Simple marketing that works for your creative business
It's the end of the year and if you're anything like me, you're probably thinking about what worked and what didn't in your business.
As a graphic designer running my own business, I know how easy it is to get caught up in client day to day work.
My work is to design marketing assets for my client’s businesses but when it comes to my own - it is a hard thing. Marketing used to be the last thing on the to-do list.
This year, I decided to change that. I joined Hannah Isted's Best 90 Days Ever, a marketing membership that shares daily tasks you can complete in about 10 minutes. No massive time commitment, no overwhelm, just consistent action.
Small steps, big results
Here's the thing – it actually works. One of the prompts from Hannah and the Best 90 Days Ever membership, got me writing a blog post on Creating Professional Reports designs that ended up ranking on Google. The Publishers Association found me through that post, and I ended up designing a report for them that was launched at the House of Lords this year.
That's not me boasting (well, maybe a little). It's me showing you that marketing doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Ten minutes a day. Consistent effort. Real results - it works when you put the effort in.
Me outside the House of Lords for the launch of the report - Turning the page. A report to revive children’s reading for enjoyment.
How I market Lyons Creative
My marketing strategy isn't fancy or over complicated. I run a newsletter called Font Love Friday and Other Designery Things, where I share design tips, fonts I'm loving and running your freelancing business. I also host a podcast called Creatives Like Us, where I talk to other creatives about the reality of running a creative business – and share my insights in running a small business.
I show up on social media, mostly LinkedIn and Instagram – sharing my work, my process and the behind-the-scenes of running a design business. I post about magazine design to Squarespace websites, branding and graphic design for digital and print marketing designs. I share the work I do for the clients I help and I also throw in how I help small business/freelancers in the community.
One of the things that help me decide what and where to post is to have content pillars. If you do this - choose 3 -4 that will shape how you present your business (and yourself) to potential clients or people who will refer you. My content pillar are design, feeelancing/small business support, my podcast and client work. Another thing that really helps me is scheduling my posts. I use a scheduling tool called Metricool* - it is easy to use and it makes sure I can plan it without worrying about what to post day to day.
Marketing and design go hand in hand
You can create the most beautiful branding in the world but if no one knows you exist, what's the point? Good design and good marketing work together.
Whether you're a coach needing a website that converts, a magazine looking for fresh design direction or a business wanting to rebrand – the design is only half the battle. Getting it in front of the right people is the other half.
That's why I work with clients not just on their design but on how to use that design effectively.
Creative consultant online meeting in progress
What about you?
If you're reading this and thinking "I need to sort out my marketing" or "I need design work that actually supports my business goals", I'm here to help.
I work on one-off projects and retainer arrangements, covering everything from branding and marketing design to Squarespace website design and refreshes. I'd love to hear about what you're working on.
Book a call with me and let's talk about how design and marketing can work together to move your business forward.
And if you want to join me in the next round of Best 90 Days Ever* starting in January. I'll be there too, putting in my 10 minutes a day - hello accountability!
You can sign up here.
*contains an affiliate link. I will get a few pennies fro this. I only promote things I use, know that work and love in my business.
