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You have got the design chops and realize that you could turn it into a business. Talent is important as you will not get much business if your designs aren’t top quality.
But, do you also understand what goes into turning your talent into a business?
You’ll need a solid business plan and use the more pragmatic part of your brain to make sure you succeed.
That means putting the creative part aside and thinking more in terms of how to grow your business and the day to day that helps you achieve that.
In this article, I will go over several things you need to keep in mind to make sure you are starting on the right foot.
Be available but also say no sometimes
Delivering your product is essential. Your client wants it done right, on time, and then needs it when it is supposed to be done.
This means a few things. For starters, do not take on so much work that you cannot get things done on time.
You will end up making less money and finding fewer clients if you are not able to deliver on time.
It is ok to say no to some jobs if you have a lot on your plate. It may be hard to do when you need the money and stability of clients, but it will help you in the long run.
The other is to make sure it gets there when it is supposed to be delivered. Make sure that if it is a digital product that you have decided on how to have it sent and downloaded.
If you are delivering a physical product, get it there quickly with a courier service like Cincinnati Couriers or whichever city you are in.
Charge the right price
You need to find the Goldilocks zone when it comes to pricing. Not too high and not too low. Remember that your work has value and you should not work for prices that are below the average in your area.
Even when starting, you do not want to undervalue what you do.
On the other side of the spectrum, you cannot price like the heavy hitters either. Once you have an established reputation that attracts big brands, then you must keep your prices reasonable.
Give good value for the money by going above and beyond when it comes to customer service, but make sure you are charging appropriately.
Find your niche
Jack of all trades and a master of none. That is what you want to avoid. Instead of trying to do too many types of design work, find the one that you are best at and enjoy the most.
Then be the best designer in that field.
Do you love making logos but hate having to design an entire website? Then be the logo designer. Do you love seeing your work displayed where everybody can see it?
Then get into sign making for local businesses.
Go narrow but make sure there is enough demand. When you get a reputation, people will come to find you.
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