When should you outsource graphic design

How To Know When to Outsource Graphic Design Services

Hiring a professional designer to create your brand or build your website is a big commitment and a big investment. It’s also worth it.

A professional designer will be able to connect your vision and mission with a visual solution that attracts customers. That is a powerful business tool.

I made a list of what you should consider before you take the leap and outsource to a designer.

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The Importance of High-Quality Graphic Design

Graphic design isn’t just images or designs on a screen. It’s a way of communicating with your audience and how you persuade your target audience to become clients. Graphic designers create materials that inform, attract, and announce.

So why consider a professional? Here are five reasons:

  1. You only get one chance to make a first impression
  2. Professional graphic design ensures uniformity, which creates trust
  3. Professional graphic designers have specialized skills in creativity
  4. Graphic design outsourcing allows a neutral party to get to know what makes your business tick and then portray it
  5. The design team may have ideas to reel in your target audience that you didn’t consider

What To Consider Before Outsourcing Graphic Design

Before outsourcing graphic design with freelance designers, it’s important to take inventory of what you have, want, and the outcome you desire from the design team.

1. Define Your Business Basics

You first want to consider where your business is at. By that, I mean you need to take a big-picture view and make sure you have your basics defined.

You should know:

  • Your niche
  • Your business name
  • Your top three values (core business values)
  • Your mission (the ‘why’)
  • Your ideal client or audience (an avatar)

If you have established these business basics, then a professional designer can step in and make your ideas and values look good. They can craft designs using clear visual communication with your mission in mind.

2. Take a Brand Inventory

Next, you will want to consider where your brand is and take inventory. Do you have any visuals established? Are they outdated? More importantly, are they working for you and providing results?

Your brand visuals exist in every medium, including on your:

  • Website
  • Social media channels
  • Business cards
  • Signage
  • Stationary
  • Headshots

You will also want to take inventory of your brand messaging. Is your brand voice consistent? Does it match your brand visuals?

If the answer is no to any of the questions above, then you need to hire a professional designer and copywriter to help you establish your brand.

3. Review Your Financials

For any business owner, the cost of outsourcing is a top concern, and for good reason. You need to know that when you outsource, it’s an investment in your business. Outsourcing to a designer should help you to stand out (and grow) in the long term.

If your designs are done with intention and strategy, then you will see that return on your investment. You will set yourself up for success because you know the value of branding and good design in business.

Once you know the value, then it is time to look at your budget. Ask yourself if you can afford to hire a professional designer right now or if you need to save up for this investment.

I do not believe in trying to cut corners when it comes to design because you risk being invisible. While there are many platforms that are ‘cheaper,’ you get what you pay for.

Instead, create a plan to save for good branding, website design, etc. You should reap the benefits of working with a trained professional who understands strategy for growth and can implement this in visual communication.

5. Protect Your Most Valuable Asset: Time

Lastly, as a business owner, your time is your most valuable asset. Outsourcing to a professional designer can help you protect your time and keep your business running.

Trying to do everything yourself can be draining. Do you have the time to learn a new skill and strategy? Do you enjoy design and the process? If the answer is no, hiring a professional designer should be on your business to-do list.

Ideally, they have years of experience and professional education that informs their every design move. You don’t even have to think about it.

Benefits & Challenges of Outsourcing Graphic Designers

Like any service, you’ll face pros and cons when you outsource graphic design services. So, let’s look at both sides to help you fully understand.

Having access to an expert graphic designer is obviously an incredible benefit. You leverage the expertise of a dedicated designer who gets to know your business, its vision, and how to best market it so you get the sales you deserve.

Plus, you save time and stress! If graphic design isn’t your thing, why bang your head against the wall and hope for the best? Your business is on the line; isn’t it worth the investment?

Put your talents and those of your employees where they are better used, and leave the design process up to the experts.

Now, the downsides.

Yes, there could be a communication gap or a worry that you aren’t getting your message across.

BUT, when you work with the right designer, they miss nothing. In fact, the right graphic design agency will catch things you didn’t even think to mention when creating your brand image.

Then there’s the risk that you don’t connect. Fortunately, with Bethany Works, there’s no requirement to work with me after our call. I give you a proposal. If you don’t like it or don’t think we were a good fit, there’s no obligation!

Graphic Design Services to Outsource

From simple to complex projects, the sky’s the limit! Here are some common projects I get hired to do:

  • Web design
  • Social media design
  • Stationary
  • Flyers
  • Headshots
  • Signage

How Do I Choose the Right Graphic Designer for My Business?

Choosing the right graphic designer is essential. They hold your business’s success in their hands. So how do you choose?

Here’s what to look for:

  • Transparency: Graphic designers should happily share their portfolios and the stories behind them. If it’s like pulling teeth to see their work, they likely aren’t a good option.
  • Thinks outside the box: You aren’t hiring a design team to give you a cookie-cutter design so you look like everyone else. You want a designer that creates high-quality designs that make you stand out.
  • Experience: Of course, this goes without saying. You want an outsourced design team with expertise to create designs showcasing your brand image and marketing materials that make your business explode.

Who Should Not Outsource Graphic Design?

Every business can benefit from a graphic designer, but if you are still deciding on your company’s mission, have yet to settle on a direction, or are still figuring things out, it may be too soon for a graphic designer.

You want to work with design agencies when you are clear about your business and where it’s going.

Of course, a free consultation can help you determine if you’re ready to harbor the skills of creative professionals or if you still have some soul-searching to do.

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FAQs

What Kind of Designs Can Bethany Works Create?

The sky’s the limit with Bethany Works. You dream it, and we can build it! We work with companies in all industries, helping to create designs that make your audience say, “WOW!”

Can Bethany Works Create a Style/Brand Guide?

Yes! If you’re still in the planning stages and don’t know where to start, Bethany Works can build out your brand with a rock-solid brand strategy guide that gets your business noticed.

Does Bethany Works Design Ads or Social Assets?

We offer a package for social media support, which means creating designs for all of our past clients. So after we build your brand and or website we can handle your social media graphics. However, we do not handle social media management or engagement.

Does Bethany Works Design or Redesign Logos?

As a standalone service, we do not design or redesign logos. However, if you’re looking for a branding identity design package that includes logo design, we are happy to help. (Because a holistic approach is what gets results for our clients).

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Outsourcing Investment?

Communication is key to getting the most out of outsourcing graphic design work. Share as many details about your brand as possible, and together, we’ll create a powerful brand identity that your audience won’t be able to ignore.

Ready to Outsource Graphic Design to a Designer? I Would Love to Talk With You

I create visual solutions and focused content for clients who already have a full plate. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts and have years of design experience.

My work is backed by strategy, archetypes, and brand psychology, so your investment is worth it. I want to work with you! Send me a message and or book a call.

When you run your own business, you have to quickly learn what to outsource. I hired Bethany to create my website and branding. I was immediately impressed by her professionalism and communication. While working on the project, she asked all the right questions, understood exactly what I needed, and created a high-quality website that will help my business grow. Honestly, I’ve never been more relieved to spend money.

– Kim Porter Editorial, Branding and Website Design Client