As a design professional, you have a lot to offer potential clients. Many businesses need creative help but don’t know where to start when finding a design professional. You can use your skills and experience to market yourself as a design professional and help businesses get the creative help they need.
But how do you make sure they know about your services? Marketing yourself can be a daunting task, but there are some simple best practices you can follow to get started.
1. Start with a strong portfolio.
Your portfolio is often the first impression potential clients will have of your work, so it’s crucial to ensure it represents your best work. Choose a selection of projects that showcase the range and breadth of your skills, and make sure the images are clear and high-quality. If you don’t have an online portfolio, consider creating one using a site like Behance or Carbonmade. You can also use social media sites like Instagram to showcase your work.
If you’re just starting out, you may not have a lot of professional work to show off in your portfolio. In this case, it’s okay to include personal projects or school assignments. The important thing is to demonstrate your creative abilities. Try to focus on a few specific skills or areas of design that you want to highlight.
2. Make use of social media.
Social media is a great way to reach potential clients and followers and share your work with a broader audience. Pick one or two platforms you’re comfortable using, and post regularly (but not too regularly—you don’t want to spam people’s feeds!). Make sure the content you’re sharing is interesting and engaging, and try to mix up the types of posts you share, so people don’t get bored.
Of course, you also need to post high-quality content. Showcase your end-products in the best light possible, and don’t be afraid to use filters and editing tools to make your photos look their best. You can try product photography editing in Photoshop to make sure the colors are popping, and your work looks its best. You should also take advantage of any tools that the platform offers to help you promote your posts, like hashtags and paid advertising.
3. Get involved in your community.
Designers are often part of tight-knit communities, both online and offline. Get involved in these communities and participate in discussions—you never know when someone might need your services. You can also use these groups as a sounding board for new ideas or get feedback on projects you’re working on. If you’re not already involved in a community, seek out one that’s relevant to your field or interests.
There are many ways to get involved in your community. You can attend industry events, join professional organizations, or participate in online forums. Whatever route you choose, make sure you’re active and engaging, so people will take notice of you. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and network with other professionals. It can be a great way to make connections and find new clients.
4. Always be professional.
This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to remember that everything you do reflects on you and your business—so always be professional! This means being polite and responsive when communicating with clients (or potential clients), meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work. If you make a mistake, own up to it and try to make things right—people will appreciate your honesty and integrity.
Professionalism also extends to your online presence. Make sure your social media accounts are up-to-date and professional-looking, and you’re not posting anything that could damage your reputation. Remember, potential clients may be looking at your accounts to get an idea of what you’re like to work with, so it’s important to make a good impression.
5. Make yourself easy to find online
If potential clients can’t find you online, they will not be able to hire you for their next project. Make sure your website is up-to-date and easy to navigate. Use relevant keywords on your site and in your social media profiles, so people can find you when they’re searching for someone with your skills. You can also use search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure your site appears as high as possible in search results.
Your website should also be mobile-friendly, as more and more people are using their phones and tablets to search for businesses online. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, it will likely be buried in the search results, and potential clients will never find you.
Marketing yourself as a design professional doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By following these simple best practices, you can start attracting new clients and building your business in no time! Always remember to be professional, get involved in your community, and make yourself easy to find online. With a little effort, you can soon be on your way to a successful career in design.
