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Format Creative is a boutique graphic design studio that specializes in branding, WordPress web design, & graphic design for your business.

Don’t be a Weird Barista – How to Ask for Money

By Joelle

How to Ask For Money

Imagine. You are at the coffee shop buying a cup of coffee. You place your order, and the barista just stands there and stares at you. What do you do next? Do you put the money in the drawer yourself, and start pouring your own coffee? Do you stand there waiting forever? Do you leave and go to another coffee shop? Uncomfortable, right? That's what it's like when you don't ask for money. You're like that strange barista, just standing there staring, hoping that your customer can 'guess' the next step. Don't be a weird barista. Not asking for money clearly and with confidence, pushes the discomfort to your clients. It makes your issue, the client's issue. So how do you ask for money? Bring money up early in the conversation. Trust me, your clients expect to pay for your services, ... Continue Reading

Filed Under: Business, Freelancing, Small Businesses

How to Write a Kick-Butt Intro Email

By Joelle

How to Write a Kick-Butt Intro Email

Creating partnerships with complementary businesses can help promote and build both of your businesses. But breaking the ice, and telling them what you do without sounding salesy can be tricky. You know that you're a good fit, but in order to connect you need them to see it too. Here is a template that I use to help build my intro emails for collaborating with other businesses. How do I know them? How did I learn about their business? Include a compliment, and list some details so it's clear that you really are familiar with their work, and you're not just sending them a form email. I heard your interview on the Business Babes podcast, about your jewelry design business, and your opinion on stylish clothing was so right! I loved how you thought that great clothing can really improve ... Continue Reading

Filed Under: Business, Copywriting and Content Strategy, Small Businesses Tagged With: collaborating, introduction letter, partnerships

25 Free Ways to Market Your Business

By Joelle

25 Free Ways to Market Your Business

Marketing on a shoe-string budget can be challenging. Check out this list of 25 free things you can do to market your business and jump-start your marketing efforts. Post a free Ad on your local online free classifieds website (Craigslist, Kijiji, etc...) Write a Blog Post and Share it on all of your social media pages. Be sure to include a compelling, and "shareable" image. Give new life to old content. Promote an old blog post on your social media pages, and new blog posts. Join and take part in Facebook groups relevant to your niche. Avoid straight-up advertising. Instead, focus on providing valuable content, and taking part in conversations. Create an info-graphic. Check out Canva if you need some help designing one. Build your list. Add an optin form to your website, and ... Continue Reading

Filed Under: Business, Copywriting and Content Strategy, DIY ( Do It Yourself), Small Businesses

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Hi! my name is Joelle Cottle, I am a Graphic Designer that specializes in building brands and WordPress websites for bloggers, freelancers, solopreneurs, and small businesses – like minded entrepreneurs who have a great passion for what they do.

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Format Creative serves clients in Welland Ontario, St. Catharines Ontario, Niagara Falls, and all over North America.