Six Ways to Generate Hot Leads as Freelance Graphic Designer

Today, almost every business has graphic design needs that occur on a regular basis. Most thriving businesses produce seasonal content and marketing materials every quarter. There is a nearly-endless amount of graphic design work out there for those who are able to scout it out.

What are the best ways to generate leads as a graphic designer? Read on: We’re divulging 6 of our best tips to get more design business.

1. Build up your personal brand

Create a solid brand identity and begin branding yourself as a professional.

You have a headstart in this area – make sure your personal or professional branding is solidified before reaching out for more leads. Build your personal website, create accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest, utilize hashtags, partner with other creatives, and get your work out there.

Many designers and other creative artists receive leads through their social media profiles. Be sure that the content you create for social media is unique and valuable to your following. Teach them something or entertain them and you’ll quickly build a small but mighty fanbase that you can work toward expanding.

2. Create a profile on DesignCrowd and earn money from your creativity

DesignCrowd can help you find new projects, earn money and build a professional portfolio through design contests on their website. This is perfect for seasoned and new designers alike. DesignCrowd designers can refine their skills by submitting entries into contests for real design clients, none of which you’ll have to go out and find yourself.

Simply click on an open contest, read through the instructions, and start designing. In the process, you’ll build an amazing portfolio you can share with the world and rise up in the rankings by winning contests for cash awards. Did you know: PB, , is DesignCrowd’s top ranked designer, earning over $1M through the platform.

Learn how PB climbed to the top of the DesignCrowd rankings and the secret to his success in this interview with PB on the DesignCrowd blog.

3. Reach out to your personal circle of contacts

This doesn’t have to be a sales pitch, but simply remind your friends and family through a social media post that you offer design services. Chances are, you know someone who needs your work.

4. Have your business cards on-hand and network while you’re out

Always carry business cards. The fact is, you never know when you’ll run into someone who is on the lookout for a designer. Graphic designers are needed by small business owners, large companies, startups, and personal brands. That guy in the coffee shop line talking about the new business idea he has? Introduce yourself and hand him a business card. If you can have an in-depth conversation with him about his business idea, that’s even better. The more comfortable he seems with speaking to you about his business, the more likely he is to call you and work with you.

Read about the 8 rules to designing the perfect business card.

5. Advertise in your email signature

If you send a lot of emails, be sure to link your email signature to your design portfolio and put a short blurb about your design skills. Keep it simple and non-“salesy”. Adding a little something to your email signature will capture the attention of anyone who is on the lookout for design services.

</pIf you work an office job in a addition to building your graphic design business, you might hit it big with this tip. Many people who work 9-5 jobs are creating side businesses and most of those people will need design services. Advertising in your email signature is free and only takes a few minutes to set up.

P.S. Clients can hire you exclusively for projects via your DesignCrowd profile link.

6. Network with businesses and startups on social media

You can get noticed by businesses looking to contract out design work through social media. Utilize local hashtags to find small businesses in your area and follow them, connect with them, and like their pictures. You can even reach out to them by direct message and let them know that you offer design services in their area. This doesn’t have to be spammy – sending a simple message lets them know you’re available. Even if they don’t need graphic design this instant, they will know that you’re a quick message away should they ever need you. Often times, they will follow your profile if they like the look of your work.

7. Go to meetups

Networking is key – you’ve probably heard this about a thousand times. Frankly, that’s because it’s true. Going to local design meetups will allow you to network with other designers who may have an excess of work. Become friends with a successful designer and if they are unable to take a job, they may refer a client to you! Additionally, there are generally people in attendance at these meetups who are looking for designers for personal or business-related projects.

8. Write blog posts on your personal website

Utilizing a blog on your website to generate more leads is smart and effective. Often times, it doesn’t have to cost you anything aside from website hosting. Try writing geotargeted content that is related to design. Local businesses searching online for design services will be more likely to come across your website. If you manage to create extremely valuable posts, you’ll receive more backlinks from other quality publishers. Backlinks strengthen the SEO power of your website and boost you in search results.

Guest Author: Craig is the editor at Designfix where he writes about tech, web and graphic design among other subjects. He loves to ‘unplug’ outdoors by hiking and enjoying nature.

Want more?

Learning From Other Crowdsourcing Designers

How to Freelance Successfully From Home

How to Find Job Opportunities on DesignCrowd

The 7 Steps of a Professional Design Process

How to Promote Your Design Services

Written by Jo Sabin on Thursday, April 26, 2018

Jo Sabin is Head of Designer Community at DesignCrowd. She’s led the company’s public relations and social media programs since 2012. With more than ten years’ experience working with Australian and international tech startups in the creative industries, Jo has been instrumental in meeting DesignCrowd’s objectives in Australia and abroad. Get in touch via Twitter.