How Independent Agents Can Make the Most of Third-Party Relations – Graphic Designers (1/3)
As the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) approaches, we understand you may need to secure the services of third-party vendors and creatives in order to reach your sales goals. This article is the first in a series designed to help you maximize these important relationships. Get the tips you need to save time, save money, and get as close to completion as possible on a project the first time.
A good graphic designer is worth their weight in gold to an independent business owner. Graphic designers can help differentiate you from competitors in the insurance market by creating a visual brand identity and consistent brand footprint across various marketing platforms & projects. They help bring your consumer-facing communications to life, everything from logo design to custom print projects to website development and more. A graphic designer who is aligned with your vision and understands the project at hand can produce work that dramatically increases engagement rates, ultimately leading to more sales.
Here are a few tips to help you select the right graphic designer for you and your business:
Enthusiasm. In our experience, there needs to be a certain level of synergy between the client and graphic designer. You’ll likely sense whether or not the visual artist is enthusiastic about your brand and projects in the initial meeting. Get a feel for the designer’s personality and whether it’s a good match with the way you conduct business.
Experience. Ask if the graphic designer has experience doing a project like the one at hand. Some designers have particular areas of expertise, so if you’re in need of a logo and they’ve never done one before, it’s probably not a good fit.
Expectations. Ask if they can complete the project within your budget and according to your timeline. Set these parameters early to help ensure you reach your goals.
Examples. If the graphic designer you’re talking to meets the criteria so far, ask to view previous work so you can gauge if it’s in line with what you’re looking for in terms of both style and quality.
Money-Saving Tips! If enlisting the help of an experienced graphic designer is outside your budget, consider hiring a hungry college student or recent graduate. These individuals likely have the skills to tackle the task at hand, are looking to build their portfolio with quality work and often provide their services for much less. As with working with any designer, revisions cost money, so going into the project with clearly defined design expectations, timelines and delivery parameters can lead to reduced overall cost.
Finding a graphic designer who’s a good fit is determined in large part by your personal preference, and rightfully so! The work they produce is a direct reflection of you and your brand. That said, starting the selection process with these tips can help expedite things and ensure you end up in a win-win situation.
As a National Marketing Organization that works with thousands of independent agents, we understand you must generate leads in order to grow your business. That’s why we work diligently to provide the resources necessary for successful marketing. If this information is valuable and you want to know more about the services we provide our Medicare agent partners, please contact us at marketing@berwickinsurance.com or 888-745-2320.