Common mistakes designers make in their business
I am all about helping you guys (designers!) become more professional in the work you are doing. And here I’ve shared three problems I see designers make that hinder their ability to get more clients and make more money (and ultimately be more professional in the way they do business).
Let me share the problems I see and what it looks like to do it better.
Problem 1: No proactive lead generation strategies in place
What I see from a lot of designers:
No idea where clients are coming from. Reliance on 'word of mouth' (and think this is a strategy that will always be there). Trickle of leads each month. Lack of understanding of how to find more leads and move them to purchase. Lack of understanding that lead generation is a problem tackled from LOTS of angles. Poor content and social media marketing.
What is better:
Having a mix of organic and paid lead generation strategies that send a steady stream of leads in to the business each month. Multiple lead channels that are always being optimised and improved. Consistent, high quality content and social media marketing. Metrics around leads and conversations tracked - so improvements can be made over time.
Problem 2: Lack of understanding about how to charge
What I see from a lot of designers:
Charing by the hour or not really knowing how to charge. Making up pricing based on what they think sounds about right. Not really knowing if they are making any money or not. Not tracking time. Accepting any clients that come through the door. Revenue coming from a single source.
What is better:
Implementing value based pricing. Tracking time spent on projects and adjusting prices accordingly. Only accepting A grade clients. Making sure that there are multiple revenue sources inside the business.
Problem 3: Poor operational set up
What I see from a lot of designers:
Lack of legal documents (or legal documents that have been borrowed and adapted from the internet and are not fit for purpose). Every task is done from scratch every time (even if it could be streamlined). Little to no use of technology to improve operational efficiency.
What is better:
Design agreement designed specifically for your business and the work that you do (and for your jurisdiction). Systems and processes defined and templates used for repetitive tasks. Strong use of technology/tools to save time and improve efficiency.
And if you need help with any of the above - then have a look at my business courses and templates for designers + architects! You can find out more here.
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Improve your professionalism?
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
