Dubsado, Client Process Stephanie Taale Dubsado, Client Process Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Dubsado Stephanie Taale Dubsado Stephanie Taale

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

Read More
Client Process Stephanie Taale Client Process Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Pricing Stephanie Taale Pricing Stephanie Taale

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

Read More
Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Brand Strategy, Client Process Stephanie Taale Brand Strategy, Client Process Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Productivity, Business Strategy Stephanie Taale Productivity, Business Strategy Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
ClickUp, Client Process Stephanie Taale ClickUp, Client Process Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Client Process Stephanie Taale Client Process Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
ClickUp, Dubsado, Productivity, Goal setting Stephanie Taale ClickUp, Dubsado, Productivity, Goal setting Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Productivity, Sustainable Business Stephanie Taale Productivity, Sustainable Business Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More

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.

Read More
Aligned Business, Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale Aligned Business, Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale

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?

Read More
Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale Sustainable Business, Pricing Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More
Productivity, Sustainable Business Stephanie Taale Productivity, Sustainable Business Stephanie Taale

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.

Read More