Who: Tara Sinclair Hingco, owner of
Art & Design Studio, providing personalized prints and inspirational art for gift giving and home decor.
In Business Since: 2007
Business Highlights: Being featured in several online blogs (Weddingbells, Etsy, SheKnows, Babble, Baby Centre) and on CityLine TV.
Business Question: My main challenge is getting my name out there. I'm a small business, but wanting to take things to the next level. How do I market my company without breaking the bank? (Facebook ads, Google Ad words . . . it is daunting and I'm not sure if that is the best way to spend my small ad budget.)
Spark’s Insights: Every business owner grapples with the question of how to best spend scarce marketing dollars. In general, advertising is for the big guys—it’s very expensive and it can be tough to see immediate results. For small business, we advocate a more grassroots approach. We notice that you recently took part in the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. We think this is just the right kind of marketing activity to be looking at. Not only will you have put your work in front of a huge crowd of new customers, but it’s also a targeted demographic who really values handmade work.
You’ve also done a great job with attracting media attention. Our advice? Keep at it. Media exposure is one of the best ways to grow your business on the cheap. We’ll bet that you have a decent amount of repeat business, so getting in front of new eyeballs is the name of the game.
Tara’s Advice to Other Entrepreneurs: Set yourself up as a real business (pricing, policies, procedures). No one will take you or your business seriously if you do not. Value your work or service.
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