Banana Bulletin

Okay, so you are savvy enough to know that today, you need to market your business to stay in business. And, you understand that you need to attract the right customers, do it more consistently—and the sooner the better. You’ve talked to a few agencies and Graphic Designers, and have received several estimates. But, you are questioning the investment of the proposed work. You ask yourself, “Why not hire my friend Mike, a recent college grad, who works on a Mac and has installed the latest Adobe software? He would give me a good deal, and would love the opportunity to work on my Marketing materials. Or maybe, I can do it myself”. Stop right there! There are several benefits of hiring a Designer with more than 15 years experience in Marketing and Graphic Design, and these are just a few one can provide.

1. Time to focus on your day-to-day business, instead of managing your project and Designer. An experienced Designer works without supervision, manages the Design process, and keeps the Client updated and involved when necessary.
2. Knowledge of what Marketing strategies will work for your business. By recommending tried and true Marketing strategies that have proven successful for other Clients, an experienced Designer can save you from wasting time and money on creating pieces that do not produce results.
3. A strong strategic vision for your business. These Designers are trained to solve complex visual communication problems, and together with a Marketing Strategist, can present you with a long-term plan for marketing your business.
4. The ability of doing more with less. Everyone is trying to get the most for their money these days. And, a Designer who has been in the industry for awhile knows the “tricks” to stretching your dollar. An experienced Designer can recommend design, web and printing methods that will save your business time and money.
5. Creativity. Duh.
6. Innovation. Experienced Designers keep up with the latest technology and marketing trends. That way, you can be confident your piece will not become quickly outdated and difficult to update. And, you don’t have to do any research yourself.
7. Adaptability. Marketing goals and project requirements change. An experienced Designer expects this, will roll with the punches, and keep the project going with an enthusiastic smile.
8. Integrity. In a recent study conducted by Graphic Design USA (Aug.12, 2008 ENewsletter), integrity ranked higher than creativity, as the single most essential quality that people seek in a Creative Leader. An experienced Designer will always have the Clients interests in the forefront of their minds.

Hopefully, these benefits of hiring a more experienced Graphic Designer have convinced you not to hire cousin Mike (or any other inexperienced Designer) to design Marketing materials for your business. Your business’ success is hinged upon your marketing strategy, and how well that vision is executed and presented to your audience. Professional Marketing and Design is an investment that will pay off over a relatively short period of time.

© Copyright 2008. Banana Creative. All rights reserved. Would you like to reproduce portions of this article? Please contact Banana Creative for permission.