In the ever-evolving world of branding design, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. I can attest to this after 15 years in my branding design business. So I’m ready to share the top 5 tools and software for starting a branding design business.
As we step into 2024, the demand for visually appealing and impactful branding is higher than ever. And when a fellow designer asked me to share what I think the they need to get started, I was quick to shoot over what in my opinion are the top 5 tools and software for starting a branding design business. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting your journey, having the right tools and software is key.
Well look no further. I’ve got the right tool lineup to help you launch and thrive in a branding design business in 2024.
Without steering you towards bells and whistles you don’t necessarily need to get you started, here are the top 5 tools and software for starting a branding design business
- Adobe Creative Cloud
This is hands down the most important purchase to get you started. This design suite includes Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, offering a powerhouse of tools for creating stunning visual content. With its extensive features and constant updates, it remains the go-to choice for graphic designers.
My favorites are Illustrator for logo design, Photoshop for graphics and layouts with more imagery + layering effects, and InDesign for text heavy design like magazine and editorial pieces. - Dubsado
Click above for 20% off your first month or year!
I can’t stress enough how important the client journey is for a brand design business. If you don’t have the funds yet to hire a VA (Virtual Assistant), Dubsado is literally your electronic secretary. The first easy steps are to add your Dubsado lead form (aka a contact form) which then automatically places your new inquiries into the system.
With their workflows, you’re able to guide the prospect client through any automatic emails and on-boarding steps while you’re not even at your desk!
Nothing is worse then someone inquiring through your site and then walking away when they don’t get any response.
Need a little more guidance on getting set up? Here are my two favorite gurus that offer personalized Dubsado setups:
Chanel & Lee
Moya K. Creative - Flodesk
Click above for 50% of your first year!
A growing business needs a growing email list. As much as we want to avoid it, this is the only place you stay top of mind for your audience, even when Instagram and Tiktok decide to have an epic fail or shut down. Believe me, it can happen.
The best way to start growing your email list is to create an enticing 2-5 page PDF of a How-To or secret you can do in your sleep that your dream clients would love to get their hands on in exchange for their email address. Then, just continue giving them goodies in their inbox and when it comes time to ask for the sale, the trust is already there!
Plus, Flodesk has the prettiest templates any designer woukd be proud to use for their email marketing. - Beef up your SEO knowledge with Neil Patel
Yes, social media has changed the world of marketing for the better. But the giant that is SEO is never going away. Even if you use social media the most for lead generation, having the basics of SEO in mind can even help you on those platforms.
And diving a little deeper into how your web content can bring you more clients will put you miles ahead of the game.
Neil is the first person who has ever made SEO so much easier to understand in plain English. Take in everything he has to say and when you start to see the results, you’ll feel quite proud! - ShowIt
Everyone has their favorite web platform. Mine is hands down, ShowIt.
I love it because it allows me to get super creative with my layouts and still use strong SEO settings to build traffic for myself AND my brand clients’ web sites.
So if you want to be known for your creative and unique designs, ShowIt allows you to execute your creativity – and you don’t have to know a single line of code.
If you plan to offer web design to your branding clients, they’ll will be singing your praises when you execute the most creative websites out there to help them stand out in their market.
Do you want more guidance in building your branding design business? I am the open book you’ve been waiting for. Take in all that I have to offer other designers in all of these ways:
• Join my email list for all the tips in tricks I like to share with my tribe.
• Follow me on Instagram at @leslievegadesign. I hang out there the most!
• Book a Designer Coaching Call with me! Want a personalized coaching call with me? Book a call and pick my brain to make sure you’re starting off on the right foot!
• Grab my step-by-step guides for designers – literally all my secrets in easy downloads.
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