Graphic design is something that all small business owners need to think about investing in. However, there is no denying that small businesses notoriously undervalue the importance of professional design work. Continue reading to discover why you shouldn’t do so any longer.
First impressions matter: as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. No matter whether this is a logo or a website, people will only need a few seconds to make up their mind. You need to ensure that they have a favourable impression of your business, which is why hiring a high-quality graphic firm is of paramount importance. High-quality graphic design will give your company credibility.
Design can also tell a story. People need to get a feel for what a company does before they even read up on it. You can ensure they get an immediate understanding of your business with thoughtful design. This is something that the best graphic design businesses can achieve. Also, creativity can differentiate you from other businesses in the industry, which is of paramount importance for small businesses in a market where competition is stiff.
Branding also makes your company memorable. Designers will ensure your brand is consistent and stays in the mind of everyone that comes across it. Finally, good design will lead to conversions and sales, and you will save a lot of money in the long run by investing in this now.
Common Mistakes Made By Non-Designers
Graphic design is an expert field, and this is why it should be left to the experts. However, there are a lot of people who attempt to take on the task themselves in order to save money. This is not something you should do. Read on to discover common mistakes made by non-designers.
Without question, one of the biggest mistakes people make when they do not have experience in graphic design is designing for themselves instead of thinking about what is going to resonate with their target audience. It is not about what you ‘like’ – it is about what is going to aptly represent your brand.
Another unforgivable error is grammar issues, but you would be surprised by how many businesses have spelling mistakes as part of their web design. It looks exceptionally unprofessional. Most inexperienced graphic designers always rely on stock images. While there is nothing inherently wrong with using these, you should not rely on them.
Original images should always be created whenever possible, as stock photos can sometimes make a project appear unprofessional and cheap. Non-designers also seem to be tempted to use as many fonts as possible in their graphics. This is not a good look.
While playing with fonts may be fun, no one wants to read a body of text that uses ten different fonts. Stick to just one or two, maximum.
Finally, you should never stay in the box; to differentiate your business from the competition, your designs need to be unique. This is why it is best to have a creative professional on board.
Steps To Take When Choosing One
If you are currently looking for the best designer for your business, you will have a lot to consider. There are a lot of firms providing graphic design services, but not all of them will supply the level of quality you should be looking for. Read on to discover how to choose the best.
The first thing you need to do is be clear with the firm about what you expect from the project, including your goals, the deadline, and any obstacles along the way. The graphic design business you are considering will then be able to tell you whether they have the capacity to handle the project. You also need to know what skills you are looking for, which means a basic understanding of design. For example, will the designer use original imagery or stock images?
Portfolios are important, but do not rely on them alone. What we mean by this is dig deeper. Ask about the project; what inspired them to make the choices they did, for instance. By doing this, you will have a better understanding regarding how the graphic design business works.
You also need to make sure you clearly explain your target audience and your brand. No matter how good the company is, if you are not clear about your business, you are going to put hurdles in the way. Cost is important too, with companies providing a fixed fee for unlimited graphic design tasks becoming more popular. Last but not least, look for relevant industry experience and read reviews that have been left by past clients.
Working With A Graphic Designer
You will want to make sure that your relationship with the designer you choose is a productive one. Selecting an excellent graphic design agency is only one-half of it. You then need to communicate effectively to ensure the best results.
This begins with being clear about your goals and your expectations. If you do not provide enough background information in the beginning, how do you expect the graphic designer to do their job effectively? Provide a creative brief and go into a lot of detail about your business, your goals, and your ethos. Don’t be worried about providing too much information. You want the graphic firm to feel like they know your business inside out so that they can create graphics that aptly represent your brand.
Aside from this, you need to make sure you share details regarding any potential obstacles from the start. The graphic design team need to have a full understanding of what lies ahead so they know whether they can meet your expectations. Setting a deadline is of paramount importance to make sure that you are on the same page. You also need to find out what the team is going to require from you. Of course, you have commissioned them to take on the project, but it is going to be a collaborative effort. They may need to discuss design choices with you, or they may need physical items, such as artwork or documentation.
