What Works Online?
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Several Guild Chapters promote their members in directory sections of their Web sites. Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Northern California and Portland all have a directory of members, with thumbnail-sized art pointing to member sites. Albany and Seattle also feature links to member sites.

The link from a trusted industry source bolsters confidence when seeking a graphic specialist. Larry Hill, a Sacramento entrepreneur, used the Northern California site to find an illustrator (your author) to work with on a logo for his new venture, VendorStar.com. "I wanted to find a site where I could view several portfolios, much like you'd walk into several art galleries to see the work." Hill started at google.com, searching for "graphic artist" and "California," which sent him to the top ranking NorCal Chapter site.

The Guild's main Web site also features a portfolio page with links to member sites. Ilene Weingard reports getting work from a new client who found her through the Guild's portfolio links page. "I hadn't even considered my Web site a sales tool that would work on its own. I always thought of it as a supporting document."

To be listed on the Guild's portfolio site, send an e-mail request with your URL to admin-at-gag.org

© Joe VanDerBos, 2002

What Works Online?
Contents:

Introduction

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Feeding the Beast

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Chapters Help Drive Traffic