{"id":27082,"date":"2019-06-13T11:00:09","date_gmt":"2019-06-13T01:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loveyournumbers.com.au\/?p=27082"},"modified":"2022-04-11T09:35:20","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T23:35:20","slug":"3-easy-and-inexpensive-ways-to-look-more-professional-when-youre-starting-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loveyournumbers.com.au\/3-easy-and-inexpensive-ways-to-look-more-professional-when-youre-starting-out\/","title":{"rendered":"3 easy and inexpensive ways to look more professional when you\u2019re starting out"},"content":{"rendered":"

For bootstrapping young businesses, making a professional first impression as you build your brand is key.<\/p>\n

Although hiring a branding expert may be too large an expense in the early days, you can still help your business stand out in the best possible way without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n

Just follow these simple marketing moves that will help people to know, like, and trust you.<\/p>\n

1. Build credibility with your own email address<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A custom email account isn\u2019t costly but is well worth the effort. Sending company emails from a Gmail or Hotmail account will raise questions about the legitimacy of your business (if they ever make it past your customers\u2019 spam filters.)<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve already registered your company\u2019s domain name for your website it\u2019s a snap to set up a custom email address. Many web hosting services such as Bluehost include a free custom email account with their service packages.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve never registered a domain name, search what\u2019s available at GoDaddy.com or NameCheap.com. Most companies can help you find a memorable domain name with SEO keywords.<\/p>\n

2. Build your brand with a customized logo<\/h2>\n

An effective eye-catching logo will attract new customers, help you stand apart from competitors, build trust in your brand and, ideally, inspire customer loyalty.<\/p>\n

Should you have the funds to hire a logo designer, you\u2019ll save time and get a unique, professional result\u2014but best be prepared.<\/p>\n

A professional designer will want to discuss your company\u2019s brand identity with you. Being clear on your brand before your first consult will streamline the process, ensuring you get exactly what you want.<\/p>\n

This article<\/a> from LeanLabs help you pin down your unique brand identity with twenty questions. You might also find this free downloadable brand character workbook<\/a> useful.<\/p>\n

And if budget is a concern, try one of these free graphic design tools that help you combine visual elements to quickly create your own logo:<\/p>\n