Guide: How to get More Design Projects: Tips and Guide
Graphic and web designers have been hit hard by the economic downturn. With clients increasingly turning to freelance markets, where workers from around the globe compete for projects at rock-bottom prices, how can designers stay afloat?
Despite the difficulties of making money as a freelancer, those with design skills can still succeed. Confidence and passion for their craft will help them overcome any obstacles they may face. Here are some tips to help draw in customers and build long-term relationships.
1. Get regular work
Customers are willing to shell out for top-notch graphic design, but standing out in the field is no easy feat. While there are plenty of tutorials and user-friendly software available, mastering the craft is only half the battle; getting noticed is where the real challenge lies.
To secure regular work, freelancers should join sites like Sitepoint Forum and Designers Talk to get their name out there. While marketplaces like Freelancer.com, Guru.com or Elance.com may seem appealing, they often charge a commission for projects won and the low prices of other bidders can devalue a freelancer’s skills. It’s not worth it to accept jobs that don’t reflect your true value as a professional.
If you’re looking for work, the freelance market can offer a way to make money. But don’t settle for low-paying gigs; you could be earning up to $250 for a logo design.
2. Network, network and network!
Networking doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can start by reaching out to people you know, or other graphic designers, and don’t even need to attend a white party networking event. An alternative is creating a blog and contributing helpful articles.
Creating a blog is simple and can help you build a reputation and attract potential customers. Platforms such as WordPress, Blogger and TypePad are free to use, and customizing your blog with a unique theme will make it stand out. To maximize the success of your blog, learn how to market it effectively.
Having a portfolio of your best work is essential for graphic design. Showcase your previous works on your blog or website, with a brief description of the task. Let the quality of your work speak for itself - no sales pitch necessary.
Stay up-to-date with your blog by sharing the projects you’ve worked on and writing articles about graphic design tips for businesses. Showcase how companies can use graphic design to take their operations to the next level, and your readers will appreciate the valuable insight.
3. The power of social media marketing
Using social media to promote your portfolio is essential in today’s ever-changing web landscape. Create a Facebook fan page for your services and post new works there, or let followers on Twitter know what project you just finished. Leveraging the power of social media can help you attract customers and grow your business.
Encourage your clients to spread the word about your work: ask them to mention you in their newsletters, social media posts, or other forms of communication with their customers. Having a presence online is essential for gaining new business, keeping current customers engaged, and building your reputation.
4. Get organized – your reputation is at stake!
As your portfolio grows and orders come in, you can look forward to a steady income. But don’t take on more than you can handle - prioritize quality over quantity. Good clients will understand if you need to delay their projects in order to ensure the best results.
Failing to meet deadlines can damage your reputation as a freelance graphic designer, jeopardizing your ability to secure new jobs and maintain a steady stream of orders. Timely delivery is essential for success in this field, alongside having an impressive portfolio.
At the end of the day, it’s important to be aware of your workload and capabilities. Utilize project management tools to help you stay organized and on top of deadlines. That way, when a job offer comes in that you can’t take on, you’ll know why.
Benjamin Franklin famously said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, but only one bad thing to lose it.” Reputation is key.
5. Dedication, something to live by
Commit to your projects and strive to exceed expectations. When taking on a client’s project, ensure you deliver – and then some.
Freelancing can be difficult when you’re your own boss, with distractions that can prevent you from meeting deadlines. To stay on track, treat your freelancing business like an employer and dedicate a set number of hours each day to the projects at hand. For more tips on staying focused, check out our article and get to work!
Staying connected with customers is key to success. To ensure they stay up-to-date on their projects, use a professional email solution. For those just starting out, Gmail can be a good option.
6. What happens after I get customers?
Company X may be ready to take their relationship with you to the next level: graphic design services. If they already come to you for flyers, why not suggest they consider your business cards too? Reach out and see if they’re interested.
No matter how hard you work to attract and retain customers, it won’t matter if the quality of your work is poor. Maintaining a high standard of quality is essential for building a successful business. Don’t let deadlines or other pressures lead you to cut corners; always strive for excellence in your work.
Bonus: Stay ahead of the competition
Graphic design is no different from any other industry when it comes to standing out from the competition. Make sure your business has that special something that sets it apart - whether it’s quick turnaround, top-notch work, or creative designs that others can’t match.
Make sure your potential customers are aware of the added value your business offers. Identify what sets you apart from the competition and use it to your advantage. Showcase the unique benefits that come with choosing your business, and you’ll be sure to attract more customers.
Kevin Harter, a graphic designer, blogger and owner of Crystalint Media, explores the latest in graphic design technology. When not working on designs, he enjoys writing poetry.
How to get More Design Projects: Tips and Guide: benefits
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Final note
If you’re looking for tips on how to get more design projects, this guide has you covered. Got questions? Reach out to us. And don’t forget to share the love and spread the word!
Have questions about the “How to Get More Design Projects: Tips and Guide”? Contact us for help. This guide is for educational purposes only. If you want to correct any misinformation or add more methods, we’re here to help. Reach out via our contact page, social media accounts, or Telegram channel for answers within 24-48 hours (weekends excluded).
