As a small business owner, you are used to being a One Person show. You are most likely the sole person taking care of accounting, inventory, marketing, and more. That’s great, and you should be proud! But there comes a time when hiring a professional will help your small business grow.

While you are most likely create all of your promotional pieces using tools like Canva (and we absolutely LOVE Canva), there are times where you need to look at hiring a graphic designer for your marketing and promotional content.

When Do I Hire One?

A graphic designer is there to help you elevate your message. If you feel as though you have done everything you can to get your message across but something still isn’t right, then now may be the time to hire someone. 

 

They are also a great investment when you are advertising in a media you are not too familiar with. They can help you create a polished look that will be designed for that specific medium.

Pro tip: If you are working with a company or agency (think newspaper or billboard companies) then they might have someone on their staff who can work with you! If their work is not already included in your ad contract, consider negotiating a deal to use them. Using the company’s graphic designer is a great way to make sure your ad is optimized for the medium and will perform well.

 

 

How Much Will It Cost?

 

Like any profession, graphic designers have a salary range. An experienced graphic designer is going to cost more than one right out of school

Remember: Experience does not always equate to better. Pick a someone that will work well with you and fits the style of your small business.

It is possible to hire someone to complete a single project and pay a flat fee for the project, you can hire them per hour, or you can keep someone on retainer for an amount of time. Whichever route you choose, it is important that the method of payment is clear to both parties. It is also possible to hire a graphic designer to join your team full time, just make sure you have enough content for them to work on.

Pro tip: If you do not already have a Branding sheet, work on one with a graphic designer. They can help you pick the best fonts and colors for your brand. Need a template? Check out our branding sheet template here!

 

How Do I Pick The Right Person?

 

It is important that you pick someone that not only understands your small business, but is a good fit with your brand.

 For example: If your brand is whimsical and fun, do not pick someone whose portfolio is mostly corporate design and serious. Instead look for someone who can create designs to emulate your brand.

Make sure you have a clear understanding on what services you will receive from them. Will you have to send designs to the printers, or will they do this for you? What files will they be sending you for the designs? These are questions you will want hashed out when picking your designer.

 

 

There are many ways of finding a graphic designer: Fiverr, UpWork, finding local freelancers, and more. Make sure you are checking reviews, references, and looking at a designer’s portfolio before making a choice.

 

Want a deeper dive into how a graphic designer can help your small business? Listen to our episode of the S.O.B. Marketing podcast wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube! Have a topic you want us to discuss? Email us at Help@TheSeasonedMarketer.com!