I've been with TTI Success Insights for a while now, approaching two decades. I was hired right out of art school as a one-person graphic design department, and over time those responsibilities evolved along with my role and the brand. Now as Creative Director, I lead a team of harmonious individuals who collaborate across departments to make and deploy gorgeous content for all the world to enjoy.
From "Are we able to use that logo," to "Can I have all those report assets," a constant during my time with TTI SI has been graphic requests. While we do everything we can to support the resellers, or as we call them the Value Added Associates, we also know that if everyone has the exact same artwork, the potential impact of those materials is diluted for everyone. A best practice for any consultant in any network is to take what is available and make it uniquely your own.
However, as a consultant your personal talents might not include design. You also likely don’t have the budget for a full marketing team. So, what are some resources to make your own marketing assets?
Here’s how to make your business stand out on a budget.
What Kinds of Assets Can You Create?
Alright, so you’re ready to start making assets.
Before you get started, you should have a clear idea of what you want to create. Here are a few marketing assets that will elevate your clients’ experiences:
Checklists
- A checklist is a quick way for your clients to refresh themselves on what they learned from you!
- Having a checklist for what to do after a debrief, best practices for communicating on a team, or ways to observe DISC behaviors are all great places to start.
Social Media Graphics
- Do you have an insightful quote you want to share on your social pages? Have a stat you want your clients to know?
- Simple branding on a social graphic is a great way to build your brand and look professional.
- We’ve also found success with sharing what goes on “behind the scenes.”
Worksheets
- After a session with a client, give them a worksheet to reinforce the content in that session.
- It’s a great way to leave a lasting impression and show them you’re professional and prepared.
What Do You Need to Market Successfully?
The basics include:
A Personalized Brand
- This includes a professional logo, a color palette, and a distinct voice for writing your website or posts on your social media pages.
- If you want to get this information all in one place, create a style guide. This guide will help you establish your brand, consolidate your ideas, and have a reference on hand for design decisions.
- For an example of what a style guide looks like, contact us at ttisimarketing@ttiltd.com to learn more about TTI SI's style guide.
- If you have your own website, you likely already have a refined logo. Be sure to maintain a friendly relationship with the designer who created it as you may need the artwork in other file formats as you utilize different platforms.
A Signature Font
- It's great to utilize typography that compliments your logo and makes it sing! Choose a font you like that matches your logo, and create visual continuity by using it purposefully and often.
- Keep legibility and contrast in mind.
- Check out this list of most popular fonts from Lifehack for some inspiration!
Get Professional: Find a Freelancer
Once you’ve determined your budget and required projects, hire a professional. If you’re overwhelmed with all of this information, don’t worry — a freelancer can handle all this for you. Building your brand is a long-term investment. Having a cohesive look and feel for your promotions will go a long way in helping you connect with your ideal audience.
A great place to start with finding a designer is asking your own network. Hiring a freelancer can be as simple as Googling “freelance graphic design in [your city]”. Sites like Dribble and Behance allow you to check out a designer’s portfolio, plus any reputable designer will have their own website. You can also try websites like Fiverr, eLance, Upwork, even Craigslist or 99 Designs. Remember, you get what you pay for, and your mileage may vary.
Personally, I recommend using your local AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) chapter to find a freelancer. Giving someone work right now, especially during the pandemic, is a great way to give back to your community and support locally. Just search “AIGA chapter [your city]” to find some options.
DIY: Resources For Design Beginners
Alternatively, if you’re feeling inspired, you might want to give design a try yourself. Here is a great choice for making your own marketing assets:
Canva (Free for basic tier)
Canva is an excellent choice for casual design work. User-friendly and intuitive, it’s ideal for making modern, on-trend graphics, which is great if that jives with the “look” of your brand. There are plenty of templates available for a variety of graphic needs, and you won’t need a design degree to make sense of it all.
Make an Impact With Marketing Assets
I hope this guide sparks a few ideas about how to take your business to the next level. Making marketing assets can be intimidating, but the good news is that you have nothing to lose! Get started now by teaching yourself, or find the support you need to succeed. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to see our latest resources and developments, made for you.
