Tips on Having the Trendiest Graphic Design Business

Managing a graphic design business is just like running any other company. It requires time, dedication, consistency, and a strong dose of creativity. In the cutthroat world of visual content creation, though, businesses vie for attention all the time. It’s up to you to ensure that you’re on top of industry trends and committed to bringing your clients’ goals to life. What sets you apart from the rest is your calling card — that key feature that ensures you’re always one step ahead. But what does it truly take to reach this level? Here’s how to be the trendiest possible brand in your league.

Begin with the Basics

Even with a focus on trendiness, it’s important to think in terms of sustainability. What you design and how you establish your brand can set you apart easily, but your name should reflect the essence of who you are, what you do, and why you are committed to the company. Selecting a name that’s too current, too hip, or too “cool” may simply be too fleeting and, therefore, less relevant as time goes on. Begin with a name that is memorable and easy to spell. Remember that many of the world’s leading companies have the simplest names in the world! Trendiness is ultimately defined by what you do.

Identify Your Target Market

Think about who you aim to serve. It’s not enough to be broad — you must zero in on a specific segment so that you can effectively speak to your target market through the appropriate marketing and advertising channels. Only after you know your audience can you develop a creative promotional plan that reflects your brand’s trendy spirit and speaks to your prospective clients’ needs. Focus on the end result here. Do you foresee serving local businesses or are you thinking about working with large-scale corporations? Do you want to work in a specific industry, like music, fashion, or gaming, or are you more interested in the business category? It pays to be specific so that you can better centralize your public relations efforts.

Check Out the Competition

Being trendy alone will not set you apart from the market if you’re merely replicating what they’re doing. It’s crucial to study the competition closely so that you can better capitalize on industry trends, understand what they’re doing, and even learn from mistakes they’ve made. Then gather what you’ve learned and translate it into success-building efforts that bring attention to your company. Are you utilizing advertising to your best ability? Can you take it a step further and one-up the competition by publicizing yourself on a grander scale? Strategize in a way that takes you further. Leveraging social media is key to making a key name for yourself and setting yourself apart from the competition.

Evaluate Industry Changes

Changes in the design industry dictate what’s considered trendy and exciting at any given time. It’s not enough to merely study how others are using industry trends, but figuring out how to implement them for your clients. One season may find bold colors are all the rage, while muted hues might be more popular during another. Abstract elements could reign supreme during one period, while flowing, earthy shapes might be more appealing during another. Trends in font sizes, stock photo preferences, and illustrations are dynamic, too. These components are fundamental to bringing your clients’ visions to life. Whether you’re working with an established company or a young, forward-thinking brand with a bold look to its future, it’s your responsibility to shape and devise an effective strategy that utilizes these modern concepts.

Create Some Buzz

You can’t stand out if people don’t know you and what you have to offer them. Don’t be afraid to take a step in an unexpected direction. By embracing nontraditional marketing methods, for example, you can reach new audiences and prospects that you may not otherwise consider. For example, producing a sharply edited video and sharing it on your social media channels is an easy way to show clients that you’re a contemporary graphic designer who knows how to build traction. Coupling these efforts with more classic marketing strategies puts you in the broadest possible spotlight. Wearing embroidered uniform work jackets, for example, is an easy way to spread the word and capture attention on the move. Your goal is to be as “sticky” as possible — that is, to establish a connection and keep it going, with the hopes of creating as much word-of-mouth buzz as possible to further your efforts.

Give Useful Promotional Gifts

One way to set yourself apart as a truly trendy brand is to give out promotional giveaways that people can actually use. Drinkware branded with your logo makes an immediate impression, but it’s also a consistent form of marketing because your brand stays visible whenever the recipient sips her morning coffee or drinks tea at her desk. Staying at the forefront is key to making a memorable impression. Luxury items, like custom promotional towels and custom work totes, are extraordinarily useful to clients — and also attention-grabbing materials that people are likely to notice and remember.

Own Your “It” Factor

Ultimately, what is it that makes you truly trendy? It all comes down to what you offer. Focus on fresh, modern, meaningful characteristics that are fun and appealing. Engagement will help your graphic design business grow, and once you figure out what most appeals to your prospective audience, you can modify your business plan as needed to continuously take your company to the next level.