Online Advertising...

[Drorain]

Hey folks, Just curious about what methods you use to advertise your business online. Do you rely on search engines, do your run a blog, email ads, banner ads, ad words...what do you do for your business thru online media.

Currently I am working with a blog to get my name out there, and to share some ideas...I write articles, I am working on a banner, and exchanging links with other bloggers. I use a blog ping service and search engine submissions to get my name up there, and as time goes on and I post more I see better results. I havent tried adsense at all, or any other pay per click scheme since I just dont have money for that sort of investment. I also network online through forums such as GDF, although I dont advertise here, people have come to me via pm...which is great. I just want to know what works for your design business, online store, or other services.

PS I've tried craigslist as well to no avail.

[Loopy]

Here are some of the things I've done to promote my site / shop.

Send a link to Pixel Surgeon (pixelsurgeon.com), or similar sites, they may put it in their news section. Put your site in on inspiration (http://www.mediainspiration.com/) galleries.

I'm a member of Computer Love (http://www.cpluv.com/)& Defrost (http://www.defrost.ca/), which are both sites for networking creatives. There are all sorts of networking sites that you could use to spread the word.

Adding my site to directories.

Other than search engines and forums, thats pretty much it but I've been juggling around a couple of other ideas... like creating a funny short animation / video commercial for your site. Something that will get peoples attention. Post on Youtube, ect.

I also took a look at the link in your siggie. Putting an "email to friend" function on your blog could help word of mouth.

[budafist]

Is there any point advertising within our own industry?

Wouldn't it be better to, say, if you wanted to do album covers for bands, advertise on music websites? If you wanted to target hairdressers, get on hairdressing sites etc etc.

[Drorain]

well the blog is meant to serve as a teaching tool as well, to help others lern the ropes of design since not everyone will be able to afford college. Just another opinion perhaps, but I like to share it.

Tapp-d is just under 40 post currently, but it's growing by 1-4 posts per week, usually linking to articles I have over on designer today, or many of our tools and books to read. On the other side it serves as a manifesto for what I can do, and how I can help a client. I can post project updates serving as a mini portfolio, or I post a list of services which I link people to so its all gathered in one place. I allow them to browse the whole site so they know i take the job very seriously, but also have a lighter side.

Though I can't get my whole person represented in the blog, I think I can give people the idea that I'm a 'townie' a local guy that you can work with and trust to get things done. Easy to talk to, willing to listen and share a beer, because above all I want projects to be fun and inspiring

[Loopy]

Is there any point advertising within our own industry?

Wouldn't it be better to, say, if you wanted to do album covers for bands, advertise on music websites? If you wanted to target hairdressers, get on hairdressing sites etc etc.

Yes. I spread my link around the design community to help get my name out there, besides you never know when someone will need to contract out work.

For all means if your an artist who specializes in album covers, it would make sense to target the right market. But it also wouldn't hurt to showcase your work around other markets as well, for example the design community. I wouldn't focus solely on it, but it doesn't hurt.

[Drorain]

Agreed, there is a point, I've been on GDF for a few years now, and I've collaborated with several people on paying projects, as well as printing. Plus designers always need production artists, so thats another good reason to keep your name out in the open