3 Ways Designers Can Attract New Clients on Instagram

Summary

The article outlines three strategies for designers to attract new clients through Instagram by showcasing their work, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, and proactively reaching out with design ideas.

Abstract

The author discusses the results of a marketing experiment where they received numerous inquiries from designers and illustrators seeking advice on attracting clients via Instagram. The article focuses on three key methods: first, designers are encouraged to create and share work regularly, even for fictional companies, to demonstrate their creativity and process. Second, the importance of daily posting is emphasized, suggesting a mix of final designs, behind-the-scenes content, and personal insights into the design world to add value and personality to their brand. Lastly, designers are advised to actively contact potential clients, particularly small businesses, with ready-made design ideas to address their needs, thereby turning prospects into long-term clients.

Opinions

The author expresses surprise at the similarity of business questions received, indicating a common challenge among designers in using Instagram for client acquisition.
Posting frequency is considered crucial, with a recommendation of 1-3 posts per day, but the author acknowledges the importance of balance to avoid burnout.
Personal branding is highlighted as a key factor in attracting clients, with the author suggesting that potential clients are interested in the designer's personality and creative process as much as the final product.
The author suggests that proactive outreach with tailored design ideas can be highly effective, despite the possibility of rejection, and can lead to valuable long-term client relationships and referrals.
Creating speculative work for imaginary companies is presented as a viable method to build a portfolio and attract real clients by showcasing one's design capabilities and creativity.

3 Ways Designers Can Attract New Clients on Instagram

I am currently running a marketing experiment where people can send me any type of business question and I try and answer it. It’s only been a week, and I am shocked by how most of the questions I am getting are very similar. I decided to compile the most popular questions and make them into a series of blog posts.

I am getting a lot of illustrators and designers, so that is why this is the first post. I have a ton of ideas for general use and some for more specific niches, but I didn’t want to overwhelm this early in the game. So, stay tuned for more!

Creating work even if you don’t have any clients.

I spent everyday for 3 months brainstorming, sketching, and finalizing a logo or design and posting…for non-existent companies. I was making them up. It led to a ton of opportunities! Many small businesses wanted to work with me after seeing my work and my process. I even had some companies reach out and ask to be apart of projects. People aren’t just buying into your designs, they are buying into you as a person. They want to see your creativity at work. Plus, no one has to know these beginning designs are non-existent companies. Create your own door of opportunity.

2. Posting daily.

The more the better…but too much is a thing as well. I would try for 1–3 posts a day. You may be thinking “That’s impossible to keep up with, I can’t make a new design everyday!”. You are right! It gets crazy after awhile and takes the fun out of designing. Thats why you need to get creative with your posts. Share your process and BTS. A bunch of rough sketches, a final sketch, a timelapse of you working, share your workspace, your tools, where you get inspiration, or even make a blog post about being apart of the design community. The possibilities are endless. This adds more value to your ‘brand’, and makes you more attractive to potential clients. Especially if they are on the edge between you and another designer. I would always pick the person getting creative with their work and making their personality shine over the person just posting final work any day.

3. Reach out to people with ideas ready.

No time for sitting back and waiting for clients! There are a ton of small businesses out there, and sometimes the design/branding element get pushed to the bottom of the priorities list. If you see a need or room for improvment, reach out to people with ideas and sketches ready. This is extremely easy on Instagram. Check out the persons logo, posts, and website (if there is one). Brainstorm some ideas if you think design elements can be improved and e-mail or DM that business. Be prepared to get turned down, but you never know who might accept. That person might turn into a life long client and refer you to a ton of other people. You never know until you try.

I hope if you are a designer or a creative this gave you some ideas on how to grow on Instagram. Stay tuned for more business social hacks!