When I started out in business, I was a graphic designer. Design is in my blood, and it’s something I am very passionate about. So I know first-hand what an effective, eye-catching design can do for your marketing results. With all the lingering doom and gloom, I’m here to bring you some good news – an effective design can be affordable.

It’s easy to say, “I’m going to design this postcard or flyer myself.” Please don’t! Just because you are computer savvy and taught yourself the programs does not mean you have the ‘technology’ of DESIGN as a subject in and of itself. I’ve seen it too many times and the end result is not pretty or effective. So many of our clients who create their own design first end up having my team design their second postcard.

Also, look at what you really spend doing it yourself. For example, say your kitchen sink is clogged (and you can’t use it), so you ask a family friend to look at it. He tries fixing it and thinks it is all good, saving you tons of money. Well, 4 hours later and a call to a real plumber – your kitchen sink is as good as new! Lesson learned: it’s better to call a professional for some things!

Whenever I speak on marketing, someone in the group asks me, “Why does every designer I’ve ever gone to charge over $350 for one small design?” Unfortunately, in most cases, the story is the same…hourly design rates. When you hear that, run the other way!

Skip the Pay-by-the-Hour Designers
Many designers charge by the hour. It seems logical at first, but when you pay $75-$100 per hour — the overall price really adds up. If I wanted to change some text on the front of my postcard, it could cost me $50. The more changes you have, the more you’re going to pay. What you thought to be a simple project eats up your budget fast! Ultimately you have to decide what is best for you, but I personally like to know what I’m going to pay upfront.

When you use a “per hour” designer…

• You don’t know how long it actually takes to design your piece
• You have to budget a wide margin of possible charges
• Each change, small or large, is added to your bill

Flat Rate Design is the Way to Go
Flat rate design means you have one cost that includes unlimited changes to your design. Make any changes until its perfect and the way you like it.

This means…

• You know what you’re paying from the beginning. No surprises.
• Make as many changes as you want
• You know you will be happy with the finished product

Basically, what I discovered is that my clients don’t want to shell out the big bucks for a pretty poster or ad — of course; I want to make my clients happy!

That’s why PostcardMania uses a flat rate design system. I never offer my customers anything I wouldn’t want to have myself. It just makes sense. For one flat rate of $199, you get a full conceptual design — no limits, no surprises.

Tip: When hiring a designer, always ask: what’s included in the price? Here’s a mini checklist that you can use to ensure you’re getting the real deal:

• Copywriting
• Ad Concept
• Full Design Layout
• Additional Layout Changes

Our full design team is ready to help you create a results-driven design, logo or website. If you have your own in-house design team, click here to download these must-do design tips.

Have a design you would like me to critique? Send it to joy.gendusa@postcardmania.com, I may even feature it in my newsletter!

Love,
Joy