When you’re a designer, there are many others out there that are constantly competing with you. I’m sure that many times you’ve been wondering why you didn’t get a project you had a very good feeling about. If you don’t understand why this article can be helpful to you. We’re gonna have a look at some of the most common reasons why designers do not get projects. This can be helpful for you later on. Maybe there’s something you can do differently next time? Here are a few points you should have a closer look at. Don’t forget to leave us a comment with your feedback!
Bad offer/not listening
Image by StillSearc
To give your potential client an offer they will accept means listening and working on the offer itself. If you misunderstand what the client wants or present an offer that you clearly haven’t worked on properly, it’s likely to get turned down. Remember to do what you can to give them exactly what they want and need along with an offer that is easy to understand, customized and well worked out.
Wrong price
The price is many times the case as well. If you price your services/products too high, it’s obviously not a good thing. Pricing yourself too low also often gives a wrong message. Do your research and make sure that your prices can compete with others and still be high enough for you to cover your costs. Many countries have set rates for what freelancers usually charge within certain niches.
Your website and/or portfolio isn’t good enough
Image by Henning Buchholz
Today it’s really important to have a good website and a portfolio that you’ve worked on well. Check out our earlier article, Making a Great Portfolio – Best Tips and Tutorials, for tips. Even if you’re able to throw together a website and a portfolio in a day, this doesn’t mean that the result is good. If you have both of these in place when it comes to quality, you’ll even sometimes notice that these two can sell your services by themselves. It’s an important investment and going that extra mile will pay off.
Lack of experience
If you have little or no experience, this can be a problem. If you’re good enough at giving down-to-earth arguments and come across as professional, you can still sell your services though. Just remember to be prepared for how to sell yourself without having the lack of experience work against you. You should make a list of valid reasons for why you’re a good choice anyway and use these without sounding too desperate. You also have to understand that you may have to take on smaller projects in order to get more experience in some cases. A bit of work is better than no work, and every addition to your portfolio will be valuable for later.
No testimonials
Depending on the client, some actually ask for testimonials. Make sure to have good communication with former clients and get testimonials. These can be kept for the future and some designers even present excerpts of these on their websites. It looks more professional and it helps you more than you’d think.
Lack of contact options
Image by Steven Goodwin
It’s important to always be accessible, and give your clients what they need to get in touch with you. Don’t forget to give them your business-card, along with including a couple of different contact options on your website, portfolio, in emails and so on. It would be bad if a client is really interested but has a hard time getting in touch with you.
First impression
When you meet your possible clients in person or get contacted via email or phone, the first impression is really important to many. Thin through how you represent your business and take it seriously. Wear proper clothes to meetings, answer the phone in a professional way, have an email signature that looks good and address them in a respectful way. If it’s a close race between you and others, clients could use this as a reason for saying yes or no.
Bad communication
Image by Charlie Balch
If you’re communicating badly, you’ll quickly be in trouble. Not only do you have to be accessible but you need to keep your promises. Call back when you’ve promised to, keep the clients up to date at all times and focus on this. If you do it well you will avoid any misunderstandings and have a better chance at getting the project. Working with people and communicating is a very important part of both getting a project and executing the project well.
You’re not prepared
Be prepared! Read up on your client, check out their websites, have a look at their competitors and so on. Show them that they’re important and that you’re interested in them and their niche. If you meet them completely unprepared you’re just one of many. By doing an hour or two of research the project could be yours!
Too offensive
Being too offensive is never a good thing. Yes, you have to sell what you have to offer – but if you try too hard it’s a complete turn-off to most clients. Practice your sales pitch and read up on different techniques and strategies.
You didn’t deliver earlier
Image by Jarpur
If you’re giving a new offer to a former client and didn’t do a good job the first time you’re very likely to get turned down this time. This is a common reason, but there are things you can do. Be honest and humble, admit your mistakes and promise to take them seriously and give your best this time. By being humble you can often turn the whole situation around. Clients like to see that you know that you’re just human.
You’re not offering the “little extra”
One final reason for getting turned down is one that is extremely common. If a client gets a dozen offers, you definitely need to add something extra in order to stand out. This can be adding a service or product to accompany what you’re already offering, providing extra service and other things. Use your imagination, go the extra mile to stand out. If you fail at this you’re just one of many.
Conclusion
Image by Sigurd Decroos
Are you as unique as you want to think that you are? Have you done your homework? Remember that the work done in getting a good website, portfolio and selling yourself is a great investment in the future. Don’t take any shortcuts and you will be more likely to get that next project. It’s all about working hard and not getting stuck in routines. Every client is unique and special and deserve to be treated that way. Focus on your good sides and make them feel seen and you’re on a good way. Good luck!
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