Since graduating from university and starting my freelancing business, The S. Collective, as my side hustle, I have had numerous clients contact me with regards to re-branding.
I wanted to touch base with how you as a client can fundamentally ‘sweet-talk’ a designer into getting the branding package you haven’t imagined yet, but know is perfect for your business.
I don’t mean to make assumptions but I get the feeling a lot of clients aren’t being delivered the branding they were imagining. After long-winded conversations and the feeling of not being understood, this can be frustrating. So I wanted to share a few processes that will make your life, and the designers, that little bit easier.
Here’s how:
- Start with a face-to-face conversation
So let’s say a typical designer-to-client relationship is complied of phone calls, emails and occasional text messages. These are all great for the initial points of contact. But to show you’re serious about this designers commitment to your up and coming business, take the time out to organise a meeting face-to-face or over video chat. If the designer doesn’t initiate this, move on and find someone who will.
- Reply promptly
Nothing says you are serious about your request for branding than a responsive client – I suggest 2-4 business days.
- Come prepared
All I can say on this one is supply a detailed brief.
- Keep your emotions aside
We’ve all had a bad experience with a business relationship that has turned borderline ‘can’t tell if you’re bullying me or just in a bad mood today’ way. So if you are unsatisfied with the work the designer is supplying so far, approach them with confidence and remind them of your initial brief, they might have more on their calendar than they lead you to believe. Vise-versa.
- Be open and respectful about the cost
Some designers charge way more than you expect, and some don’t. It’s just the industry and the luck of the draw. To prepare yourself for the budget conversation, give the designer a fair and thought-out budget and be willing to negotiate. They will most likely feed off what you have prepared and work with you to reach a happy medium.
Happy re-branding.
Savhanna. x
Savhanna Fowler 