Overview of Business Model

One of the primary forms of advertising on the Internet today is through banner advertisements placed on high-traffic Web sites. Banner ads quite often are designed by a graphic designer. With the Internet growing at an exponential rate, more small businesses are going online. Most of these small businesses can’t afford to have their own in-house graphic designer, so they have to outsource the creation of their ads to outside firms.

As a banner ad developer, you will take requests for banner ads via e-mail. After consulting with customers via e-mail or phone, you will construct a banner ad that meets their requirements and price. The revenue will come from the payment for these services.

Skills Needed

The most important set of skills for creating banner ads lies in superior graphic design abilities. Familiarity with the standard graphical programs is a must. More recently, however, animated banner ads have become quite popular. To create these types of ads, you will need to be familiar with the Java programming language or Macromedia Flash.

Cost to Start This Business

Costs can be minimal to begin this business if you have a computer and the proper software needed to complete the work. Most graphic designers have the necessary hardware and software and are more than capable of designing and developing their own Web site.

Number of Employees Needed to Start

One part-time person can start this business.

International Potential

The international potential for this business is without limits. If your graphics are catchy, your ads will be noticed and you no doubt will be contacted for your services. If a client requests banners in another language, have them provide the text and there should be no problem.

E-Business Model/Payment Processing Method

E-business level 1 or 2 is appropriate for this type of business. For more information, see Part 1. You will be taking requests through e-mail, but since the customers will desire input into the creative process, you will be in contact with them over the phone and they can pay you directly.

Important Business issues to Be addressed

Online competition could be formidable. For this reason, great design and excellent customer service are very important. The graphical presentation of your own Web site is of particular importance. Show off your stuff and have an area for client samples and testimonials viewable to the public.

Online Marketing Techniques

• Develop a comprehensive link strategy. Establishing links from related sites such as online marketing e-zines, ad agencies, and newsletters is an excellent way to bring targeted business to your Web site.

• Circulate a series of dynamite banner ads for your own services.

• Develop a sponsored listings campaign to bid on appropriate keyword phrases with the popular search engines.

• Participate in marketing mail lists, Usenet newsgroups, and forums.

For a more detailed description of these techniques, along with many other effective online marketing methods, I recommend the companion book 101 Ways to Promote Your Web Site. You can also find tons of free resources at Http:// www. susansweeney. com/resources. html.

Additional Income

By increasing your services into related fields such as graphic corporate ID development, e-book covers, e-brochure development, and Web site development, you could expand your income.

Online Examples

Addesigner. com

Http:// www. addesigner. com

This Web site lets you design your own banner ads in a short time and then download them if you are a member. The banner ads are of the simplest kind, but it is a good low-end solution for some businesses.

Mouser Art

Http:// www. mouserart. com

A typical small entrepreneurial Web site. However, the excellent site design and

Layout gives the site a really professional feel.