⚡️ How can a graphic design retainer help me as small business owner? ⚡️

It's Monday morning and you're already juggling your bottomless to-do list when you'd rather be planning a bottomless post-lockdown brunch, am I right?

You wear a lot of different hats. I get it because I face the same challenges as a small business owner; the designer hat is definitely my favourite, in case you were wondering! Juggling your calendar, the to-do list as well as marketing campaigns, social media, website updates, finances, sales AND that all-important croissant and coffee run can cause burn out. Sometimes it's hard to stay on top of things.

There is always a moment of frustration when that presentation you've spent ages on isn't as looking as professional or polished as you'd imagined. Your website updates are ok, but they don't stand out next to your competitor, who's social also looks super curated, consistent and is 100% #aestheticgoals. Are you going to lose clients to them this month? It's not worth thinking about, and let's be real, you don't have time to ponder it...

When you are still working at 9:30 pm on a Friday with only a glass of white wine and podcast for the company, running your own business doesn't feel quite as fun as it once was, does it? You've heard your friends say you should outsource, but you don't know where to start. It seems like a good idea, it's just a bit too much to do on top of everything else. Girl, I hear that. It's a total catch 22...you've got no time to spare, even to outsource the stuff that you don't have time for.

I got you! Here's what you can do; get regular graphic design support. A graphic designer can take a lot of tasks off of your to-do list. By booking a retainer you won't have to worry about scheduling lead times, reviewing quotes, invoices or making payments (just set-up a standing order). Your designer (me!) will get to know you and your business inside out, so the assets created will be on brand and on time, every time!

Example Email Designs

Regular graphic design services or a 'graphic design retainer' can give you back hours spent trying to make your marketing, eCommerce and social media look consistent, professional and Pinterest-worthy. Having a graphic designer on your 'team' will give you a sounding board for creative ideas, a network of resources to draw on (copywriters, developers and CRM experts...I know the good ones!) and the confidence to knock those sales pitches out of the park.

Example Instagram Stories Designs - Kurt Geiger

WHAT IS A GRAPHIC DESIGN RETAINER?

A monthly booking at a set rate of either specific graphic design services and deliverables, or a fixed number of design hours. The graphic designer who works with you will also get to know your brand, providing you with consistent and cohesive designs that require fewer rounds of amends.

If you book a retainer with me you'll benefit from:

• Priority scheduling

• Discounted rates in comparison to flat-rate project prices offered

• Access to my network of suppliers - I am happy to make recommendations and referrals to specialists I've previously worked with

• A senior design talent without the in-house designer salary, payroll set up, pension and HR costs

• A designer who knows your brand and can make suggestions that keep you standing out from the crowd

• On brand, high quality and consistent design

• Efficient delivery to specific deadlines

• A sounding board for creative ideas, trends and design questions

“Cannot recommend Lucianne enough - it is a joy to work with her and she is always on time with deadline. She always helps me with innovative ideas for even the most simple of images and makes them look fresh and exciting. A contemporary and insightful graphic designer.”

— Selina, Senior eCommerce Manager

HOW DOES A RETAINER WORK?

Retainers are quoted and booked based on a set of deliverables or specific hours, which we will work out together on an initial phone call. This will ensure you receive the level of support that your business needs, which can be reassessed if necessary. Recurring payments are due by the 1st of the month and are tied in for a probationary period of 3 months. After the initial period, a 1-month notice is in place that can be utilised if there is a change in circumstances. Most retainers are based on 12 months work, but 6 and 9-month durations are also available upon request. For more information, please get in touch here.

Check back next week for a review of the brand strategy discussed on my Wednesday Stories so far.

L

Xo