In the sixth grade my mom told me that I should be a graphic designer. Seventeen years later I wish I would have listened to her! Lately I've been racking my brain as to what to do with my blog. I feel like it's a hodge podge of different things right now and I would like to have a real meaning to it besides these random posts.
What I *think* I want to do is start a Swanky Bakes cookie blog and dedicate it to my cookies and promote my business. Lately I have been getting a lot of press and positivity for Swanky Bakes so it's only natural that I give it its own space. I would like to take this blog (which is long over due for a name change and a makeover) and make it more about our lives and less about randomocity (ha! new word).
I should have listened to my mother because getting a blog design is SO expensive! If I had gotten into graphic design I would be able to do it myself. What I need are things like a logo design, business cards (have some but not crazy about them), etsy banner (had one made however it was blurry and the creator never got back to me about fixing it...hmmpf), letterhead, packaging, etc. It is so frustrating to have a product and not be able to afford to brand it! I found some designers and they are charging upwards of $500 to create a "pro" blog, because I have read that if you promote your product you are no longer a personal blogger. That doesn't mean I can afford it! I also don't want the everyday ho-hum blog design. I need something fantastic that can really bring in buyers to look at my cookie creations and want to buy!
What a conondrum! Sorry mom, I should have listened!
Have any business owners out there had a really positive experience without breaking the bank when it comes to branding your business???
12 comments:
I'm not a business owner, but if you're looking for a good blog designer, check out Kelly's portfolio:
http://www.fabulouskcreative.com/
She does AMAZING designs and is very inexpensive!
For business cards, try Pixel Impress:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pixelimpress
Very chic, yet sophisticated designs.
Moms really do know best, huh? :)
I am not a business owner, i am a photogrpaher. But that is about it.
I have an awesome blog designer!! she is relatively cheaper than some of the others i have priced, She does logos and business cards!! She even draws her own designs!!
I have included her products & pricing link!
http://adorigraphics.blogspot.com/2000/12/products-and-pricing-this-post-is-not.html
I'm not a business owner, but have recently been wishing I had the skills of an amazing graphic designer myself. I don't want to be a graphic designer for my career, but wish I had all the know how of one to make all of the little things in my life a little more special (cards, blog, teaching stuff, etc.) There's a local community college closeby, and I'm seriously considering trying to find a photoshop class or something, just to learn a bit more!
pennylanedesigns.net has the cutest stuff, and is relatively inexpensive for pro-blogs...I think like $175...it's worth a look for great design :o)
there are def some great options, but starting an online biz is def expensive!
Check out www.vistaprint.com for business cards...I know recently they were offering 500 premium business cards for free and you only pay shipping!
Emily Chaffin does GREAT blog desingns and she is very inexpensive. She also does websites, banners, etc. Her info is :
http://cosmicjane.blogspot.com/
I was very lucky to find an amazing web designer who was also affordable. I paid about $200/year for my domain and hosting. And it was "green" hosted. He also completely designed my 6 page website for under $200 and I loved it. Good luck!!
You're not the only one! I should have done it too! When I was younger (ahem...late 70's and all of the 80's) computers were becoming what they are today. I SHOULD HAVE STUDIED THEM IN COLLEGE AND BECOME A TOTAL COMPUTER GEEK/GRAPHIC DESIGNER! I'd be set! Moms........we should always listen to them!
And you can have a site designed for SB pretty cheap. For my blog I spent 140. But the girl that I'm hosting the give away for only charges 100 for the same thing. There are some out there that can do a nice job for very little. At least to get you started. And ... it's not too late. I'm taking a class in April on web design. Check your local com. col.
I just recently started my own business & I have been going through the same thing. I have a friend who designed my logo & business cards for me. She is absolutely wonderful! www.jallisonandrews.com & her blog is jallisonandrews.com/blog
I teach full time so I haven't had a ton of time to work on my blog, but I plan to spend my summer working on the business & our blog. I know Allison has created some really nice blog designs & I plan on using her for that as well. I hope it helps!!! :)
I wish I would have listened to half the things my Mom told me.
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