Hello all,
I am starting up a design firm online, but I don't really know where to start.
WHT provides a good number of requests in the AD forums, yet the number of designers is larger.
Where else in the web can a designer meet a customer or see a request?
Also, How to promote yourself online or advertise?
assuming you have the website, the skill and the good portfolio.

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Thanks,
Maco Designs

I would suggest going to Google and searching for Website Designers Freelance and see what you get. We started locally and word of mouth helped greatly, but for other advertising opportunities google is always an option, but local advertising will get you farther and get a firm client base before you hit the masses of the internet

You'd be surprised what a local ad in the paper will do, at least in my case.
Many people want to work with someone locally. To sit down in person and discuss their project means a lot IMO.

Definately look locally as skshost said, also try to find out if there are any local companies or organisations that don't have web sites, then drop them a polite letter offering your services. At this moment in time building a portfolio should be your main priority, even if it means doing a couple of freebies for local good causes.

Definately look locally as skshost said, also try to find out if there are any local companies or organisations that don't have web sites, then drop them a polite letter offering your services. At this moment in time building a portfolio should be your main priority, even if it means doing a couple of freebies for local good causes.

I actually did a site a while back for a local movie theater, I was paid in movie tickets. I could have charged much more for the work but that job got me many others.

sitepoint's graphic marketplace is always a good place to look for work...lots of contests, get your name out there that way. As a matter of fact, the designer of Majic Enterprises INC (one company I am affiliated with) found their designer through work done on Sitepoint.

First, Thanks alot for your valuable contributions.
So, I see generally an agreement on the need to start locally first.
I'll consider the option, so Newspaper ADs? Mailing companies with no websites?
two good options, but is there something else.
do you think accepting a job as a tutor is helpful or working as a designer in a corporate company?
finally, for working online I c a suggestion of sitepoint, a pretty nice site...the google search also gave some interesting results...any other suggesstions will also be very appreciated.

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Thanks
Maco Designs

You don't have to start locally, but I'd suggest focusing there.

Yes, building a local client-base will give you strong client loyalty, and will hold you to being accountable for your services! So, if you were planning to rip people off, they will know where to find you :) Not that you were!

Building your client portfolio locally will let word of mouth begin ( the best form of advertising ) and you can use your profits here to expand your reach. Perhaps in a few years you can open up anaother office branch in a neighboring state, and so your idea of 'local' will always expand.

Always focus locally!

I'd say that you better affiliate with some hosting company which will refer you any clients to you who need web-designing done and you pay them a referral fee for doing the same!

I'd say that you better affiliate with some hosting company which will refer you any clients to you who need web-designing done and you pay them a referral fee for doing the same!

That's always a good way to go.
You'd be surprised how many people ask their web host for desing services.