Wouldn't it be nice if you could spend more time designing and less time worrying about your design business? Resourceful Designer offers tips, tricks and resources for freelancers in order to help streamline your graphic design and web design business so you can get back to what you do best… Design…
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The Resourceful Designer podcast is a valuable resource for graphic designers looking to build and grow their own design business. Hosted by Mark, the podcast offers advice, guidance, and practical tips based on his own experience as a designer. Over the course of four years, the podcast has covered a wide range of topics, always providing helpful and relevant information to its listeners.
One of the best aspects of The Resourceful Designer podcast is its ability to consistently deliver new and valuable content. Despite being on the air for four years, Mark manages to continually come up with fresh topics that are relevant and informative. Whether it's discussing client onboarding processes or sharing tips for running a successful design business, each episode is filled with actionable advice that can be implemented immediately.
Another great aspect of the podcast is its ability to provide motivation and inspiration to listeners. Mark's passion for design and his dedication to helping other designers shines through in each episode. By sharing his own experiences and challenges, he is able to connect with his audience on a personal level and offer encouragement to those who may be feeling stuck or overwhelmed.
While there aren't many downsides to The Resourceful Designer podcast, one aspect that some listeners may find challenging is the frequency of episodes. As mentioned in one of the reviews, the podcast used to release episodes daily but has recently switched to a weekly schedule. While this may not be an issue for most listeners, those who have been accustomed to listening every day may feel a sense of disappointment with the reduced frequency.
In conclusion, The Resourceful Designer podcast is an invaluable resource for graphic designers looking to build and grow their own design business. With its consistently fresh content and inspiring messages, it provides practical advice and motivation that can help designers take their careers to new heights. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your existing business, this podcast is definitely worth a listen.
Let's get real about the elephant in the room: AI and its impact on the design industry. In this free, informal discussion, we're bringing together designers to share their unfiltered experiences navigating these unprecedented changes. No sales pitches, no sugar coating – just honest conversation about what's actually working (and what isn't) in today's evolving design landscape. Whether you're crushing it or feeling the squeeze, your voice matters as we work together to turn these industry challenges into opportunities. Join us for some real talk and practical insights from fellow designers in the trenches. Click this link to register for the conversation: https://resourcefuldesigner.com/aidiscussion
I recently attended WordCamp Canada, a community gathering of WordPress enthusiasts, where I gave a presentation on the pitfalls of your About page. But that's not what today's episode is about. Instead, I want to discuss a fascinating concept I picked up from another presentation on email marketing. Today's episode, titled "The Two Sides of a Solopreneur Designer," is inspired by the idea that, as solopreneurs, we wear two distinct hats: the CEO and the employee. Each role has its own responsibilities, from planning and strategizing for the CEO to executing tasks and dealing with clients for the employee. I'll explore how mentally separating these roles can help you better manage and grow your business. So, let's dive in and learn how taking time to step away and switch into your CEO hat can make a world of difference for your design business. Stay Creative!
Welcome to another episode of Resourceful Designer. I'm your host, Mark, and today, I've got an interesting topic inspired by a friend's podcast. You know, it's funny how ideas for podcast episodes can come from the most unexpected places. Sometimes, I meticulously plan out a topic, but other times, like today, a random sentence can spark an idea. Today, we're discussing the importance of asking specific questions, especially in our design businesses. This concept hit home for me through my TV show podcasts like Under the Dome, Orphan Black, and The Expanse. When I started asking targeted questions to my listeners, feedback soared from a handful to dozens per episode. It was a game-changer! So, how does this relate to design? Well, asking clients broad questions like, "What do you think?" rarely yields useful feedback. Instead, be more precise—ask about colour choices, font styles, or layout. This approach makes it easier for clients to provide constructive feedback, helping you create designs that truly meet their goals. Stay tuned as I share insights and tips from my podcasting journey that you can apply to enhance client interactions and improve your design process. Let's get started!
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share a cautionary tale about losing generational clients and the critical lesson I've learned from my mistakes. Whether you're dealing with family-run businesses or companies with long-standing leadership, you'll discover the importance of building relationships with the next generation to ensure client loyalty. Listen as I recount personal stories and offer valuable insights to help you avoid falling into the same trap. Don't miss this crucial episode that could save your client base in the years to come!
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the crucial aspect of redefining your introductory hook to capture clients effectively. I discuss the significance of crafting a compelling introduction on your website and other marketing materials that resonates with your target audience's "What's in it for me?" mindset. By analyzing examples of website hooks, I emphasize the importance of conveying the value you offer to potential clients right from the start. Join me as I explore the power of a well-crafted hook in attracting and retaining clients, helping you grow and succeed in your design business. Find the episode and shownotes on the website at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode342
Welcome back to another insightful episode of Resourceful Designer, where today's message is all about the art of engagement over trivial chatter. I'm your host, Mark Des Cotes, and in episode 341 we dive deep into the importance of engaging more and talking less. We explore how the wisdom of an elementary school teacher, who emphasizes understanding her students to truly elevate their learning, can be a powerful lesson for us as graphic designers in our own client interactions. I'll share with you how critical it is to connect with clients on a level that goes beyond flaunting our design skills. We discuss why it's paramount to focus on bringing a client's vision to life, rather than overwhelming them with our technical prowess. In this episode, we'll delve into the pitfalls of design platforms like Fiverr, where lack of communication often leads to less-than-ideal results. We also talk about the golden moments of design that come from a genuine exchange of ideas, the transition from transactional to transformational conversations, and the art of using strategic silence to uncover a client's real needs, adopting techniques used by great salespeople and interviewers like David Letterman. So before you speed ahead to your next client meeting ready to showcase your portfolio, remember to pause and truly listen. The insights you gain may very well unlock the potential for your greatest design work yet. Stay tuned as we navigate together the journey of growing and running a successful design business with community, creativity, and a keen ear for our clients' stories. Join the Resourceful Designer Community as we support each other in our goal to prosper, all this and more for just $15 a month. Let's dive into the episode!
Welcome to episode 340 of Resourceful Designer. Today we're diving into an intriguing question: Are your design clients time or money minded? We'll unpack the significance of understanding whether your clients value their time over their money or vice versa. I'll share some personal anecdotes, like the time I decided to replace my wife's car backup camera myself to save money, and on another occasion, when purchasing a course on Facebook ads, valued my time more. We'll explore how this distinction applies to your design business, how it affects the way you position your services, and ultimately, whom you attract as clients. Do your clients often haggle over prices or seek discounts? Or do they prefer paying more to ensure quality and save time? By delving into these differences, I'll help you understand the importance of marketing yourself effectively to attract the right kind of clients for your business. Are you ready to shift your perspective and potentially the trajectory of your design business? Stay tuned as we discuss how being a problem solver for your clients goes beyond just design work—it's about addressing their deeper concerns with money and time. Let's get started.
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the topic of accepting credit card payments from clients. I received an email from Phil, thanking me for the podcast's impact on his transition from working for an employer to running his own business. Phil's client asked to pay by credit card, and he was unsure how to proceed. I share the simplicity and speed of credit card payments and elaborate on the various options available, from PayPal to Stripe and other accounting software. I discuss the fees involved and the ways to incorporate them into pricing strategies, emphasizing the convenience and tax deductibility. Join me as I break down the process of accepting credit card payments and provide insights for design business owners looking to streamline their invoicing and payment processes.
Have you ever been in a sticky situation where a client has asked for your working files? In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve deep into the topic of whether or not to hand over working files. Join me as I share personal experiences and insights to help you navigate this common dilemma in the design industry. From legal considerations to negotiating with clients, I offer practical advice to help you make informed decisions and protect your creative assets. Tune in to discover the nuances of sharing final files and gain valuable tips on handling such requests in your design business.
On this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the critical topic of backups. Through two poignant real-life stories, I stress the importance of not solely relying on web hosts for backups. I share a scenario where a client's website was lost due to an overlooked credit card update and the absence of off-site backups. I emphasize the significance of using plugins like Solid Backups for WordPress or services like Backblaze for complete cloud-based backups. I underscore the need to protect valuable data, whether for personal memories or business assets. Join me to understand the pivotal role of backups in safeguarding your design business and creative work.
Hey there, it's Mark, and in this episode, "Persistence Will Pay Off," I want to talk to you about the challenges of running a design business. Whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for years, finding clients can be tough. I've been there myself, going through long stretches without new projects coming in and questioning if my business was sustainable. But I made it through, and so can you. I'm here to share some words of encouragement and actionable tips to help you stay motivated and push through the tough times. From staying persistent and believing in your talent to refining your portfolio, exploring new niches, expanding your skills, and never stopping networking, I've got you covered. So, let's dive in and navigate the ins and outs of running a design business with a positive mindset and a focus on success. Let's get started!
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss a common mistake designers make when presenting their work to clients. Drawing from my own experience, I delve into the significance of presentation and its impact on a design business. Sharing insights from my college days to my current approach, I highlight the practice of presenting designs to clients with crucial information included. I explain how this method not only enhances professionalism but also leverages client sharing to attract potential leads. Join me as I reveal how this simple adjustment in presentation can make a substantial difference in your design business' growth.
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I share my journey as an entrepreneur and the pivotal role delegation has played in shaping the success of my business. From initially shouldering every responsibility solo to embracing the power of collaboration, I delve into the transformative impact of outsourcing tasks beyond my expertise. By strategically investing in external help, whether through hiring specialists or utilizing online platforms, I've been able to optimize productivity and focus on growth-oriented activities. Through examples from my own experience, I highlight the importance of recognizing the value of time and leveraging it effectively to propel business growth. Whether it's mastering the art of delegation or making strategic investments, this episode offers insights into empowering your business through collaboration and outsourcing.
Exploring Design Trends: A Dive into FreePik's 2024 Trend Report Click here to see the trend report: https://www.freepik.com/visual-trends-2024 Join me as I delve into Freepik.com's 2024 trend report, highlighting key design trends predicted for the year. Freepic.com, a platform known for offering high-quality design resources for free, reached out to discuss its latest trend report, sparking my interest in exploring the upcoming trends. With full transparency, it's noted that while Freepik.com approached me for the discussion, there was no compensation involved. I begin the episode with a reflection on the reliability of future trend reports, drawing a comparison to Logo Lounge's trend reports backed by substantial data. However, skepticism arises concerning Freepik.com's ability to predict upcoming trends without disclosing their methodology or data sources. I then proceed to dissect the 15 trends outlined in Freepik.com's report, offering insights and personal reflections on each. Trends range from floral and botanical motifs to futuristic holographic shapes, 3D fonts, vibrant colour schemes, and vintage-inspired engraving styles. Some trends, like grainy gradients and glass morphism, are recognized as existing techniques while others, such as "Neo Brutalism," are met with skepticism. I encourage you to explore the report yourself and share their thoughts on the predicted trends.
Welcome to this episode of Resourceful Designer, where I explore the topic of thick skin in the world of design. Reflecting on my 30+ years as a designer, I share the often unspoken truth about needing a resilient attitude to thrive in this industry. I draw from personal experiences, offering valuable insights on handling criticism, difficult clients, and managing expectations, particularly when running your own design business. Join me for a candid conversation about the realities of being a designer and the resilience required to navigate the challenges of this creative profession.
Welcome to Resourceful Designer, the podcast where I explore the ins and outs of running a successful design business. In today's episode, titled "6 Pricing Hacks To Land Hesitant Clients," I share valuable strategies to influence clients into accepting pricing offers. I delve into 6 pricing hacks. From eliminating commas in large pricing to offering three-tier pricing options, I provide actionable tips to make your pricing more appealing and increase the likelihood of client agreement. Tune in as I discusses real-life examples and practical strategies to help you land those hesitant clients and grow your design business.
Welcome to episode 330 of Resourceful Designer, where I explores the concept of reclaiming lost time through a "time audit." J Listen as I delve into the benefits of identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities to make room for more meaningful endeavors. In this episode, you'll discover practical strategies for optimizing your schedule, from setting time limits on client meetings to evaluating networking commitments. Learn how to conduct your own time audit, gain insight into the Eisenhower Matrix method of analyzing your time, and find inspiration to prioritize self-improvement in the new year. Stay tuned to discover how to regain control of your time and make 2024 your most productive year yet.
A look back at 2023 and a look ahead to 2024. Thank you for your continued interest in what I do at Resourceful Designer. I appreciate you more than you know. Many great resources are available for learning and growing as a designer, and I'm humbled that you chose to spend a bit of your valuable time with me. I am continuing my annual tradition. This last podcast episode of the year is my Look Back, Look Ahead edition. It's where I reflect and share my year as a design business owner. Then, I'll look ahead at what I want to accomplish in 2024.
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I explore the concept of pitch work as a powerful tool for growing your design business. I explain the difference between pitch work and spec work, detailing how pitch work involves presenting work to a client they didn't ask for, potentially for free or at a discount. Through personal experiences and anecdotes, I outline how pitch work has helped me grow my design businesses, including entering a new niche and building my portfolio. I present various scenarios where pitch work can be beneficial, from offering discounted services to approaching potential clients with innovative design ideas. My practical insights and real-world examples make this episode a must-listen for designers looking to leverage pitch work for business growth.
Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode, titled "10 Steps Toward Design Business Success," I have an incredible lineup of tips and strategies to share with you. Whether you're just starting in the design industry or looking to take your established business to new heights, there are ten critical factors you need to consider. I will dive into each step. These steps are crucial in ensuring the growth and success of your design business. So, grab your notebook and get ready to take your business to the next level! Let's dive right in.
Welcome to episode 326 of Resourceful Designer. In this episode, I highlight the importance of informing your clients about your full range of services. Drawing from my own experiences, I emphasize how clients may not be fully aware of everything you are capable of. By sharing my own revelations and successful strategies for informing clients, I shed light on opportunities for designers to expand their businesses and nurture existing client relationships. Join me as I revisit the valuable insights from episode 2 and explore the impact of effectively communicating your capabilities to your clients.
Welcome back to another episode of Resourceful Designer! In today's episode, I welcomes a special guest, Michael Bruny-Groth, the creator of Logo Package Express, Logo Package Portal, and the newest addition to the Logo Package family, Logo Package Swatch. We dive into the details of Logo Package Swatch, a powerful tool that helps designers organize and display color palettes for their clients. We discuss its features, customization options, and how it can prevent mistakes in copying and typing color codes. We also explore the benefits of Logo Package Swatch, including its integration with Adobe Illustrator and the ability to find the closest Pantone color matches. Additionally, we discuss Logo Package Express and Logo Package Portal, two other products that streamline the logo export process and provide easy access for clients. So, whether you're a designer looking for better color organization or a client needing an efficient logo package management system, this episode has something for you. Don't forget to use the exclusive discount code "RESOURCEFULDESIGNER" for a 20% discount on any Logo Package product (excluding Portal subscription)! Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of Resourceful Designer. Let's dive in!
Welcome to episode 324 of Resourceful Designer, titled "You Are An Expert." In today's episode, I share a personal story that taught him a valuable lesson about business. It may not be a story about design or web development, but it's one that you should hear. Join me as I recounts being stopped at a police roadblock and the unexpected expert status I discovered. Stay tuned to learn how knowing just a little more than someone else can make you an expert in their eyes. Let's dive in!
Welcome back to Resourceful Designer! In today's episode titled "The Most Important Question You Can Ask Your Design Client," I reveal a simple question that can transform your design projects. The question that toddlers ask incessantly can unlock new possibilities and strengthen client relationships. Join me as I explain how asking "why" can clarify client needs, guide project direction, and save you time and money. Stay tuned to discover the power of this fundamental question in the design process. Let's dive in!
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I delve into the world of modern marketing and share my insights from the influential book, Selling the Invisible: A Field Guide to Modern Marketing by Harry Beckwith. Discover how the principles outlined in this book, originally written in 1997 but still applicable today, can revolutionize the way you run your graphic design business. From the importance of showcasing your work and emphasizing value over features, to building trust and creating memorable experiences for your clients, I break down the key points in Beckwith's book and applies them specifically to the design industry. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights to help you succeed in your graphic design business.
On today's episode of Resourceful Designer, I discuss the pitfalls of hourly rates for designers. Inspired by a conversation in a design-related Facebook group, I explore the common practice of billing by the hour and the negative impact it can have on a designer's income. Using personal anecdotes and insights, I explains how charging by the project or value-based pricing can lead to more successful and lucrative design work. So, if you're a designer who is tired of being stuck in the hourly rate trap, or if you're curious about alternative pricing strategies, then this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to go beyond the clock and discover a new way to earn what you're truly worth. Welcome to Resourceful Designer!
Hey, design enthusiasts! In this episode, we're diving into the world of pro bono design work for nonprofits and charities. We'll demystify the differences between nonprofits and charities, debunk the budget myth, and explore the pros and cons of offering your design skills for a good cause. I'll also share my personal criteria for selecting projects, including the "Three's the Magic Number" rule. Plus, I'll spill the beans on a clever tax receipt strategy that benefits you and the organization. Tune in for tips on making your pro bono endeavors a win-win for everyone involved!
In this episode, I'm diving deep into a topic that hits close to home for many of us in the design world: the Curse of Knowledge. I'm sharing personal experiences, like insider knowledge and navigating design jargon, to shed light on how it can lead to misunderstandings with clients. But don't worry, I've got your back! I'll be dishing out practical tips to help bridge that gap, ensuring every conversation is crystal clear. So, join me on this journey as we master the art of transparent communication and strengthen those all-important client relationships. You won't want to miss it! Full show notes and a transcription of this episode can be found at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode319
Welcome to Resourceful Designer, the podcast that helps designers thrive in their creative careers. In today's episode, titled "You Can't Read The Label From Inside The Jar," host Mark delves into the importance of seeking feedback and involving others in your design process. Mark reflects on the metaphor of not being able to see the bigger picture when you're too close to something and how this applies to our work as designers. He emphasizes the need for honest feedback from individuals with our best interests at heart to grow and improve as designers. Mark also shares his philosophy of learning something new with each design project and discusses the value of having a community or team to bounce ideas off of and receive critiques. So, if you're ready to step outside your perspective and take your design work to the next level, stick around for this insightful episode of Resourceful Designer.
In this episode of Resourceful Designer, I'm joined by special guest Ian Paget of LogoGeek, author of the new book Make A Living Designing Logos. Ian shares the story behind writing his book and how it can benefit anyone in the design space, even if you don't design logos. I was granted a sneak peek of the book, and I can assure you that it's as good, if not better than we make it out to be during the interview. Ian also shares a heartwarming story of wanting to teach his four-year-old daughter what he does and how this led to a second book for toddlers, My First Little Logo Book. Enjoy the interview. And be sure to back Ian's Kickstarter campaign and get a special edition of his book, only available for backers. Links that are mentioned in the episode. Ian's Blog Post: How I Wrote My First Logo Design Book. Kickstarter Campaign for Make A Living Designing Logos Children's Book: My First Little Logo Book Logo Geek Podcast Episode 100 Ian's Twitter Account Transcript of the episode audio. Transcription will be available soon on the website at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode317
Resourceful Designer is going on a short hiatus. Please stay subscribed for when I return with more great tips, advice and resources for starting and growing your design business. Stay Creative
It's the beginning of spring here in Canada. And with spring comes a desire to put all the messes of winter behind us and clean things up as we prepare for summer. That's where the term Spring Cleaning comes from. However, today, I'm not talking about packing away your sweaters and pulling out your shorts. Nor am I referring to cleaning the yard or washing the grime off the windows. Although, it is time to do all of those things. No. I'm talking about doing some spring cleaning of your design business. More specifically: Cleaning Your Computer Cleaning Your Office Cleaning Your Business Cleaning Your Branding Cleaning Up Your Computer. Spring is an excellent time to review your computer and see what you can clean up. Clean up your Backups. The first thing I suggest is examining your backup strategy. Are you doing everything possible to ensure your important files are adequately backed up? Do you have a good in-house as well as an online backup strategy? The price of hard drives is one thing that doesn't seem to be affected by inflation. You can get large-capacity hard drives for great prices these days. Paired with Time Machine on Mac or an equivalent solution for Windows or Linux can ensure you always have your backups on hand. I recommend Backblaze, a much more reliable backup system for online backups than Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive. And priced as low as $65US per year makes peace of mind very affordable. Speaking of backups. When was the last time you double-checked to ensure your backup files were backing up? You'd hate to have something happen only to discover your most recent backup is months old. Whatever backup strategy you're using, take a few minutes to ensure the backups are functioning and are current. Clean up client files. Clients come and go. So do design projects. After a while, you tend to accumulate a lot of outdated and even redundant files on your computer. Take some time to review your client files and see if you can get rid of anything. Delete or move files off your computer for any client who isn't in business anymore. If you want to keep something for nostalgia, keep the finished files which are often smaller. There's no reason to keep large working files for something you'll never use again. The same is true for old projects from active clients. If you don't think you'll ever need them again, get them off your computer. And all those stock images files you accumulate. Did you know that once you acquire them from a stock image site, you can re-download them anytime without paying again? So there's no reason to keep them on your computer. Clean up your Client List. One thing that can get out of hand in our business is our client list, especially if you do a lot of one-off projects. Depending on the system you use to keep track of your clients, you may want to divide them into Active and Inactive categories. It makes managing it much easier if you don't have to scroll through dozens or hundreds of inactive clients to find the one you're looking for. Clean up your email mailboxes. You may not realize how much hard drive space email takes up, especially in our field, where attachments weigh in at multiple megabytes. Chances are you save any attachments you receive to their respective client folder. It's the smart thing to do. But that means you have two copies of that attachment on your computer. One is stored in the client folder, and one is still attached to the email message. The same goes for attachments you send to clients. On a Mac, a duplicate copy is stored in the Library folder for your mail client. You can easily clean this up by highlighting a group of emails and telling your email client to delete the attachments. Clean up your Mail Lists. Another thing you may want to clean up is the email lists you're subscribed to. It's gotten to the point where you can't enter your email anywhere online without being subscribed to some email list. Take a few minutes to see what's in your inbox that you don't need, and unsubscribe from them. If you want to make it easy, look at unroll.me. Sign up to quickly unsubscribe from email lists you're no longer interested in. And get an easily consumed digest of the ones you want to keep. Clean up your Fonts. The next thing you may want to do is clean up your fonts. As of last year, Adobe software no longer supports PostScript version fonts. If you've been in this business for a while, you've probably accumulated many PostScript fonts. Since they're no longer usable, either get rid of them or convert your old PostScript version fonts to OpenType fonts using TransType 4 from FontLab. Clean up the rest. You can clean so many other things this spring on your computer. Take a few minutes to review your applications folder and delete any you don't use. Remove seldom-used icons from your Dock. Cull down your bookmarks. And update any passwords that need updating. And although it's not your computer. When did you last take inventory of the apps on your phone? If you're anything like me, there are probably a few you can eliminate. Cleaning up your Office. This one is probably the easiest since it's mostly visible. Although, in my case, not necessarily the quickest. Look around your office space and see what you can clean. What do you have on your desk, shelves, and other exposed surfaces? Do you need all of it? There's a fine line between well-decorated and cluttered. I know. I cross it all the time. That's why one of my biggest spring cleaning projects this year is cleaning my office. But it's not just about what you can see. How well organized are your closets, cabinets and drawers? Do you toss things into them to get them out of sight? If so, now may be the time to go through and organize what you need to keep and get rid of what you don't. And, of course, once the clutter is taken care of. A good dusting and maybe washing of windows can help keep your office space as a place you enjoy being in. Man o man, just looking around my office. I have a lot of work to do this spring. Cleaning up your Business. There's no time like spring to look at your business and see where you can tidy up. Clean up your Resume. If working for yourself isn't your goal, then refreshing your resume is something you may want to look at. Clean up your Portfolio. What about your Portfolio? The one on your website, or perhaps Behance or some other online platform? Are the projects you're showcasing up to your current design skills? If not, take them out and replace them with newer work. Clean up your expenses. Is there anything you're paying for that you don't use? Now is a great time to look at your expenses and see if you can cut back on unneeded expenditures. Do you need to pay for all of Adobe Creative Suite if Photoshop is the only application you use? What about your web hosting? Are there better options out there you can move to? BTW, feel free to use my SiteGround affiliate link if you decide to move there. It's where I host mine and all my clients' websites. Look at what you're paying monthly or yearly and see where you can save money. Clean up your Branding. It's pretty standard for designers to neglect their branding. After all, you spend all day working on other people's projects. You don't always have the energy or desire to work on yours. But if you neglect your branding, you may lose out on potential clients. Take time to review things like your website. Besides the ordinary things like updating themes and plugins, you may want to check for broken links and ensure you've done everything you can for SEO. It's also an excellent time to review your content. Does the wording need refreshing? Read Building a Storybrand by Donald Miller. It's a great book to help you compose your brand story. Is your about page giving the proper impression? For more on creating a great about page, listen to episode 52 of the podcast. What about your social media profiles or profiles on Upwork, Fiverr or any other platform? Does your profile photo need updating? What about your description? Sometimes a minor tweak can make all the difference. You'll feel better after you clean. So there you have it—Spring Cleaning for Your Computer, Office, Business, and Branding. Of course, there are many more things you can clean. And everyone's environment is different. But you get the idea. Spring is in the air, and the desire for freshness comes with it. And that can start with a little bit of cleaning on your part. Ensuring your workspace is a clean and enjoyable place to work and go a long way in helping you succeed. So get cleaning.
Have you ever thought of turning your design style into a niche? You're lying to yourself if you say you don't have one. Every designer has a design style. Even if your design style resembles many other designers, I bet something unique makes you different. Have you ever thought of how you came by your design style? Did you go to school for design and develop your style from what your teachers taught you? Did you learn your style by following design influencers? There are tons of great designers out there you could follow and learn from. Have you studied the history of design? You know, the Industrial Revolution, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Postmodernism, etc., have these periods in design history influenced your style? Did you come by your style from another artistic endeavour? I know of graphic and web designers who have fine art degrees. I bet that influences how they think about design. Do you sculpt, make pottery, paint, sew, craft or express yourself in any other creative outlet that may appear in your design style? Or maybe something else from your life is reflected in the projects you produce. There are so many things that can influence your graphic design style. And since no two people are the same, it is understandable that no two designers design the same way. And if you can figure out what makes your style unique, you can carve out a very lucrative business based on it. What is a design style niche? I got the idea for this podcast episode after Lauren joined the Resourceful Designer Community. Whenever someone joins my Community, I look at their website and portfolio. It helps me learn where they are in their design journey and how the Community can help them. Lauren told us when she joined the Community that she has a background as a creative director. So it's no surprise that her portfolio is top-notch. But what I loved most about perusing through her work is how different it is from mine. Reading Lauren's About Me page, I learned that she grew up on the streets of New York City and loves punk, emo and metal music. And I could see that influence in her design style. There's something edgy and wild about her compositions. And I found myself not just admiring them but studying them, trying to figure out how she did certain things. And trying to imagine her thought process as she worked on each design. You see, Her design style is foreign to me. It's not a direction I would ever take on a project. It's not that it's wrong, far from it. There's nothing wrong with her creations. It's just not in my design repertoire to do something similar. Sure, I could probably copy it if I needed to. But even though I consider myself an excellent designer. If you gave me a blank canvas, I couldn't develop something in that style without reference material. At least nowhere near as well as Lauren can. Lauren's design style is unique to her. And that individual style is something she could niche into. Creating a design style niche. I've talked about niches on the podcast, but mainly from the point of the clients you target or the work you produce, such as targeting the school branding niche with Craig Burton, where he shared how he's built a very lucrative business designing logos and other branding material for schools in New Zealand and beyond. Or how some people, such as Ian Paget of Logo Geek, specialize in designing logos. That's his niche, and he's widely known for it in the UK. I've shared how I knew a designer who designed websites exclusively for dentists and was killing it. I know another designer who only designs rock and metal band T-Shirts, and he's in high demand. These are all niches. And as the saying goes, the riches are in the niches. When you niche down, people automatically start viewing you as an expert in your niche and are willing to pay more for that expertise. That's precisely what I'm doing with my Podcast Branding business. I specialize in the podcast niche, and people recognize me. But what if you turn your design style into a niche instead of going after a specific target market or focusing on a particular design project? Lauren could easily promote herself as a designer specializing in punk/grunge-style design. I don't know if that's the right word for her style, but you get the idea. Maybe you like creating futuristic-looking designs, something very robotic or technical. You could embrace that style and promote it. Or what if you have a very illustrative style? Andrew, another member of the Resourceful Designer Community, is a great illustrator, and it's reflected in his portfolio. These days, strong yet feminine styles are in high demand. And although I've created some strong feminine pieces before, I'm probably not the first designer people think of for that design style. What about specializing in a country-western design style? There's a big call for that in certain areas. I mentioned Craig Burton earlier of School Branding Matters, he's based in New Zealand, and the New Zealand culture surrounding him heavily influences his design style. How about retro? There are always people wanting a 50s, 60s or 70s style look. And sure, clients could always ask their regular designer to design something in one of these styles. I've done country-western, robotic-tech, 1960s and 70s looks, and even strong feminine designs. But none of them are a specialty of mine, and I don't feel natural designing in these styles. If a designer isn't comfortable with a style, they won't produce work as good as someone specializing in it. But what if the client doesn't have a regular designer and is looking for one online? Imagine someone typing “country-style graphic designer” into Google. Or “Retro vintage designer.” If that's your niche style, there's a good chance you can rank for that term, and that client will find you. And when they realize you specialize in exactly what they're looking for, they have no reason to continue their search. What I'm saying is if you can figure out your unique style and it's something you want to lean into. You could start marketing yourself as a specialist in that design style. It's another way of niching. Combining Niches. What if you combine some of my previously discussed niche ideas with this one? Imagine setting yourself up as a logo designer specializing in retro-style logos. Or a web designer who specializes in punk or grunge-style websites? What about a poster designer who specializes in a country western look? If you can corner a particular niche, you can find yourself in high demand and could charge prices reflecting your specialty. By segmenting yourself, you automatically become an expert in your niche to those seeking your skills. You may be saying, but Mark, I don't want to be pigeonholed into one niche. I want to be able to work on different types of projects. To that, I say nothing is stopping you from doing that. If a non-school related client approached Craig Burton saying they admire his style and want to hire him, he wouldn't say, “you're not a school, so I can't work with you.” Of course not. I know Craig, and I've seen him create some amazing non-school-related pieces. Just because you target a niche doesn't mean you are stuck doing only that type of work. Look at me. I started Podcast Branding in 2019 as a side gig to go after the podcast niche. However, I'm still running my other business, Marksman Design which isn't niched. And even within the Podcast Branding side of my business, I've done non-podcast-related projects. One of my biggest Podcast Branding clients is a podcaster. That's how they heard about me. But he didn't need anything regarding his podcast. Instead, he hired me to design a website for his company that is entirely separate. In this case, a client heard of me through the podcast space. He liked what I did and trusted me enough to work on something non-podcast-related. So you can always create a second company for a particular niche. Or start a second brand and work as a DBA as I do. I run Podcast Branding as a division of my other design business Marksman Design. How to attract clients in a niche. So let's say you decide to pursue this option of entering a niche. Be it a target market, particular design pieces like logos, posters or t-shirts, or a niche using your design style. How do you go about attracting clients? It all comes down to portfolio 101. Showcase the type of work you want to work on. If you claim to be in the country-western niche, you'll confuse clients if your portfolio contains high-tech and art deco-looking projects. No matter how well those projects turned out, they have no space in your portfolio. I mentioned how my work for my biggest Podcast Branding client isn't about podcasting. That's why you won't find any of it on my website because it's irrelevant to clients looking for someone to help with their podcast's visual needs. If you want to start a niche in the retro logo design space, all your portfolio pieces should be logos with a retro look. The next thing to do to attract clients is to network within your niche. Let people in that niche know who you are and what you do. I go to podcast conferences because that's where my target market is. I talk and hand out business cards to as many people as possible. The more people in my niche who know what I do, the better my chances of getting clients. On my order form, I ask clients how they heard about Podcast Branding and me. On an order I received this week, the client mentioned hearing about me from someone I've never heard of. That can only happen because of networking. Remember, it's not who you know that will help grow your business. It's who knows you. And in this case, someone out there knew enough about me to pass my name on to someone who needed my services. So if you've ever considered niching but didn't know what direction to take, you may want to consider looking at your design style. Embrace whatever makes your design style unique. You may be sitting on a great niche idea people seek.
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 17, Being A Freelance Graphic Designer Could Hurt Your Business. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode17
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 195, Design Hacks To increase Productivity. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode195
The second most common question among graphic and web designers, after how to attract clients, is how much to charge for our services. No matter what price we settle on, we're never sure it's right. Could you have gotten more for that job the client so readily agreed to? Probably. Is price the reason another client isn't replying to the proposal you sent? It could be. No matter how long we work in this industry. I don't think we will ever figure out the “right price.” But that's ok if you feel adequately compensated for your work. Getting paid $200 for a logo design is a great accomplishment for some designers. In contrast, other designers won't consider a logo design project for under $2000. It all comes down to the value you feel you bring and the impression you give your clients. But let's look at this from the client's point of view. From their perspective, what's the difference between a $200 logo and a $2000 logo? You may say it's the value. It's the experience of the designer, their skills and their knowledge. And I can't argue with you there. More experienced designers do tend to charge more. But does that mean the experienced designer's $2000 logo is ten times better than the $200 logo from a less experienced designer? Maybe, and maybe not. The less experienced designer may end up creating a better logo. So why would a client hire a $2000 designer over a $200 designer? It can be summed up in one phrase. Price equals expectations. Let's look at another industry. Say you're going on vacation and need a place to stay. Your destination has two options (It's not a popular vacationing spot.) Those two options are a $49 per night motel and a $200 per night hotel. Not knowing anything about or seeing photos of either of these two places beforehand, what do you think your expectations are? Both the motel and hotel offer a bed for sleeping. Both include a TV and free Wifi. Both have breakfast included. They even both have positive online reviews. So you would expect the same experience at both places, right? Wrong! The fact that one of the places charges four times the price of the other creates a higher expectation. For $200 per night, you expect the beds to be more comfortable. You expect more offerings on TV and faster Wifi. You expect a more inclusive breakfast. You expect more from the hotel because they're charging a higher price. Even though, in the end, both places give you precisely what you need, a place to sleep at night. The same goes for graphic design services. The more you charge, the more clients expect from you. And I don't mean deliverables. However, that may be part of it. What I mean is your clients expect better communication from you. More professionalism. More attention to detail. And a more take-charge attitude. The more you charge, the more the client expects that you can get the job done with minimal involvement on their part. These expectations breed trust. And when you're clients trust you. They give you the freedom to do your work in the manner that suits you best. The less you charge, the fewer expectations they have. Which means lower trust. I speak from experience, and many designers can attest that the less you charge for your services, the more clients want to dictate exactly what you do. They don't want your knowledge or your experience. They only want to fork over a few dollars for your skills. It's almost like you're a rental designer. These are the type of clients who say, “I have an idea. I need you to create it for me.” They expect less from you because it's what your prices tell them. Would a client hire a $2000 logo designer and say, “Here, I drew up this rough sketch of an idea. Can you clean it up for me?” No. That's because price equals expectations. Clients will treat you differently depending on how much you charge. Clients willing to pay more for design services expect higher service, expertise, and attention to detail. They expect you to understand design principles and are current on design trends and technologies. These clients will likely have more complex and demanding design needs and want to work with a designer who can deliver exceptional results. Designers who charge higher rates can expect to be treated more respectfully and professionally. They will also need to deliver a higher level of service to justify those rates. The more you charge, the more your clients expect. Price equals expectations. On the other hand, clients looking for more affordable design services are usually willing to sacrifice some level of expertise and customization in favour of a lower price point. It's up to you to decide whether to be a higher-rate designer or an affordable designer. But remember that setting too low rates can harm your business in the long run. While clients may be attracted to lower prices initially, they may also be wary of working with a designer who charges significantly less than their competitors. That trust between you and your clients never reaches the level it does with higher-priced designers and their clients. Setting your rates too low can make investing in your business and growing your skills and expertise challenging over time. Because the lower you charge, the more clients you need to make ends meet. In the scenario presented above. The lower-priced logo designer must find ten clients to make the same amount of money the higher-priced designer earns from just one. This means the higher priced designer can focus more of their thoughts and energy on one client instead of dividing it among many, which helps them meet and exceed their client's expectations. How to justify higher prices. One of the first things clients do when considering a graphic or web designer is looking at your portfolio. They want to understand your style, capabilities, and the types of projects and clients you've worked with. It's essential to have a portfolio that showcases your best work. One that highlights your strengths. Something that shows you're worth the prices you charge. Case Studies can help justify higher prices. Where a portfolio piece shows what you're capable of designing. Case studies illustrate the who, what, and why of the designs you created. A case study that shows how you think and approach design problems can demonstrate why you're worth your higher rates. But besides portfolios and case studies, it all comes down to confidence. You need to feel confident in the prices you charge. And that's something that can take time. However, you can get there if you slowly build up to it. The next time someone asks for a price, quote them a bit higher than the last similar project you did. And keep doing this until you reach a price point you're happy with. I charged $500 for the first website I designed. The next one was $700, then $900 and so on. Nowadays, I rarely do a custom website for under $5,000. And the clients I have respect my abilities and trust me to provide them with attention to detail that befits my professionalism. I meet the expectations of clients looking for a $5,000 and more website designer. Whether you charge higher rates or more affordable prices, the most important thing you can offer your clients is high-quality work that meets their needs and builds strong relationships. Although, if you deliver high-quality work to your clients, you might as well make a bunch of money doing it. After all, price equals expectations.
This isn't a standard episode of Resourceful Designer. Instead, I want to share two tips with you. Tip #1 Set up your Google Analytics 4 account ASAP. Google is turning on Universal Analytics on July 1st, 2023. Google has said the data collected in your UA account will not be migrated to your GA4 account. Unless you want to start again from zero, you need to set up your GA4 account now and start collecting data while you still have access to your UA information. Listen to the podcast episode to learn more. Tip #2 Never tell a client that you "Should" something. "I should be able to start your project next week, " or "I should have something to show you by Friday." etc. Instead, tell them you "plan." – "I plan to start your project next week." or "I plan on having something to show you by Friday." Saying "Should" instills doubt. It tells the client you are unsure of your abilities. Using "plan" instills confidence while not guaranteeing anything in case you cannot fulfill what you say. Using "plan" instead of "will" is also a good idea for the same reason. Planning on doing something but not succeeding is forgivable. Saying you will do something and not following through harms your reputation. Semantics can go a long way in helping you become a better business person.
Are you running or considering starting a graphic or web design business? If so, let me tell you, you're in for a wild ride! The graphic and web design industries are filled with opportunities and challenges, and understanding what to expect can be the difference between success and failure. In this Resourceful Designer episode, I'll look at some common challenges you will surely encounter. Here are four of the most common challenges you may face. Finding Clients. Finding clients is one of the most challenging aspects of running a graphic or web design business. You may be a very talented designer with the most fantastic portfolio in the world, but that doesn't do you any good if you can't get work from clients. To find clients, you'll need to focus on networking and marketing to increase your chances of success. Attend as many networking events as possible, especially when your business is young. Ask friends and family to refer you to people who can benefit from your services. Reach out to potential clients via email, social media, and other platforms. Whatever it takes. Clients can't hire you if they don't know who you are. This industry is all about connections and relationships. It's not who you know that will help you succeed. It's who knows you. Another great way to find clients is to build relationships with other designers or people in the industry. Working with other designers allows you to exchange ideas and resources and can lead to referrals and more business opportunities. Designer groups like the Resourceful Designer Community can help with this. A good client of mine reached out when his church was looking for a logo. I was in the middle of several large projects and couldn't take this on. But I knew that Ciera, a member of the Resourceful Designer Community, had shared several church branding projects she had designed. Thinking it was a perfect fit, I introduced her to my client, and now his church has a new logo they can be proud of. This is just one example from the Resourceful Designer Community of how connecting with other designers can benefit you. Finding clients is challenging, but you can make the task more manageable if you put in the effort. Staying Up-to-Date on Trends. The graphic and web design industries are constantly changing and evolving. What worked yesterday may not work today, or there may be a new and better way of doing it. You'll need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques to stay ahead. Devote time to reading graphic and web design blogs, articles and publications. Listen to podcasts and watch courses and videos. Try to attend conferences and workshops if you can afford them. Follow design influencers on social media to keep up with what's new in our field. You'll also want to stay abreast of the latest software and hardware developments. Tools and technologies are constantly changing. Take time to learn what's out there and how to use them effectively in your business. Staying up-to-date on trends will help you stay ahead of the competition and make you a more efficient designer. And allows you to provide your clients with the best possible work. Managing Time and Money. Time and money management are essential in the graphic and web design industry. You'll need to learn to manage your time to ensure you complete projects on time and within budget. This means setting realistic expectations and deadlines and charging enough for the work you produce. Don't undervalue yourself to land a client. You'll only regret it. Communicating realistic deadlines, schedules, and fair pricing with your clients will help things move smoothly. You'll also need to budget for overhead costs like software, hardware, and marketing. And don't forget the fees for design resources and subscriptions you may require. Everything from stock imagery to website hosting costs money and will eat your profit. Your monthly credit card bill shows you how much you need to make to cover the various expenses associated with running your business. You must learn how to price jobs accordingly to cover these expenses. You'll also need to manage your finances, both personally and professionally. Create a budget for yourself and your business, and track your income and expenses. You need to know how things stand if your design business income supports your business and personal expenses. Being organized and staying on top of your finances will help you remain profitable and ensure the success of your business. Finding Balance. Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be stressful and time-consuming. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, you must be conscious of the time and energy you devote to each. It's so easy when working for yourself to lose track of time and put in 12 or more hours of work in a day. Yes, hustling is part of running a business, but doing it consistently will impede your health. Schedule regular breaks during the day and week. Take vacations. Making time for yourself will help you stay motivated and productive and can even help you think up new ideas and solutions. I can't tell you how many times a winning idea came to me after stepping back from a project for a while. You'll also need to make sure you don't neglect your personal relationships. Make time for family and friends, and continue to pursue your hobbies and interests. Your business will still be there when you get back. Doing things besides design work will help you stay inspired and energized and can help you avoid burnout. The Rewards Outweigh the Challenges. Starting a graphic design business can be an exciting and rewarding experience but also challenging. Starting my design business is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Many designers have told me the same thing. To increase your chances of success, you must be prepared for the hurdles you will encounter. Finding clients, staying up-to-date on trends, managing your time and money, and finding balance are all critical aspects of running a successful graphic or web design business. Being aware of these will help make your journey easier. If you're prepared for the challenges of running your own business, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Page Redirects. I know. Sound boring, right? I mean, how much can one talk about page redirects? After all, as the name implies, they redirect one web page to another—end of the story. Not so fast. Yes, Page redirects do redirect one web page to another. But there's a lot more power to them that you may not have thought of. When used correctly, page redirects can help attract clients. They can show authority. They can strengthen a website. They can even steal visitors from the competition. Yes, there's much more to the lowly page redirect than what it lets on. And maybe you can use one of these ideas for yourself. 1) Redirect alternate domain extensions. A page redirect is used to redirect one web page to another. Those two pages don't have to be on the same domain. Page redirects can be used to redirect one domain to another. The best use of this is with domain extensions. For example. I live in Canada, and many businesses use the .ca extension for their domain. It's highly encouraged, especially for companies that deal exclusively in Canada. But we all know that .com is the most popular domain extension. When in doubt, most people try the .com first. That's why I always recommend my clients purchase multiple domains, including the .ca and .com. Then, using a redirect, they can send people who type in the .com domain to the website with the .ca extension. Or vice-versa, depending on which extension they want to use. This also prevents someone else from registering and competing with the other domain extensions. 2) Redirect alternate spellings or misspellings. Alternate spellings or misspellings are also excellent for page or site redirects. For example, a food truck business called 2 Brothers In A Food Truck wants a website. Due to the possibility of mistyping their name, they may want to register multiple domains, 2brothersinafoodtruck.com twobrothersinafoodtruck.com toobrothersinafoodtruck.com They can then pick the one they want to use and redirect the others. Here's another example. Let's say your name is Shawn Johnston. And you start a business called Shawn Johnston Consulting. While talking to people, you tell people to visit your website at shawnjohnstonconsulting.com. But how do you spell that? Is Shawn spelled S-H-A-W-N, or is it S-E-A-N? What about Johnston, is that Johnson without a T or Johnston with a T? You can spell it out every time you say it. But there's no guarantee that someone else will spell it out when referring to you. A better option is to register the multiple spellings and redirect them to the correctly spelled domain. shawnjohnsonconsulting.com > shawnjohnstonconsulting.com seanjohnsonconsulting.com > shawnjohnstonconsulting.com seanjohnstonconsulting.com > shawnjohnstonconsulting.com 3) Redirect an old site to a new site. Redirects are extremely useful when building a new website either under the same or a different domain. Every website will accumulate what we in the industry call “Google Juice” over time. Google Juice is a way to measure the SEO power of a webpage. When building a new website or changing a website's domain, you don't want to lose that accumulated Google Juice and start from scratch. If you're changing a page's URL, you want to create a 301 redirect that tells the search engines that the old page is no more, and they should now assign its Google Juice to this new page. For example, Franklin & Barton Law office may have the URL franklinandbartonlaw.com. Beth Barton gets married and changes her name to Beth Jackson. She wants to change the company's name to Franklin & Jackson Law office and the URL to franklinandjacksonlaw.com. Changing the domain on a website is fairly easy. But if they don't want to lose their current search engine rankings, they need to redirect every page URL from the old site to the new one. franklinandbartonlaw.com redirects to franklinandjacksonlaw.com franklinandbartonlaw.com/about redirects to franklinandjacksonlaw.com/about franklinandbartonlaw.com/service redirects to franklinandjacksonlaw.com/service franklinandbartonlaw.com/contact redirects to franklinandjacksonlaw.com/contact And so on for every page on the original website. This ensures the new domain retains the power of the old domain. 4) Redirect to shorten a URL. We all know that the shorter something is, the easier it is to remember. Let alone tell someone else about it. The show notes for this podcast episode can be found at the difficult-to-remember URL https://resourcefuldesigner.com/8-Uses-For-Page-Redirects-rd312. That's why I use a redirect and tell you the show notes can be found at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode312. Which one do you think is easier? Easier for me to say and easier for you to remember. And it's not only for super long URLs. The URL for the Design Resources page on Resourceful Designer is https://resourcefuldesigner.com/design_resources. But I also have a redirect so that I can say https://resourcefuldesigner.com/resources. It's only one word shorter, but it's still easier to say and remember. BTW, that page is where I list various design-related tools and resources you can use for your business. Check it out. 5) Use redirects when sending someone off-site. Instead of giving someone a different external URL, redirect them from your website. It gets them where they want to go while strengthening your brand. For example. Are you interested in joining the Resourceful Designer Facebook Group? I could tell you to visit facebook.com/groups/resourcefuldesigner, but that's wordy, and it's sending you away from my website. Instead, I have a redirect set up. If you want to join the group, visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/group. The destination is the same. But in the second one, you subconsciously associate the destination with my domain, which is never bad. 6) Use redirects for affiliate links. An affiliate link is a unique URL that, when used, informs the destination where you came from for them to pay a commission. For example, I'm an affiliate of Logo Package Express. An amazing Adobe Illustrator plugin that makes it highly efficient to package up logos to hand off to clients. If you haven't tried version 3, what are you waiting for? It's much better than version 2, which was already a great product. The link you need to use for me to receive a commission on the sale is long and complicated. It's full of numbers and symbols, making it too easy to get wrong. That's why I created a redirect of https://resourcefuldesigner.com/lpe20. Not only does that take you to the Logo Package Express purchase page, but that link also gives you 20% off the purchase price. You should do this for all your affiliate links. Want another one? Try using https://resourcefuldesigner.com/amazon. It redirects you to Amazon's website, and if you make a qualifying purchase, I earn a commission on the sale. 7) Redirect the competition. At the beginning of this episode, I mentioned how you could use redirects to steal clients from the competition. Back in tip #1, I talked about redirecting different domain extensions. In tip #2, I spoke about redirecting different spellings. And in tip #3, I talked about redirecting old sites to new ones. You can combine these three methods to steal clients from the competition. I've helped several clients do this with great success. For example. Let's say you are creating a website for a new local Mexican restaurant. There are two other Mexican restaurants in town your client is directly competing with. Check if these competing Mexican restaurants registered all the possible domain extensions. Or check if there are domains with alternative spellings available. You could help your client register and redirect them to their website if you find any. This way, should someone looking for a competitor's website type the URL wrong, there's a chance they end up on your client's website instead and decide to give them a try. I've done this for several clients over the years and have tracked hundreds of visitors landing on my client's website using these “wrong links.” As for old websites. If a competitor closes for whatever reason, you could ask to purchase their domain name or wait for it to expire and register it yourself. Then redirect it to your or your client's website and take advantage of the competitor's Google Juice by adding it to your own. 8) Create authority using redirects. Redirects are a great help when it comes to networking. Imagine these two scenarios. Scenario 1: You're at a networking event, and a new entrepreneur asks if you know of a business lawyer. You mention Beth Jackson from Franklin and Jackson Law Office. You even give them the domain franklinandjacksonlaw.com for them to contact her. Scenario 2: You're at a networking event, and a new entrepreneur asks if you know of a business lawyer. You mention Beth Jackson from Franklin and Jackson Law Office. Then you hand them your business card and point out your web address. You tell them to visit yourdomain.com/lawyer, which will redirect them to Beth's website. Which of these two scenarios sounds more genuine? Which one comes off as the better referral? I hope you're thinking of the second one. In the first scenario, the new entrepreneur has no idea about your relationship with this lawyer. For all they know, you've never dealt with them. You've only heard about them but don't know if they're good. You should be sharing their name so as not to sound naive. In the second scenario, having a link on your website redirecting to this lawyer's website shows the entrepreneur you're confident in Beth's skills. They're much more likely to trust your opinion of her. You can do this with lawyers, accountants, or any professional or service you may recommend. You establish yourself as an authority by sharing a redirect link from your website. Other benefits of using redirects. There are several benefits to using redirects beyond what I've shared with you today. Redirects are easy to track. If I shared Logo Package Express's URL, I could not know how many people use it. By sharing https://resourcefuldesigner.com/lpe20, I can see that over 500 people have used my link. I do the same for internal website links. Any time I share a past podcast episode with you and tell you to visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode#, that's a trackable link, I get to see how many people use it. Another good thing about redirects is that you can change them should the need arise. If, for some reason, you want to start referring a different lawyer, change the redirect destination of the URL you share. So where yourdomain.com/lawyer used to point to Beth Jackson, it now points to whatever new lawyer you want. This is what I do with Resourceful Designer. Suppose you ask for my recommendation on web hosting. I'll tell you to visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/hosting, which redirects you to SiteGround's website, the web host I currently recommend. Before I started using SiteGround, that URL pointed to HostGator. But I started having issues with HostGator and decided to switch to SiteGround, and I couldn't be happier. And now https://resourcefuldesigner.com/hosting redirects to SiteGround because I trust and stand behind their service. How to set up a redirect. There are several ways to create redirects. My preferred method is the PrettyLinks WordPress plugin. And to show you once again the power of the redirect. Since you use Pretty Links to create a pretty link, I set up links using both the singular and plural versions. So both https://resourcefuldesigner.com/prettylinks with an S at the end and https://resourcefuldesigner.com/prettylink without the S redirect you to the same page. Pretty Links does have a free version. But I use the premium version for the extra feature. There are other redirect plugins, but I have no experience with them. You can also create redirects by adding them to the .htaccess file of your website. However, I don't recommend doing this unless you're sure of what you're doing. It's easy to break a website when messing with the .htaccess file. If you know how to code, there are ways to create redirects using PHP or JavaScritp, but those methods are beyond my abilities. For domain redirects, most domain registrars offer free redirects. I use this to redirect different domain extensions to the one I want to use, in most cases, the .com extension. Different types of redirects. There are various types of page redirects, but you should concern yourself with only two for what I'm talking about today. 301 and 302 redirects. 301 redirects are permanent. This indicates that the URL has been moved permanently from its original URL to a different URL. You use these when redirecting a page from an old website to a new one because the old page will never be used again. 302 redirects are temporary. This indicates that the URL has temporarily moved to a different page, and the original URL may be used again later. Temporary redirects are suitable for affiliate links that may change, such as my hosting link that switched from HostGator to SiteGround. It's temporary since someday I may change it to something else. Conclusion These are just some uses for page redirects. I'm sure there are many more reasons I did not cover today. I wanted to discuss this topic to get you thinking about what you could do with redirects. I hope you'll continue to ponder this when the podcast is over. And please, let me know in the comments for this episode if you have different uses for page redirects. I would love to hear them.
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 52, How A Great About Page Can Attract Design Clients. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode52
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 202, S.W.A.T. Analysis For Designers. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode202
Monetizing Your Design Skills: Making money without clients. Do you dread interacting with clients? Have you ever considered monetizing your design skills to make money without working for clients? Since starting Resourceful Designer in 2015, I've received many emails from designers worldwide seeking advice. People have sought my opinion on everything from naming their design business to my thoughts on specific tools. The most popular questions I'm asked are about working with clients. It turns out, which should be no surprise, that many designers are introverted. And in some cases, these introverted designers have anxiety when dealing with clients. I can't tell you how many people say they want to start their own design business, but dealing with clients is holding them back. I've said it before, and I'll repeat it. Working for yourself as a home-based designer, or as some people call it, a freelance designer isn't for everyone. It takes a particular ability, personality and willpower to run your own business. And not everyone has what it takes. There's no shame if you don't fit that mould. You can have a long and prosperous career working for someone else. Besides, working for someone else is usually less stressful than working for yourself. But what happens when a designer reluctant to interact with clients starts their own business? Maybe they do it willingly, knowing their shortcomings. Or perhaps they're forced due to no fault of their own. Such as after a layoff? Either way, these designers need to make money now and working for themself is their only option. These designers have three choices. Temporarily push through their anxiety while searching for a job working for someone else. Face their fears and learn to interact with clients. Monetize their design skills and find a way to make money without working with clients. It's the third way I want to discuss today. Putting your design skills to work for yourself instead of for clients. Let me preface this by saying most of the things I will mention take time. Working on client projects is your best option if you need money soon. But let's say you do have time. Or, you want a way to supplement the income you get working with clients. Perhaps in the hopes of one day being able to forgo client work. What can you do? 11 Ways to monetize your design skills and earn money without working for clients. There are several ways you can monetize your graphic design skills and can make money without working for clients. Here are 11 I came up with that you could try: 1) Design premade layouts, templates and design assets. Suppose you like making logos, icons, and other graphics. Or you enjoy creating layouts for business cards, resumes, and social media posts but don't like dealing with clients. Why not create and sell them on marketplaces such as Creative Market or Etsy? There's a massive market out there for premade layouts and graphics. What's great about this is that once you create them, they can be sold multiple times, providing a passive income stream with little effort. Are you familiar with Cricut machines? They're becoming more and more popular. People use them for everything from creating custom birthday cards to printed t-shirts. Many Cricut owners rely on premade designs for their creations. I know one designer whose entire income is from selling Cricut designs on Etsy. 2) Selling merchandise via print-on-demand. As a designer, you can create graphics for merchandise such as t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, tote bags, etc. You then sell them through online print-on-demand platforms such as Redbubble, Zazzle, Society6 or TeeSpring. I have many designs across several P.O.D. platforms that earn me monthly money. 3) Create a course or write a book. Are you particularly good with specific software programs, or perhaps there's a particular design topic you know a lot about? Why not create and sell a course on platforms such as Udemy or Skillshare and teach others what you know? The same goes for design-related books. It's so easy these days to self-publish a book or ebook and sell it on platforms such as Amazon Kindle. Put your skills and knowledge to use in helping others. Once the product is created and marketed, it can continue to sell for years to come, providing passive income. 4) Sell stock photography, illustrations, graphics, videos and more. Have you considered selling stock Images? There's a massive demand for stock photography, illustrations, graphics, video and more. This is similar to the premade layouts and templates I mentioned earlier. Put your creative skills to use and come up with all sorts of designs and concepts you can sell online. If you're good at working with video, there are plenty of opportunities to earn income by creating YouTube intros and transitions where all someone has to do is add their logo to an existing file. Once your creations are licensed, you can earn money from them without additional effort. Shutterstock, iStock, Envato and many other stock platforms are always looking for new items to add to their catalogue. Why can't they be yours? 5) Create a typeface. The funny thing about typefaces is that no matter how many are out there, there's always room for one more. Tools and resources are available to help you develop typefaces of your own. Then it's just a matter of selling it on the many online font sources. 6) Sponsorships, Affiliates and Advertising. Share your knowledge through a blog, podcast or YouTube channel. Then monetize it through sponsorships, affiliates and advertising. That's what I do with this podcast. I'm an affiliate for many of the products I mention and make a small commission any time someone purchases one using my link. And I recently had a sponsorship deal with StickerMule where they paid me to talk about their product. The more you put yourself out there, the more people trust you and your recommendations. 7) Create an authority website. Are you a web designer with a passion for something other than design? Maybe it's motorcycles, woodworking or field hockey? Why not use your web design skills by creating an authority site on that topic? Combined with affiliate links and advertising, you can earn a good income. Check out sites like nichepursuits.com or authorityhacker.com to learn how. 8) Create and sell mobile apps or games. If you know how to program, you could put your skills to work creating apps. Who knows, maybe you can create the next Angry Birds or Wordle and make a lot of money. 9) Develop a plugin or extension. Put your coding skills to use and develop a website plugin or software extension people will use. Look at Michael Bruny-Groth. He's a designer who got tired of gathering all the logo variations to give to clients. He saw a problem and came up with Logo Package Express as a solution. Arguably one of the best Adobe Illustrator Extensions to come out in years. It's now his primary source of income. 10) Website layouts and themes. There's a lucrative market for website layouts and themes. Whether they're stand-alone or for use with page builders such as Divi or Elementor. Marketplaces such as ThemeForest or TemplateMonster always look for new products to sell. Not everyone that needs a website can hire a designer. Many of them rely on pre-built layouts and themes. If you have the skills, why not give it a try? 11) Offer your services in online design marketplaces: Even though designers don't like talking about them, there's no arguing that people are making money on marketplaces such as Upwork, Fiverr or 99designs. You earn income from the design projects you complete. This one is a bit on the fence since you are doing client work. But the interaction is very minimal, which even the most anxious introvert should be able to handle. What are you waiting for? So there you have it. Eleven ways you can monetize your design skills without working with clients. It's worth noting that while these methods can provide a passive income, they often require a significant amount of time and effort to establish. Still, once you have established a reputation or built an audience, they can generate passive income for years. Do you have another way you're using your design skills while not working for clients? I would love to hear about it. Leave a comment for this episode at https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode311
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 61, 12 Random Graphic Design Tips. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode61
I had a conversation with a business coach recently. And he told me that no matter how innovative business people become, he keeps seeing the same issue crop up over and over that holds them back from their full potential. They're looking for solutions without problems. It's one of the biggest hurdles he faces with his coaching clients. I'll share his insights in a minute. But before that, I want to talk to you about technology. We live in an amazing time. As I write this, people use tools such as artificial intelligence to create previously undreamed things. Respected media outlets publish articles generated using automated technologies. And they acknowledged the fact with a disclaimer that the article was written by AI and edited by a human. Earlier this week, I needed an illustration for a design project. Instead of turning to stock imagery or hiring an illustrator, I used an AI Art generator to create the individual elements I required. Then I combined them in Photoshop to create the illustrated scene I needed. It makes me wonder what the future holds and how I can embrace it for my business. And I don't just mean artificial intelligence. Visit a site like AppSumo, and you will see dozens of innovative tools to help you achieve amazing things. Advancements in technology, both AI and otherwise, allow people to reach heights they would have never dreamed of. It seems that no matter what problems you face. There are tools on the market to help you overcome them. For the right price, of course. It's a fantastic time to be an entrepreneur. However, this abundance of available tools can also be a roadblock. Back to that business coach. He told me about his experience dealing with his clients and discussing it with other business coaches. He's noticed a recurring issue holding a lot of business people back. He said that many people have a terrible habit of finding solutions to problems they're not facing. And it takes up so much of their time that they should be spending more effectively on their business. Call it FOMO or Shiny Object Syndrome, but many people become enthralled with the abundance of tools available. The marketing of these tools makes them so desirable that you have to have them even if you don't currently need them. I know I'm guilty of this. I look at my AppSumo purchase history and see many “great deals” I bought and never used. I purchased them with the best intentions, but, as the business coach said, I purchased a solution to a problem I wasn't facing. Don't get me wrong. I'm not dissing AppSumo. I love the platform. I've bought many tools from them that I use regularly. And just because there are some I don't use doesn't mean they aren't great tools. People spend a lot of time and effort developing these tools because there is a need for them. Just not a need that I have. All of these tools were created to solve one problem or another. However, the possibility of one day facing said problems is not reason enough to waste time and money on a tool. No matter how enticing it is. This reminds me of a couple of episodes I did several years ago about Just In Time Learning. Episode 8 and Episode 94 if you're interested. The premise of Just In Time Learning is only to learn something when you require knowing it. There's no reason to watch a Photoshop tutorial on adding woodgrain to type if you don't have a project that calls for a font with woodgrain. You may be saying, but knowing how to add woodgrain to a font might be helpful. And I can't disagree with you. However, it's just as beneficial knowing there is a tutorial, should you ever need it. So bookmark it, or save it to watch later. Suppose you watch the tutorial video now when you don't need it. You'll probably end up watching it again when you do. So why not wait until you need it to watch it and use your time now for something better? That's the premise of Just In Time Learning. And it's the same thing with these tools I'm talking about. Why buy a tool on the off chance you may need it someday? Or why buy something that sounds amazing if you're not currently facing the problem it solves? For example. There's no sense in researching the best client management software if you only have a handful of clients to manage. Wait until your clients become too numerous and tedious to manage using your current method, and then research available solutions. Because that sparkly new system that looks so enticing today may be replaced by something better when you need it, even a lifetime deal is a waste of money if it doesn't help you now. So think hard before you purchase your next tool. Just because it's a great deal is not reason enough to buy it. Anyway, this business coach told me that he's seeing more and more people searching for “that right tool” instead of concentrating on what they should be doing—running their business. He told me there are only three tools businesses need to succeed. And they're the same three tools enterprises have used for ages. A to-do list A calendar A way to take notes That's it. Think about it. With these three tools, you can run a successful design business. Of course, I'm leaving things out like the Adobe programs or WordPress. Yes, you may require these tools, but they're used to perform your work as a designer, not to run your business. To run your business, all you need are... A to-do list To keep track of the projects and tasks you're working on and the things you need to do. I use Plutio to manage my design projects and AnyList to manage all my other to-do lists. A calendar To keep track of appointments, schedules, deadlines, and other important dates and times. Every computer system available has a built-in calendar you can use. I use iCan myself. But you can use whatever calendar you wish. A way to take notes To keep track of things, so you don't forget anything. My life is organized in Evernote. With these three tools, you can run a successful business. The proof is in every business dating back hundreds of years. Long before Artificial Intelligence, the internet, or even the phone. Savvy business people relied on these three things to run and grow their businesses. I'm trying to say that you work hard for the money you earn. There's no reason to spend it needlessly on tools that solve a problem you're not currently facing. And who knows, if you face that problem in the future, a newer or less expensive tool may be available. And you'll have a good reason to buy it then. I enjoyed my conversation with this business coach. It made me think of the tools I use and, more importantly, those I don't use. And the money I wasted on them. And made me cognisant of how I'll act in the future. So the next time you see a great deal on something, or you're mesmerized by the flashing marketing on some new innovative tool. Take a step back and ask yourself... Am I burdened with the problem this tool solves? If you have to think about your answer, or if your answer is not an immediate yes, I'm facing that problem now. Then save your money and get back to work. You'll thank me later. My Voice-Over Guy. The amazing Wayne Henderson of MediaVoiceOvers.com performs the Resourceful Designer podcast intros. Wayne is available to help you with any voice-over work you require.
Please fill out my survey and help me determine the future of Resourceful Designer. https://resourcefuldesigner.com/2023
A look back at 2022 and a look ahead to 2023. Thank you for your continued interest in Resourceful Designer. You have no idea how much I appreciate you. Many great resources are available for learning and growing as a designer, and I'm humbled that you chose to spend a bit of your valuable time with me. I am continuing my annual tradition. This last podcast episode of 2022 is my Look Back, Look Ahead edition. It's where I reflect and share my year as a design business owner. Then I'll look ahead at what I want to accomplish in 2023. A Look Back at my 2022 goals. At the end of 2021, I set these goals for myself. FAIL: Talk at more conferences. Even though we were on the downslope of the pandemic, I chose not to travel in 2022. Therefore I wasn't able to talk at any conferences. I also made the decision not to speak at any virtual conferences. I've presented at virtual conferences and found the return wasn't worth the time commitment to prepare and give my talk. EVEN: Grow the Resourceful Designer podcast audience. Since the pandemic hit in 2020, my podcast listenership has dropped, but the total number of downloads has increased. I attribute this to older listeners giving up on the podcast while new listeners discover it and download multiple episodes. ACCOMPLISHED: Grow the Resourceful Designer Community. The Community is my pride and joy. One day, when I'm no longer doing the podcast, I'll look back at everything I did with Resourceful Designer, and I'm sure the Community will be my proudest accomplishment. The friendships formed and all the freely given help is more than I could have ever hoped. If you're looking for camaraderie with fellow designers and are not a Community member, I highly suggest you check it out. ACCOMPLISHED: Do more consulting work. Several clients paid for my consulting service, both in and outside the podcast space. I added podcast brand audit as a service under Podcast Branding which brought in several consulting clients. ACCOMPLISHED: Grow Podcast Branding. What started as an offshoot of my main design business has become my main business focus. Podcast Branding is earning me more money than my main business ever has, with much less effort. Some of my numbers from 2022 Resourceful Designer I released 30 podcast episodes. The lowest in a calendar year since I launched the podcast. As my Podcast Branding business increases, it's become harder to make the time to produce the podcast. It reached over 710k total episode downloads in 2022. That's an 80k increase over last year. Resourceful Designer released on Gaana, Boommplay, Deezer, JioSaavn and Resso. Resourceful Designer has listeners in 120 countries around the world. My design business NOTE: I didn't actively promote my design business in 2022. Instead, I concentrated on growing my other business, Podcast Branding. I continued working with existing clients but made no effort to attract new ones. Worked on 43 design projects for 22 different clients (one fewer client than in 2021) Gained one new client in 2022. I lost one client due to closure. I sent out 27 invoices in 2022 (down from 41 in 2021) Revenue increased over 2021. Podcast Branding My Podcast Branding business was my moneymaker this year. Worked on 66 different projects for 47 different clients (more projects but fewer clients than in 2021) Revenue increased by 27% compared to 2021. Primarily due to websites. Launched 12 new websites for clients. (up from 9 in 2021) I appeared as a guest on three podcasts to discuss podcast artwork and websites, increasing my exposure. Podcasters hired me for projects outside the podcast space. A Look Ahead at my 2023 goals. My previous goals will continue to carry over in the new year. Continue to grow the Resourceful Designer Community. Concentrate more on Podcast Branding and so forth. New Goal for 2023. Create new partnerships to grow what I offer at Podcast Branding. Expand the Resourceful Designer Community to include even more offerings than now. Do more consulting work. Explore video as a content platform for Resourceful Designer and Podcast Branding. Increase the number of website clients on my web maintenance plan. What about you? Did you accomplish your goals for 2022, and What are your goals for the new year? Are you a student getting ready to graduate? What are your goals once school is over? Are you still relatively new to the design world? What are your goals for honing your skills? Are you a veteran designer like I am? What are your goals for continued growth? Are you a designer working for someone else? Maybe you enjoy your job; perhaps you don't. Either way, what are your future goals? Or perhaps you're already a home-based designer, a freelancer if that's the term you use; what goals do you have to grow your business? Wherever you are in the world, your skill level, and your situation, please take some time to look back at 2022 and think about your accomplishments and shortcomings. Did you stop after your accomplishments? Or did you plow through them, happy with yourself but reaching even further? What about your shortcomings? Did they discourage you or create a sense of want even higher than before? Think about what prevented you from reaching those goals. So long, 2022. As 2022 comes to an end. I encourage you to reflect. Think about everything you've learned. Your struggles, the things you fell short on (be it your fault or just the state of the world) and your accomplishments. And come up with a plan to make 2023 your year of success. I once heard a saying: “It's easier to know where you're going if you know where you've been.” This aptly applies to growing a design business. Knowing and reflecting on where you came from will help you get to where you want to be. To help with your planning, perhaps you should listen to episode 55 of the podcast, Setting Goals For Your Design Business. These past few years have been tough on all of us. I hope that we never have to endure something like this ever again. But you know that old saying, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Remember the lessons from these past few years, and use everything you've learned to make 2023 and future years even better. I'll be back in 2023 with more advice for starting and growing your design business. Until then, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. And, of course, no matter what goals you set for yourself in the new year, always remember to Stay Creative. What are your goals for 2023? Let me know by leaving a comment for this episode.
Before I start, let me preface this by saying I am not an expert in AI-Generated Art. These platforms are still in their infancy, and nobody knows what the future holds for them or their effect on the graphic design industry, but I doubt they'll ever replace graphic designers. I've experimented with various platforms, read articles, and watched videos. I've seen both sites of the debate argued. Some people don't see AI-Art as a threat to our industry, while others are all doom and gloom, saying designers should start applying to work at McDonald's as flipping burgers will soon become more lucrative than designing things. I don't see AI-Generated art as a threat to the graphic design industry. And I'll get to why in a bit. However, I'm not so sure about artists and illustrators. If that's your profession, I suggest you pay close attention to how AI-generated art matures, as it will affect those creative people much more than it will designers. As I said, I'm no expert here. And these AI Art Generators are evolving fast. So what I say today may change soon. Who knows? I also haven't tried all the various platforms nor used the ones I have tried to their fullest potential. So some of what I say today may be wrong. If that's the case, if you know something I don't, please reach out to me at feedback@resourcefuldesigner.com. I would love to be educated more on the subject. First, a story. Before I begin my discussion on AI-Generated Artwork, I want to tell you a story that will help put my beliefs into perspective. I entered the three-year Graphic Design program at my local college in 1989. The first two years were spent learning and applying design principles to our projects. We learnt things like design history, colour theory, using grids, layout hierarchy, typography and more. And we were taught the different tools of the trade, most of which are no longer in use and are considered archaic by today's standards. It wasn't until our third year, once we were familiar and comfortable with what being a graphic designer was, that we were granted access to the computer lab. Computers were still new to the industry back then, and very few design agencies used them. When I started working at the print shop after graduation, the first two years of my employment were spent designing everything by hand before I convinced the owner to invest in Macintosh computers. I don't remember what year it was, but during school, a few of my classmates and I made a trip to Toronto for a graphic design trade show. It was the largest show of its kind in Canada and the third largest in North America. All the big names were there, including Adobe, Quark, and Microsoft, to name a few. I remember overhearing a conversation between two design agency owners at a demonstration put on by Adobe. They were talking about the introduction of computers to the design industry. Both were concerned that computers would harm the design industry by minimizing what they considered a particular skill set, that of a graphic designer. To them, computers took the “Art” out of being a “Graphic Artist.” With today's mindset, It's kind of crazy to think that back then, design agency owners thought computers would harm our industry. You can easily argue that computers have made the industry better. Having lived through that period, I can tell you that even though computers didn't harm our industry, they did change it. Drastically, in fact. QuarkXpress, Photoshop and Illustrator replaced the standard tools of the trade, such as wax machines, no-repro blu pencils and Letraset rub-on type. And I know a few designers who left the profession because they couldn't grasp the use of computers. So computers were introduced, the industry evolved, and the graphic design industry persevered. Microsoft Publisher Fast forward a few years, and personal computers are becoming more popular, with Windows-based machines outselling Apple. And Microsoft released a program called Microsoft Publisher that introduced an affordable means for anyone with a computer to “design” their material. Quark and Adobe software costs thousands of dollars which weren't feasible for most people. But Microsoft made Publisher affordable. And what do you think happened? The graphic design industry started to panic. With “design” software now available to the masses, designers would lose their jobs. But you know what? Microsoft Publisher was introduced, and some people changed their thinking about design, yet the graphic design industry persevered. WordPress. Around that same time, an innovation emerged called the World Wide Web. Businesses started embracing the idea of having a website—a way for people to find them over the internet. Computer programmers created the first websites. They were functional but lacked design aesthetics. And graphic designers worldwide took notice and realized an opportunity to apply their skills to something other than paper. Some learned to code, while others embraced WYSIWYG software, allowing them to build websites without coding. A whole new side of the design industry was created. And then WordPress arrived. This new platform allowed people to build websites using pre-built templates called Themes. The arrival of WordPress sent web designers into a panic. If people could build websites using a pre-built template, our design skills would no longer be needed. WordPress was going to kill the web design industry. But you know what? WordPress stuck around, designers evolved and changed their view of the platform, and the graphic design industry persevered. I'd say most web designers these days design using WordPress. 99 Designs. Fast forwards another few years, and 99designs is introduced to the world. For a small fee, clients could submit a design brief to the platform, and multiple designers would compete by submitting their designs and hoping the client chose theirs. The selected designer would win the contest and be paid for their work. The others received nothing. 99Designs was all the talk back then. It was an industry killer. Why would anyone pay hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to a single graphic designer when they could pay a much smaller fee and have multiple designers compete for them? Many designers worldwide tried to offset this intruder by lowering their rates, hoping to lure clients back from the dark side. But you know what? Designers quickly learned that to attract clients, they needed to sell the value and the relationship of working with them, not just the design deliverables. Because the designers on 99Designs didn't care about the client, they only cared about the subsequent contest they could enter. In fact, 99Designs helped weed out the most undesirable clients making it easier for the rest of us to grow. The graphic design industry persevered. Fiverr. Not long after that, Fiverr was launched, putting our industry into another tailspin. Whereas a design from 99Designs might cost $100 or more. Fiverr's claim to fame was that all tasks were only $5. It didn't matter if you need a logo, a poster, a web banner, or a booklet. Everything was $5. How was a graphic designer supposed to compete with that? The design industry was doomed. And yet, 12 years after its launch, Fiverr is still around. However, nowadays, people on the platform are charging much higher than $5, and graphic designers worldwide are still thriving despite the “competition” of Fiverr. The graphic design industry persevered. Adobe Creative Cloud In 2013 Adobe launched Creative Cloud, replacing their Creative Suite platforms. Whether you like the subscription model or not, there's no arguing that Adobe changed the creative landscape when it introduced Creative Cloud. Software that had previously cost thousands of dollars to own was now available at an affordable monthly rate, making programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign, the bread and butter of most people in the design industry, accessible to the masses. Designers were no longer a unique breed with our special tools. Adobe opened the floodgates. Now anyone who wanted to tinker with their programs could do so. This created a whole new breed of graphic designers who lacked formal education. Even kids as early as kindergarten started learning Photoshop. For all our education and skills, being a designer didn't seem as prestigious as it once was. Clients would no longer need our expertise since anyone with a computer could be a “designer.” And the industry started to panic. But you know what? Giving people access to tools doesn't make them an expert. Clients appreciate the years of dedication and knowledge we have when it comes to design. It shows in the work we produce. So even though these tools were available to everyone, the graphic design industry persevered. Canva. A couple of years later, Canva emerged. It was touted as yet another graphic design killer. Canva not only makes it easy to create beautifully designed materials, but you can use it for free if you don't want to pay for their premium offerings. And there's a lot you can do on the free plan. Whenever you see a social media or forum post where someone inquires about hiring a graphic designer, you will find at least one comment suggesting they do it themselves on Canva. Did Canva steal potential clients from designers? Yes, it did. But did it kill our industry? Far from it. I'll argue that Canva made clients appreciate us more. I've had numerous people hire me after dabbling in Canva and realizing their creations lack that professional touch. So even Canva, the closest thing to a design industry killer, hasn't made that much of a dent in our industry. We still persevere. BTW, Canva recently announced their own incorporated AI Art generator. There will always be new design industry killers. It seems like something new comes out every few years, making designers panic. Do these things affect some designers? I'm sure they do. Just like everything else, there will be some people affected. But none of these things have made an impact on our industry. Or at least not in the way the nay-sayers believed they would. You can almost argue that these things have made our industry better. Can you imagine what it would be like if computers were never introduced? Or WordPress? And I'm sure many freelancers couldn't afford thousands of dollars for Adobe's software if they hadn't switched to a subscription model. This mentality dates back to Guttenburg's invention of the printing press. I'm sure caligraphers of the time panicked that this new invention would ruin their industry. But graphic design perseveres. The only people it ruins are those unwilling to evolve with the times. Now back to AI-Generated Art. By this point, you probably know my stance on AI-Generated Art. This innovation may seem like an industry killer. But only if you allow it to affect you. I see Artificial Intelligence as another opportunity for our industry to evolve. It's up to us to embrace these tools as just that, tools. I already see designers putting AI-Generators to good use. Katie, a Resourceful Designer community member, recently shared how she needed an abstract pattern for a background of a design she was creating. Instead of searching for a stock image or making one herself, she turned to AI. She told it what she wanted, and it produced something she could use. Katie also used it as inspiration for an annual report project. She asked it to produce a report cover design using blue and yellow triangles. It gave her a few options that she used as inspiration to create something herself. And these are just a couple of examples. As for creating full designs using AI, I think the technology is still a long way off. And no matter how good it gets, it will never be able to replicate the emotions we designers bring to a project or the empathy we feel towards our clients. I like to meet every client I work with. If I can't meet them face to face, I at least want to get on a video call. I do this because I want to get to know them. I want to see their personality and understand how they act and think. Because these things will help influence my design decisions. No artificial intelligence can do that. At least, as far as I know. And that's why AI will never replace a live graphic designer. And don't forget relationships. How often have I stressed the importance of building relationships with your clients over the years? Not only does it help you understand your clients better, which allows you to design better things for them. But relationships build loyalty. It keeps clients coming back to you, regardless of your price. AI-Generated Art has limitations. At this point. I see too many limitations with AI-generated design to affect us as an industry. Since every piece of generated art is uniquely created, it's tough to replicate should you need to. Say you're working on a marketing campaign and need several images. You ask an AI-Generator to create an illustration of a rocket ship flying through space, and it produces something you like. But now you need a different image of the same rocket ship landing on the moon. And maybe another of it returning to Earth. Every time you enter a prompt in an AI Generator, it creates a unique image, so there's no way to ask it to use the same rocket ship in future creations. The rocket ship will look different in each image. Even the style of art might look different. Plus, these prompts, the instructions you type into the generator telling it what to create, are very subjective. These two prompts “An elderly man is sitting on a park bench feeding pigeons.” “An old man is feeding pigeons in a part while sitting on a bench.” To you and me, they both mean the same thing. But to the AI, they could be vastly different. How does artificial intelligence interpret “elderly man” vs. “old man”? The smallest detail can drastically affect the output. Also, from what I can tell, It's tough, if not impossible, to adjust an image. Say you like the AI-generated photo of a woman sitting on a chair with a cat on her lap. But you decide you want it to be a dog instead. None of the systems I tried would let you make that sort of change. The best I could do was change the word “cat” to “dog” and rerun my prompt, producing a new batch of images with different women and chairs. There was no way I was getting the same woman in the second set of images. Again, maybe this is possible, but I couldn't see it. Conclusion All of this to say. Don't panic. There are people out there leaning on both sides of the fence. Some say our industry is doomed, while others say we have nothing to fear. I'm just one voice. But I don't think we have anything to worry about. And I have the history I just shared with you backing me up. Fiverr, Canva, WordPress, Creative Cloud. These “design industry killers” are now part of my design toolbox. Instead of taking work away from me, they allow me to do better work and do it more efficiently. I see AI-Generated Art as no different. I plan on embracing it and using it in any way I can. And don't forget—no matter what new “things” come out. Clients will always appreciate what a good designer can do for them. You can be that designer.
Scan the news these days, and you'd be hard-pressed not to come across a story about price increases. The price of gas has gone up. Rents are increasing, and groceries are at an all-time high. It's depressing, I know. But that's the world we live in. And your business should be no different. At some point, you'll have to raise your rates if you want to remain solvent. The one benefit of inflation is that people are getting used to price increases. So it won't be as much of a shock when you announce you're raising your rates. Be that as it may, you still want to do it the best way possible to soften the blow for your clients. So what's the best way to announce a price increase to your clients? Let me share some methods with you, along with some points that will make the task easier for you and make your clients more receptive to the news. Signs you should increase your prices. Before I get to how to increase prices, here are four signs indicating it's time for you to increase your rates. 1) Your operating costs are increasing. As the cost of subscriptions, software and other expenses go up. You need to raise your rates to offset the economy's effect on your business. 2) You're consistently busy. Suppose you have an abundance of projects that never seems to end. Or you find yourself turning down work because you don't have time for it. Raising your rates can help you offset things and enable you to engage the help of subcontractors to ease the burden. 3) You're prices are too low. Some clients won't take you seriously if your prices are too low. If you want to attract a higher level of clientele, you need to raise your rates. 4) You've increased your value. Over time, you'll gain experience and knowledge. As the value you offer increases, so should your prices. So now that you've deiced to raise your rates. Here's how to inform your clients of the price increase. Keep it short. Announcing a price increase is a serious matter, and you want to ensure your clients take notice. Keep it short and to the point, if you tell your clients via email. There's no reason to include any fluff or to go into the philosophy behind the price increase. If possible, announce the increase alongside more pleasant news, such as new or improved services you're offering. It will help soften the blow. And make sure you give the clients a way to contact you should they want to discuss your new rates. Tell only affected clients. Nobody likes to hear about price increases, even if they don't affect you directly. You may not be in the market for a new car, but hearing about rising automobile prices still leaves a bad taste in your mouth and may even affect your perception of the various auto manufacturers. Don't give your clients a reason to think negatively about you. If you're increasing the price of a business startup package you offer, there's no reason to notify already established businesses because it doesn't affect them. Suppose the price of your website hosting and maintenance is going up. Notify the clients already paying for your plan. There's no reason for you to tell clients whose websites you are not maintaining since it doesn't affect them. If you're raising your hourly rate, only notify those clients you charge by the hour. And there's no reason to notify clients of a price increase if you're not currently working on a project for them. They'll find out the next time you give them a quote. Only notify affected clients of these price increases. And if this means advising different clients about price increases for various services, so be it. Send out one letter to your web maintenance clients. Another note to your retainer clients. Another to your hourly rate clients, and so forth. Ensure your clients are notified only about the price increases affecting them. Don't give your clients a reason to think negatively about you if your price increase doesn't affect them. Give clients enough of a warning. The more time you give a client to accept and adjust to new prices, the better. Clients will resent a sudden price increase far more than a price increase that will occur in the future. The more time they're given to think about it, the easier it will be for them to accept the increase. Don't forget some clients may require time to adjust their budgets. More prominent companies may need approval from higher up the corporate ladder. The idea is to give clients time to come to terms with your higher rates. And if you're worried about losing clients due to a price increase, remember that it's much easier for them to pay your higher rates than finding someone new to deal with. The chances of losing clients are slim. But should it happen, the increased revenue you'll now receive from your other clients should make up for it. Giving enough warning also allows clients to place new orders before your prices go up. Don't make excuses or apologize for a price increase. Notifying your clients of a price increase is not the time to sugarcoat things. Be confident and direct, and inform them plainly that your rates are increasing. Be as straightforward as possible. Say your prices are increasing. Don't say you're adjusting your prices or bringing them in line with your services. This will only confuse your clients. They all know what an increase means. Do be empathetic with them. Tell your clients you appreciate their business. Thank them, and let them know it's because of them you've been able to grow. Show your clients that your appreciation for them goes beyond the money they spend with you. Justify your price increase. Justifying the reason behind your price increase gives the client something to understand and relate to. It shows your clients that your decision to raise prices isn't only to increase your revenue. They'll appreciate your transparency and will be more open to the change. Explain in your own words why you're raising your rates. Don't use jargon or corporate speak. Be specific without going into too much detail. Have you increased or improved the services you offer? Have you undergone any new training or acquired new equipment or software that will improve overall results? Have your existing tools increased costs, causing you to raise yours? Explain the increase in a way that highlights the value to your client and ties the price increase to the benefits they'll receive by continuing to work with you. After all, if they now have to pay you more, it would be nice for them to know why your rates have gone up. Remind clients of your value. Your clients initially chose to work with you for a reason. Now's a good time to remind them of that decision and what they can expect from you. You may want to offer your clients a deal as an added value to accompany your price increase. You could offer them more deliverables along with the increase. Such as adding social media banners to your business startup package or free domain registration with your website maintenance plan. For example, you could offer a free month of your website maintenance plan. Your prices are increasing for everyone on your maintenance plan. But as a long-time valued client, you can offer them the first month for free. Small incentives will soften the blow associated with the increased expense. Ensure your clients feel appreciated. First off, personalize your email. Don't write one email to send to all clients. Personalize your message by referencing the client and the work you do for them. Explain the value the client is getting, not the pain points you and your business are experiencing. Higher prices should either mean better value for them. Or give you the ability to maintain the same high quality they've come to expect from you. You could even offer them a deal to lock in current prices for a fixed period. Prices are going up next month, but you can lock in the current price for the next six months if you pay in advance. Whenever possible, inform your clients of a price increase in person or over the phone. They'll appreciate the personal dedication and feel better about paying the new rate. Keep your clients happy while notifying them of a price increase. You've worked hard to be where you are today. And you deserve to be financially compensated for what you do. You're only doing yourself a disservice if you don't raise your rates. Announcing a price increase is never fun. But following the tips I provided should make it easier to communicate the change to your clients and ease the transition for them. Get what you deserve. You're worth it.
One of the perks of running your own design business is the freedom it provides. You have nobody to answer to but yourself. Ok, sure, there are the clients. You do have to answer to them, to a degree. But it's your business, so you can dictate how you respond to them. If you don't want to work Friday afternoons, you can take them off. Nobody is stopping you if you want to try a new design technique or different software. And you get to decide how much you charge for your services and can change your rate any time you like. The freedom of working for yourself is one of, if not the main reason people choose the life of, and I'm going to say it, even though I disagree with the term, the life of a freelancer. It felt dirty just writing that. Want to know why? Listen to episode 17 of the podcast titled “Being a Freelance Graphic Designer Could Hurt Your Business.” It will make you rethink calling yourself a freelancer. But where was I? Ah, yes, the freedom of running your own design business. For many of us, it's the ultimate dream. I will never work for an employer again. And I know many who feel the same. But, just because you're working for yourself, running your own business, doesn't mean you've made it. I hate to burst your bubble, but the purpose of every business is to grow. A business that doesn't grow will eventually fail. Many business studies have proven this. And your business will never grow to its full potential because of one thing holding it back. And that one thing is you. Yes, without you, there wouldn't be a business. However, you are also one of your business's most significant liabilities. How can that be? It's because of your limitations. Your limitations may include skills you lack. It may be a lack of time, the time to do things or learn things. Your knowledge may be limiting you. You can't expect to know everything. Or it could be any number of things. Don't feel bad. I'm not singling you out. Everyone has limitations. What will help your business grow is knowing your limitations and finding a way to overcome them. And one of the best ways for business owners to overcome their limitations is by working with people who offset those limitations. In other words. Your business will grow when you learn to outsource and hire subcontractors to do what you can't or shouldn't do. I know this may seem like a foreign concept. The whole point of going at it alone is just that, to be alone. But being alone will only get you so far. You need a team if you want to grow beyond your limited capabilities. I speak from experience. I ran my design business for several years, all by myself. In my mind, it was my business. Therefore I had to do everything myself. My clients were hiring me, after all. I didn't take on the project if a client asked for something I couldn't do. I was limiting my growth. I once turned down a $50,000 website project because I wasn't confident in my skills with PHP and MySQL. I kick myself to this day for that one. But I couldn't do it, so I said no. And I kept at it, Trudging away, taking on only the projects I could do and passing on the ones I couldn't. At the time, I was making decent money and thought I was doing well. But my business wasn't growing. Year after year, my income was pretty much the same. It wasn't going up as needed for growth. I had reached what I like to call now, my solo limit. I could only take my business so far on my own. I didn't know it then, but I was holding my business back. It wasn't until I started reading more business books and listening to business-related podcasts that I realized that most successful entrepreneurs don't work alone. They have a team that works with them to accomplish their business goals and help them grow. If I wanted my business to grow, I would have to build a team. Now I didn't jump in with both feet and hire a bunch of people. I took it slow. The first job I outsourced was when I ran into an issue with a client's e-commerce website. I wasn't sure how to handle the problem. Given enough time, I could probably fix it, but I had no idea where to start or how long it would take. Instead of spending hours researching and troubleshooting it myself. I hired a sub-contractor online who was an expert in that e-commerce platform and paid them to fix it for me. It cost me $100 for what I'm sure would have taken me an entire day's work to accomplish, if not more. Plus, I could charge my client a premium fee for the fix and profit from it. That's the case with most contractors. Sure, you have to pay them, but you mark up that expense and make a profit when you charge your client. So there's no downside to paying a contractor. That was my first experience in hiring a sub-contractor. And it was such a good experience that I started looking for other ways outsourcing to subcontractors could help me. Fast forward several years, and now I have an expanded team of contractors I can turn to for all sorts of situations. And through them, I've almost tripled my income compared to my pre-outsourcing days. I removed myself as a liability to my business by hiring people to help me. Building your outsourcing team. To clarify, I'm not referring to employees when I say hire. I've never had an employee, so I can't help you with that. I'm talking about hiring subcontractors. These are people you outsource work to on an as-needed basis. When a situation arises where you require help, you hire someone for the task. You'll work with some contractors regularly, and some you'll only work with once or twice. You should constantly look for people to add to your team. When you meet or hear of someone with a particular skill, file away that information for when you need it. This team you're forming is just for you. You don't even have to tell the people on your team that they're part of it. They'll find out when you hire them. All you're doing is building a personal database of people whose skills may be helpful someday. That's your outsourcing team. What subcontractors can you hire? So what kind of subcontractors can you hire for your business? The possibilities are endless, but here's a short list of the more common people designers outsource to. Photographers Hiring a photographer, instead of relying on the client to provide photos, allows you to control and get the exact images you need for your design. To learn more about dealing with photographers, listen to episode 3 of the podcast, where I talk with Brett Gillmore, an award-winning commercial photographer in Calgary, Alberta, here in Canada. Illustrators For those of us lacking in this particular talent, hiring someone is the only way to include custom illustration work in your designs. Even if you're an accomplished illustrator, you may need someone with an illustration style or technique outside your comfort zone. I have several illustrators on my outsourcing team for this very reason. One specializes in caricatures, another in technical drawings, another is good at watercolours, and another is good with markers. I have people with different illustration styles, such as Japanese manga, vintage looks, and modern cubism. I even have one who makes people look like the Simpsons characters. The idea is to know as many illustrators as possible should I need their skills. Copywriters Unless you have a degree in journalism or another writing discipline, you should consider working with copywriters whenever possible. Copywriters do with words what we designers do with pixels. They turn simple sentences into compelling messages. When designers and copywriters work together, it creates magic. And that magic allows you to charge much more for your services. Including a copywriter on a website design project can increase its value from $5,000 to $10,000. Clients who understand the importance of a good copywriter are more than willing to pay a premium price for them. Web Developers/Coders Websites are versatile, and the ecosystem is ever-expanding, so it's understandable that one web designer can't do everything. Outsourcing parts or even entire projects to web developers allows you to offer much more to your clients. In most cases, you hire a developer to do things you don't know how to do. But there are also times when you may want to hire a developer to help speed things up if you believe they can complete a task more efficiently than you can. In most cases, it's more beneficial to pay a sub-contractor for three hours of work than it is for you to spend six hours doing the same task. And while the sub-contractor tackles whatever task you give him, your time is freed up to work on other things. So even though you're paying for the subcontractor's services, you're making more money than if I didn't hire them since you can charge the client for their time while you're making money doing something else during that same time. It's almost like double charging. Outsourcing possibilities are endless. I can go on and on with people you can hire. Some people specialize in SEO, Social Media, Online Advertising, Sales Funnels, Building Email Lists, Translators, etc. Sometimes you outsource to someone for something you don't want to do. Such as removing the background on over 300 product photos for a catalogue. I'd rather pay someone to do this than sludge through it myself. Every one of these people can help grow your design business. What to look for in a subcontractor. When looking for someone to outsource work to, you want to find someone with the skills you seek that are reliable, trustworthy and easy to deal with. In my limited experience, you are better off finding multiple subcontractors who each excel in a particular skill than finding one person with a general knowledge of various skills. Someone with a specialized skillset may charge more, but their expertise is worth it. You are better off paying a bit more for someone specializing in a specific area. Where to find subcontractors. There are many places where you can find subcontractors to outsource your projects. However, the best place, in my opinion, is through your existing network. It's much easier to work with someone you already have a relationship with or with a subcontractor vouched for by someone you know. The subcontractor that helps me with website projects is someone I met through the Resourceful Designer Community. One of the illustrators I've used over the years is someone I went to school with. Another developer I've used was recommended by a designer I know. When my first copywriter took a job that prevented her from doing side work, she recommended a fellow copywriter I could hire. These types of hires are always the most lucrative in my experience. But if your network doesn't have the people you need, there are plenty of places online you can turn to for outsourcing help. My favourite places to find subcontractors are Upwork.com, toptal.com, freelancer.com and fiverr.com. These platforms often offer you two options when hiring subcontractors. You can either post a job posting that lists the position or skill you're looking for, along with how much you're willing to pay and let those interested apply. Or you can search these platforms for people with the talent you're looking for and reach out to them individually to see if they're interested in taking on your project. I've had success with both methods. However, I prefer to approach them myself. Considerations when outsourcing to a subcontractor. Some things to consider when hiring a subcontractor are where they're located, their familiarity with the language you speak and, of course, price. Time Zones. These online outsourcing portals connect people from around the world. It's not unheard of if the perfect person for your project lives on the other side of the globe. You must consider if time zones are an issue. Are you ok working with someone who is going to bed as you start your day? In most cases, it probably won't be a problem. However, if deadlines are pressing, knowing your contractor won't see your instructions for 10-12 hours may be a problem. If that's the case, you may want to refine your search to people geographically closer to where you are located. Most platforms allow you to do this. Language Barriers. Be wary of language barriers when hiring someone to outsource to. Understanding a language and being fluent in it are two different things. You don't want issues because of a misunderstanding in communication. Some online platforms will indicate what languages a subcontractor is fluent in. Keep that in mind when hiring. Rates and Price. Rates and prices on these platforms vary significantly. Due to the various living costs worldwide, contractors charge different fees for their services. Typically, you'll pay higher for a subcontractor in North America than someone in an Asian country. Is it worth paying more to work with someone in a closer time zone who speaks your native language? Only you can decide. You must consider all these things when hiring someone. Where they are located, their comfort level with your language, and the rate they charge for their services. Weigh each of these and choose the perfect subcontractor for you. Build your outsourcing team. There is so much more when it comes to hiring a subcontractor. Entire books are dedicated to the subject. But I hope my little scratch of the surface gives you an idea of how and what to look for when outsourcing and expanding your team. I know it's in our nature to do everything ourselves. It's tough to relinquish control. But I want you to remember something. Clients don't hire you to do a job. They hire you to get a job done. And sometimes, the most efficient, practical and cost-saving way to get a job done is to outsource it to someone who can help you. Your clients will appreciate your ingenuity. So the next time you are unsure how to handle a task or find yourself with too much to do and too little time to do it. Or maybe you don't feel like doing a particular job yourself. Remember that you are not alone. There's a world of people ready to join your team and help you grow your design business. Don't be the liability that holds you back from growth. Learn how to outsource.
This is a throwback episode, replaying episode 11, Pricing Strategies For Your Graphic Design Business. For any links or to leave comments, please visit https://resourcefuldesigner.com/episode11
This episode is sponsored by Sticker Mule. Get 10 Custom Stickers for $1, plus free shipping. Visit stickermule.com/resourcefuldesigner It's well-established that it's easier to get a new design project from a past client than to land a project from a new client. You can run a successful design business with only a few good recurring clients. It's the 80/20 rule. 80% of your business will come from 20% of your clients. Therefore you must keep as many clients as you can. For the first few years of my design business, I had less than a dozen clients, and less than a handful of those clients kept me busy on an ongoing basis. According to Invesp, the probability of existing clients giving you work in the future is 60-70%, while the likelihood of getting work from new clients is 5-20%. So it's easy to see why client retention is so necessary. Clients know a talented graphic or web designer when they find one. But it takes more than being an excellent designer to keep them returning. I've said this many times on the podcast before. Clients prefer to work with a good designer they like rather than an amazing designer they don't like. The best way to keep your clients happy and coming back is to ensure they like you. And you do that by providing excellent service and building relationships with them. It's best to do everything possible to ensure your clients feel valued, appreciated, and satisfied with your services. Here are nine tips for doing just that and keeping your clients returning. And you'll notice repetition as I go through them, as many of these tips play off each other. Here are nine ways to make clients love working with you again and again. 1) Be Proactive Make sure your clients understand what they should expect from working with you. Be proactive and set expectations upfront, so there aren't any surprises down the road. Being proactive shows your professionalism and positions you as a leader instead of an order-taker. Clients will appreciate this and quickly learn to trust you. Think about the entire relationship—you're trying to land a client, not just a design project. And if you can change your mentality and think of them as partners instead of clients, you'll find the relationship even easier to build. Don't fall into the trap of viewing client projects as transactional, one-off projects. Instead, think of them as long-term relationships. Being proactive may also mean learning about your client and their industry. Do some homework and learn a little about them and their industry before meeting with them. Clients will appreciate your effort and are more likely to trust you with their project. Don't forget to keep in touch after the current project ends, as I discussed a couple of weeks ago in episode 303 about following up with dormant clients. If you do a good job setting expectations at the start, many clients will return to you for future projects. 2) Be Honest It's easy to tell clients what they want to hear, but delivering on those promises is much more challenging. A good designer is honest with clients about their limitations and how they plan to work within those constraints. It's ok to tell a client you don't know something. It's even better to show the client how you'll overcome those shortcomings. A good designer should be reliable enough to stick to their commitments. However, If you encounter any issues or setbacks during a project, be honest and let the client know. Clients want to work with someone they can trust and who will be truthful with them. If you are not honest with your clients, they will not return. So be honest with them from the start. This means being upfront about your prices, services, policies, limitations and timelines. You should also be honest about any problems or concerns your clients may have. If you are honest with your clients, they will appreciate it and will be more likely to come back to you. After all, honesty is the best policy for running a successful business. 3) Be Timely If you're a freelancer, you know how important it is to be timely. Deadlines are critical; you will not get repeat clients if you're not meeting them. That's why ensuring you're always meeting your deadlines is vital. If you're consistently meeting your deadlines, then clients will take notice. They'll see that you're reliable and that they can count on you to get the job done. This will keep them coming back to you time after time. So if you want to keep your clients happy (and keep them coming back), ensure you're always meeting your deadlines. It's the best way to ensure their satisfaction and ensure that they keep coming back for more of your great work. 4) Be Flexible You need to be flexible with clients. If you're unwilling to adapt to their needs, you will lose them as a client. Yes, It's your business, and you set the ground rules for how clients deal with you. That's part of being a professional. But it's not worth holding your ground if it means possibly losing a good client. For example, if a client insists on using their project management software instead of yours, or the deal is off, you must decide if this is something worth taking a stand on or if you can be flexible to appease the client. In today's ever-changing world, designers must adapt to their client's needs, or they will quickly become outdated. Clients hire you for your expertise, but they expect input as well. If their contributions fall on deaf ears, they won't enjoy working with you. And you know the outcome when that happens. After all, you aren't as experienced in their field as they are. Learn from your clients by talking and listening to them. Being flexible and adaptable shows that you are a business willing to change and eager to meet your client's needs. This is key to keeping your clients happy and returning for more. 5) Be Organized For clients to keep coming back, you must be organized. It's easy to lose track of things when you work alone, but if you want to be successful, you must be organized. Here are a few tips to help you stay organized: Make a list of everything you need to do so nothing gets overlooked, and tackle one task at a time. Invest in a good physical or software planner to keep track of projects, tasks, deadlines, appointments, and other important dates. All your important dates and times should be viewable in one location. Keep your work area clean and clutter-free. It will help you focus and be more productive. I often struggle with this, even though a clean desk allows me to work better. Take breaks throughout the day to clear your head and relax. This will prevent burnout and help you stay fresh. Delegate tasks whenever possible, so you don't feel overwhelmed. The more organized you are, the more professional you'll appear to your clients, which will keep them coming back. 6) Be Professional I've already mentioned being professional several times so far. Maybe I should have moved this one closer to the top. As a business professional, and that's precisely what you are, you always want to ensure that you put your best foot forward. This means dressing appropriately and acting professionally at all times. If you are unsure what attire is appropriate, err on the side of caution and choose something more conservative. Remember that first impressions are important, so take the time to present yourself in the best light possible. In addition to dressing and acting the part, it is also essential that you provide a high level of service to your clients. This means being responsive to their needs, meeting deadlines, and following through on promises. If you consistently provide a positive experience for your clients, they will be more likely to come back to you. Lastly, be careful with jargon. Using industry words may make you feel more professional, but it could alienate your clients and create misunderstandings that may create a wedge between you. Dropping jargon allows you to communicate clearly and effectively with your clients by putting you on the same page. 7) Be Reliable Clients will come back again and again because they trust you. They know you won't let them down. And they know you'll deliver quality work on time. If you want your clients to keep coming back, they must know they can count on you. Whether it's showing up on time for appointments or completing the work you promised, being reliable is key to maintaining a good relationship with your clients. When your clients trust that you will do what you say, they are more likely to continue working with you. 8) Be Trustworthy One of the most important traits you can possess as a business owner is a trustworthiness. If your clients don't trust you, they won't come back. It's as simple as that. Here are a few ways to make sure you stay trustworthy in their eyes: Always be upfront about costs and fees. Don't try to hide anything from your clients – they'll appreciate your honesty, which will build trust between you. Follow through on your promises. If you tell your client you're going to do something, make sure you do it! This will show them that they can rely on you and trust what you say. Be transparent in your dealings. This means being honest about the quality of your products or services and providing accurate information about pricing and availability. Additionally, you should be clear about any deadlines or expectations for your clients. Being transparent in your dealings with clients will build trust and goodwill that will keep them returning. 9) Be Responsive When it comes to keeping clients, responsiveness is critical. If you want returning clients, you must be responsive to their needs. This means being available when they need you, within reason, of course, and being able to address their concerns promptly. You need to adapt to changing circumstances and respond quickly to new ideas. You should be willing to adjust your habits and designs as required. Please take advantage of your client's feedback and learn from their opinions. This will help you hone in on the areas that matter to them. Being responsive shows your clients that you value their business and are invested in their success. It builds trust and rapport, which are essential for any lasting business relationship. So if you want to keep your clients coming back, ensure you are always responsive to their needs. It might take some extra effort, but it will be worth it in the long run. Turning new clients into recurring clients shouldn't be complicated. Keeping clients coming back, again and again doesn't have to be complicated. Remember, clients, don't want to look for another designer. It's as much trouble for them as finding new clients is for you. They're hoping you're “the one” they can stick with for the long haul. So it's up to you to become that person. By following these nine simple tips, you'll create long-lasting relationships that will benefit you and your clients by providing them with excellent customer service, going the extra mile, and making them feel special. And you can ensure that your clients will be happy, satisfied, and loyal to you and your design business for years to come.
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