Seven Do’s & Don’ts of Starting a Graphic Design Business in 2019

Irrespective of the type of business you run, you need to give your business the perfect visibility.

And the best way to enhance the visibility of your online business is to make it look attractive.

It can be an attractive business logo design to capture the eye, a great looking website to draw attention or something else that is aesthetically pleasing and leaves an everlasting impression.

As the world considers visualization a strong element to make businesses a thriving success, graphic design businesses are emerging across the Internet. It is a great business to earn some real profits.

Are you a designer or are you working with a group of designers? Don’t you want to cash that opportunity for your own benefit? What better solution can you get than starting your own design firm?

If you know you have the potential to nail it; if you know you can be your own boss; if you can give full commitment to a business cause; here are five do’s and don’ts to run your own graphic design firm.

Do Execute a Solid Business Plan

Making a shift from a full-time stable job to becoming the CEO of your own firm is not an easy transition. You have to give up on a lot of things, above all, the stable income to manage expenses.

And going dry on your bank account doesn’t sound like a great option.

This is why what you need is a solid business plan. When setting up a business plan for your design firm, make sure that your business covers everything essential. It may include the capital that would be invested, how you are going to fund that capital, what steps are you going to take for growing it and what will be your advertising strategy. Once set, don’t let anyone distract you from executing it.

Do Assemble Your Work Portfolio

The only way to make sure that a client solicits your service is by showing them how good your work is. And nothing can stabilize your value as a profitable business more than a great looking work portfolio.

A good work portfolio that speaks volumes about your acumen, should pack all your important design marvels including some of your pro bono works. These amazing artworks shed light on your grand graphic design skills and sell your business.

Once set, send your portfolio out to customers and acquire their feedbacks. Make a section on your website where you can display their testimonials and it will build your image up as an authority.

Don’t Hold Expectations on Immediate Success

They say slow and steady wins the race. This phrase perfectly fits in the design business.

If you are dreaming of big bucks raining down the very next day of starting your business, you better call it quits and go back to your 9-5 job. This is the fairest advice I can give you.

Even though you are one of the best graphic designers in your area, it is nothing more than a foolish expectation that you can start earning success right from the moment you launch.

You need to stay patient until a good business client comes to your doorstep. Most design firms create profit from repetitive clients or people who approach them through a particular reference.

Don’t Commit to Every Project Coming Your Way

As a design business, even if you’re getting loads of projects; only accept those which you can complete on the set deadlines. Many graphic design businesses don’t realize the importance of meeting deadlines.

To establish their presence as a reliable graphic design brand, business owners bite off more than they can chew. As a result, they lose potential clients and receive bad reviews.

I totally understand the significance of exposure and it’s natural that you don’t want to miss out on business opportunities coming your way; but what’s the point if you have to lose existing clients to entertain new ones who are barely existent.

Do Craft a Strong Marketing Plan

You want to put your business in front of an audience. You want to make sure that they know about you. However, without effective marketing or advertising, you won’t be able to bag those clients at all.

The entire responsibility of planning all your marketing activities rests on your shoulders.

Some businesses take the traditional route by making investments in brochures. While other businesses make the most of their social media marketing option. Try making use of both in business.

Create a website for your graphic design business and start promoting it on social media.

Do Understand the Legal Aspects of Running the Business

Setting up a business venture involves a number of steps which are required to be taken. For instance, you need to make sure that you are registered, your business has insurance, your taxes are clear, you have a license, and you have a refund policy, in addition to any other legal matters associated with your businesses.

To assemble all potential information, you might want to consider taking help from a lawyer.

Lawyers deal with all such situations in a professional manner. Henceforth, hire the best lawyer to handle all your legal issues and keep your business safe and sound from all legal matters.

Don’t Take out a Loan for a Startup

Now, when you plan to launch your own digital business, many friends would recommend that you take out some loan to support your venture. However, my recommendation is that you don’t.

Taking out a loan from the bank means that you will have to return it back with an interest. Also, more than 90% of startups fail in their first couple of years. So even if you’re dot-point accurate that your startup will survive, you still can’t be really sure that your business will become a success!

Instead, accumulate money and pay for your expenses as you go. Don’t take out a loan for a start-up.

Above discussed are the few dos and don’ts that every graphic designer should keep in mind before starting their online business. I am sure these tips will help you navigate your business proficiently.