Steps to help you and your designer.
Bringing a graphic designer on board can make your brand shine. Before diving into creative work, take some preparatory steps to help you and your designer hit the ground running. Here’s how to get started:
- Secure your domain. An easy-to-remember professional domain name sets the stage for your brand’s online presence.
- Set up professional email addresses. Using your domain name for email addresses creates a polished, consistent appearance. Start out looking more established, and build trust with your customers and partners.
- Establish a business phone number. Even in the digital world, having a dedicated VoIP or standard business phone number adds a layer of accessibility and legitimacy.
- Outline your website content. Having a structured outline makes the design process smoother and faster. Consider including: your company story, values and mission; a highlight of the CEO/owner’s expertise, vision and relevant experience; a list of services and/or products with names and descriptions; information you want to gather from potential clients such as project needs, budget and timeline.
- Plan for a professional photo shoot. Strong visuals communicate quality. Professional photos of your team members, products and workspaces can bring your website and marketing materials to life. Coordinate with your graphic designer on photo requirements that will align with your identity.
- Gather existing brand materials. If you already have a logo, style guide or any other visuals, share these with your designer, to help stay on brand.
- Create a list of competitor websites and inspirations.Identify websites you admire, even those of your competitors, to give your designer a reference point and understand your aesthetic preferences and industry standards.
Each of these steps will help you collaborate more effectively with your graphic designer, resulting in a website and marketing materials that resonate with your desired target audience. Being organized and proactive in gathering these assets will speed up the design process, and ensure polished and professional results.
Let‘s talk more about making your brand shine.
Square, try-fold brochure, with die cut cog wheel on cover designed by Whale Works for Budova Engineering. Photos by Adobe Stock.
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