Shanu Singh Guliani

Low-Cost Alternatives to Using an Ad Agency
February 22, 2007

I can’t afford an advertising agency, but I need help with my advertising materials. Consider the following:

1. If you’re spending less than $20-25,000, you might want to consider freelance talent. Competent freelancers are easy to find via the web and will usually work with you on an hourly basis. To get the most out of your freelancer, ask your friends and family for help regarding the marketing focus of your product, direct benefits to your consumers, your target customers, and so forth.
2. Another low-cost alternative might entail interviewing journalism students from your nearby College or University. Some may work on your project as a way to gain experience. Interview the candidates to see how they fit with your needs. College students will have portfolios you can review, ask them about price, and look at some projects that are representative of their pricing. If you go this route, be prepared to provide lots of input.
3. Contact local magazines and newspapers and ask if there are any staff members who do design and/or advertising on the side.
4. Purchase pictures off the web and use your logo simultaneously in print or web advertising. Sites like:
   Stock Xchng
   Shutterstock
   Istockphoto 
5. Contact you local Business Partner. Your local Business Partner is an alternative to hiring an Ad agency and can simplify your marketing by providing a single source alternative with marketing professionals in all areas of marketing communications (including design).

Posted by Shanu Singh Guliani on February 22, 2007 | Comments (0)