Articles to help designers transform their business to be more profitable & sustainable and less overwhelming
Why these 2 common approaches to client workflows fall short for designers (and how to fix them)
Designers often fall into two common traps when it comes to client workflows: trying to handle everything themselves or relying on rigid, pre-made workflow systems. Neither approach allows for the flexibility or personalisation needed to run a thriving design studio. In this blog, we explore why these methods fall short and how to build workflows that adapt to your business as it grows.
Why client experience matters for designers
It’s not just your portfolio that sets you apart—it’s the experience you provide. A poor client experience can cost you more than just a frustrated client; it impacts your efficiency, reputation, and bottom line. In this blog, we explore how focusing on client experience can transform your business, from creating lasting client relationships to improving your workflow and financial stability.
4 signs your client workflow for design projects needs an update
Missed deadlines, scope creep, and overwhelming admin tasks can seriously derail your design projects. In this blog, we’ll break down the top signs your client workflows need an update, from inconsistent communication to clients constantly pushing for "one more thing."
Dubsado Setup Checklist for Designers
There's no denying that Dubsado comes with ‘a bit’ of a learning curve. I’ve experienced this myself, as many clients of mine have as well. To ensure you avoid the same pitfalls, you need a clear Dubsado Setup Checklist. That's why in this blog post, we'll break down the setup process into 8 manageable steps.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Improve your design studio workflow with these 5 quick wins
Ready to make your design studio run smoother? Take these five simple steps this week and see how efficient you can become! From streamlining processes to structuring your day based on your energy levels to keep your design studio on track.
How to set boundaries with your clients as a designer
How many times have clients crossed your boundaries? Probably more than you want to admit. So let’s look at why it's so important to set boundaries and which boundaries you can set with your design clients. I'll also show examples of where in your client process you can set these boundaries.
How to set up your Dubsado scheduler
The Dubsado Scheduler is a powerful tool in your arsenal to provide great client service. You empower your client by having them choose the best time to schedule a meeting with yourself without going back and forth to schedule the meeting. So let me walk you through how to set up your appointment scheduler in Dubsado
How to start setting up your Dubsado as a designer
Maybe you want to spend less time on client work because you don't have time left to work on your business, maybe you feel like every client project you are reinventing the wheel or maybe you just want to be more on top of your client process so that you can provide the best service possible. Enter: Dubsado. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how to get started on setting up your Dubsado
Dubsado for Designers: How to offboard clients
In another blog, I dove into the most overlooked part of your design client process: the offboarding. I talked about what the offboarding process for design clients is and what all the elements of the design client offboarding process are. So now let's dive into how you can organise and automate the steps of your design client offboarding using Dubsado.
The most overlooked part of your design client process: offboarding
Onboarding a client almost goes automatically. But what about the offboarding of your brand and website design clients? What steps do you take after you have finished the final revisions and sent the files or handed over the website? Is that it? Or is there more you can do to make sure your client walks away happy? And what about how this project can help you land new projects?
Dubsado for Designers: How to onboard clients
The goal of onboarding is to make a strong first impression while ensuring a smooth and seamless client journey. It's not just about ticking off formalities; it's a strategic step to set the tone for the entire client experience. That’s why I’ll walk you through how you can use Dubsado to onboard your design clients.
How to streamline your brand or website design client process
Feeling like you're reinventing the wheel with each client project? Writing emails on the fly, dealing with inconsistent processes, and falling short of the client experience you aspire to? What you really need is to streamline and elevate your design workflow. In this blog, we’ll delve into some straightforward strategies to establish clear boundaries, set expectations, and make your workflow smoother – ultimately leaving your clients happier.
How to use a brand or website design consultation to better qualify clients
I don't have to tell you why you need to have consultation calls as a designer. But if you notice that the clients you are working with are often not your ideal clients you want to have a look at how you can improve. One of the main things you can work on is improving your client qualification process. So, let’s discuss how you can qualify your clients with a design consultation call and where in the client process to offer this call.