Automating Your Graphic Design Business
If you sat down and calculated how much time you’re spending on graphic design vs. admin tasks, what would those numbers look like? If you’re anything like me, the daily tasks that keep your business running far outweigh the time you get to spend on things you actually enjoy - like DESIGNING!
That’s why it’s so important to automate your graphic design business as much as possible.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to automate some of the most time-consuming tasks in your graphic design business, so you can spend more time doing what you love.
Client Management
Call scheduling
Provide a scheduling link so potential/current clients can easily schedule a call without emailing back and forth. Choose a scheduling platform (like Calendly or Acuity Scheduling) that includes reminder emails and payment methods if applicable!
Welcome packet
Anticipate questions your clients may have and provide all of the answers up front in a welcome packet. You can automate this document to be sent in your onboarding workflow, so all clients receive the same information!
Proposal/Contract
Automate a contract to be sent immediately if a proposal is accepted, which can then trigger your invoice once the contract is signed.
Invoicing
Automate reminders for upcoming or past due payments and set up payment schedules (if applicable) so you don’t have to manually track who has paid and who hasn’t.
Projects
Use the same framework for each client to streamline your projects. For example, if your brand design package includes a mid-way check-in, 6-week turnaround, and 2 revisions, make sure you maintain that structure for each project. (i.e., avoid custom project structures if possible)
Templates
Create templates for project deliverables so you aren’t starting from scratch each time. This could be a mood board, style guide, brand presentation, etc. You can even create project templates in your task management system!
Marketing
Almost everything can be scheduled these days! Block out a few hours for content batching and create social media posts, Pins, newsletters, and blogs in advance. Schedule them all out to be published through the month so you don’t have to think about it! I use Flodesk for email marketing, Later for social media, schedule pins in Pinterest, and blog posts directly in Squarespace.
There is a LOT that goes into running a graphic design business, especially if it’s just you or a small team. But it IS possible to keep your business afloat and still get to do what you truly love.
I’m willing to bet that if you get started with a few of these automations for your graphic design business, you’ll see a big difference in how you consistently spend your time.
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How to Book Big Budget Clients in your Design Business
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