In a year where we’re all figuring out the new normal, there’s one good thing that can go right: starting your own online design business. If you’re ready to make use of your extra time at home to put in the hours you need for your biz, why not do it right?

Set yourself up for success from the very start with all of the right templates and documents you need to look like a seasoned pro.

Pricing

Setting consistent pricing for your services makes everything easier—for both you and you clients. By having a rate sheet that outlines all of your services and what everything costs upfront, you can more easily field incoming leads and share the info they need with them quickly. That way, there’s limited lag time between when you get an inquiry and when you can sign your next client.

Plus, by setting your prices upfront and sticking to them, it forces you to charge what you’re worth! You don’t have to worry about keeping track of different rates for different clients and always know what’s what. When working remotely, be sure to create a well-designed price sheet as a PDF that you can easily attach to your email for a user-friendly delivery.

Online Design Contracts

Once your clients start rolling in, an online design contract will be your new best friend. Given that you’ll be communicating with clients exclusively over the phone, through video chat, or over email, it’s important that you outline everything that’s been discussed in writing. Include the scope of work, pricing, and timeline in clear language so that everything is laid out from the outset of the project.

Try using a contract template to make your life easier and ensure that all the details you need are included. That way, you can just make tweaks here and there as-needed to suit the specifics of your biz.

Client Onboarding

Once the client has signed on the dotted line, it’s time to get down to business! Create a streamlined onboarding process that outlines your workflow and what they can expect along the way. While this might have been done in-person before, try creating a thoughtful and well-designed onboarding document or welcome kit for your clients. You can share more about your and your business, give them insights into how your work, and share with them what to expect along the way.

Doing this upfront does double duty by setting expectations with your clients from the very beginning and making you look like a totally seasoned pro.

Design Process

Once the project starts, keeping yourself organized is half the battle. Set up a process that works for you and stick to it with each of your clients. Try using an online project management tool like Basecamp that lets you track each phase of a project easily. You can even invite your clients to see their specific timeline so they always feel in the loop.

It’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re starting your biz, and especially during the current conditions. But stop feeling intimidated and start feeling empowered when it comes to your business! Our VIDA Shop is outfitted with everything emerging designers need.