According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, desktop publishing is one of the fastest-growing businesses, with the number of desktop publishers in the U.S. alone escalating from 38,000 in 2000 to 63,000 in 2010—a whopping 67 percent increase.
Desktop publishing involves preparing text and graphic materials such as books, proposals, forms, brochures, flyers, full-page adverts, logos, newsletters, letterheads, and so on. Some desktop publishers focus only on word processing services, while others specialize in graphic design, or both. You can click here to learn how to start a graphic design business.
If you have a solid background in word processing or graphic design software packages, or you are ready to quickly learn and master how to use them, then you can consider starting a desktop publishing business from home.
Although desktop publishing can be a very lucrative and rewarding business, it’s not easy, especially when you are just starting out. But by taking the right steps, you can avoid the all pitfalls and set up a desktop publishing that will fetch you huge profits in the long term. You can follow these steps to start your desktop publishing business:
Starting a Desktop Publishing Company – Sample Business Plan Template
1. Examine your market
The best way to start a desktop publishing business is by examining the market in your geographic area first, and find out if your services are really needed. If there are similar businesses around, then chances are that there is a good market. And in that case, you need to find out the types of services they render and decided on whether you will offer something different.
For example, if the desktop publishing businesses in your area focus only on Word processing, you can set yourself apart by specializing in graphic design projects only. Researching the market and competition around you will save you a lot of time and worries.
2. Find out more about the business
You may need to approach a professional desktop publisher with some years of experience and find out more about the business. Setting up the business requires more than just having the skills. It requires financial input. It requires strategy. And it requires proper planning and implementation.
You should also find out about the financial requirements for starting the business, the required equipment and their costs, strategies for running the business effectively after launch, marketing strategies for attracting new clients, and other relevant information that will be of help.
3. Plan your services
Chances are that you don’t want to be a “Jack of all trades.” So, you will need to identify your strong points and focus on them. If you are exceptionally skilled in graphic design, you might want to focus only on that. Similarly, you might want to stick with Word processing if you think design isn’t your forte.
You can start by making a list of the specific services you will render, and set prices for each. Sticking with fixed prices when you are just starting out might be somewhat difficult, so you might want to offer discounts for your first few clients in order to keep them coming back.
4. Write a business plan
Writing a comprehensive business plan is very important. Not only will it help you ensure a successful launch of your desktop publishing business, but it will also help you grow your business over time.
Your business plan will include information about your business’s mission and objectives, the services you will render, the startup costs, marketing analysis and marketing strategies, the competition and your unique selling points, and your exit strategy. In addition, if you will need to approach third parties for funding, then having a detailed and accurate business plan will boost your chances of getting the funds you need.
5. Set up your office space
One of the good aspects of the desktop publishing business is that you can run it right from your home. All you need is a small room or a corner of a large room where you will place your equipment and do you work. However, the place must be free of noise and other distractions.
6. Gather your equipment
As a desktop publisher, you will need a set of furniture that comprises a desk, chair, a small table for your printer, and a small shelf. In addition, you will need a PC, a laser printer, packs of different paper sizes, and the software packages that you will use.
7. Market your business and start work
You can start by telling friends and family about your desktop publishing business. They can help you tell others about it as well. Also, you need to contact individuals and businesses around you who might need your services and tell them about your business. Advertise in local newspapers and on billboards, flyers, and bills. You can also consider reaching out to your potential clients via online marketing channels, such as social media.
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