4 Steps to Building Your Design Business
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Building your design business is not always easy. There are many factors to consider when starting, and it can seem like an overwhelming task. To make this process easier, we've created this guide with 4 steps to building your design business that will help get you started on the right foot!
Step One: Set the Foundation for Your Dream Clients
First, you need to set the foundation for your dream clients. Your marketing, pricing, portfolios, and content should focus on the clients you want to work with in the future. Questions to consider: Who is your ideal client? What do they like? How can you market yourself to them specifically? You should be able to describe someone who matches their profile easily!
Step Two: Create a Portfolio of the Work You Want to Make
Next, you will need to design a cohesive portfolio that presents what your business stands for, showcases your style, and demonstrates what you love to do. The most important tip for choosing work to include in your portfolio is the work you want to be doing. Do not include logos if you desire to create illustrative portraits. You want your portfolio to be consistent to attract the right clients.
Step Three: Establish a Client Process With Packages and Pricing
After you have designed your portfolio, you will need a work process for your clients. You should also include packages and pricing. We highly recommend checking out the Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, 16th Edition: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines. This guidebook has contracts and pricing guidelines that will be very helpful. It would help if you also established what information you will need from your clients, how they can pay their invoices, and when you expect payment. You want this process to be easy for your clients, so they move through your projects with ease. Furthermore, this is a great time to decide whether or not clients would be a good fit for your business long term. Whatever you do, establish a straightforward system that you can follow because you will need this for day-to-day operations.
Step Four: Stick to Your Authentic Voice
As you are developing your business brand, it is essential to establish an authentic voice. Your design business will only succeed if you feel confident in what you do and who you are as a designer. It's also vital for potential clients to see that through your branding efforts; so they know whom they're working with before even meeting or speaking with you. No one else can replicate your voice. Be yourself and be creative.
One closing note to remember is that it's crucial to have goals you're working towards, both professionally and personally. The two should go hand-in-hand. In the end, once you have a strong business that's grounded in your unique voice and goals, as well as those of your potential clients, success will come naturally.
We want you to know that starting a design company can be difficult at times, but we are here for you every step of the way. We have many resources such as our blog posts or our online community for promoting your work. Our team is always happy to see someone take their first steps into entrepreneurship, so don't hesitate if you need any information! What's next? Are you ready to take these four steps and create a new dream career for yourself? Let me know in the comments below if this guide has been helpful.
FURTHER READING: Tools to Invest in for Your Design Business
Social Media Scheduler: Later App
Whether you're an Instagram pro or just getting started, Later has you covered! This app allows you to plan, schedule, publish and measure the results of your Instagram and social media posts. Spend less time posting to social media and more time growing your business.
Hashtag Research Tool: Flick App
Using the right hashtags can get your content and profile in front of your target audience. Flick’s Instagram Hashtag Search makes it easier than ever. This tool is a game-changer!
Pricing Guide For Projects: Graphic Artists Guild Handbook
The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook offers complete pricing and ethical references for designers. There are even contract samples you can use from the handbook. Grab this book now!
Accounting Tool: Quickbooks
Quickbooks takes the trouble of being your accountant completely out of the equation. Track your income and expenses, send invoices, perform bookkeeping, and more with your incredibly visual and easy-to-use business profile. Put your mind at ease and use the link below to GET 55% OFF your first three months!
High Yield Savings Account: Chime
A lot of banks don't offer high interest rates on general savings accounts. That's why it's important to use an online high-yield savings account with a higher interest rate. Do yourself a favor and open one today! Instead of earning 0.01% interest, you could be earning 0.50% with a high yield savings account.
Invest Your Profits: M1 Finance
Once you start making money from your business, you need to re-invest in yourself. If you find investing intimidating, M1 Finance can help you establish a goal, like retirement or building wealth, by making it simple and easy. They guide you through the entire process and invest FOR YOU. Click the link below to learn more!
