Tutorial Blog » Self-Promotion

Design Creative Holiday Gifts for Your Clients

Julie Lewis — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:20:59 +0000

As a freelancer, you are in charge of everything—from invoicing and collections to fun stuff like giving yourself an annual bonus. So, when it comes to giving holiday gifts to your clients, the choice is entirely yours. On the one hand, most clients don’t expect to receive gifts from small vendors or independent contractors. On the other hand, unexpected extras are a great way to remind your clients why they love you.

Just one note of caution: Don’t fall into the trap of “promotional gifts.” Nobody wants to receive a gift that is an obvious gimmick. Steer clear of the cheap and cheesy. This means: No refrigerator magnets; No desk calendars with your logo on the front; and by all means, please, no plastic letter openers. These things aren’t gifts they’re marketing. I’m not saying that promotional gifts don’t have their place, we all love free schwag, but holiday gifts shouldn’t scream “Look at me!”

Instead, give your clients something that shows how creative you can be without looking like an advertisement—in other words, something they’ll appreciate that won’t wind up in the garbage the minute after they open it. Here are some unique gift ideas for clients to spark your imagination. (...)
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Target Your Marketing Campaign with Facebook Ads

Barbara Holbrook — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:00:29 +0000

Facebook ads are quickly becoming the top choice for targeted online ad campaigns. Whether your goal is lead generation, sales, or improving brand recognition, a targeted campaign will always have better results.

Google Adwords used to be the king of online ad campaigns because they can target users based on their current search priorities. Facebook ads are the next generation of targeted text ads.

Learn how to get started and why you should create a Facebook ad. (...)
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5 Free Ways to Market Your Blog

Spencer Spellman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:00:46 +0000

It’s no secret that the ailing economy has hit everyone, even us bloggers who depend so heavily on Google Adsense and page impressions. It’s become increasingly harder to grow and maintain those high page views, while also competing with other bloggers in your niche.

As a blogger you don’t want to pay a high rate to advertise your blog and risk not getting a return on your investment; nor do you want to do an adwords campaign. You want quick, easy and free ideas for marketing your blog. (...)
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5 Ways to Market Your Blog With Twitter

Spencer Spellman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:00:41 +0000

It’s no surprise that Twitter has quickly risen in popularity among social networks. Few national and local newscasts can go an episode without mentioning the powerful tool. It’s almost become a competition to see who can gain the most followers or who can follow the most celebrities.

As a blogger, there are many different ways you can promote your website through Twitter.Here are 5 ways to market your blog with Twitter.(...)
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Top 10 Social Networking Sites

Spencer Spellman — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Everyone knows about the top social networking sites. Most people would agree that Myspace, Twitter and Facebook are the best social networks, but how about beyond that?

Although Myspace, Twitter and Facebook are some of the most recognized networks, many people around the world don’t use them. So, where do all the social networks rank? Below I’ve listed in order the top 10 social networks, taking factors into mind like registered users, funtionality and unique visitors. (...)
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Making a Professional Myspace Page

Spencer Spellman — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:00:12 +0000

Myspace has increasingly come under more pressure over the last year with the continued rise of Facebook and the popularity of Twitter. However, there are some things you can do with Myspace that you can’t necessarily do with some of the other social networking sites.

For small business owners, a customized Myspace page can be a place to easily promote music, artwork, professional services and more. Here are some ways to make your Myspace page look professional. (...)
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5 Twitter Applications for Business

Spencer Spellman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:00:29 +0000

If Twitter wasn’t in the media spotlight already, it’s certainly come out in the last few weeks with the competition between CNN and Ashton Kuchar to get a million followers and the massive use of it with the conflict in Iran.

Although many people are using it for fun, there’s a wide-range of people that are using Twitter for business. Whether an Internet marketer or a small business owner, many businesses are tapping into twitter power.

Get started with the Top 5 Twitter Apps for businesses

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Get Listed in TutorialBlog.org’s Designers Link Directory

Barbara Holbrook — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:00:27 +0000

Looking to showcase your awesome new design software? Want to promote your stock photography site to TutorialBlog’s 10,000 daily readers? Or, maybe you’re a designer that wants to share your portfolio with the world.

Whatever the reason, you should be in the new Designers Link Directory on TutorialBlog.org.

The link directory is brand new. And, that means that is your chance to get in on the ground floor of what is sure to become a massive resource for design professionals and other creative types.

We currently have categories set up for Art, Blogs, Business and Freelance, Creativity & Play, Design Resources, Designers & Portfolios, Photoshop, Web Design and Writing. (...)
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Increasing Blog Traffic with Digg

Spencer Spellman — Thu, 21 May 2009 17:00:10 +0000

Today, more than ever, “anyone who is anyone” is active in social media. Although Facebook may be king, there are other tools that it is imperative to at least understand, if not actively use — including Digg. Over the next couple paragraphs I’m going to discuss whether you can increase your blog traffic with Digg, and if so, how to do it.

If you’re not familiar with Digg, it’s imperative that you first understand it before just jumping into it. Digg is a cross between a social networking site and a social bookmarking site. (...)
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7 Networking Opportunities for Freelancers

Jen Nipps — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:00:01 +0000

A freelancer who doesn’t network is a freelancer who won’t be in business very long. Networking brings in customers/clients, who, in turn, bring in the money. Even if an event where you network doesn’t bring immediate clients, chances are it will produce results eventually through word-of-mouth or an unforeseen need.

Networking doesn’t come easily to many freelancers. It’s easier to do your work and mind your business than to go out and network. However, it is important to view networking as part of minding your business. Here are seven opportunities for networking for freelancers. (...)
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