How To Make Small Design Projects Super Profitable
I want to kick this off by saying that everyone has a different idea of what constitutes a small project. Personally, when I think of a “small project” I really am referring to the scope of work more so than the price, but of course, pricing is relevant.
Let’s go back in time. The year is 2018 and I have established a “minimum project cost” – eek I cringe just typing those words right now. I would literally turn people away if their project was under a total cost of $750. $750! I had no idea how much money I was leaving on the table. Fast forward to 2023 and I LOVE small projects. But there are a few keys that make them work for me.
Before we dive in, I want to share a few examples of “small projects” I have completed recently. For transparency, and just because I know I used to be curious about these types of things, these projects were all billed for amounts between $150–$1,000.
Updated an existing podcast logo
Created an email signature
Updated existing label design
Created two social templates
Updated an existing brochure
Updated a wordmark (added additional words)
Font sourcing
Provided logo files in special edition color family
Okay let’s dive in – here are seven ways to keep your small projects super profitable.
1. Work with Returning Clients
This might seem obvious, but it cannot be emphasized enough. Working with clients you have already onboarded is an amazing way to keep small projects profitable. They are already in your system, there’s no kickoff call necessary, they know how you work, you know how they work and if you even want to take on the project in the first place. A $500 job for a returning client is not the same as a $500 for a new client. There is just always going to be additional time baked in for new clients.
Additionally, I have always seen small jobs that I do for returning clients as a sort of investment in the future. I am willing to do a lot for my existing clients. These are people who I respect, love, trust, and would go to the ends of the earth for. So while I might not be able to squeeze in every small project for a new client, I will always try to make time* for a client I have worked with before. (*Note, that doesn’t mean my returning clients will always accept the estimate. But I always try my best to provide an option to work together when they reach out for a quote.)
2. ONly take on small projects that are in your genius zone
If you’re going to take on a small project with a small budget, it is NOT the time to experiment with a new skillset. The name of the game for small jobs is – “Can I do this efficiently?” – If the answer is no, then the price needs to reflect that.
The exception to this, in my mind, would be if there is a skillset you are trying to develop, and you are willing to charge a client less because they are the first client you’ve worked with in that area. Let’s say you want to get into animation but have never done it before. A client comes to you with a budget of $X to put together an animated Reel – it’s lower than you would normally accept, but you have never done this type of work before. You have to weigh your options in a scenario like this, and you might find that you are willing to charge less and consider the project fee as offsetting your education.
3. Be clear about what is included
Make sure you are crystal, crystal clear about what is included when you are working on a small job. Really spell it out, including the aesthetic or any illustration details (“no illustrations are included in this project” or “project is type-based only”), so that there is no chance your client can say “I didn’t realize that wasn’t included” – this is a scenario we never want to encounter.
4. Don’t Make Onboarding More Complicated Than It Needs to Be
If you are working with a new client for a small job, consider really streamlining your onboarding. Do you have an elaborate welcome kit, questionnaire, etc? This may be the time to think about ditching some of those elements and really asking yourself - how can I get in alignment with the client as quickly as possible? For me, that typically means hopping on a Google Meet where we talk about what they are looking for and if necessary, I share my screen and we review any relevant inspiration to make sure I understand their vision for the project. After that video call I will send a recap email and then hit the ground running. With all that being said – never skip your contract!
5. Establish a timeline – and keep it quick!
Develop a project timeline and have the client approve it before the project starts. You might even send over a project timeline with the initial estimate and if it doesn’t work for your client, it probably won’t work for you. The key here is – QUICK. For small jobs, the shorter the project timeline, the better. However, “quick-moving” has to be your vibe. If it is not, and you still offer it to clients, you will end up deeply resenting this type of project.
Sometimes when I am estimating a small job that I normally wouldn’t take on, I will say something along the lines of “The price for this project is $XXX, and it would need to be completed by next Friday, April 21.” So the client understands – this is a week-long process. Or it could even be just a day or two. “I can do this project for $X if we can complete it by [two days from now]. Do you have the bandwidth available to review and provide edits on that timeline?”
6. Offer AN OPPORTUNITY TO add ON (UPSELL)
Let’s say you are designing two social media templates for a realtor client. You present six options. When you present them, consider offering an option to add on additional templates for a small fee. I started doing this a couple of years ago on a larger scale, typically with brand marks, and I have been shocked by the response. Clients will sometimes add on MORE than the original cost of the entire project!
7. Make sure you are providing a win-win
I would say that the last and most important thing to note is that, in order to feel great about the work, make sure you are solving a problem for your client AND being compensated fairly yourself. I am always ready and willing to go above and beyond for my clients, but I am able to do so without resenting the situation because I charge a sustainable and fair rate right out of the gates. Never put yourself in a situation where you are upset about a job before it has even begun.
Our goal as designers is to solve visual problems for our clients. What an honor! I consider it such a privilege to help my clients’ businesses thrive, grow, and share their magic with the world. And when I dropped my minimum project price back in 2019, a funny thing happened. I started making more money, and my network grew exponentionally. It all adds up, guys!
I’ll close with a story. In 2019 a stranger reached out to me to help them turn a sketch they had done into a vector file. I quoted them $150. They were thrilled. I did the work, delivered the files, and we went our separate ways. In 2022, that same client’s name popped up in my inbox… with an $8,000 job.
You never know what the future holds – stay open minded and do good work!
PSSST! – I wanted you guys to be the first to know that Design Retainer Bootcamp is opening on Wednesday, May 3rd! I am doing a limited enrollment this round in order to be able to really serve our live Q&A group. The results people are having from this course are… incredible. Truly!
If you’d like to join the waiting list, you can do so here. Everyone on the waiting list will get the first chance to enroll before my broader community as well as a discount code that applies to all enrollment options (there are three different packages which include course only, course + live Q&As, or course + live Q&As + one-on-one coaching call with me!)