Create a self promo piece for your brand

Your Place on the Internet

Go Make or Update Your Website
If you don't already have an online portfoilo site, then start making one now. Start simple. Here are some platforms that are easily manageable, clean and cheap:

• Squarespace

• Whiteloupe

• Wordpress

• Cargo Collective

• Dunked

If you do have a website already, then look over your website with a critical eye. Make the necessary tweaks to make the most of your site.
Set up Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a great, free way to track your progress. Set it up on your website so you can see who is coming to your site, how much traffic you are getting, where they are coming from, etc. See a video tutorial on how to set it all up in the resources below.

Making Social Media a Business Tool

Get connected
Open a profile on all appropriate social media platforms. Decide which will best benefit you and start making profiles.
Make sure your bios and profiles are consistent
Go look at all your online bios, avatars, profiles, etc. and make sure they are consistent. Consistent to your brand, and simply make sure the details match. Stay updated.
Follow people
Start following other creatives and companies you respect, and dream clients. Chances are some of them will start following you back.

Professional Writing and Voice

Choose your brand voice
First things first, makes sure you know who your audience is. Once you know that, you can effectively choose your brand's voice. How do you want to be percieved?
Start a blog
Set up a blog and link it to your website. You want them to feel connected and share traffic. Choose how many days and which days you will post. Be as consistent as possible because those reading will start to anticipate your next posts, and expect your posts to be on topic. The topic is something you need to establish as well before-hand.

Reaching Out and Connecting

Talk to everyone, everywhere you go
Look for opportunites to let people know what you do, and that you are available for work. But be genuine, not a salesman.
Blog
Use your blog to interview and spotlight other creatives.
Get involved locally
Participate in local shows, galleries, community events, etc.
Get involved with good causes
Pro bono work for charities and other good causes is a great way to not only be a better person, but to have your work spread around.
Cold Call
Reach out to creatives/companies you admire, dream clients, blogs, and magazines. Let them know you exist.
Follow people (not creepy)
Start following and engaging on other's posts. Shows your genuine interest in them and their content, and can lead back to you in the future.

The Launch

Enlist friends and family to spread the word
They may make terrible clients, but they sure do like to brag about you. Could bring in new clients!
Send out e-invites and/or physical invites via mail
People love physical mail.
Directly contact blogs about featuring your new brand launch
Blogs are always looking for new, original content.
Brand and prepare campaign ads and artwork
Plan on posting your ads to all types of platforms. Make sure to get them all sized accordingly.
Post and share everything
Be active.
Track your progress & react to comments/shares
Watch and react to comments and shares.
Thank those who helped spread the word or feature your work
Always be grateful.
Remain active posting quality content on your blog and social media
Keep on, keeping on.
Send out branded promotial swag/gifts to potential and current clients
This is the fun part. Look for opportunities to send out branded promo material to clients, potential clients, etc. Whole purpose is to show off your work.

Additional Resources

Reading: 4 Ways to Attract More Visitors to Your Website
Inspiration for your web portfolio

www.siteinspire.com

www.cssline.com

www.minimalsites.com
Tutorial: How to Set Up Google Analytics on Your Website
Website Building Platforms

• Squarespace

• Whiteloupe

• Wordpress

• Cargo Collective

• Dunked
Reading: How to Use Social Media to Promote Your Small Business

*Note: I know this is aimed at companies, but the concepts are basically the same for self-promotion. It makes some solid points on strategy, and gives some good ideas for how to utilize social media as a marketing tool.
Reading: Creative Ways to Promote Your Social Media Contests

Contests are great ways to engage your audience, and spread the word about your work. This article only touches on a few, but think of some creative ways to get your followers involved. Maybe the reward is something you made? Just a thought.
Sample Cold Call Emails
Reading: Designers Must Write

*Note: Mentions "designers" but applies to all creatives.
Reading: Learn to Write!

*Note: Again, mentions "designers" but applies to all creatives.
Affordable, quality business cards: Moo.com

*Note: Take a look at their Luxe option. If you don't have a lot to spend, but want something that looks and feels quality, I would go with these to start.
Your Checklist to Preparing for the Big Launch
Promo Gift Ideas

Pinterest/promo

Behance/promo

Lauren Beltramo

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