Pinterest is a visual discovery engine for finding ideas like recipes, home and style inspiration, and more (Source: Pinterest)

One of the biggest misconceptions about Pinterest is that it’s a social media platform. While there is a social aspect involved, it’s actually not a social media platform at all; it’s a visual search engine.

Everyday, your audience is on Pinterest looking for ideas just like yours. In fact, there are about 431 million people using Pinterest as of the fourth quarter of 2021.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Pinterest saw a major increase in users who were spending more time at home and online. With so many new users, now is a great time to improve your Pinterest marketing strategy, build brand awareness, and share your content with a whole new audience.

Below are my tips for ultimate Pinterest growth.

1. Set Up A Pinterest Business Account

If you’re a business owner using a personal Pinterest account, it’s time to convert to a business account.

This will give you access to a variety of important business features such as rich pins, Pinterest ads, messaging for your business, Engagement tab access, in-depth analytics, and more!

Tip: Don’t worry! If you want to continue using your personal Pinterest account for things like planning your wedding, sharing a recipe, decorating your kitchen, etc. and don’t want to convert it a business account, you can always create a new account specifically for your business.

2. Optimize Your Pinterest Profile with Keywords

Your profile may seem pretty straightforward, but it gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself, share what you do, and connect with your audience using an engaging call to action.

There are 5 essential parts to your Pinterest profile.

• Username – Just like other platforms, Pinterest allows you to have a username so people can find you. It looks like @yourusername. You should keep this consistent across all platforms to help people find you easily. For instance, you’ll find me @assimilationdesigns on just about every platform.
  
  Your username can be 3-30 characters, and can’t have spaces, symbols or punctuation.
  
  
• Website – No profile is complete without a link to your website, blog, or online store. Your website is the backbone of your online presence, so including it is a must. You also want to go one step further by claiming your website on Pinterest. This way, you can access important analytics connected to your site regarding content that you and others are sharing. Once claimed, you’ll also see the checkmark symbol next to your website address.
  
  In addition to claiming your website, you can also claim your Instagram account, Etsy, or YouTube account. If you use Shopify for your website, you can install the Pinterest app on Shopify to add your name and profile picture to Pins from your Shopify store, automatically connect your catalog and install the Pinterest tag.
  
  
• Profile Photo – Your profile photo is the main image associated with your Pinterest account. It should be kept consistent across all your platforms, so I suggest using your logo or an image of yourself.
  
  Image Guidelines
  
  
  • Recommended size: 180 x 180 pixels
  • Maximum size: 10 MB
  • Image type: JPG or PNG
    

• Profile Name – This is the main title right next to or below your profile photo. You should include your business name and briefly summarize what you do in a few words. This is a good (and often overlooked) spot to include keywords. Remember, Pinterest works like search engine so keywords are highly useful.
  
  
• Profile Description/Bio – In this section, you want to focus on the “who” and “how” of your business in 160 characters or less. In other words, who you are serving and how you can help them. Again, this is a good opportunity to use keywords. You can use the same ones used in your profile name to keep things consistent.

Tip: Need help finding keywords for your business? Take a look at what’s trending on Pinterest for some ideas!

3. Create Valuable Content for Your Audience + Use Relevant Titles

Creating valuable content is an essential part of targeting your ideal audience.

Consider who your target person is. Are they an interior designer? Wellness advocate? Beauty blogger? Home baker?

Targeting a specific audience will ensure you are getting in front of the right people, helping your ideal customers find your content and products or services.

Content Examples:

Content ideas for Interior Designers

• Home inspo
• Minimal interior decor
• Color trends
• Bedroom redesign
• An opt-in like “Scandinavian Styles for Your Living Room”

Content ideas for Wellness Brands

• Yoga or meditation tips
• Exercise tutorials
• Healthy recipes
• An opt-in like “50 Wellness Tips To Change Your Life”

Content ideas for Beauty Bloggers

• Quick makeup or beauty tutorials
• Favorite vegan beauty products
• Makeup dupe products
• An opt-in like “Top 10 Beauty Industry Podcasts You Should Listen To”

Content ideas for Home Bakers

• Gluten-free recipes
• 10 baking tips and tricks
• Essential tools or must-have items for the kitchen
• An opt-in like “How to Make Cupcakes From Scratch in 30 Minutes”

The titles you use for your boards are equally important. It’s a good idea to name your boards according to the content being shared, and to (once again) incorporate relevant terms and keywords here. These terms are searchable and will help users find your content easily. 2-3 words for your titles is enough. The goal is to be simple and specific, and keep your boards consistent.

Board Title Examples:

Board title ideas for Interior Designers

• Farmhouse Decor
• Boho Bedroom Ideas
• Kitchen Renovation Tips

Board title ideas for Wedding Planners

• Simple Wedding Dresses
• DIY Wedding Centerpieces
• Wedding Hairstyles

Board title ideas for Fitness Coaches

• Gym Workouts
• Fitness Tips
• Meal Prep

Board title ideas for Copywriters

• Website Copywriting Tips
• Copywriting for Beginners
• Sales Copywriting
  

Tip: If aesthetic is important to you, use board covers for each board to make them more cohesive in appearance. This is also a good way to integrate your brand colors and fonts.

4. Use Optimal Image Sizes + Create Compelling Visuals

When pinning your content, it can be confusing to know what size your images should be. Use the handy guide above to create perfectly sized that stand out and grab attention. Your viewers (and Pinterest) will thank you for it!

Also keep in mind that that “the best pins are visually compelling, tell a good story and make people want to learn more.” (Source: Pinterest Business)

Tips to help you create visually compelling pins:

• Use high-quality, vertical images
• Place your product front and center
• Avoid abstract visuals or imagery that don’t showcase your brand
• Include your logo (be sure to avoid the lower-right corner since this gets covered by icons)
• Add text overlays to make your pins stand out
• Keep copy concise and readable for mobile devices
• Create separate pins for each country you’re targeting
• Use clear titles and descriptions
• Include up to 100 characters for your title and up to 500 characters for your description
• Check links to make sure they’re active, load quickly, and match your destination site

5. Track Your Data Using Analytics and Make Changes As Needed

Analytics can seem a little intimidating at first, but thankfully Pinterest gives you the tools you need to understand your metrics and track important stats.

All of your analytics can be accessed under the Analytics tab in the Pinterest menu of your business account.

These include:

• Overview
• Audience Insights
• Conversion Insights
• Trends
  

Tip: The Analytics Overview page shows only published Pins data by default. Check the box next to Include saved Pins under the filters to include stats for Pins you’ve saved that are not linked to any of your claimed domains.

Below are the metrics you can find in Pinterest Analytics to learn how people are engaging and interacting with your Pins. Note: real-time analytics are not available for audience metrics.

Final Thoughts on Creating an Action-Driven Pinterest Marketing Strategy

In this post, we covered a lot of information on how to create the ultimate Pinterest marketing strategy. And trust me, there’s still a lot more to cover!

Let’s quickly recap the 5 action-driven tips you can start using now to grow your business on Pinterest.

1. Set up a business account
2. Optimize your Pinterest profile with keywords
3. Create valuable content and use relevant titles
4. Use optimal image sizes and create compelling visuals
5. Track your data using analytics and make changes as needed

Even if you’re new to using Pinterest, you can start driving traffic to your blog or website. It takes some time and patience, but these are all tips I’ve personally used to grow my own Pinterest account.

Try these tips for 30 days to start creating an effective Pinterest marketing strategy. Be sure to check your analytics weekly to see what content is performing well and optimize your pins as needed. Then use those insights to continue creating valuable content for your audience.

Have you tried the tips above to improve your Pinterest marketing strategy? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

If you found this article helpful, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Happy pinning!

Pin For Later

Share this post

The post Pinterest Marketing Strategy 101 appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

This year was a great year for type, with so many incredible new designs and styles that made us swoon.

It would be impossible to share all of my favorites (there are SO many) but I’ve done my best to select a few of the ones that really stood out for me this year.

Without further ado, here are my 25 favorites fonts of 2021…

Download or purchase these for your next creative project using the link below. Please support your favorite type designers and foundries by purchasing, donating and sharing their work.

Note: Some fonts are free, and some require a font license for personal or commercial use. Please contact the designer or foundry directly regarding licensing questions. For more information on font licensing, visit www.monotype.com

Let me know your favorites in the comments below and feel free to share some of your font favorites too!

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. We love supporting other businesses and only recommend items that we trust and have used ourselves. Read our full affiliate disclosure here.

The post My 25 Favorite Fonts of 2021 appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

I’m eternally grateful that I was able to continue working and creating this year. Even though it looked and felt different at times, it was still incredibly fulfilling and meaningful.

I’m sending love and gratitude to all of you for your support, kind words, motivation and encouragement this year. It means so much to me that we still have each other. Forever thankful for my clients, collaborators, design friends, and fellow entrepreneurs in the creative community.

Here’s a little “Year in Review” of how things looked for my business this year. Like many of you, I’m looking forward to 2021 and seeing what the next chapter brings. I know it’s going to be good!

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year,

The post 2020: Year in Review appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

There are some great commercial fonts available through sites like Adobe and Google. The problem is many of them are overused. Finding one that has personality, isn’t too simple or complex, and won’t break your bank can be tricky.

That’s why I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite commercial fonts for you to download. The best part? They’re totally free! I’d love to see how you use these, so be sure to tag me on Instagram @assimilationdesigns. And if you have any other free commercial font suggestions, feel free to add them in the comments below.

Note: All fonts listed below are free for commercial use, but please be sure to read font licenses carefully or contact the original font designer if you have any questions.

WANT MORE FREE FONTS?

Get more free fonts in our 100+ Free Commercial Fonts PDF guide.

We’ve curated this exclusive guide with over 100 fonts you can download and add to your collection.

PIN FOR LATER

The post Free Commercial Fonts appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

If you haven’t heard of Dubsado before, it’s a “business management solution designed to cut out the busywork. Build relationships, schedule appointments, and create workflows to streamline your projects from start to finish.” (Source: Dubsado)

In other words, it’s a lifesaver.

I’m one of those people who is skeptical of trying new things when it comes to my business. I tend to get comfortable in my routine and I need to do a lot of research before I make any big business decisions. I also like to explore my options, so I’ve tried out just about every CRM (Client Relationship Management) and PM (Project Management) tool out there including Honeybook, Bonsai, Asana, Trello and others.

Why Dubsado?

What led me to Dubsado and my decision to stick with it, is that it offers everything I need to keep my business running efficiently and effectively. With features like client management, contracts and forms, automation, invoicing, scheduling, and accounting and reporting, I have all my bases covered. It even allows me to customize my forms and client portal, so everything is branded to my business.

In addition to the great features, Dubsado has amazing customer service. As someone who runs a business, I know customer service is everything. I’ve contacted Dubsado a few times and they are always quick to respond, professional, and ready to assist me. For me, those are things that matter. I want to know that the products and services I use and invest in are reliable. Most importantly, I want to know that those businesses genuinely care about me as a customer.

Becca and Jake are the husband and wife duo behind Dubsado. They started out as a two-person team and have since grown to a team of over 30 people. As a growing business, they understand the meaning of hard work and are passionate about helping others grow their business with ease. It’s clear that they really listen to their customers, and I know they are committed to me and my business.

Dubsado Features

Below you’ll find more details on Dubsado’s amazing features, shared directly from their website.

Contracts & Forms: Create form and contract templates to use across any project. Browse our template library or use your own design to build forms that look professional, accessible, and unique to your business.

Automation: With automated workflows you can trigger actions such as sending emails, completing tasks, and creating invoices—all without a single click. Additionally, set up automatic appointment and payment reminders personalized for each client.

Client Management: Capture leads and easily maintain one-on-one communication. Keep forms and contracts in private portals for each client. Organize your projects with tags and statuses and stay on track with task boards for you and your team.

Accounting & Reporting: Track profit and loss, transaction history, and outstanding invoices. Set monthly or yearly financial goals and view your growth over time. See where leads are coming from and keep track of the revenue generated from each source.

Scheduling: Send or embed your scheduler so clients can easily book with you based on your availability. Create requirements for booking, such as filling out a form or paying a deposit and set scheduling limits to ensure that clients can only book appointments that work best for your schedule.

Invoicing: Send invoices to get paid, either in full or through multiple scheduled payments. Set up automated recurring invoices for subscription-like services. Connect to a payment processor so your clients can pay at any time on any device.

How These Features Have Helped Me

With these features, I can accomplish so much more in my day-to-day routine, in about half the time. And if you’re a business owner, you know how important it is to use your time wisely. After all, time is money!

• I collect new inquiries from potential clients with a custom lead capture form, which is embedded into my website using a link that opens in a separate window for better page-loading time.
  
  
• After a client submits this form, it starts my automated onboarding process and sends the potential client a follow-up email with important details like next steps and a link to schedule a call with me (currently I use Acuity Scheduling).
  
  
• After the client call, I send over a custom proposal outlining the project scope, details, pricing, and payment options. This is basically a quote that the client can review before completing the contract and sending their deposit.
  
  
• When a client approves the proposal, I send a contract that allows them to e-sign with a legally binding digital signature. If you don’t have a contract of your own, Dubsado has a library with some basic templates to get you started. If you’re looking for an attorney-drafted option that’s more complete, I highly recommend The Contract Shop.
  
  
• Once the contract is signed, I send over an invoice with payment schedule. I can accept payments via Stripe, PayPal, or Square. All my payment plans have set due dates and amounts, with friendly reminder emails that go out automatically before payment is due. I offer a 50/50 payment plan or split things up into 3-5 equal payments depending on the project timeline.
  
  You can set up reminder emails to send out after due dates as well, but I always try to make it clear that payment is due within a certain time frame to avoid late fees.

Creating A Better Client Experience

I am all about creating a better experience for my clients. Being clear, organized, and structured allows me to do that. My clients know what to expect when they work with me, and there are no surprises. This gives me peace of mind as a business owner and builds trust with my clients because they know they can rely on me from start to finish.

Try Dubsado for Yourself

Dubsado has genuinely changed my business and given me the freedom to focus on what I love—my clients and my work.

If you don’t want to jump through hoops to organize and automate your systems, I highly recommend Dubsado and know it will change your business too!

The best part is you can try Dubsado for FREE on up to 3 clients by signing up here! No time limit or credit card required.

Want to save even more? Use code assimilationdesigns to save 20% off your first month or first year

*This post contains affiliate links that will get you 20% off of your first month or year with Dubsado! I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

The post Using Dubsado To Manage My Business appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

A business contract protects you and your customers. Having a professional business contract helps you avoid disputes, prevent miscommunication, and build better relationships.

If you are a product or service provider, chances are you’re involved in situations that include fees, deadlines, or exchanging personal information.

You may be familiar with a verbal contract, where an agreement is made or implied verbally between you and another party. However, an agreement in writing is much easier to enforce.

The problem for many business owners when it comes to having a contract is they don’t know where to start. That is where having a professional really comes in handy.

Would you believe me if I told you that you could legalize your business in 5 minutes? It’s true!

How, You Ask?

As entrepreneurs, most of us are spending so much time running our actual business that we tend to sweep the legal side of things under the rug.

If you’re anything like me, you want to sleep better at night knowing your business is protected with an iron-clad, attorney-prepared contract.

That’s why I wholeheartedly recommend investing in a template from The Contract Shop. They are super easy to customize to your business. So easy, you’ll be sending out new contracts within 5 minutes! No hassle or expensive attorneys required.

But Do I Really Need a Business Contract?

Do you want to be treated like a professional, create a great customer experience, get paid, and cover your butt? Then yes! Personally, I don’t do business without one.

So many business owners, freelancers, and entrepreneurs are conducting business online these days, which means you really have to make sure and have all your bases covered.

By having a solid contract in place, you are investing in the protection of your business and your hard work. At The Contract Shop you get customizable templates that are drafted and backed by actual licensed attorneys, which means you also get peace of mind.

Contract templates are available for a variety of businesses including:

Photographers
Graphic and Web Designers
Coaches and Consultants
Entrepreneurs
Artists and Calligraphers

As the daughter of a military veteran, I really love that they support military members and their families too. If you’re on active duty, a veteran, or a dependent military family member you can save up to 30%. And if you are an immediate family member in a Gold Star family, you get access to all products and courses for free.

It’s a No-Brainer

Take it from someone who has been a business owner for nearly a decade, there will be times where you need to protect yourself.

Having a solid contract that’s legally binding will ensure your business is protected and help you feel 10x more confident.

The legal stuff doesn’t have to suck! It shouldn’t be draining, confusing, or awkward. I trust the experts at The Contract Shop because they are accessible, innovative, and much more affordable than hiring an hourly attorney. They somehow manage to make the typical stuffy, boring legal process fun.

Most importantly, they are real humans helping other humans. And for me, that’s what good business is all about.

*This page includes affiliate links. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.

The post Why You Need To Have a Solid Business Contract appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

Don’t get me wrong, having goals important and necessary. Setting them can be motivating and give you something meaningful to work toward. It’s also a pretty great feeling once you’ve crossed them off your list. But are you doing more harm than good?

Goal-setting, as I’ve shared in my Free Resource Library, is not a “set and forget” process. It takes time and serious commitment, which is something we tend to overlook during the sparkly new year period.

Shiny Object Syndrome

Shiny Object Syndrome is something you’ve probably heard of before. And essentially, it’s the disease of distraction. Equivalent to a toddler chasing a shiny new toy around. Sure, it’s fun for a little while, but then it becomes less interesting as a new shiny toy appears. This continues each time something new and shiny comes along, creating a vicious and never-ending cycle.

It tends to happen a lot in the new year, especially with new business ideas, goals, and courses to explore. The problem is, you lose sight of things you’ve already done or started. This leads to business ideas that are never executed, goals that never get met, and jumping from course to course without ever actually implementing what you’ve learned. By constantly going from one thing to the next without ever seeing anything through to the end, you become a jack of all trades and a master of none.

Just Do You

The best thing you can do to avoid falling into that trap, is stay focused on what you’ve already set out to do. Understand that new doesn’t mean better, learn to differentiate between “shiny new objects” and real opportunities, and give yourself space to process what’s most important. Even if it means waiting to see beyond the hype and mob mentality.

Forget about chasing trends, and try to assess where things fit into your current life and schedule. Is it something you really need right now? Is it going to add real value to your work or business? Following the crowd or the latest “hot thing” is not sustainable. Discipline yourself to stay focused and avoid the noise.

Your mental health and energy are far more important than following what everyone else is doing. Consider how to create a better balance in your daily routine by determining what’s valuable versus what’s distracting. Sort through your social media feeds, Facebook groups, email newsletters and weed out what’s irrelevant versus helpful. Anything that’s irrelevant or distracting you is sucking up precious mental energy.

Let It Go, or Don’t

There is no rule that says once a new year arrives, your goals from the previous year(s) become null and void. It may seem tempting to let go of things that didn’t go as planned, but guess what? Your goals are yours, and you get to make the rules. Goals don’t have an expiration date.

It’s true that good things take time. The most important thing is being willing to keep going. Let go of things that aren’t serving you well or bringing you joy, but don’t be afraid to continue working on things you are passionate about or committed to. Even if it takes longer than you hoped for.

New Year, Same Goals

I didn’t hit all of my 2019 goals, but that isn’t going to stop me from working toward them now. I don’t look at it as failing, and I don’t let myself become consumed by feelings of disappointment because I know that I will get where I want to be.

I woke up on January 1st feeling more determined than ever. 2019 was a great year. I learned a lot about myself and my business. I took risks. I tried new things. I invested in myself. I failed at some things but I succeeded at others. Now more than ever, I am committed to embracing growth and change instead of falling into a negative mindset of “I can’t” or “I won’t.” Those types of thoughts have no place in my life.

It’s a new year but I am still dedicated to my craft, to growing my business, to working with amazing clients, and to supporting and educating other creatives and entrepreneurs. I didn’t set any resolutions for 2020 and am making no promises to myself or the universe. My main goal is staying true to myself and doing what I love in hopes of making a small difference in the world.

But, just in case you’re curious, some of my goals for 2020 and beyond include:

• redoing my bedroom and office
• losing weight
• drinking more water
• being kinder to myself, to others, and to the environment
• traveling more with my husband
• reading more books/watching less TV
• creating more educational content
• launching a design-related course
• saying “no” to things that don’t bring me joy
• continuing to invest in myself, my business, and my community

A New Adventure

As we begin a new adventure, I encourage you to dig deep and stay focused on the things that make you thrive. Embrace the fact that your journey is unique and you have the ability to move at whatever pace works best for you.

I hope your 2020 is filled with success, prosperity, health, love and laughter.

Happy New Year!

The post New Year, Same Goals & Why I’m Not Setting Any Resolutions in 2020 appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

grat·i·tude/ˈɡradəˌt(y)o͞od/
noun

the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

Every year around this time, there seems to be an outpouring of gratitude for family, friends, health, and even delicious meals. Of course these things are important and worthy of appreciation each and every day, but has it ever crossed your mind to show gratitude when it comes to your business?

It has definitely crossed mine, and this year I am feeling especially thankful for my business, my creative community, and my amazing clients.

My Business

2019 has been a year of exponential growth for Assimilation Designs. I started this year unsure of what direction my business was going to go in, especially because I was still in the process of rebranding. But I quickly realized I had a lot to look forward to.

One of the best decisions I made this year was investing in myself. By that, I mean dedicating considerable time and effort to improving my business and taking full responsibility for my role as a business owner. It’s easy to get caught up in the facade of owning a business and forget that we still have to put in the work if we want real results.

My Goals and Takeaways

My goal this year was to become more aware of who I am as a business owner, embrace and learn from past mistakes, and be willing to try new things outside of my comfort zone. For me, this included taking a branding course*, joining a a mastermind, and attending a virtual summit.

A major takeaway for me this year is accepting that success is rooted in failure. It sounds pretty crazy, right? But it’s true! In order to be successful, you have to be willing to fail. And I don’t mean just a little bit. I mean that fall flat on your ass kind of failure. The kind that makes you want to throw in the towel and the whole kitchen sink.

Failure is not a fun part of the process but honestly, it’s not supposed to be. Once you’ve been there and experienced it, you quickly realize that you don’t ever want to be there again. When you have that kind of fire lit under you, it pushes you to try harder and keep going. That’s the true definition of perseverance.

I used to be afraid of failing. Now I see it as planting a seed for something better, and I am definitely grateful for that.

*If you’re interested in taking Rowan Made’s Branding with Bre course, you can use my code BWB25 for $25 off!

My Creative Community

The creative community never ceases to amaze me, and it’s allowed me to make some incredible friends over the years. I have said it before, but being an entrepreneur can feel pretty lonely sometimes. We have to lean on each other and support the people around us. That’s where community really starts.

This year I made it a point to focus on building community. I encouraged people when I saw they needed it, and reached out when I felt like I could genuinely help. Sometimes I got crickets. But mostly, I got a lot of love in return. It strengthened my belief that we are absolutely capable of lifting each other up, instead of tearing each other down.

In addition to building community, I also noticed so many of my creative friends and peers doing wonderful things this year. People starting their own businesses, launching new products and services, getting engaged or married, starting a family, checking goals off their bucket list. It’s pretty incredible that we can share and celebrate those milestones together as a community.

I feel extremely grateful to be part of it, and really look forward to what 2020 has in store for all of us!

My Amazing Clients

It’s hard for me not to get emotional about my job sometimes. I have worked with so many amazing people over the last 10 years. Some of my clients have even become friends.

I am in constant awe that I wake up each day and get to do this for a living. People trust me with their business and their creative vision, which is something I don’t take for granted. I genuinely appreciate each project, referral, inquiry, testimonial, and every ounce of gratitude I have received over the years.

Watching my clients grow and succeed is the ultimate reward. It goes without saying that I could not do what I do without them. They are truly the backbone of my business and why I continue to do this. Telling visual stories is my passion, and they are a constant source of inspiration.

Update: Gift card has been used.
Thanks everyone!

As a token of my appreciation, please enjoy a beverage on me! Just scan the following barcode at your local Starbucks to pay for your order. The card is already preloaded so there is nothing for you to worry about. Please enjoy until the balance runs out.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The post Gratitude for my Business, Community, and Clients appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

There are many reasons why clients ghost. In this digital age, it’s bound to happen. Some people are easily distracted and forgetful, while others are simply shopping around and comparing their options. But sometimes, we (yes, we!) are actually the ones making big mistakes that lead to client ghosting.

It’s not fun to admit, but it’s true. Even if you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, there is always room for improvement in the communication department. Below are some helpful ways you can improve your sales and marketing approach to discourage client ghosting.

Use Your Words

First thing’s first. The word “ghosting” has sort of a negative connotation, doesn’t it? It doesn’t exactly evoke feelings of welcoming and warmth. My suggestion is simple: stop using it. Remove it from your vocabulary and your mind. Instead, focus on finding ways you can bring real value to each potential lead and hone in on their individual personalities and needs.

Own Your Talents

A big part of marketing yourself successfully means having the know-how and confidence to back it up. You didn’t get to where you are by hiding in the shadows. Own your talents and skill set, and remember that clients are coming to you because you have the ability to solve their problems. If you don’t believe in yourself, why should anyone else?

Focus on the value you bring to the table. Whether it’s your experience, a unique approach or method, stellar customer service, or something else. Highlight what sets you apart and makes you the best choice over someone else. Potential clients want to know how you’re different from the laundry list of other options, and why this is going to benefit them in the long run. So tell them!

Get to the Real Problem

Find their pain points. Ask what it is they are specifically looking to achieve, instead of offering them a “one size fits all” solution. Remember that one size doesn’t fit all, because every client has different needs. Some are after more sales, while others want more revenue. Some are looking for social media growth, while others are in need of professional content creation. Learn what their real problems are so you can offer an appropriate solution.

Improve your Follow Up

Rethink your follow up approach. After you’ve been ghosted, you may be wondering if you should even bother following up. Personally, I believe it’s a good idea to follow up at least once to try and regain their interest. At the very least, you can move on knowing you made a genuine effort instead of walking away and wondering “What if?”

Whether you follow up via email or telephone, you should avoid using common and overdone responses. Asking potential clients things like “Did you get my proposal?” and “Do you have any more questions for me?” isn’t doing anything to engage them or set you apart. Instead, try offering them something of value like a free resource or download, or a 1:1 call (if you’re primarily chatting via email). People are much more likely to respond when they see that you’re willing to share some of your time and expertise.

Watch for Red Flags

If discussing price seems like the first and only factor for a potential client, this may be a red flag. It doesn’t mean you should ignore their request though. Send them your pricing, and be genuine, but make sure you also emphasize the value they are receiving too. Be confident in your numbers, and remember that your ideal client will never say things like “I can’t afford you.” (If they do, they aren’t your ideal client!)

Learn to Say No

Finally, there will be times when some potential clients simply aren’t a good match. They don’t engage, won’t answer questions, and seem confused or unsure about their business goals. At this point, you have to assess whether it’s a good fit. And if not, it’s time to thank them for their interest and tell them the truth: it’s just not going to work.

Be honest with them and with yourself, because in the long run it will save you a lot of time and a major headache. If you feel it necessary to send them off gently, consider referring them to a colleague or fellow creative who may be a better fit. Sometimes that’s the best thing you can do, and they will usually thank you for it.

Embrace the Sell

As an entrepreneur, selling is something you have to get used to. It’s part of the territory. If you want to make money, you have to learn to educate people on why they should spend their hard earned money on what it is you’re offering. At the end of the day, it’s all about how you set yourself apart and show your value. If you can do that, you are much more likely to connect with people on a deeper level and earn their business. Remember, people buy from people they trust.

How do you deal with client ghosting? Let me know in the comments below!

The post How To Deal With Client Ghosting appeared first on Assimilation Designs.

Search engines like Google show a variety of potential candidates on their first page results. You might assume these select few are the cream of the crop since they are at the front. But are first page results really offering you the best solution?

Below are some helpful tips to consider before you make your final decision.

Portfolio

One of the first things to consider when hiring a brand or web designer is credentials. I’m not talking about social security numbers or driver’s licenses but rather, portfolios. Designer portfolios can range from hundreds of designs to a select few.

But how do you know which option is best? From a design standpoint, the strongest portfolios usually present 5-10 designs. A portfolio with 500 designs may seem impressive, but it is doubtful you will be browsing long enough to go through every detail. Always consider quality over quantity.

Portfolio designs should be well presented, clear, and cohesive. They should give you a good understanding of the designer’s overall style and aesthetic. This way you can determine if your visual tastes align and be sure they will be able to achieve what you’re looking for.

Experience + Process

It is also very important to consider their experience. You want to trust that your designer didn’t just appear overnight and that they have been working at this long enough to have a solid creative process.

Chances are if you find a designer that just started out recently and has already done 500 designs, they are probably cranking them out like fast-food burgers—not exactly giving you the attention and professionalism your design needs and deserves.

A good designer doesn’t necessarily need to have a professional design background or a formal education. But they should have a clear and concise understanding of the elements and fundamentals of design, as well as a system in place that allows them to walk you through the creative process step-by-step.

Turnaround + Time Frame

Turnaround and time frames will vary for every designer. Some will say days while others will say weeks, or even months. There is really no right or wrong answer here, as long as your designer is taking the appropriate steps to develop something meaningful that aligns with your goals and the needs of your audience.

Simply put, great design takes time. You should not expect your designer to rush through anything, especially when you’re working with someone on more in-depth branding or web design. It’s important to respect the creative process and allow your designer to develop a solid strategy before jumping straight into the design portion. Think of it like this: You wouldn’t start construction on a new home without a blueprint or house plan, right?

In the event that you do have a preferred time frame or deadline, be sure to let your designer know in advance so they are aware of your situation. Many designers are flexible and try to be as accommodating as possible. Even if they cannot make any guarantees, most are willing to break down their timeline in more detail so you understand what to expect.

Investment

The investment is one of the biggest factors when it comes time to choose a designer. Nowadays, you can find design rates ranging from $500 to $100,000 or more. Most people are quick to jump at the lower option. Just remember, good design isn’t cheap and cheap design isn’t good. The cost of good design can add up, but bad design will cost you a lot more time and money in the end.

A general rule of thumb is that your design budget (which technically falls under marketing) should be 10-20% of your annual income. If you’re still in the startup phase, you can estimate what your first year of income is and go from there.

This rate sheet will give you an idea of what different designers and creative entrepreneurs are charging for services like branding, photography, advertising, marketing, web design and more.

When preparing to invest in your brand, it’s always better to plan ahead. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed when it’s time to start your project, and will also help your designer provide the best solution for your needs.

You’ve probably heard it before. Your brand is more than a logo—it’s a culmination of strategy, content, visuals, and media all put together in a way that creates a memorable and engaging experience for your audience.

To find an appropriate solution for your business, your designer needs to know about your business and your goals. They may ask questions like:

1. Are you a service or product based business?
2. Are you selling online or in store?
3. How many products do you sell, or plan to sell?
4. Do you need packaging or printed materials?
5. Do you have a product manufacturer?
6. Do you have brand guidelines?
7. Do you have professional brand/product photography?
8. Do you have website content prepared?
9. Where will you be promoting your business?
10. When do you plan to launch your brand?

Final deliverables vary for every project, but you will typically receive a visual direction or moodboard, logo variations, fonts, colors, and other brand and design elements such as patterns, illustrations, icons, brand guidelines, print materials, or social media templates. Keep in mind that things like font and image licenses, printing, and copywriting are usually a separate cost and not provided by your designer.

Before choosing a designer based on cost alone, remember that you are also choosing someone based on their vision, experience, and knowledge of your project and needs. Design is a big investment, but finding the right designer adds real value to your business and will pay for itself again and again.

Finally, keep in mind that your design investment is also a write-off and you can include creative expenses like these when filing your taxes.

Testimonials

Testimonials or reviews are another important factor to consider. If your designer is good at what they do, their clientele should have no issue offering a helpful recommendation. The best testimonials will include name and contact information such as email address or website (with permission, of course).

Some will even offer images, which is an added bonus. If you have worked with a designer before, remember you hired them to perform a service. If you are happy with that service and your final product, you should be happy to oblige and help them with future opportunities.

Affiliations

Affiliations are another area that you may be interested to look at when hiring a designer. Not all designers or agencies have them, but it is always good to know if they are involved in groups or members of associations that show they are serious about what they do.

Some designer-specific affiliations may include The Freelancers Union, AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), or GAG (Graphic Artists Guild).

Customer Service

Finally, customer service is a key factor when determining how to choose a brand or web designer. If your designer is serious about their work ethic, they will maintain strong communication skills from start to finish.

Ask yourself: Do they answer emails quickly? Do they make themselves available through various outlets like email, telephone and chat? Do they present a sense of trust and attentiveness? These are all things you want to look for and consider.

Great customer services goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and see where your potential designer stands.

Summary

In summary, when it’s time to figure out how to choose a brand or web designer you should consider the following:

• Portfolio
• Experience and process
• Turnaround and time frame
• Investment
• Testimonials
• Affiliations
• Customer Service

Was this helpful for you? I’d love to hear your feedback. Let me know in the comments!

The post How to Choose a Brand or Web Designer appeared first on Assimilation Designs.