Articles to help designers transform their business to be more profitable & sustainable and less overwhelming
Why I believe you need Dubsado as a designer
If you've ever wondered about the true value of incorporating Dubsado into your design studio, you've likely sifted through various articles by fellow designers detailing their experiences. You’ll find the same answers across most of these articles that are basically a list of Dubsado’s features: Contracts, Invoices, and Proposals, Lead Capture Form, Brand Discovery questionnaire, Design Proofs, Appointment Scheduler, Client Portal, Workflow Automation
However, the essence of a CRM extends well beyond its features. Int his article, let's delve into ALL the benefits, both tangible and intangible, examining it from a holistic perspective and delving into Dubsado's specific features.
Why is it so hard to set up your Dubsado as a designer?
You want an elevated client workflow because your processes aren’t efficient or because you have a 6-week timeline for website projects but you’re not actually following a timeline. So you thought Dubsado was the answer, but it did not quite work out that way. In this blog, I’ll dive into the 3 most common underlying reasons I see why the Dubsado learning curve is so steep
How to determine project scope, create timelines and keep clients on track
Let's address a significant challenge in design projects: keeping them on schedule. We've all experienced the frustration when a project that should have taken one month stretches out to three or more. Let’s look at how you can ensure your business thrives by keeping projects on track while also providing guidance to clients who may be less familiar with working with a designer, ensuring they feel supported throughout the process.
Value-based pricing: Is it right for your design studio?
Over the past few years, value-based pricing has been gaining momentum in the world of design. With this approach, your pricing hinges on the perceived value you deliver to clients, rather than mere competition or the hours you need to complete the project. But is this strategy right for your design studio? In this blog, we're looking at: what is value-based pricing, my perspective on value-based pricing and what you can do instead of value-based pricing
Are you struggling with 1 of these 4 common design studio issues?
There's a common thread in the challenges so many talented designers face. Challenges, that if left unaddressed, can have a big impact on the sustainability and profitability of a design studio. In this blog, we'll explore the connections between these most common issues and how addressing one challenge can have a domino effect, positively impacting other areas of your design studio.
How to solve bigger problems for your clients as a designer
When you embrace your role as a problem solver, it opens doors to exciting opportunities! You can charge more for your design projects, offer additional services like clarity calls and brand audits, and diversify the income streams within your business – all while providing valuable solutions in shorter timeframes. In this blog, we will delve into the first reason and explore actionable strategies to reposition yourself as a problem-solving designer.
What is the difference between Dubsado and ClickUp?
In this blog, we'll look a the differences between Dubsado and ClickUp and I'll share some practical examples of things that can be managed in both systems so that you can see the difference.
An alternative approach to a year-long action plan for designers
I learned the hard way that rigid planning in our creative businesses can quickly become suffocating. It can make us feel like quitting and drain the joy out of what we love to do.
In this blog, let's shine a light on the risks lurking behind those meticulously crafted year-long plans and explore how we can strike the perfect balance between structure and flexibility in our planning process.
We're breaking this up into 4 different sections:
The drawbacks of planning for a full year
What to do instead of planning for the whole year
How to implement this approach
Finding the right balance between structure and flexibility is key to unlocking the true potential of your design studio.
Should you use Asana or ClickUp as a designer? Here’s why I made the switch
When I started my business, I jumped on the Asana bandwagon. It did the job, but deep down, I couldn't shake this nagging feeling that I was wasting too much time. It wasn’t until I found ClickUp that I was a whole new level of project management possibilities. I'll share why I made the switch and give you a glimpse of how my project management setup looked in Asana versus what it does now in ClickUp.
From overwhelm to control: How to minimise busy work as a designer
Striking a balance between creativity and effective business management is the key to long-term success. But designers are often keeping themselves busy with creative work because that is where they feel comfortable.
How to write a design proposal for brand and website designers
How can you effectively communicate your skills, ideas, and the unique value you bring to the table in a design proposal? In this blog, I'll share what I believe are essential sections to include that will captivate your clients and demonstrate the impact you can make. Plus, I've got a few ready-made sections that you can simply copy and paste into your client workflows.
How to increase your productivity as a brand or website designer
If you’re struggling with productivity it's essential to dig deeper – you need to know the real reasons behind your challenges. It's not just about the how-tos; it's about the whole picture. Your mindset, your processes, tools & systems, strategic planning & goal setting – all these factors (and more) are having an impact when it comes to getting things done. And this blog looks at all of them.
The difference between working in and on the business for designers
Are you a designer at a tipping point, feeling overwhelmed and realising you can't continue down the same path? Dive into this blog as we explore the crucial distinction between working in and on your design business. Discover why it's essential to prioritise working on your business, learn how to strike a balance and take the first step towards transforming your creative journey into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.
Inside look into my weekly planning routine
Get an inside look into my weekly planning routine. In this blog, I’m breaking the weekly planning routine up into 6 steps so that you can learn how to plan your week as a designer for maximum productivity
Do you need Dubsado or ClickUp as a designer when you don't have a lot of clients?
Ever wondered if you need Dubsado or ClickUp as a designer because you don’t have a lot of clients simultaneously? In this blog, I’ll share my opinion about this.
The 5 most important processes you need in your business as a designer
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and disorganised in your design business? It's time to optimise your processes and unleash your full potential.
In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of having clearly defined processes that act as a GPS for your business.
Discover the five core processes every designer needs, including internal operations, business planning, marketing + content, lead generation + sales, and client workflow + design process.
By implementing these processes, you'll save time, boost productivity, and enhance the client experience. Let me guide you on how to simplify, structure, and streamline your business for sustainable growth and profitability.
How to define your services as a designer
When I started my business I did what many of us do - I scoured the web for what other designers were offering and made a combination of their services and deliverables.
Back then, I didn't think much beyond that. I didn't consider who my ideal clients were or what they truly wanted. I didn't factor in what my business needed to support my life and lifestyle.
But let's face it, being a designer is more than just crafting stunning visuals or websites. If that were the sole objective, we'd be working for design agencies.
It's about being able to work from home, having more flexibility in how you spend your time, and having not just more time but also mental space to be present with your loved ones. And for that to happen, you need a financially stable business.
So, if that's the goal, why create your services in isolation, without considering the broader picture of your business, your personal preferences, and your way of life?
How to increase your time, emotional and physical capacity as a designer
When you want your design studio to be sustainable and be able to contribute more to your family's expenses, you'll need to be able to effectively manage your time, emotional and physical capacity.
4 ways to make money as a designer without adding more clients
Are you feeling like you've maxed out your capacity? And I am not talking about capacity in that you're fully booked with design projects. I am talking about capacity in terms of time, energy and mental space to take on more clients. You don’t have to take on more clients to increase the revenue of your design studio. Here are 4 ways you can do this.
What to do if you're a designer and you're hesitant to start with time blocking
Are you a designer who is hesitant to start time blocking? It can be intimidating to start working with a time management technique that feels too restrictive for a creative. So if you're feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work on your plate, read this blog post for helpful tips on how you can get started with time blocking.