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Start your free trialPhilip Savarirayan
2,778 PointsHi Paul im not able to get any customers, the web and graphic design industry seems so saturated
I would like to target small businesses, ive tried social media advertising but cannto find my target market
2 Answers
Laurie Williams
10,174 PointsI think this is largely due to the fact that there are no barriers to entry in design. Every high school kid with a copy of photoshop thinks that they are a graphical designer.
You have to set yourself apart and slowly build a reputation for yourself. You need a portfolio. Even if you make up some portfolio projects just to demonstrate what you can do.
The business world is cutthroat. You need to understand sales too.
Since you have so many competitors, when approaching a potential client, have a process and let them know you have one. You want to appear more professional than your counterparts.
Maybe your process is that you have a meeting with them and then present them with a project proposal with your branding on it.
In a world of cowboys, you want to show that you take it seriously and will do a good job.
Another thing with sales is that you need to ask for the sale more than once. Always follow up with your client. Follow u with them as many times as it takes to get the sale.
It works for me and I do all the time.
There is a lot of work out there but you have to work 10x harder to get it.
kimberli Broadus
3,197 PointsYou have to find you niche in a competitive field. You have to find that one thing that sets you apart from other designers. No one's style is going to be exactly like yours. Also try looking in the direction of freelance websites. They allow new comers a way in to the field. E-lance is one try a google search. Doing freelance online could open up a new market. IF you see someone has advertised for a designer give them a sample of the work they are asking for, this will give you an edge on the competition. While others are getting in touch most don't come with samples for what the client is asking for upfront. When first starting out sometimes discounting your price for a limited time to draw in customers may help. You may also want to try networking through Meetup.com. Taking a business/marketing course may help. Word of mouth goes a long way. Scope out new businesses in your area.
Stephen Mulvain
6,101 PointsStephen Mulvain
6,101 PointsI think most designers go through this, IMO this is the hardest thing about leaving an agency environment. Once your portfolio is in a good place and you have case studies that match the target market you should start getting more bites.
Good luck!