In the digital age, businesses of all sizes can no longer afford to ignore the importance of good graphic design. Research has shown that a full 94% of customers will immediately leave a website with bad graphic design.
Meanwhile, more than 80% of small businesses list graphic design as an ‘essential’ component of their marketing strategy. With that in mind, being able to identify when you need a new graphic designer for your business is crucial.
If you’re unsure whether or not it’s time to hire a professional graphic designer, read this list of telltale signs to find out.
1. You Lack Brand Identity
In 2020, brand identity is everything. Customers should be able to take one look at your website or marketing materials and know exactly who and what they represent.
Brand identity means having a crystal clear, consistent graphic design across your brand.
If you don’t have this, you risk being unable to retain customers and reach the people you want to engage with. Hire a graphic designer to avoid this.
2. You Lack a Graphic Design Strategy
If your graphic design strategy consists of churning out a new website banner or flyer when you think its been too long since the last one, then you definitely need to hire a new freelance graphic designer right now.
Take a look at Superside’s extensive graphic design process for instance, which covers the concept right up to the feedback.
This is the kind of strategy any graphic design vision should have if they want to see results. If your graphic design process is ad-hoc, hire a designer.
3. You Have Ugly Visuals
There is no beating around the bush with this one. Enlist some coworkers, friends, and family to check out your visual materials. Encourage their brutal, unyielding honestly.
If they straight-up tell you that your visuals are aesthetically unappealing, then you know it’s time to invest in someone who knows a thing or two about good graphics.
Ugly visuals will deter customers, as has been proven time and time again. Therefore, avoiding ugliness is imperative.
4. You Need a Logo
For a business of any size, a well-designed logo is an indispensable asset. Logos aid customer association and enhance brand identity.
They give your business a sense of presence, voice, and professionalism, which is also why getting them right is important.
An experienced graphic designer will be able to help you come up with a logo concept that strikes a chord with customers and ensures that you are recognizable and memorable.
5. The Competition Looks Better
Finally, if you are spending time looking at the websites of your competitors and wishing yours looked that good, then it is definitely time to hire a graphic designer.
If your competition looks better than you, then they will attract your customers, even if what they actually offer is inferior.
Visuals are much more powerful than words, which is why the best-looking companies are often the most successful. Don’t take chances with your bottom line. Hire a graphic designer that can get the job done.
Learn More About Hiring a New Graphic Designer
If you’re ready to take the plunge and hire a new graphic designer for your business, we’re here to help. Make sure to consult our Small Business Sales & Marketing section for comprehensive advice on selling yourself and your business online.