How to start a design business from scratch (it's not what you think!)
Here's what you probably think you need to do to start a design business:
✅ Name your business (see the blog post I've written about this)
✅ Decide your business structure (seek advice from accountant/lawyer)
✅ Create a logo (Canva or logo generators are a good, cheap, quick option)
✅ Purchase domain and sign up for social media accounts
✅ Set up a business email address on your domain (don't use gmail/hotmail!)
✅ Set up business bank accounts
✅ Set up a book keeping system (I recommend Xero)
✅ Get a lawyer to create your legal documents (don't DIY legal work!)
✅ Seek advice and purchase the appropriate insurances (get 3 quotes)
✅ Set up your website (Squarespace/Wix are great options to start)
✅ Set up a way to accept client payments (e.g. Stripe/PayPal)
✅ Create an invoice template
✅ Set up a fee proposal template (get this from my shop)
✅ Set up a way to track the time you spend on client work (I suggest Harvest)
But actually the most important thing when starting your design business is...
to get your first client(s) as fast as possible.
The problem I see over and over...
people who spend way too long on the checklist items instead of making sure they actually have a service/product that people want from them in the market
Yes, the checklist is important (eventually) but first, ask yourself:
"What is my fastest path to revenue?"
Don't procrastinate on things that don't matter - prove there are actually paying clients wanting services from you first.
Until you have some paying clients you have a hobby, not a business.
So don't procrastinate on the checklist...
Instead, find clients as fast as possible and make sure you have product/market fit.
This will prove you actually have a service or product that people want from you and are willing to give you money for.
If nobody is interested then maybe:
you are targeting the wrong types of clients
you haven't worked out what help they really need and what problem you are solving for them
you don't have an aesthetic or service that people actually want or need (be self-aware and ask yourself if you really have the skills needed to succeed)
Once you've had a few clients then:
Take quick action on the checklist and make fast decisions.
Most of it should be achievable in a day or two if you get organised.
Do not let this checklist slow you down as all this does is stops you from earning more money!!
Finally, here's some other tips to set yourself up for success as you start your design business:
There will be start up costs - set yourself up professionally from the start and allocated funds for important things like legal fees and accounting programs
Don't waste money on logos/websites.
Spend start up capital on the right things
You may need to contact professionals to help with some of this - e.g. don't DIY your legal work!
You may need to Google how to do some of the tasks listed in the checklist. So be proactive and work things out (that's how we all get started!)
Don't procrastinate on all of this thinking you're "working". The work is actually finding the clients!
Thanks for reading and catch you in my next post :)
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Improve your professionalism?
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
