Business Branding: Packages & Changes in 2018

Business Branding: Packages & Changes in 2018

There’s nothing worse than feeling behind in your work, especially when you’re juggling multiple client projects. For me, 2017 was a learning process with my business branding services. Trying to keep up with 5+ client timelines and deadlines at once can be stressful for a designer, and being in a creative field (especially when this is my side job) where inspiration and ideas don’t always flow freely makes it even more difficult. Believe it or not, designer get writer’s block too!

I realized towards the end of 2017, things needed to change. Before it was just kind of a free for all (I would get an inquiry and say okay and start when they sent me the info), which worked for a while but as I am getting busier and my business is growing that system no longer works. I truly love designing brands for people but didn’t want to drag on projects longer than they needed to be. So things are changing this year and I’m very excited about it!

2018 Business Branding Package

What’s included in a business branding package:

  • Comprehensive questionnaires for your brand and how you value your business.
  • Primary and alternative logo designs, signature patterns, illustrations, type combinations, and brand style guide.
  • Four collateral items of your choice (business cards, social media banners, stationery, up to 5 social media templates, media kit, etc. totally your choice based on what you would use most!)
  • Two week turnaround time
  • Design Files (Vector, PDF, Transparent PNG and JPG)

What will be the pros to this new package?
The new system that I’m implementing this year will:

  1. Make client booking easy
  2. Have a very quick turnaround time
  3. Create consistency
  4. And make the customer (and me!) happy

How do you ask am I going to do this?

I will only be accepting 2 branding clients per month.
This ensures that I am only working on one branding package at a time so I can devote my attention to that.

Two Week Turnaround Time
Back to the only 2 clients per month bit… Each project will take two weeks (10 days total). This is to make sure that everything is done in a timely manner and since I will only be taking on one client at a time I can focus my energy into one project instead of spreading it out between multiple clients

Client Homework
I will have a detailed questionnaire for the client to fill out before the two week design period begins. The homework will need to be completed by Day#1. This will also help speed up the process because a lot of times customers don’t have any starting point so then it just ends up being a lot of back and forth with design logos. Not only is communication key to arriving at an end product that both my client and I are happy with, but it’s easier for me to design for a business whose goals are clearly defined.

Timeline/Process:

  • When you fill out the inquiry form on my website you will be sent a welcome e-mail that entails a lot of what you see here in this post (process, timeline, price, etc.). It will also have available start dates.
  • Once you submit that proposal back to me. You will be sent a contract to sign and an invoice for the first half off the total package. Once the contract is signed and the invoice has been paid you will be scheduled for the time slot you selected.
  • Once the invoice has been paid you will be sent the client homework questionnaire. This will give you time to work on it and ask questions if needed before the two week design period starts. (You will be sent sweet reminders to complete this before day 1)
  • Once the homework is complete, I will have everything I need for Day #1!

Timeline:

  • Days 1-3: brand board
  • Days 3-5: Logo Design Concepts
  • Days 5-6: Logo Edits/Logo Approval
  • Days 7-9: Collateral items (4) Designs/Edits
  • Day 10: File Sharing

This timeline is based on the assumption that the client will respond ASAP when sent design proofs. Since there is a dedicated two week time period per project, I ask that you choose the time slot wisely (for example I wouldn’t pick the two weeks where you might be planning your child’s birthday party or have a trip planned, etc.)

As far as general graphic design work not including branding (logo design, business card design, etc.) or invitations. I will accept projects based on availability at my $65/hour rate.

So, who’s ready to get started? Fill out the business branding inquiry here and let’s get your business branded!

Why I don’t like to use Facebook Messenger for my business

Why I don’t like to use Facebook Messenger for my business

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… I am not a Facebook Messenger fan. I am not a fan of it for business or for my personal life. Why, you ask? I’ll give you a couple of reasons.
Number 1: I am honestly kind of over Facebook, if I didn’t have my business page linked to I don’t even know if I would have my personal facebook. My social media platform of choice is definitely instagram! I know that Facebook is a great way to connect with people but at the same time why can’t you just call or text them? I am rarely on facebook unless I am on my business page editing something or checking messages on there.
Number 2: I feel like there is a sense of urgency with facebook. For example, I might have logged on to check something on my business page really quick or check a notification and when I get a message I feel like I have to respond right away because it shows that I have “read” it. I might not be able to answer the question right away (I get so many business-related questions sent to my personal account and sometimes need to check a price, etc. before I can give a good answer) and I feel so awful when I can’t respond right away because I don’t want the person messaging me thinking I am ignoring them. I typically have started replying with asking them what their e-mail address is and try and continue the conversation that way but it doesn’t always work (see number four as to why I like e-mailing better)!
Number 3: I hate that you have to have a separate app… I deleted my messenger app a LONG time ago. So the only time I check my messages is when I’m logged in on a desktop (which is rare). I could have zero messages on there right now or a thousand…my best answer, e-mail me to get the fastest response!
Number 4: My last comment on this is that I have dubsado which is a CRM system in which I run most of my business on. It makes my life 10 times easier! By visiting my website and filling out the form not only will it go straight to my e-mail, it will also set you up in my system so with a couple clicks of a button I can easily send you info & quotes. Meaning less time for you to be waiting and easier for me to get you the info you need ASAP!
When you run a creative small business solo it can be hard to manage every detail so having a streamlined process is KEY! The fewer things in between the better while I definitely do my best to respond to every message on every platform it’s definitely easier to get more accomplished by following my streamlined system than trying to figure out which platform I need to respond to!
What are your thoughts on facebook messenger? What is your favorite way to communicate with people?