Once the creative business is established, the creative professional needs to promote that business. The original business plan should include a section that focuses on goals for marketing and promotion. These goals will outline who the target audience is, what the marketing budget is, if any, and what tools are necessary for getting information to the target audience.

A Web Presence

The internet has become one of the best and most efficient ways of marketing a business. These days, prospective clients are likely to ask for a URL as quickly as they would a phone number, business card or email address. For writers, photographers, or anyone who creates a visual presentation, a website is a must. It can provide prospective clients with a resume, samples of work, and answer all sorts of questions with a single click of the mouse.

Renting a web domain is relatively inexpensive, many costing as little as a few dollars a month. Try to avoid using a free site because a prospective client may question the professionalism of the creative businessperson, especially if the pop-up ads are unrelated to the business at hand. The name of the website should have a professional tone, as well. Many creative professionals use their full name, such as JaneDoe.com, or the name of their company, if a name exists. The accompanying email address should also have a professional tone, and if possible, be linked to the website address.

The website itself should be easy to manage. While a musician will want to add music clips or a performance artist might want to show a short video, most creative professionals will want to avoid anything too elaborate. The homepage should be simple, with a brief message and an attractive, professional design. Links to a resume, sample works, lists of credits, references, and any other pertinent information should be easily seen and logically navigable. The message should include all the contact information and hours of business. Think of what you would want to know immediately if searching for information on a similar business, and add that information.

Business Cards and Flyers

Getting the business name out to locals is another priority. The creative professional should make up business cards. They do not need to be fancy: name, phone, email and website addresses, and services provided will be enough to start. The cards should be carried at all times and handed out whenever meeting someone new.

Flyers promoting the business should be hung only with permission. They can be posted anywhere potential clients gather.