Small Business Marketing Tip

Many of the questions I have been receiving lately from solo-professionals and small business owners center on the topic of where to get a quality website, graphics and marketing materials, on a budget.

I can totally relate because when I opened my business eight years ago I faced the same challenge. I had connections in the marketing industry through all of my advertising agency contacts, but I couldn't afford to use these services ... they were too rich for my budget.

So I set out to find a solution.

A place I could get quality marketing materials, to successfully brand myself, but at a price my wallet could handle.

After all, branding IS important, especially for us little guys!

After several years, I have finally compiled a very long list of great resources. In fact, over 100 of them are included in my Small Business Marketing Resource Center.

I'd like to share 3 of my favorite sources with you.

These are 3 places you can get the quality marketing materials you need, at a price you can afford. I personally use all of these services and highly recommend them.

Logo Mark Development

A logo mark is one of the 10 marketing "must-haves" in my 10stepmarketing System. If you want your prospects and clients to take you seriously, you need to project a professional image. A quality logo mark is a great way to do that.

I use and recommend a service called LogoWorks. For as little as $300 you can get a quality logo. This is a great deal. In my agency days, we charged clients anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 for a logo.

Website Development

These days your prospects and clients will expect you to have a website. As a result, it's another one of my marketing must-haves. There are a variety of ways you can get your own website, very inexpensively.

You can build the site yourself using a software program like Microsoft Frontpage. You can use one of the "site builder" programs available through companies like GoDaddy.com. Or, you can have the pro's design and develop your site. Elance.com is a great resource for quality, inexpensive website development professionals (and many other kinds of pro's as well!).

Business Cards & Letterhead

Once you have your logo, you are ready to get business cards and letterhead. For business cards, or if you want printed letterhead, I recommend a service called PrintsMadeEasy.com.

Your Marketing Step

Have you been dragging your feet getting a logo mark, getting your website done, or creating your brand identity package because you just weren't sure where to turn? Well, now you've got 3 quality resources you can use. Take some time this week to set the ball in motion on these branding "must-haves."