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Advertising agencies are doing their best to reinvent themselves and adapt to changes in technology and media. Television, radio, print, and outdoor advertisements are still part of the mix, but digital media efforts dominate the marketing landscape. If you own a graphic design firm, digital media is probably one of your core competencies. Companies of all types and sizes use interactive strategies such as rich email, mobile marketing, and dynamic publishing. In addition, when a business owner or marketing manager needs one or more of these strategies, they most often look to graphic design firms. This Balboa Capital blog post features tips for graphic design firm success.
Market your graphic design firm.
You design offline and online advertising campaigns for a living, so you do not need to hire an outside resource for your business. You already have the tools, knowledge, and expertise required to develop an effective marketing campaign for your design firm.
As you are well aware, marketing is an investment that can increase the awareness of your company and lead to more clients. The most common marketing strategies include targeted email marketing, direct mail, and social media advertising.
Consider specialization.
Countless graphic design companies work with clients in a wide variety of business sectors or offer many marketing services outside those of graphic design. While there is nothing wrong with this business model, it is essential to note the benefits of specializing in a particular industry or specific type of project.
A graphic design firm that focuses on restaurant branding or dental practice website design, for example, can acquire top-tier clients and projects. In addition, there is generally less competition for graphic design companies that specialize. Lastly, with specialization comes expertise, which can help differentiate your graphic design firm and make it the preferred choice.
Optimize your workflow.
Frequently, small graphic design companies like yours experience fluctuations in the workflow. For example, you and your employees might be overwhelmed with work, and other times, you wonder when the next new project will arrive. To maximize your profits, establish protocols for your busy and slow business cycles.
When working long hours on multiple creative projects, always remember to allocate time for your clients and manage your business’s daily operations. Ignoring either can be a detriment to your firm. Additionally, you might want to manage your marketing efforts or pitch new clients when you are not busy.
Avoid non-productive meetings.
Meetings should have a purpose, plan, and time limit. That way, you can maximize employee productivity. When planning your design firm’s meetings, set aside a day and time each week, and have all appropriate staffers attend.
During your scheduled meetings, stick to the topics at hand and avoid discussing things unrelated to business. Moreover, document your weekly meetings to keep everyone in the loop on company news, project statuses, etc.
Invest in new graphic design equipment.
Running a successful design business requires creative talent, branding expertise, and an entrepreneurial spirit. However, the creative process would not be complete without the necessary equipment. Computers, design software, cloud software, computer servers, and printers help bring your creative ideas to life.
Your design firm should have up-to-date and fully functioning office equipment and technology; otherwise, you will fall behind competitors that do. Keep up with the technology curve by frequently updating your computer software and adding new computers, monitors, and other equipment when needed. If you finance equipment, you can get what your business needs without using your capital on a big one-time purchase.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.