit a blog or online portfolio, have the courteously of leaving behind a calling card. Something that says, hey, I was here and I appreciate your willingness to share information. They can benefit from your insight or refuel from your positive comments…they may even be appreciative of thoughtful constructive criticism. For most people, having the simple validation of being read and heard can be a great motivation to keep going.

Commenting on business blogs and forums can be very beneficial, if done properly. When visiting blogs and forums, leave comments on subjects you know. Make your comments descriptive and helpful and not just say, “Nice blog entry!” If you can show that you know what you’re talking about, you will score some interest in your brand and start earning business. Make sure you don’t advertise in your posts, but do make sure you enter your website address whenever they ask for it in your information. This will help people find you.

When you are commenting online, remember to be true to your online persona. If you wouldn’t say it to their face, don’t say it online. You should be a walking advertisement for your business at all times, and that includes building a reputation as a considerate and intelligent commentator. Your business will benefit from familiarization if you post consistently enough. Build a warm personality that creates online bonds that are beneficial to all who come in contact with you.

Profitable Referral Process

Look for opportunities to make more money on each individual project. Don’t try to squeeze more money out of the client if it’s not necessary…

Be creative. Your expertise in graphic design doesn’t hinder your ability to refer to people who provides services that might be related to the project at hand. Some people will pay you for your referral… Print services, e-mail marketing, shopping carts, website security, hosting, etc…

You will quickly learn that you can’t be everything to everybody. Agencies, marketing teams and creative departments consist of people with different specialties in different roles. When creating a brochure, you generally won’t write the content, make the paper, print, and deliver it. Passing along the parts that you can’t complete yourself not only helps others, but also can be rewarding to you.

An Outsourcing Graphic Designer – Cool!

You probably already know developers, writers, marketing specialists, and other designers that you can work with on projects. Outsourcing is a common industry practice to get the job done.

Often a printshop will print your piece but send it to a specialized shop for the die cutting, foiling, and sometimes even the bindery and fulfillment. Generally they account for the outsourcing and add a 10-15% charge to cover the brokering service. The same concept can be applied to design projects. You can add a percentage to cover the costs of handling print, coding, writing, etc.

Your position as a broker can be valuable. If you are working with a client who needs writing, SEO services, or marketing offer to handle the referral. Most clients prefer to work with one contact, and this is a great way to bundle projects under the same Purchase Order. Include your services as a separate line item or as part of the whole project. You will find the process beneficial to you, rewarding to your network, and convenient for your client.