As an experienced freelancer, you’ve already perfected your design skills. But how do you get an agency to hire you more often? Or at a higher rate?
Freelancers working for one or more marketing agencies should follow these four tips to become an agency’s go-to web developer or graphic designer.
If you’re a full-time, in-house developer, these same tips can help you make a case for your next promotion!
Based on over 14 years of experience as both an in-house graphic designer at a biotechnology company and as Sr. Creative Director at our healthcare marketing agency, Casey Frushour offers his tips for a successful creative career.
1. Consistently Deliver Ahead of the Deadline
The key to this tip is delivering a few days before your deadline every time. This will make your agency look really good in the client’s eyes and prevent any stressful, last minute issues that tend to arise. Make this part of your routine to outshine other designers.
Meeting deadlines provides a huge value to both the agency and the client. Doing so consistently will prove your worth and allow you to demand higher rates in the future.
Chances are agencies and clients have both had bad experiences with previous developers. This is your chance to make your mark as a responsible, consistent designer they will want to work with again and again.
2. Ask the Right Questions Up Front
Before quoting or beginning any design or development project, be sure you’re clear on all deliverables and are up to speed on the client’s project and business goals. Also request any corporate messaging and previous design files so you can see where the company has been, where they are going, and ensure your designs are in line with their messaging and communications.
Asking the right questions allows you to set realistic deadlines and ensure the project is within your skillset.
3. Make Your PM Look Like a Hero!
Again, up front communication is key. Clearly defining your needs before the project begins will help your PM resource effectively. If your PM is not design-savvy, help them out by giving a baseline design education. They will be very thankful to have all the right answers when interfacing with clients.
If you make your project manager look good, they will request and demand to work with you time and time again.
4. The 4-Hour Rule
Don’t let an email sit in your inbox unanswered for longer than four hours. If you don’t have an immediate answer or need longer to make a design change, let the person know when they can expect to hear back from you.
Many PMs and clients understand that designers stay out of their inbox for a few hours at a time to remain productive. Clients, bosses, coworkers, and project managers will all appreciate your transparency and responsiveness if you can check your email every few hours and reply with a simple status update.
