Freelancers have different tactics for pitching a design to a client. And naturally, as in any other industry, experience helps creatives in this field realize what works and what does not. It is worth noting that a good client pitch does not have to be complicated. In fact, the more straightforward it is, the better. So, regardless of whether you already have a solid network and can get client referrals or are new in the business, it’s crucial to know how to pitch perfectly. In this article, you’ll see the best steps to pitch your design when you’re a freelancer.
Here are the essential steps that you need to consider when pitching your design to a client.
#1 Create a Branding Proposal: Freelancer Design Pitch
As branding is an essential component of every company and organization, there is a high probability that you offer branding and logo design services to prospective clients regularly. However, businesses will not give you the chance to develop their brand if you cannot promote yourself effectively with your proposals.
That said, to get your potential client’s attention and show that you understand their business challenges and, above all, know how to fix them, you should use a winning branding proposal. The ideal structure of this persuasive sales document should include brand discovery, brand strategy, identity design, branding guidelines, and a contract at the end.
#2 Good Presentation Is Half the Battle
An excellent presentation can go a long way, and it is almost always worth it to put in the extra work. Keep in mind that a well-designed presentation should tell a story, influence your potential clients, and make information easier to digest and remember.
Take the time to display what resonates with your client carefully and has a touch of you in it. You do not want to lose sight of your brand when presenting your design during a pitch. On the contrary, use your brand and combine it creatively with your client’s needs. Go that extra mile by putting the design you offer in context. That will give them an idea of what creative things it can do, the mediums it will touch, and how it will look.
#3 Set Expectations From the Start
Every client has their way of working and communicating. It is crucial to set expectations at the beginning about your work process and their expectations for you. However, timing in this matter is of vital importance.
Being honest and clear from the beginning of the relationship is what should be expected on both sides. Discuss how often and with whom you will communicate, when is the best time, and how frequently. Ensure they are happy with the communication process, be as thorough as possible, and always explain why you have made a particular design decision.
#4 Be an Educator: Freelancer Design Pitch
An important role you take on as a freelancer is to be your client’s educator. Many clients you work with are business owners who may not necessarily understand why a design needs to look a certain way to fit desktop and mobile. It is your job during the pitch to show them why you have made a particular design choice.
Include them in the process, take everything they say into consideration, and know (how and when) to turn something they think they want into what they actually need. Educating your clients will make them feel more comfortable and involved.
Keep in mind that they are not experts in the field like you, so help them understand your thought process. Avoid using fancy terminology and change your language to match theirs. This will help them better understand you and eliminate any misunderstandings.
#5 Confidence Is Your Best Bet
You might have an exceptional proposal to offer your prospective clients. Still, if you pitch it with zero confidence, the outcome will be, well, zero. That said, the best recipe for presenting with confidence is to be honest and convincing and avoid being the know-it-all kind of person.
Furthermore, do not rush into speaking, and use your body language to your advantage. Most importantly, acknowledge questions in the right way. Your ability to identify your client’s interest (or disinterest) and respond to it effectively shows great care. It will give them a chance to trust you.
The Bottom Line: Freelancer Design Pitch
Convincing someone to use your services is not a simple task. And a good design solution that a designer pitches ineffectively has little success. So, to attract your prospective client’s attention to your design, you need to pitch them effectively. Use these tips to give them exactly what they need and increase your chances of getting hired. Finally, remember, a winning pitch should be a pleasant and impactful journey.
