How to Onboard Clients as a Freelance Graphic Designer: What to Include in Your Proposals (+ Template)
Hello, and welcome to my blog! Today, I’m excited to delve into the second part of my series, "Client Brand Design Process." This post is all about the critical phase of onboarding for freelance graphic designers, where the magic truly begins. So, whether you're a budding designer or a seasoned pro, this post is packed with insights to help you nail the onboarding process.
Understanding the Onboarding Phase
Picture this: you've just realized you want to purchase a specific object. What's your next move? You do a deep dive into research behind that product, spend countless hours on Youtube reviews, look at all the Amazon reviews, and ask friends for recommendations, right? Potential clients are no different. When they're on the lookout for design services, they undergo a research phase, seeking a designer who’s not only trustworthy, but unequivocally resonates with their vision. This is where having a well-thought out and polished onboarding process pays off – and for those of you who don’t know what this means - it's the point where a potential client initiates contact with you - and the impression you create here can lead to a sale.
Your identity as a freelance graphic designer is more than your artistic skills. It extends to encompass your communication skills, the sense of professionalism you convey, and your branding. A seamless onboarding experience is essential; it can make or break your client's decision to proceed. Delayed responses, inconsistent branding, or a lack of preparation can easily deter potential clients.
The Four-Step Customer Journey in Onboarding
In the realm of onboarding, the client's journey unfolds in four integral steps: awareness, inquiry, contact, and confirmation.
Let’s delve deep into the first step – Awareness.
Step 1: Awareness
Imagine a situation where potential clients stumble upon your services – this being a situation that comes about only after you’ve carefully crafted your branding efforts.
So, what are some ways these prospects become aware of your offerings?
Clearly state what products you offer, and who you are. Effective Communication is Key. Your website and social media profiles are your digital storefronts. Clear, concise, and direct communication is the currency here. Avoid industry jargon or design-specific terminology that might confuse or alienate your audience. Use language that's friendly, approachable, and easily understandable.
Example: I've built my online presence around the identity of a dynamic, modern brand designer specializing in logo design, brand guidelines, and product packaging. This upfront clarity instantly guides potential clients toward the services I offer.
Show off your talents. Your portfolio isn't just a collection of works; it's a gallery that showcases your design philosophy and capabilities. Select projects that align with your target audience's needs and preferences (as well as only projects that you’d actually like to work on!). This affords potential clients a glimpse into your design world, fostering trust in your abilities. See my portfolio here.
Example: My portfolio boasts a range of branding projects tailored for small business owners. These designs echo a playful and modern aesthetic that resonates with my ideal clientele. This strategy reinforces my brand identity and magnetizes clients in search of similar styles.
Use client testimonials to establish trust. Trust is critical in the client-designer relationship. Highlight positive feedback from satisfied clients to bolster your credibility.
Example: I proudly showcase testimonials from previous clients on my homepage, recounting their satisfaction with my branding solutions. This creates trust within potential clients.
Remember, during the awareness phase, your objective is to make your services accessible and comprehensible. This paves the way for a seamless onboarding process where potential clients feel empowered to reach out and learn more about your design services.
Step 2: Inquiry - Where the Journey Begins
In the onboarding process, the Inquiry phase marks the moment a potential client takes the first step towards working with you. Ensuring this experience is smooth, welcoming, and informative is crucial to fostering a strong foundation for the project. Here's how to make it happen:
Personal branding is first and foremost. Your website acts as a virtual introduction. Ensure it reflects your designer identity unequivocally. Define your services with utmost clarity so potential clients are confident about your offerings.
Example: My website clearly communicates who I am as a designer. It declares me as a dynamic, modern brand designer specializing in logo design, brand identity design, and product packaging. This clarity makes it easy for potential clients to envision working with me.
Craft your website to generate leads. Each section of your website can become a lead generation magnet. Consider these strategies:
Utilizing buttons and links: Take a look at your website and see if there are any places you could include a link to an inquiry form. This increases the chances of the curious user to reach out for more information.
Collect e-mail addresses using digital downloads. My in-depth services and pricing package is only available after inputting an e-mail address.
Pricing Calculator: Consider making your pricing strategies clear and visible to your clients. This way only people who know they can afford your services will reach out to you. I have a pricing calculator located on my contact me page, so they are easily able to check if the services are within their budget.
Questionnaire Magic: Employing a questionnaire can work wonders in streamlining the client selection process. Make it accessible on your website before the client even contacts you.
Example: My questionnaire spans branding and packaging topics, designed to be comprehensible yet informative. Its brevity filters serious clients from mere inquiries.
Visual Insight with Pinterest Boards: Requesting a Pinterest board from potential clients allows you to peer into their aesthetic preferences. This aids in determining if your styles align.
Example: A recent potential client's Pinterest board was an exuberant display of vibrant designs. Our compatibility was clear, enhancing my confidence in our collaboration.
Step 3: Contact - Building Relationships
Effective communication forms the bedrock of successful projects. During the Contact phase, your focus shifts to nurturing a robust client-designer relationship. Here's how to ensure a smooth journey:
Response Time Matters: Prompt responses, within 24-48 hours, showcase your professionalism. Prepared email response templates can expedite your interactions.
Seamless Scheduling with Calendly: Scheduling calls is a keystone for client interaction. Calendly is a valuable tool, enabling clients to book suitable slots effortlessly.
Project Proposal Power: Project proposals are game-changers, irrespective of how well the client understands their needs. I’ve designed a template that covers absolutely everything you’d ever need on a project proposal for freelance designers and soloprenuers for their convenience.
Mood Boards: These visual aids offer clients design directions to envision their brand's potential.
Discovery Call Confirmation: Before investing substantial time, confirm the client's commitment by obtaining their confirmation for a discovery call.
Research and Preparedness: Review all client-provided information before the discovery call to tailor the proposal precisely.
Comprehensive Proposal: Your proposal should encompass the timeline, communication preferences, FAQ, services, key dates, and other relevant details. Consider using my template as a starting point.
Client Discovery Call: This call sets the tone for the project. It's an opportunity to understand the client's vision and expectations.
Preparation: Conduct background research on the client and have a list of questions ready to address gaps from the questionnaire.
Guided Presentation: Lead the conversation, covering the proposal, solutions, services, and mood boards to visualize design directions.
Focused Discussion: Keep the call on track by having specific points to discuss, enhancing efficiency.
Brainstorm with Mural: Mural is an excellent tool for collaborative brainstorming, clearing doubts, and solidifying details.
Step 4: Confirmation - Launching the Journey
With the discovery call wrapped up and excitement palpable, it's time to confirm the agreement and embark on the design journey.
Create a Client Portal: Utilize Google Drive to manage files and notes, ensuring organization and accessibility for both parties.
Project Commences: With all details in place, kickstart the project with confidence, thanks to the strong onboarding process.
Final Thoughts
From attracting potential clients with personalized branding, crafting clear leads, and utilizing questionnaires, to nurturing relationships through prompt communication, impactful proposals, and in-depth discovery calls – these steps will guide your onboarding journey towards success. Keep your resources organized, communication open, and project files accessible for a streamlined workflow.
As you implement these strategies, remember that onboarding is not a one-time task; it's a dynamic process that adapts and evolves with your growth. With the foundation set by an impeccable onboarding process, you're poised to deliver exceptional design journeys that leave a lasting impact.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue our journey through the Client Brand Design Process. And if you found this post valuable, don't hesitate to hit that thumbs-up button and subscribe to my blog for more graphic design and branding wisdom.
Plus, check out our resources in the description below, including the project proposal template and the downloadable questionnaire. Until next time, keep designing and keep creating!
Resources Mentioned
Calendly
Synchronizes with most Calendar apps and allows the client to schedule a time that works best for you.
https://calendly.com/
Mural
A website you can use to brainstorm ideas with your clients.
https://www.mural.co/
Calconic
A free site you can use to build custom price calculator and instant quotes to include on your website.
https://www.calconic.com/
Project Proposal Templates
My own personal project proposal template that has secured many a client.
https://www.gloriacondy.com/shop/p/project-proposal-template
