Logo, business cards, letterhead etc.

[Dreamalittledream]

So, I've decided on a name for my Daycare...now what? Should I register it? Want to be cost effective as I'm not currently seeking new clients (am lucky to actually have a wait list), but I do want to take my business a step forward in terms of professionalism. Does anyone recommend a good site to create a logo, get business cards etc.? Is there something that you've ordered that has been a total waste (ie., pens)? I'm interested in the idea of a web page but it seems expensive right now...I have formed a Facebook group for all of my DCP's & I to share pics etc.

[Mamma_Mia]

www.vistaprint.ca

I do EVERYTHING there.....from birth announcements, birthday cards, business cards, return address labels and rubber personal stamps & a business lawn sign for my DH. I love it!

Make sure to look under the Free products that unless you want to change a lot, all you have to pay is for shipping. Never had an issue with them in over 4yrs of discovering it.

[Bookworm]

I second using Vistaprint. So easy, cheap (when you use their free items or even their sales) and the stuff is good quality.

[Inspired by Reggio]

Yup - I designed my own logo and uploaded it to Vistaprint - you can often get FREE just pay shipping and handling so awesome!

If you are in Ontario and calling your business anything other than your full legal name technically you have to register your business 'name' under the Business Name Act ... lots of people do not and nothing happens to them but if you are wanting to be professional and follow the rules for business this is one of them.

Bonus to registering your name is you get the BIN as well ... it costs $60 and is good for five years and you can put your BIN on your tax receipts and than no one can demand your SIN from you as CRA says we have to provide that - so it helps protect your identity as well

You register here

please not this is a one stop shop for ALL business services registration - so make sure to check NO to all the other crap as you go through the process like GST/HST, WSIB, Employer Health tax and so forth we are exempt from all that.

It only takes 10 minutes and they mail you a PDF of your Business Identification Number to print out for your records ... I liked having to show this as well in my portfolio to clients specially when I was starting out cause IMO it shows I am 'committed' to my business as well as the 'rules'.

[yousaf002]

Your business logo is symbol of your business it is good if you are thinking about your business logo i can give you path for business cards not for logo.

[Dreamalittledream]

You all are so right about Vistaprint; I ordered business cards, 2 signs (1 for my door & 1 for my wagon), labels, a stamp, address labels....all in one logo...wow...so cheap and my business jumped so much in professionalism! It's so nice to simply pull out a business card.

[Cadillac]

For your website, create it on www.wix.com . . . it's FREE

It's super simle to create as you can use a template and simply plug in the holes.

Your website won't be super long its just www.wix.com/complany name/company name. so you can put it on your business cards too

I also use vista print. I also made my own logo

you can do it all yourself. no need to hire people needlessly

I would make your own flyers too.

order business cards only from vista print, the rest is such a waste.

[Dreamalittledream]

Ooooh thanks! I've been debating a website...bummed that already have business cards. Tacky to put little stickers on my business cards with the webpage address?

[playfelt]

On the website issue - I was playing around with it the other day and I have google set as my homepage and down at the bottom right hand side was a listing for business services. Clicked on it and it took me to a place for making a website and you can do a free one or upgrade. http://www.yola.com

In the space of a naptime I got started - just overtype in the boxes of layout you choose. It comes with a homepage and contact page and then you can add in from there. This is what I have so far:http://sharonshomedaycare.yolasite.com

[sunnydays]

I use Wix.com too for my website and it was easy to create and free. For business cards, I just made them myself on my computer and printed them in colour on cardstock paper. They are not as glossy as professional cards, but I think they look pretty good and they get the info out there as intended In Microsoft Office there is a business card template you can use...it's really simple.