How to get clients as a Designer
If you're just starting or looking to refine your approach, here are some practical steps to help you on your journey.
1. Passion Projects
Passion projects are more than just a way to express your creativity; they serve as a powerful tool to build a strong portfolio that reflects your unique style and interests. When you focus on what excites you, your work naturally becomes more engaging and authentic. This authenticity resonates with potential clients, making them more likely to connect with your work. Working on concept project will also help you develop your skills plus new ones.
Tip: Dedicate time each week to a passion project that aligns with the type of work you want to attract. Whether it’s branding, web design, or something else, just get designing.
If you don’t know how to go about it, there are website online that can help you generate Brief!!!
You can also follow brief pages on Instagram such as @brief.yourself @briefclub @thebriefbank @thebrieftrib. They have really cool briefs every 2 weeks or so. This is also a great way to gain exposure as they take the time to pick a winner and post it to their platform. :) How fun!
2. Build Your Portfolio
It’s where potential clients get a glimpse of your skills, creativity, and professionalism. If you don’t have a website, tools like Adobe Portfolio or Behance are excellent platforms to showcase your work. A well-organized portfolio that highlights your best projects can make all the difference in convincing a client to reach out.
Tip: Regularly update your portfolio with new work. Tailor your portfolio to the type of clients you want to attract by showcasing relevant projects.
3. Social Media Presence
Get on social media. Don’t be afraid to build your platform and share your work. At first it can be intimidating but with time you’ll get the hang of it. Social media is a powerful tool for designers. Platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest offer unique opportunities to share your designs with a broader audience and potential clients.
Tip: Stay authentic to you’re faith and values. Don’t let random trends take a toll on you. Remember that consistency is very important to gain exposure. This doesn't mean you have to post every day, but if you commit to posting three times a week, make sure you stick to that schedule.
4. Engage with Your Audience
Engagement goes beyond just posting content; it involves interacting with comments, participating in discussions, and fostering a sense of community. When you actively engage with your audience, you build trust and increase your visibility, making it more likely that potential clients will notice you.
Tip: When you post something, don’t just disappear, check your comments and interact with people who take the time to connect with your post. The more you interact, the more connected your audience will feel.
5. Clearly Share Your Services
Potential clients need to know exactly what you offer and how you can help them. Whether it’s branding, web design, or consultation, make sure your services are clearly stated on your website, social media profiles, and any other platform where potential clients might find you.
Tip: Create a separate page on your website dedicate only to your services. Make sure to outline each service Cleary by using simple language. You can also create a post on Instagram and pin it to help outline your offerings.
6. Inquiry Form
An inquiry form is a simple yet effective way to streamline the process of booking clients. Tools like Google Forms allow you to set up a form where potential clients can easily provide details about their project and contact you. This not only makes it easier for clients to reach out but also helps you gather essential information upfront.
Tip: When setting up an inquiry form, it's important to ask questions that will help you understand their needs and preferences.
Personal Information
Full Name: What is your full name?
Email Address: What is the best email to reach you?
Phone Number: Can you provide your phone number for follow-up communication?
Business Information
Business Name: What is the name of your business or organization?
Industry: Which industry does your business operate in? (e.g., tech, retail, healthcare, etc.)
Target Audience: Who is your target audience? (e.g., age, gender, interests, demographics, etc.)
Product or Service: What product or service do you offer? Please provide a brief description.
Business Goals: What are your primary goals for this project? (e.g., increase brand awareness, boost sales, rebrand, etc.)
Current Challenges: Are there any specific challenges you are facing with your business that you hope to address through this project?
Project Timeline: What is your desired timeline for this project?
Budget Range: Do you have a budget range in mind for this project?
7. Just Start
One of the biggest hurdles for many designers is the fear of starting. Whether it’s launching a portfolio, posting on social media, or reaching out to potential clients, it’s easy to get caught up in overthinking. The key is to just start. As you take action, you’ll gain confidence, learn from experience, and begin to see results.
Your are now ready :)
Starting your journey as a designer isn’t easy. There will be ups and downs, but the key is to stay passionate and persistent. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals. Remember, the hardest part is starting—once you do, the rest will follow.
Whether you’re just beginning or looking to refine your approach, these steps can help you book clients and grow your design business. So, take that first step today, and watch your efforts turn into success.
All the best!