A few start up business tips from laurendesigns (scroll to bottom for more links)~

Networking, Networking, …did I mention Networking?!
Participating in networks and online forums that complement your business are a great way to increase your networks online, which in turn will increase your traffic. Utilize online forums and join social groups online such as Facebook and Twitter. Banner advertisements and linking on and to other sites is also a good way to spread your name around the internet. Blogs are a popular social tool too. They keep your clients up to date about your business. Since they are easy to update on a daily basis they are one of the best ways to network and gain attention. We offer all of the above services if you would like your social sites custom designed to your business identity look & feel!

Try Some Unusual Marketing Methods:
Look for some unconventional marketing methods your competitors are overlooking. You may discover some highly profitable ways to generate sales and avoid competition. For example, print your best small ad on a postcard and mail it to prospects in your targeted market. A small ad on a postcard can drive a high volume of traffic to your website or generate a flood of sales leads for a very small cost. (Also see “freebies” below).

Use “Send to Friends” and “Subscribe” Buttons:
Be sure to place an ”Send to Friends” button to your web site's front page. Also place this on your blog, Facebook page, etc. “Subscribe” to buttons are another traffic-getter.

E~Advertise:
Aside from banners and “friend” links be sure to generate email advertisements and campaigns (we offer this as a service). Send out coupons, sales, freebies and more to a list of emails to generate new business. These are great for grand openings and social event invites!

Give Aways and Samples:
Clients love a gift with purchase. Offering a prospective client or customer a gift is a great way to generate good will. Make sure the free gift is well thought out and designed to a tee as this has the most impact.

Get Listed:
Ensure your business is listed in all appropriate free directories (and paid if you can afford it). The yellow pages on and offline are great starts.

Sponsorship:
Sponsor a charitable event or sport that you are interested in. This is an outstanding way to receive free PR for your business. It also makes you look community minded to your clients.

Set up Joint Promotions with Other Small Businesses:
Contact some non-competing small businesses serving customers in your market. Offer to publicize their products or services to your customers in exchange for their publicizing your services to their customers. This usually produces a large number of sales for a very low cost.

Have a “Grand Opening”:
Even if your business is strictly online this is a great way to get customers attention. As mentioned before send out specials, coupons and discounts to generate new business.

Here are a variety of links that might also help:

More about small business start up:

Registering a Trademark: http://www.uspto.gov/smallbusiness/trademarks/registering.html

Registering your domain name:
http://www.register.com/

Website hosting:
http://www.godaddy.com/

How to market your website:
http://www.compete.com/

Setting up an ecommerce website:
http://www.bigcommerce.com/

Free Press Release:
http://www.free-press-release.com/

Gift Bags, gift boxes, shopping bags & more:

Apparel labels and tag printing:
http://www.pcblabel.com/

Clothing uniforms and more:
http://www.tophatimagewear.com/spa/

Plastic printing:
http://www.customplasticprinters.com/prodcategory.aspx?ID=6

Stationery envelopes:
http://www.actionenvelope.com/

Beautiful Packaging that inspires:
http://www.thedieline.com/

Artsy Invitations that are just too damn perfect!:
http://www.paper-girl.com/portfolio.html

Illustration styles we use for reference:

WE SUPPORT!!!

Sites that inspire and others I frequent on a regular basis (a very short list for me since there 100’s more I could have added!)!

OUR Friends!!!

Can’t forget this site…the only one that has our portfolio up & running! www.ifreelance.com/pro/22815