How to Start a Successful Graphic Design Business

Are you tired of the grind of the 9:00-5:00?

Do you wish that you were working in a career that allowed you to flex your creative muscles — without forcing you to live with three other roommates?

Have you always been interested in art and design, and want to bring your skill set to a broader market in the new year? Or maybe you’re just ready to make the transition from occasional freelancer to full-time creator.

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, then it sounds like now is the time for you to start your own graphic design business.

But where, exactly, should you get started? And how will you ensure that your graphic design business hits the ground running and continues to grow from there?

Read on to find out.

Find Your Niche

First thing’s first — if you’ve decided to start your own graphic design business, then you need to know that the industry has grown at a rapid pace in the past few years. Now, it employs well over 266,000 people.

And while these numbers certainly point towards an excellent job outlook for the future, it also means that you’ll have more competition than ever before.

It’s important that you resist the temptation to serve a wide market, especially right out of the gate.

Instead, if you really want to be successful, it’s important that you find your niche within the graphic design world.

For example, do you always enjoy working with clients in the tech world? Or, do you much prefer working with smaller, home-based businesses and e-commerce platforms?

Decide on which specific market you want to serve, and focus on building up your portfolio within that market. As your business continues to expand, you can grow your market.

Create Your Logo

As a graphic design business, your logo is the entire foundation of your overall branding strategy.

In a few centimeters, you need to communicate the services you offer, the market you serve, and even things like your brand’s story and your approach to design.

Even things like the colors and the font you choose to include on your logo will make a big difference when it comes to appealing to your target market.

First of all, choose a design that’s active, not passive. For example, instead of a flat design of an out-of-the-box design element, show a pen or digital paintbrush actively creating a design.

Additionally, while we know you’ll likely be tempted to show off all the intricate and detailed design work you’re capable of, stick with a sleek, strong, and simple design.

Why?

Because if you need to resize your design (and you will) then you don’t want to run the risk of having your design end up looking like a messy puddle of colors. If you want to get creative, stand out by using a bespoke font or even a hand-drawn design.

Finally, use the creation of your logo as a marketing tool for your new business. We love the idea of reaching out to your followers on social media and asking them to vote on their favorite design option for your logo.

It’s a great way to get people involved with your brand, to help them to feel like they’re on this journey with you and prove that you value their input.

Choose Your Design Software

The next thing you’ll need to consider when it comes to your graphic design business?

The type of software you plan to use to manage your website, create your designs, and even handle things like security and payroll.

As you’ve probably guessed, in today’s world there is no shortage of options when it comes to finding the right software for you.

But especially since you’re just starting out, you likely won’t have the funding to hire an administrator or work with a full-time IT firm.

So, what’s the solution?

To do it yourself, of course!

However, software isn’t exactly the type of thing you can learn as you go. Check out this online course to learn how to use basic software, as well as to how to find the right software for your specific needs.

Define Your Marketing Strategy

Of course, it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that the most important part of starting your own graphic design company is thinking about how you plan to market it.

We strongly suggest that you get started now on writing informative and engaging blog posts for your new website. Not only does this give you lots of opportunities to connect with your target market and prove your expertise, it also allows you to include keywords to draw your market towards you.

Plus, frequent blogging tells Google that you frequently update your website. This means that you’ll rise in the search engine rankings — and rake in more visitors.

Additionally, there are a few smaller things you’ll need to consider. With mobile use having officially surpassed desktop Internet access, you’ll need to test the mobile-friendliness of your website.

You should also examine your website’s speed since nothing loses you business faster than a slow website.

Start Your Graphic Design Business Off On The Right Foot

Thanks to these helpful tips, your graphic design business will be off to a great start.

Just remember that branding, accessibility, proving your authority, and serving a refined niche market are the most important things to keep in mind.

Off course, this post is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to SEO, marketing, your social media strategy, and other essential things to consider if you really want your business to beat out the competition.

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