Got a business idea you're itching to launch? Just launched a new business that needs to grow quickly?
Well, you're in luck! We have compiled a list of 6 services that are sure to kick-start your business in 2013.
#1 Logo Design
Get a great company logo design, create a memorable brand!
When someone says Apple, Nike or Coca Cola, what is the first thing that comes into your mind? I'm guessing it's the Nike swoosh logo, the iconic Apple logo and the Coca Cola's famous red wordmark logo. A business' visual identity is a unique asset that creates a relationship between the business (it's owners, employers, partners etc), it's customers and the wider marketplace. Great branding will help you attract customers, partners and funding because it communicates that you are reputable and can be trusted, which is essential for a business.
DesignCrowd has over 120,000 designers experienced in developing new logos. Check out designers like Jacqui from Australia, Canadian designer Buck Tornado or Art Samurai from the Philippines! Start your own logo design contest and receive loads of logo design ideas and find the best logo design the world has to offer (#shameless-plug).
#2 Signage
Bold signage design will get your business noticed!
Whether you plan on opening a bricks and mortar store or want to launch your business at an event, you need signage. From pull-up banners for exhibitions to window dressing, customers will walk straight past you if they don't have awesome signage.
A wide range of businesses crowdsource signage design on DesignCrowd including mobile food trucks, fashion boutiques or engineering consultants! What do they all have in common? Apart from needing a food truck business plan template, they also have to put up signages that communicates their name and their products.. They need physical signage to get noticed. Order signage design like the examples below from DesignCrowd today.
#3 Web Design
Increasingly customers go online first to research product and services. You can't afford not to be online! Customers expect you to have a web presence. Future customers will just head to a competitor if you're business does not have a website. Don't miss out! A professional website design will make it easy to get found and will convert visitors. If you're business idea 100% online then a website is core to your success. Why work with one designer when you can work with 50 on a web design project.
If you're ready to start your business, then buy a domain and a hosting package and then get a custom web page design from our team of web design specialists now.
#4 Business Cards
Beautifully business card is an essential for any budding entrepreneur. Some might think in the internet age that they are no longer necessary when people can instantly connect with you via email on Linked In, Twitter or Facebook. But that's missing the point. Handing over a business card name card to associates is a business ritual the world over and a sign of trust in business. Whilst you don't need to take it to an extreme like they do in Japan (no bowing gestures please) you do need to make it easy for people to contact you. Your business card is a compressed physical expression of your brand in someone's hands. From the texture and weight of the card stock to a memorable visual design that conveys just the right tone for your new brand, it all counts!
Check out the client projects below (for inspiration),order business card design and then get them printed through DesignCrowd or Vistaprint!
#5 Promotional T-shirts
Wear your heart on your sleeve in your own custom designed t-shirt. Nothing says 'I'm committed' more strongly then proudly pimping your startup or new product on a t-shirt you're wearing! You'll gain instant street cred', attract customers and boost brand visibility wherever you go. And you should be wearing your branded T at networking events and trade shows. You can give away t-shirts as prizes online and at events. On the street you'll have an army of walking billboards to promote your business.
Start a t shirt design contest now or find a top t-shirt designer to work with. Once the design is complete, don't forget to get some t-shirts printed! Both DesignCrowd and Vistaprint offer cheap, short-run t-shirt printing (order 1 shirt or 10 shirts - you decide)!
#6 Stationery
Be ultra professional with your letters and stationery design.
Making that first sale will be amazing. Sending the invoice or receipt to the customer will feel even sweeter if you can send it on stationery with your logo at the top! Talk about serious and official. Customers will definitely know you mean business. But it doesn't have to be all about transactions, why not send potential employees a letter of offer on your corporate letterhead or send your friends, investors and colleagues branded party invitation to celebrate the launch of your business?! No one receives letters any more, except from their bank, so you'll definitely impress with this old school, tried and tested approach to marketing.
As a startup business, you'll make a positive impression on customers with branded letterhead, envelope and business card design. Start a stationery design project now.
In summary, the first step is to get a logo and you're on your way to building a brand! To make sure your new brand gets noticed, get online with a website. If you've booked an exhibition booth for an event good signage will help you get noticed, and if you're a high street retailer your it's essential!
When you're networking, a professionally branded business card will help you stay in touch with new associates. How good will it feel when you send your first receipt or invoice on branded stationery?! And it you build instant trust with customers. Lastly, as you're the brand champion, you need to 'get out of the building' and promote your business offline. A branded t-shirt that you can wear to events, in-store and use for prize give-aways will help raise awareness.
If you're starting a business, crowdsourcing designs is a smart way to save money and get tonnes of creative ideas. Let us know what business you're starting this year and what designs you need in the comments below!
Written by Jo Sabin on Friday, June 7, 2013
Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She's led the company's public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years' experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd's objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.
