Tips for your Design Business

Running your own design business requires a lot more than just good design sense. We all must tackle the business side of our jobs, even if it's not our favorite part (lets face it... it hardly ever is). From marketing to setting rates to client meetings and project management, it all has to get done or we might be left with nothing to design at all!

• Get the Word Out: Growing your business through word-of-mouth can expand your client base with little investment compared to other marketing techniques.
• Create a Portfolio: Inevitably, potential clients are going to ask to see your work before they hire you. Be ready!
• Set Your Rates: It's one of the toughest aspects of what we do, but there are ways to make it easier.
• Meeting with Clients: Go into meetings knowing what information to gather, then create an outline and contract based on what you learn.
• Managing Projects: Don't get buried in post-it notes... consider project management and time tracking software to get organized.