5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Branding & Package Designer
As your business grows and you start to gain some momentum, you’re probably just working to keep your clients happy and yourself sane. Been there, done that! However, as you continue to serve higher-level clients or create even higher-quality products, you might realize that you need some help. Design help, to be precise.
But what kind of design help do you need, and when is it for sure time to hire someone? As a branding and package designer, I have a ton of experience with people who are primed and ready for my services — and I have even worked with people who needed my services years ago.
Below, I’m sharing some of my tips on when it’s time to hire a branding and package designer, so you can get the help you need right on time.
Sign #1: You’re excited (and embarrassed)
I’ve heard this from a number of people: They knew it was time to hire a designer because they felt excited about how fast their business was growing… but they were so embarrassed whenever they sent over an old designed proposal to a potential client, or when they didn’t have a professional brand to guide their packaging.
While you should absolutely pat yourself on the back for starting the business and getting down to work, it might be time to “level up” your brand as your business grows. This makes YOU feel more confident in your business’s quality, and also encourages your potential clients or customers to invest in you.
Sign #2: You’ve tried to hire it out before (and it didn’t go so well)
You've tried to hire your BFF who knows a bit about Photoshop, or you’ve asked your distant cousin to help with a logo or a few social designs. Or maybe you’ve purchased templates or packages and tried to DIY your brand and visuals, but just can't achieve the look you want with them.
That’s because — gasp — those people aren’t experts, and templates can only do so much for you. If you’re really struggling to feel satisfied with any designs you’ve had created (by yourself or others), it might be time to hire a pro!
Sign #3: You’re ready to work with an expert
There is a reason people work with or buy from you: because you’re great at what you do and you make their life easier. You deserve that same sort of satisfaction from the people you hire to help with your business. If you're ready to collaborate with someone who's an expert and who can do the design work you need to put your professional face forward, hire a designer.
Of course, don’t just hire any designer (remember sign #2 — your distant cousin isn’t probably the best hire). You want to work with a designer who has experience with your particular needs. Do you need someone to create social media graphics? Someone to help you design your marketing materials? Someone to help design your new logo and brand? Someone to help with your packaging?
Get clear on what you actually need and then do your research. Ask around to see if anyone has recommendations. And, since you’re here, browse our services to see how we can help you.
Sign #4: Your visual brand no longer feels aligned
As your business levels up, you’ll start to notice that your offers or services are meant for a clearer audience. The more experience you get, the more you’ll naturally gravitate toward the customers or clients you love working with. When this happens, it’s great! You can attract clients more easily, sell products to people who really need them, and feel good about how you’re talking about your products or services.
But what happens when the way you talk about your business and the way it looks don’t align? You can love your messaging and you can be crystal-clear on your offerings, but if your branding doesn't feel in alignment, people will notice the disconnect, too. You want to make sure that your visual brand aligns with the people and message that resonate with you now. Of course, that may mean it’s time for a rebrand, and you’ll want to work with an expert brand designer in that case.
Sign #5: You have the budget to pay a professional
Of course, hiring a designer means, well, you have to hire them. As you may have figured out if you tried to hire someone for a few bucks, you get what you pay for. When it’s time to brand your business, create new package design, or create new designed assets that elevate the look and feel of your brand, it’s not the time to cut corners.
While you can absolutely find a brand and packaging designer who is affordable, you still want to make sure you have enough money to pay them their professional rates. Make sure to start doing your research before you hire a designer, so you can understand rates, deliverables, and services. Cheaper isn’t always better, but neither is being more expensive! Start with the research, decide on your budget, and then hire the designer who jives best with your brand, work style, and needs.
Not sure you need a designer just yet?
If, after reading this, you’re not sure you’re ready for a designer, that’s perfectly alright. For now, it might be easiest to get some quick DIY design tips and to understand more about what makes your business different. Once you’ve gotten a bit more experience under your belt, you can confidently hire a designer down the road.
For now, though, you can get on our newsletter list. We share design tips, insights on branding, and more. That way, you can get the support you need now — and we’ll also be here for you when you’re ready to hire a designer.