You’re a few years into your business and it’s time to take things to the next level. It’s time to shed your Fivver logo and invest in a professional brand that can support your growing business goals. But where do you find a good graphic designer that understands your market and your goals?

Here are 10 ways to find a great graphic designer for your business.

1. Ask around. The best way to find any good service provider is through word of mouth. Talk to other business owners in your industry and see if they have any recommendations. Chances are, they’ve been through the same process as you and can point you in the right direction.

2. Go on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great place to find all kinds of professionals, including graphic designers. Just do a search for “graphic designer” in your LinkedIn network and see who pops up in your area. Look at who their connected to and see if you have any mutual connections that can vouch for them.

3. Do a Google search. A simple Google search for “graphic designer” will bring up many results in your area. You can narrow down your search by location or specialty to find someone who meets your specific needs. Review their portfolio and reach out. Graphic design portfolios should be easy to find on any designer’s website. If they don’t have one, that’s a red flag.

4. Check out design firms. If you’re short on time to invest in vetting options or managing multiple contractors, looking for a full-service design firm might be the way to go. Many design firms have an entire team of specialists who can help with everything from logo design to website development to marketing collateral and more. Design firms can be a smart choice when your time is short and you need a well-vetted solution without a lot of personal work.

5.  Check out online directories. There are several online directories that list graphic designers, such as The Graphic Design Directory and Graphic Designer USA. These can be a great way to find someone in your area.

6. Go to design-centered and local business events. If you want to meet graphic designers in person, then attending design events is a great way to do that. Check out meetups.com or search for “design events” in your city to find upcoming events. Organizations like AIGA and AAF also host events and have local chapters in many cities.

7. Check out job boards. Graphic designers are often looking for new work, so job boards can be a great place to find one who is ready to devote a large amount of their time to you now. Try searching for “graphic designer” on job boards like Indeed.com.

8. Look at online portfolios. Websites like Behance and Dribbble are great places to find Graphic Designers, as they showcase the designers’ portfolios. This is a great way to get a sense of someone’s style and see if they would be a good fit for your project. You can reach out directly to designers from these websites.

9. Ask for referrals. If you know someone who’s worked with a graphic designer before, ask for a referral. They can give you first-hand insights into what it’s like to work with that particular designer and whether or not they’re a good fit for your project.

10. Get a price quote. Once you’ve found a few designers you like, get price quotes from each of them to see who’s offering the right solution for your budget. Graphic design services can range in price, so it’s important to get an estimate upfront.

 

Remember designers are business owners, just like you, so take the time to find one that’s the right fit for your project and your business. A good designer will provide you with a scope of work, a quote, and a contract, just as you would any of your customers. With a little effort, you can find a great designer that will help you take your business to the next level.