How to Go All-in on Your Design Business
Thinking of starting a design business?
We understand how big of a decision starting your own business can be, but we 100% believe that you have the capability to launch your business if that’s what you feel called to do. Today’s post is all about how to prepare yourself to take the leap and start your business, with tips we wish we knew when we first started!
If you’re still undecided about starting, here are some benefits to having your own design business:
Being a designer has a low start-up cost, so your investment risk is low.
There are always tons of businesses in need of design services, especially with most businesses shifting to a heavy online presence in 2020 and beyond.
Though some people would say the design field is “saturated,” we believe that there is space for you, as every designer brings a unique perspective and skill set that no one else can!
You get to choose who you work with and the type of work you do.
You can set your own schedule and live by your own terms.
Think you’re ready to take the leap? Keep reading for our best advice for getting started!
1. YOU’RE A BUSINESS OWNER, NOT A FREELANCER (IT’S A MINDSET SHIFT)
Here’s some tough love: If you have plans to grow a sustainable business, calling yourself a “freelancer,” is most likely holding you back. If you are using your skill set to provide clients with a valuable service, you are a business owner - so own it!
It may seem like a scary step to take, but believe us when we say that making that simple title change will greatly impact how your clients view you and how you view yourself.
It will give you the professional perception you need to confidently book clients and grow a financially successful business.
2. TAKE YOUR OWN BRANDING AND MARKETING SERIOUSLY
As designers, getting around to cultivating our branding and marketing plan can often fall to the bottom of our to-do list. But, when you are first starting out, having a professional and put-together image is essential, because that’s all potential clients have to go on when deciding to work with you.
Here’s a list of non-negotiables for creating a professional online presence:
A logo that represents you and the style of work you want to do.
A simple website that clearly communicates what you do and how to contact you. It should also host 3-4 great portfolio pieces. Take this free course to start finding out how to clearly communicate your message in your website copy.
A strong social media presence. Showcase your best work and show potential clients what you’re capable of in your Instagram feed.
3. INVEST IN EDUCATING YOURSELF
The amazing thing about being a designer is that there are SO many free and affordable educational resources that are specific to our industry.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Our #1 recommendation is to read “Building a StoryBrand” This is an easy-to-read book that will help you understand how to create clear messaging that translates to business success! This will not only help you market your own business, but it will help you design brands and websites that have an incredible brand strategy and messaging. DON’T skip this one!
Check out the free and affordable resources on our own website that we designed specifically with you in mind!
Constantly listen to podcasts, attend free webinars, and read blog posts from experts
Work on your sales skills (pay attention to how other businesses do this on webinars, IG stories, etc.)
4. HAVE A GENERAL PROCESS IN PLACE FOR PROJECTS
As you work with more clients, you will naturally develop a tried and true process, but from the beginning, you should set up a workflow that starts when a client inquires and ends when you finish their project.
You can check out our free project workflow template and turn that into a spreadsheet or use it with a project management tool of your choice. We also recommend HoneyBook for managing clients (contracts, invoices, etc.) and QuickBooks for bookkeeping.
5. SPECIALIZE IN SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN MARKET AS YOUR EXPERTISE
When you first start your business, your ideal client is anyone willing to pay. But, as you get a few projects under your belt, you should pay attention to what type of work you most enjoy.
It could be working with a certain website design platform, creating within a specific design style, or working with clients from a specific industry.
As you become more experienced, you will niche down in all three of those areas naturally, but as you are new and beginning to grow, stay open, and explore different niches. Then, you can focus on one thing that you want to highlight in your marketing that tells potential clients what sets you apart.
6. YOU CAN START SMALL, BUT JUST START
We know how scary it can feel to take the leap to start your business or go all-in on it. But, our best advice is to just start.
You won’t know everything and that’s okay. Keep a flexible mindset, constantly learn from your mistakes, and go where your entrepreneurial path leads, even if it’s different than you expected.
