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6 Graphic Design Essentials For Small Businesses

Graphics are vital for businesses looking to establish a trustworthy brand identity. Studies show that companies able to create visually appealing and cohesive elements across social media, emails, and web are more trusted by prospects and consumers overall. However, dedicating time and money on graphic design can be difficult for small companies with few staff members and less disposable funds. Often, smaller companies must get creative when it comes to designing their digital campaigns. This is where free and cost-effective tools come into play.

See the list below for some free and economical easy-to-use programs and resources that will help streamline your visual branding strategy.

Canva

Canva is a free graphic design platform that makes it easy for users to create social media graphics, emails, infographics, and other visual content. It is available on both web and mobile and offers templates that are pre-sized for various platforms. Canva has become an increasingly popular tool for amateur designers.

PicMonkey

If you don’t have time to learn the ins and outs of editing software like Photoshop, consider PicMonkey. This tool is a free online photo editing program that can be used on desktop computers and mobile apps. Upgrading to a premium subscription will give you access to more features. However, the free version offers a wide array of basic photo-editing and touch-up tools.

Royalty-Free Stock Images

Downloading images from Google and uploading them to your social platforms is easy. However, it’s also illegal. Images downloaded from Google need special accreditation. Make life easier for yourself by heading over to a royalty-free site like Unsplash, Pexels, or Burst. All these sites have free options that allow users to download stunning royalty-free photographs, meaning they can be uploaded to your channels without legal obligations.

alphabroder Image Library

Sell it by showing it! alphabroder gives customers access to a colossal image library. Click the download button on any product page on alphabroder Prime Line® websites to access photos. The library includes product images in every color and every style in both laydown format and on models and logo images for all alphabroder vendors.

Digital Lounge

When you’re running low on time and money, the alphabroder Digital Lounge is your IT spot for all things digital. Head over to the page on alphabroder.com, alphabroder.ca, and primeline.com to download professional, industry-specific social media posts, flyers, videos and more. We’ve outlined ways to effectively implement Digital Marketing content into your content strategy here.

DSLR Camera

Downloading royalty-free images is a great way to save time and money on graphics.  Yet, lean too heavily on those images, and your brand might start to resemble your competition’s brand. Investing in original content will ensure your marketing is uniquely you. Get your feet wet with a beginner’s DSLR camera. If you’re looking to do basic photography, the learning curve for a beginner’s DSLR camera is manageable. Just check out a few quick YouTube tutorials, and you’ll be good to go. The DSLR offers greater shooting power and control than any smartphone, offering professional-looking photography without that professional price. DSLR cameras also offer the most affordable way to get a camera with a viewfinder. Here are the best beginner DSLRs 2020 at a glance, according to techradar.com:

  • Nikon D3500
  • Canon EOS Rebel T7i / EOS 800D
  • Nikon D5600
  • Canon 90D
  • Canon EOS Rebel T7/ 2000D / EOS 1500D
  • Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D / EOS 200D Mark II
  • Pentax K-70

Are there any other image sourcing tools you can’t live without that we didn’t mention above? Share your go-to resources in the comments section below. If you are new to alphabroder or simply want to be the first to see new arrivals, sales, events and more, subscribe to alphablogger below:

2 thoughts on “6 Graphic Design Essentials For Small Businesses”

  1. Pingback: 6 Graphic Design Essentials For Small Businesses | API Armada Printwear, Inc.

  2. good information. thanks. If you’re looking for a graphic design company in Coimbatore, then there’s no better option than Signatures Design and Communication. You can have all A to Zs of design done up here.

    Reply

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