In our latest brand video, I discuss the power of alignment in design, how we can harness our potential in today’s evolving world, and why “good enough” is no longer an option. It’s time to refine, elevate, and command the attention your brand deserves. Check it out below then ready on to learn how you can build a bridge from where you are, to where you want to be with Bryant Design.

Energy and Visual Branding Design

The Role of Energy in Design

• • Explanation: Attention is about psychology
  • Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about creating energy that captivates attention.

Visual and branding design work together to direct focus and create impact.

When you think about graphic design, your mind might immediately jump to pretty colors and eye-catching layouts. But here’s the real deal: design is all about energy.

It’s not just about making things look good; it’s about creating a vibe that captivates attention and resonates with people. When you blend visual elements with branding, you direct focus in a way that creates a lasting impact. This energy is what transforms a simple logo into a brand powerhouse that sticks in the minds of consumers.

Ultimately, my mission is simple: to make brands strong through powerful graphic design. By harnessing creativity and strategic thinking, we can craft visuals that not only stand out but also tell a story. Together, we’ll ensure that your brand not only survives but thrives in this dynamic environment—ready for any opportunity that comes your way!

Understanding Your Product Design Vision

• • How vision drives the design process.
  • Importance of aligning energy with product goals to achieve success.
  • How branding and visual identity help bridge the gap between potential and achievement.

Understanding your product design vision is crucial because it serves as the driving force behind the entire design process. A clear vision helps align energy with product goals, ensuring that every design decision made contributes to the desired outcome. By staying focused on this vision, you’re able to create a cohesive design that not only looks good but also resonates with your target audience and drives success.

Sharing Your Brand Identity

A strong brand identity is crucial for standing out in today’s crowded marketplace. With graphic design, I work to craft a cohesive look that reflects the essence of the brand. Every element—from the logo to the color palette—plays a role in shaping how the audience perceives the brand. By focusing on creating a distinctive identity, I help brands not just be seen but also be recognized and remembered.

Engaging User Experience

Graphic design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about functionality.

Branding and visual identity play a key role in bridging the gap between potential and achievement, as they help communicate your message, evoke the right emotions, and create a lasting impact. When these elements are in sync, they transform your vision into a reality that commands attention and drives results.

A well-designed website or marketing material enhances user experience and encourages interaction. My goal is to create designs that are visually appealing while also guiding users effortlessly through their journey. When users enjoy their experience with a brand, they’re more likely to engage with it, share it, and become loyal customers.

Embracing the New Era of Possibilities

Harnessing Brand Potential in Today’s World

• • The evolving role of design in a rapidly changing world.
  • How brands can unlock new possibilities as they evolve with the times.
  • Emphasis on being prepared for the moment when capabilities can truly shine.

It’s important for brands to explore new possibilities, especially in a market that is constantly evolving. Staying stagnant can be challenging and may not meet the needs of today’s dynamic environment. Embracing change and innovation can help ensure that brands continue to grow and thrive, adapting to the ever-changing landscape with resilience and hope.

Crafting Visual Stories

Every brand has a story to tell, and graphic design is the medium through which that story comes to life. By using visuals strategically, I help brands communicate their message in a way that’s both engaging and relatable. It’s like telling a story without words—using colors, shapes, and typography to evoke emotions and spark interest. When done right, this storytelling approach creates a strong connection between the brand and its audience, making it memorable.

Adapting to Trends

The world of graphic design is ever-changing, with new trends emerging all the time. My job is to stay ahead of these trends while ensuring that each design remains true to the brand’s core values. It’s about finding that sweet spot where modern aesthetics meet timeless branding principles. By adapting designs to current trends without losing sight of what makes each brand unique, I help brands stay relevant and appealing.

By exploring fresh ideas and innovative strategies, they can tap into new customer segments, boost engagement, and ultimately drive sales.

It’s all about staying one step ahead of the competition and keeping consumers on the edge of their seats, like a thrilling season finale they can’t stop binge-watching!

Elevate Beyond “Good Enough” with Bryant Design

Let’s face it—settling for mediocrity in design is like wearing socks with sandals. Sure, it’s technically an outfit, but do you really want to be that person? Mediocre design can leave your brand blending into the background like a wallflower at a party, while amazing design screams, “Look at me!” and does the Macarena.

Here are three ways your brand can use visual design to elevate beyond “good enough”:

1. **Make a Statement**: Your visuals should scream (not whisper) your brand’s personality. Think bold colors and edgy graphics that grab attention like a toddler with a cookie.

2. **Tell Your Story**: Good design is the storyteller of your brand. It communicates your values and vision faster than you can say “mission statement.” Let’s craft visuals that resonate and engage, not just sit there looking pretty.

3. **Create Connections**: Strong visual elements build bridges between your brand and your audience. They should feel something—like joy, curiosity, or even the urge to hit “buy now.”

Now, here’s where Bryant Design comes in: We’re the superheroes of the design process! With our superhuman ability to transform mediocre ideas into stunning visual narratives, we’re here to save the day (and your brand).

At Bryant Design, we’re not just daydreamers; we’re design whisperers, ready to transform your wildest creative fantasies into tangible realities. Think of us as the bridge between your imaginative aspirations and actionable strategies—like a magical portal that turns “meh” into “wow!”

With expertise in taking the ordinary and turning it into something refined, respected, and impactful, we can elevate your brand to heights you never imagined. So, why wait? Let’s shake off mediocrity and embark on this creative journey together! Your brand deserves to shine—let’s make it happen!

Next Step Action Steps:

At Bryant Design, we’re here to help you transform your vision into something truly impactful. Whether you’re looking to refine your visual identity or elevate your branding strategy, we have the expertise to make it happen. Let’s work together to create a design that commands attention, drives results, and turns potential into reality. Contact Bryant Design today for a consultation, and start your journey toward a bold, transformative design! Contact us today!

The post Bridge your Big Design Dreams with Bryant Design! appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

Are you ready to make an unforgettable impression with your next PowerPoint presentation? Show off your products with exceptional design from a dependable, professional presentation design company.

Your sales presentation design style is a powerful branding tool—it can make the difference between a room full of captivated listeners and a sea of disengaged faces. Specialist presentation design can be a challenge for in-house design companies companies around the world. World-class specialist presentation designers have honed the skills required to use PowerPoint and transform your slides from mundane to magnificent.

Ready to take your PowerPoint presentation design to unparalleled heights? Let’s get started! Watch the video below to allow me to introduce myself.

About Presentation Design Agencies

What services does a presentation design agency offer?

A powerpoint design agency offers a variety of specialized presentation services tailored to meet company needs. Their team of presentation design experts excels in crafting high-quality professional presentations, whether it’s a conference presentation, an investor presentation, or a key corporate presentation.

By using advanced design and animation techniques, these agencies ensure that every presentation aligns with your brand guidelines and communicates your message effectively. Their presentation design experts can create a stunning keynote presentation or a compelling company presentation tailored to your specific design needs.

Specializing in powerpoint presentation services, these agencies deliver engaging presentation content and ensure a cohesive presentation experience. Partnering with a powerpoint presentation design agency can significantly impact how you use this essential presentation tool to communicate with your audience.

How can a presentation agency tailor designs to meet specific needs?

Getting professional presentation design services from a presentation agency can enhance a company’s image and tailor the design to meet specific needs. A professional presentation agency understands the importance of crafting a visually compelling presentation deck that resonates with the target audience. They can create custom PowerPoint designs, develop engaging presentation content, and ensure the overall flow and messaging align with the company’s branding and objectives. By collaborating with an expert presentation design team, businesses can ensure their company presentations make a lasting impact and leave a professional impression.

Ways a Presentation Design Service Can Improve Your Brand

What role does visual design play in engaging an audience?

Visual design plays a crucial role in engaging an audience for a presentation.

Design experts can craft a custom presentation that captivates your audience, whether it’s for a conference, financial services, or any other corporate setting. From Google Slides design to presentation, a dedicated PowerPoint design service can tailor the format to your specific needs. Look for a presentation design agency that offers the whole package – from design and animation to a powerful narrative that resonates with your audience. Their expertise can help you create a presentation that leaves a lasting impression and drives your company’s goals forward.

A good presentation design agency can work with any industry or product. Whether you’re looking for a presentation design for financial services or any other industry, the right agency can provide a range of options tailored to your specific needs. Some agencies offer the whole package – from ideation to final delivery – others are pretty polishers who take your text and content and wave the magic wand of awesome over slides, making them look as good as they sound.

How can a presentation design company help with conference presentations?

Collaborating with a professional presentation design company offers several benefits for organizations participating in conferences and events. These specialized firms possess expertise in creating visually appealing and effective presentations that can enhance an organization’s image and message delivery.

For your next workshop, webinar series, or corporate event, you can bring in a powerpoint design company to create visually engaging and interesting decks that impress your audience. They can transform complex information into clear, concise, and visually appealing slides that complement the speaker’s delivery.

A top-notch business presentation can apply presentation design principles for better PowerPoint design and also help with developing engaging presentation content, ensuring the overall messaging and flow of the presentation is compelling. By outsourcing presentation design to a specialized company, businesses can create a polished, cohesive, and memorable conference presentation that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.

Why Give Attention to Your PowerPoint Presentation Design

Should businesses invest in tailored powerpoint presentation pitch decks?

Developing in tailored pitch decks from experts can be a game-changer for businesses. A professional presentation design agency can help create a range of presentation formats tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re in financial services or any other industry, a company can help you create a powerful narrative and integrate your brand colors. This can make a significant difference in securing investments or confirming a new pitch.

Agencies can transform complex data and ideas into clear, compelling visuals that resonate with your target audience. Moreover, they often have experience across various industries, allowing them to incorporate best practices and meet the objectives your company needs.

A well-crafted pitch deck goes beyond aesthetics; it strategically organizes information to guide investors through your business proposition. It can highlight key metrics, market opportunities, and your unique value proposition in a way that captures and maintains attention. Additionally, these experts can provide valuable insights on investor psychology and presentation delivery, further enhancing your chances of success.

What benefits come with specialist design services for investor presentations?

Specialist design services for investor presentations offer numerous benefits. They help create visually compelling slides that capture potential investors’ attention.

The best next steps involve working closely with the design team to ensure the presentation is tailored to your needs.

The design team can advise on the format that your team requires, whether that’s a traditional slide deck or a more dynamic, interactive presentation. They can offer the whole package, from concept to final delivery, to create a powerful narrative that engages your audience.

Going one step further, the design team can assist with integrating your brand colors and imagery, confirming a new pitch deck that gets them as close to your vision as possible.

Working with a PowerPoint Presentation Design Agency

What is the design process involved in collaborating with a Presentation Design agency?

When collaborating with a Presentation Design Agency, the design process typically involves a few key steps. First, they’ll work closely with you to understand your goals and help us to create a tailored solution that’s best next steps for your project. The agency will then propose a format that your team can use, offering the whole package from concept to final design.

Their experts create powerful narratives that bring your message to life, integrating your brand colors and assets. After reviewing the initial designs, the agency confirms a new pitch that aligns closely with your vision. With their guidance, you deliver a professional, on-brand presentation that will even impress you!

How do top-notch PowerPoint design services enhance a company’s image?

Expert designers make your slides look great and get your message across. They bring creativity, storytelling skills, and attention to detail. Working with expert presentation designers can elevate a company’s image in several ways:

Professionalism and polish: Expert designers have the skills to create visually stunning, cohesive presentations that reflect the company’s brand and messaging in a polished, professional manner. This can make a strong, positive impression on clients and stakeholders.

Impactful visuals: Experienced designers know how to use visual elements like graphics, animations, and layouts to support and enhance the presentation content in an engaging way. This can help get the company’s key points across more effectively.

Competitive edge: Well-designed, high-quality presentations give the company a competitive advantage by making them look more credible, capable, and innovative compared to others.

Consistency and brand alignment: Expert designers ensure the company’s presentations adhere to brand guidelines and have a consistent look and feel across all materials. This reinforces the company’s identity and values.

Efficient workflow: Working with designers streamlines the presentation creation process, allowing the company to be more productive and responsive to their needs.

Elevate your company presentations with custom visual designs

Here are some reasons why a tailored presentation will better resonate with your audience:

1. Enhanced visual appeal: Professional designers create aesthetically pleasing slides that capture audience attention.

2. Improved clarity: Expert designers organize information in a way that facilitates better understanding and retention.

3. Brand consistency: Presentations are tailored to align with the organization’s branding guidelines and visual identity.

4. Time-saving: Outsourcing design allows internal teams to focus on content development and other critical tasks.

5. Technical proficiency: Professional designers are well-versed in utilizing advanced presentation software and techniques.

6. Increased credibility: High-quality presentations can boost an organization’s perceived professionalism and expertise.

7. Adaptability: Designs can be optimized for various platforms and presentation formats.

By leveraging these advantages, organizations can significantly improve their impact and effectiveness during conferences and events.

Unleash the power of our stunning Presentation Design services

Reimagine your presentations with a leading creative design agency. Our expertise in presentation and communication design ensures an amazing end product tailored to your needs. Collaborate with us to find your perfect solution and transform your presentations into engaging, impactful experiences. Whether you’re informing, persuading, or motivating, our professional services will communicate your message and captivate your audience.

Working with a full-service presentation design agency can elevate your brand message and increase customer trust. Our presentation services deliver expertise in crafting visually stunning and impactful presentations will leave a lasting impression on your audience. Take your presentations to the next level – contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions About PowerPoint Slide Design Services

What are PowerPoint design services?

PowerPoint design services are when you work with a specialist presentation design agency or expert designers to create custom PowerPoint slides for your business presentations, investor pitches, conference talks, and more. This allows you to get a polished, cohesive presentation deck without having to design it all yourself.

Why should I use a PowerPoint design company?

Using a professional PowerPoint design agency has many benefits. They have the design expertise to create visually stunning, on-brand slides that will make your content shine. This can help you make a great impression and keep your audience engaged during important business presentations.

What is the PowerPoint design process like?

When you work with a presentation design service, the process typically starts with a consultation to understand your design needs and presentation goals. The designers will then craft custom slides, handle the layout and formatting, and ensure a cohesive look and feel. You’ll have the chance to provide feedback before the final files are delivered.

How much do PowerPoint design services cost?

The cost of PowerPoint design services can vary depending on the scope of the project, the experience of the design team, and the level of customization required. Many presentation design agencies offer different package options to fit various budgets from $10,000 to $50,000 per slide deck.

Can a PowerPoint design company also help with my presentation content?

Absolutely. In addition to the visual design, many full-service presentation agencies can also assist with developing your presentation content, messaging, and overall strategy. This allows you to have a complete, polished final product.

Leading PowerPoint Service: Supercharge Your Presentations with Bridgette Bryant Design Start Your Project Now!

The post Should You Delegate Important Presentations to a PowerPoint Company? appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

In the ever-evolving landscape of design, grasping the nuances of the presentation and graphic design project process is crucial for shaping memorable visual narratives. This blog offers a rapid yet thorough glimpse into the methodologies and steps integral to crafting impactful presentations and graphic designs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey in design, join us as we explore the fundamental stages that define successful design projects. Gain valuable insights and practical tips to elevate your approach and create designs that captivate and resonate effectively with your audience.

GRAPHIC DESIGN ONBOARD PROCESS:

In every bit of detail, we go above and beyond to deliver a stunningly beautiful and perfectly branded PowerPoint presentation design. The process is streamlined and effective. Here is a brief overview of onboarding and the design process, followed by an interactive view of the process – click inside the box to play around with.

1. CREATIVE BRIEF
First we learn the product, audience, and goals. Getting to know you is at the forefront of our creative process. Start your project with our creative brief form.

2. DESIGN SAMPLES
We start out right by having you select designs you love from a set of ideas. With samples, we’ll narrow down a design direction and make a decide what we need to show to encourage viewers to take action.

3. DESIGN PREVIEW
We excel in visual design because of a natural awareness of details and intuition regarding usability. After 10% of the presentation is done, it is sent to you for review and approval.

4. FINALIZATION
Review the project and send any change requests you have. Then, it’s all yours.

After all of the planning, research, and creative crafting, you will have a beautiful final product that supports your vision.

DESIGN SERVICE DELIVERY PROCESS:

For freelancers and graphic designers, the design service delivery process is a structured approach to delivering client projects efficiently and effectively. Here’s a summary:

1. PROJECT DISCOVERY
2. DESIGN DIRECTION
3. PROGRESS CHECKPOINT
4. MIDPOINT CHECK APPROVAL
5. POLISHING AND REVISIONS
6. TEST, PACKAGE, DELIVER

It begins with understanding client requirements through initial consultation and project briefing. Research and ideation follow, leading to concept development and iterative design refinement.

Client feedback is crucial at every stage, allowing for adjustments to meet their expectations. The final delivery ensures the design aligns with client objectives, deadlines, and budget constraints, emphasizing clear communication and meticulous attention to detail for successful project outcomes.

FREQUENT TOPICS FOR PROJECTS:

The creative and graphic design project process is a delicate transaction. The keys to making projects run smoothly and achieving a desired final outcome for all parties involved are clarity and communication.

Onsite, Offsite, Remote
Variety is the spice of life, and flexibility is the cooling water that brings balance. Technology and innovation are no longer tied to an office. Great ideas have now go viral AND global. For this reason, leading-edge creators now stay highly skilled and geographically flexible. Wherever you are, if the project benefits from it, that’s where we will be.

What to Expect in Our Partnership
We begin each assignment with a comprehensive overview of expectations, using various methods depending on your needs and availability. This helps us reiterate our objectives to ensure clarity on the steps and initiatives before starting work, increasing productivity and promoting the likelihood of delivering a solid gold final product.

Feedback and Delivery
Throughout the early stages of the design process, we have established checkpoints to ensure that design, quality, and content align with your vision. These progress checks confirm along the way that we are creating what you desire, providing you with peace of mind that things are progressing as expected and ensuring no time is wasted.

Billing & Payments
Once we have a clear vision of your needs, we will submit a proposal outlining our suggested procedures, timeline, and deliverable milestones. All aspects of your project will be detailed in the proposal and sent to you for review and approval.

Both fixed and hourly projects begin with an initial deposit of 15% of your project quote. The deposit will be credited to the project’s final invoice and may be tendered in the form of cash, check, ACH Transfer, PayPal*, or Stripe.*

Interact with Design Process

Next is a fun Prezi presentation created way back when Prezi was new. It’s an oldie, but a greatie. Prezi started as a little dynamic presentation development tool that makes your content an interactive platform that can deliver information in a multitude of ways. It’s grown a lot, but not suitedTest drive the tool with the following Prezi and learn the process that we will follow in developing your design.

Start Moving Your Project Forward

For project pricing information and a detailed outline of my suggested process for your specific project, click here to get in touch about your presentation design project. Expect a response within 48 hours on business days.

The post How to Manage a Presentation Graphic Design Project appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

Quick Point:
Integrating UX design into your product development is like the secret sauce that makes a burger truly extraordinary! It’s not just a choice; it’s the difference between a plain old sandwich and a mouthwatering masterpiece. Here are six juicy reasons to ensure UX design is your condiment of choice in every new product you whip up, whether it’s digital or not.

That’s cute, but is the cost of doing UX something I should really invest in? I saw your car. And it kind of looks like all you do is draw squares and stream Netflix all day.

It’s a question that many company leaders are asking. Partially because they only see the research and visual layout components and do not yet have enough experience with user experience design to know that it goes much further than that.

What I mean is that user experience design is more about creating a product is suitable for a particular customer instead of creating a product in the hopes that it will be liked.

Here are six incredible reasons to make sure UX design is a part of every new product, digital or not, that you develop:

1. Yes. UX Design gives you insight about your possible customers can help you improve the product you are developing
2. Learning ahead of time what those customers do and do not like can save you an outstanding amount of time and money
3. The research and UX designer conducted help you learn the language of the consumer. When you speak their language, you have a better chance of being heard
4. Even if you don’t choose to hire a professional for the job, when development time comes, those same decisions have to be made. Without going through the UX process, each one of those decisions will be a guess. This can become a costly mistake
5. Down the road, you can save on technical issues if you identify them upfront
6. Having a roadmap developed through UX research provides deliberate decision-making that gives everyone on the team from developers to sales with more confidence to do their job because they know what they are doing is based on the needs of those they are selling it to.

Get to the Heart of What Your Customers Want – UX Designers Help You Make Informed Choices for Your Business’s Success. UX Designers Uncover What Your Customers Really Want.

Having a clear vision of what your product should be in the eyes of your customers is an incredible advantage. This is one of the many reasons why investing in UX is not only worth the time and money. However, it is no longer optional if you plan to provide a product or service that consumers actually have the opportunity to CHOOSE to purchase.

In today’s race for the next big entrepreneurial idea, those who rise to the top must be willing and able to constantly adapt and quickly shift gears in order to keep up with the tide.

Product developers with an edge over the competition tend to be those who implement both user and product testing in advance and optimize their prototype based on their findings, prior to sharing their solutions with the general public.

The Elements of a UX Strategy by Sherif Amin

Research and Revision Process
Many case studies and reports in various industries demonstrate that an iterative research and revision process can lead to substantial improvements in products and services. For example, companies like Apple regularly refine their products through iterations and revisions based on user feedback and market research, resulting in improved functionality and enhanced user experiences.

User Testing Impact

Numerous studies and articles in the field of product development and design emphasize the positive impact of user testing. For instance, according to the Nielsen Norman Group, a leader in the user experience field, user testing can uncover critical usability issues and lead to a significant increase in user satisfaction and product usability.

This is why implementing user experience methodologies is so critical to product success. The UX design process uncovers exactly what is needed to satisfy target users and fulfill their needs.

Once the UX design process is complete, you will have a blueprint that outlines the best possible way to make your product a success.

This blueprint will identify a clear, step-by-step demonstration of how a user progresses through their interaction with your product. The design addresses every scenario a person from your target audience (also known as a ‘persona’) may encounter as a result of choosing to become involved with your brand.

Simulating the process of interacting with your product forces you to review it through the eyes of your persona. This allows you to easily understand any issues they may have, the motivations that led them to your product, and any opportunities that exist for making a stronger connection with them, through improving the details of their experience.**

The UX Design Pyramid by Iren Korkishko

It is the data and insight gathered from the UX design process that help a brand determine the best way to connect with their audience.

These data can highlight areas for improvement, provide an opportunity to reflect on organizational goals, and encourage discussions; leading to effective, data-driven product design.

Active research and accurate information can allow for production and testing of a concept, to gain valuable feedback, before taking a new innovation public.

In the current start-up crazed environment, it can be tempting to skip the planning process in lieu of quickly releasing an MVP. But if that product does not address all (or any) of the needs of its intended audience, the product release could have damaging repercussions, in terms of investor confidence, public response, and social media feedback.

In just a short period of dedicated time and focus, brand-damaging situations can be avoided, product enhancements can be identified, and investor funding can be conserved and utilized to make a more impactful product.

Tired of Making Wild Guesses and Waiting to See No The Result? Empower Your Business with UX Designers Who Craft Your Success Story by Revealing the True Customer’s Wish List.

With so many products and services investing time in mapping out a proper user experience, allowing your UX design to be less-than-perfect can do permanent damage to the brand’s image and likability.

Last year, Google began documenting findings from consumer experience research, reports, and discussions called “micro-moments”. They reported that the average U.S. retail mobile site loaded in 6.9 seconds in July 2016, while today’s data indicate that over 40% of consumers will leave a webpage if it takes longer than just 3 seconds to load.

Another study conducted by Microsoft, with Canadian users, found that the average user’s attention span has reduced from 12 seconds in 2000 to just 8 seconds in 2015. The study credited the decline in attention spans to advancements in technology, the premium functionality of today’s devices, and the rapid-fire distribution of information delivered by social media platforms.

It’s not just user patience that is being tested; consumer expectations are also becoming more difficult to satisfy.

Google’s “micro moments” research also found that users now assume their location is known when they make a search query. Although, according to Google, geo-modifiers such as zip codes have declined in use by 30%, users still “assume they will be given locally relevant search results”, without actually specifying the location they wish to search.

With so many alternatives just a click away, Google’s data have revealed that 79% of shoppers who are dissatisfied with a site’s performance say they are not likely to purchase from that site again.

This is one of the many reasons why mapping out a user experience strategy prior to deploying a product is a vital part of the design process. UX design allows you to foresee pain points the user may have and opportunities to make the user’s sequence of events transition as smoothly as possible – before they even have your product in their hands.

By making their experience more smooth, you are communicating to your prospective customers that what matters to them is important to you as well. – Bridgette Bryant

This can be a starting point in differentiating you from competitors, and your brand can strengthen that relationship by delving deeper into the user experience design process and becoming more familiar with their wants, needs, and expectations.

Well, it is my hope that you now look at UX design as your own personal customer whisperer. It gives you the lowdown on what your potential customers dig and what makes them cringe. It’s like having a magic crystal ball that can save you oodles of time and moolah. Who doesn’t want that, right?

And then there’s the language of your audience. It’s like learning how to speak Parseltongue in the world of Harry Potter. When you know the lingo, you’re more likely to cast a spell of success. No need for a professional linguist, even if you DIY, you’ll still need to make those calls. But without the UX magic, it’s like playing Pin the Tail on the Donkey blindfolded – a costly mistake waiting to happen.

Talking about costly mistakes, ever had a tech meltdown? UX design acts like a tech-savvy fortune teller, foreseeing and preventing technical issues before they become a full-blown catastrophe. Think of it as your personal IT insurance.

Now, let’s talk about having a roadmap. No, I’m not talking about getting lost on a road trip; I’m talking about a UX roadmap. It’s like having a GPS that guides you and your team with the confidence of Lewis and Clark exploring the wilderness. Your developers, salespeople, and the rest of your crew can rest easy knowing they’re not just throwing darts in the dark; they’re hitting bullseyes because they know what the customers want.

So, in a nutshell, making UX design a part of your product development is like adding sprinkles to your ice cream. It’s that extra touch that makes your product sweeter, more satisfying, and worth every bite. Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits. Your customers will thank you, and your competition will wonder how you made your burger so mouthwatering!

Well, is UX Design Worth the effort? Yes!

If you haven’t already, shifting your focus from your product to your people is a strategic move that will instantly improve your sales process. It will also make it easier to meet the demands of your customers because now you know what they want.

Sources:
Quora
Userzoom
CIO

The post The Value of UX Design – Is It Worth Time and Effort? appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

The success of your pitch isn’t solely determined by the strength of your idea but also by your ability to win hearts and minds, and be deemed as likable by your audience.

In the world of entrepreneurship and startup ventures, your pitch deck serves as your golden ticket to capturing the attention, trust, and support of potential investors and partners. It’s not just about presenting the concept; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative that ignites enthusiasm and builds trust.

Here are some of the typical and technical ways to test your pitch deck idea:

1. Seek Feedback: Share your pitch deck with trusted friends, mentors, or advisors. Their input can help you refine your concept and identify weaknesses.

2. Practice Pitching: Rehearse your pitch multiple times to perfect your delivery. Confidence and smooth delivery are key to engaging your audience effectively.

3. Test with a Focus Group (even if it’s made up of your tough-love-kind-of-honesty friends): Conduct a test pitch with a small group of potential investors or target customers. Their questions and reactions can provide valuable insights.

4. A/B Testing: Create multiple versions of your pitch deck and test them with different audiences. Analyze which version performs best in terms of engagement and interest.

5. Storytelling: Craft a compelling narrative that weaves your vision, mission, and goals into a coherent and memorable story. A good story can be a powerful tool for capturing attention.

But your pitch deck is not just a document; it’s a dynamic tool to win hearts, minds, and investments. That makes your pitch and investment of its own!

So you want to hone in on your topic from the perspective of your target viewer and speak about how THEY feel about what you have to offer. How will they interact with it? What are the answers to their automatic push-back questions? Why is what you are offering the solution to something they’ve been considering?

By focusing on them and not your product benefits, your well-defined plan can make an emotional connection and embody a passionate delivery. Now, you can increase the probability of success for your startup or business idea. Remember to continuously test and refine your pitch deck to ensure it’s as persuasive as possible.

FREE eGuide

Pitch Evaluation Test – Is Your Idea a Winner? Download the eGuide

My Pitch Deck Evaluation Guide may be able to help you tweak your presentation to perfection. Download it here for free. Use this FANTASTIC GUIDE to discover your probability of success by looking at your plan, your goals, and the “why” behind your effort. You may just be surprised by how close to success you really are.

Download the eGuide

In the world of entrepreneurship and startup ventures, your pitch deck is your golden ticket to capturing the attention, trust, and support of potential investors and partners. It’s not just about presenting your business concept, but about winning hearts and minds. In this blog, we will explore the key elements of evaluating your pitch deck idea and share some valuable strategies to engage and persuade your audience effectively.

1. Clarity: The Foundation of Your Pitch

Clarity is the cornerstone of any compelling pitch deck. It’s about presenting your idea in a straightforward and understandable manner. Remember that you’re not just pitching to experts in your field; your audience may include people with diverse backgrounds. Use simple language and avoid jargon. A clear and concise message increases the chances of your idea resonating with your audience.

2. Viability: Demonstrating the Potential

Investors and stakeholders want to see that your idea is not just a dream but a viable business opportunity. Use data, market research, and competitive analysis to showcase the potential of your concept. Highlight your unique selling points and provide evidence that supports your claims. This builds trust and confidence in your idea’s feasibility.

3. A Well-Defined Plan: The Roadmap to Success

Your pitch deck should outline a well-structured plan for achieving your business goals. This plan should include your business model, revenue strategy, marketing and growth strategies, and a timeline for execution. A comprehensive plan demonstrates that you’ve thought through the logistics and are ready to take the necessary steps for success.

4. Emotion: Connecting on a Deeper Level

While data and logic play a crucial role in your pitch, emotions should not be underestimated. People invest in people, not just ideas. Share your passion and belief in your concept. Tell your personal story and let your enthusiasm shine through. This emotional connection can help you win over your audience’s hearts and make them feel a deeper connection to your venture.

5. A Dash of Fire: Igniting Excitement

Passion and energy are contagious. If you’re genuinely excited about your idea, your audience is more likely to get excited too. Use dynamic presentation skills, engage your audience, and infuse your pitch with energy. A pitch deck should not be a monotone presentation but a lively and engaging experience.

Preview of free eGuide interior. Click here to download and test your pitch idea right now!

Clarity is the foundation upon which your pitch deck should be built. In a world cluttered with information, your ability to convey your message clearly and succinctly is your first step toward success. You’re not just pitching to experts in your field; your audience may include people with diverse backgrounds and varying degrees of familiarity with your industry. Using simple language and avoiding jargon is crucial to ensure that your message is accessible to all. A clear and concise message increases the chances of your idea resonating with your audience.

Once you’ve established clarity, you need to demonstrate the viability of your concept. Investors and stakeholders want to see that your idea is not just a dream but a viable business opportunity. You’ll need to employ data, market research, and competitive analysis to showcase the potential of your concept. Highlight your unique selling points and provide evidence that supports your claims. This builds trust and confidence in your idea’s feasibility.

Moreover, your pitch deck should outline a well-structured plan for achieving your business goals. This plan should encompass your business model, revenue strategy, marketing and growth strategies, and a timeline for execution. A comprehensive plan demonstrates that you’ve thought through the logistics and are ready to take the necessary steps for success.

However, it’s important to remember that winning hearts and minds isn’t just about data and logic. While these elements play a crucial role in your pitch, emotions should not be underestimated. People invest in people, not just ideas. Your passion and belief in your concept matter. Share your personal story, let your enthusiasm shine through, and make an emotional connection with your audience. This emotional connection can help you win over your audience’s hearts and make them feel a deeper connection to your venture.

Finally, sprinkle a dash of fire into your pitch. Passion and energy are contagious. If you’re genuinely excited about your idea, your audience is more likely to get excited too. Use dynamic presentation skills, engage your audience, and infuse your pitch with energy. A pitch deck should not be a monotone presentation but a lively and engaging experience.

Preview of free eGuide interior. Click here to download and test your pitch idea right now!

Conclusion

In this blog, we will delved deeper into key elements that often go overlooked in the race to occupy space!

Thank you for taking the time to slow down and explore your proposal from a different perspective. I appreciate your openness to considering my additional strategies for testing and refining your pitch deck.

By prioritizing clarity, viability, a well-defined plan, emotional connection, and a passionate delivery, you can significantly enhance the chances of success for your startup or business idea. Make sure to continuously test and refine your pitch deck to ensure that it is as persuasive as possible. Good luck, and happy growing!

The post Evaluate Your Pitch Deck Idea – Win Hearts and Minds appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

Market response and product users typically tell the true story of what it’s like to interact with the design of a product. This makes them the most valuable asset you have for the product design process.

With user feedback on how your product works, time, and money can be saved during the development process. Design agents can find out what users liked most, make changes to things not well received, remove unnecessary features or components, and add differentiations that make your product a star!

Most of the time, there is a big difference between what users think and what organizations think they think.

Developing from the user’s point of view helps you stay on track with the goals of the product and ensures you develop the most useful, valuable product possible.

One of the most prominent players in the user testing tool market, User Zoom, conducted a study with Forrester Research on the value UX testing tools where they found a 537% return on investment for digital products utilizing their tool.

This incredible statistic is just one of many reasons why UX design and user testing of the best ways to discover product feature opportunities, validate design decisions and measure the potential success of your product.

What Is Usability Testing & Why Do It

“Usability testing is best described as the prelaunch stage of the UX design process where we evaluate the flow and viability of our product by testing it on actual users and implementing product design enhancements based on the results.” – Bridgette Bryant

User testing allows product designers to see how real users engage and interact with their products. Testing allows us to see where users encounter problems or cannot intuitively navigate the design.

The purpose of conducting a usability test is to get real feedback that can be analyzed and converted into design decisions that improve the quality of the product and make the user experience more delightful.

By observing what users do with the product and evaluating how they go about accomplishing tasks, we can eliminate guesswork and, click-by-click, improve the design interface based

on user behavior.

How and When to Conduct a Usability Test

When preparing for a UX text, developing a logical, clear structure will help the user navigate the process. It will also help to make sure they understand that it is not the user who is being tested; it is the design.

Let testers know valuable feedback is for the success of the product. Good communication can help calm participants and give them an idea of what they need to do. Realizing that the test is not a “test” will also help them be more natural with their actions and more honest in their feedback.

Usability testing comes after research, design-thinking, and planning, but before the primary market release.

When the UX process has done the market research, qualitative research, and competitive research, we will have clearly defined goals for the product. With that information, user personas are developed that match who we have identified as being most likely to enjoy and value what our product has to offer.

The research gathering and persona development stages provide a clear definition of what we are creating and for whom the product is being developed. Then the usability testing stage comes in to validate those decisions and remove complexity so we can optimize engagement. Usability testing also allows us to, in a sense, proofread the product and catch minor errors or bugs that were not seen previously.

New products that are coming to market have the highest return on investment when it comes to testing because they are able to save a lot of runaround and make a more perfect first-generation, which reduces the amount of negative feedback the product launch might otherwise have experienced.

Website redesign and products that have decided to rebrand for the more modern age can also find great value in usability testing.

By privately testing the first draft, product designers can determine what works best for targeted users and set up product interactions or include design features that support the needs of the individuals who will be considering and opting-in to what is being developed. The custom-designed product has an infinitely higher chance of standing out in a crowded marketplace which is why user testing is a necessity.

Methods and Environments for Usability Testing

After mapping out the goals of the test with stakeholders, product designs, and the development team we can get to the business of product design improvement.

What we are looking for is areas where users struggle with the existing design format and any recommendations they have for improvement.

Since the user-centered design is all about satisfying the user, tracking, measurement, and improvements to the product’s design are crucial.

Focus groups, A/B Testing, and expert usability audits are a great way of gathering solid feedback on usability.

a. Tools for Monitoring and Saving Human Insights

Deciding what changes need to be made on a website relaunch or determining the most effective potential ideas for a new marketing campaign WILL have a better ROI when ideas are first tested. As product designers and developers begin to more clearly express the impact of UX, platforms and solutions for getting the job done are emerging all over the Internet. These platforms make it easier for passionate producers to capture their audiences and innovate their products and campaigns.

Here are a few of the most highly rated usability testing tools:

Optimizely

UserZoom

Validately (by UserZoom)

Loop 11

Usertesting.com

b. Usability Testing in a Design Sprint
In a design sprint, usability testing can be one of the most important stages of the process because it gives you a chance to confirm your creation and make adjustments when necessary before jumping into the market.

This is particularly valuable in the design sprint use-case because, with the pace of production, it can be easy to overlook things. So you always want to make testing a part of any design sprint project.

It is crucial to establish sprint goals at the very beginning of the sprint design process.

When initiating the usability testing phase, we can begin with the end-goal at the forefront by testing objectives.

Design sprints are run to advance product development and create a usable initial output quickly.

Having a goal to hold onto like an anchor during a sprint ensures that no one runs off the map. During usability testing, before we introduce the testing process to participants, we formulate questions and decide on tasks the user(s) will be testing. To make that decision, we refer back to the initial sprint objective so we stay on track with our program inline with our purpose.

c. Live vs. Remote User Testing
There are benefits and optimal situations for each type of user testing experience. With live testing, you can see visual cues that the user may not consider important or be aware of. You can also analyze psychological signals that are subconscious and draw conclusions based on observed user patterns and tendencies. This information can add tangible value to your final research report.

Live user testing can be done one-on-one or in a group. You want to set up an inviting environment for the user and allow time for them to get comfortable because the more relaxed they are, the more honest and valuable their feet that can be. You also want to begin by asking generic questions. This can help loosen up the testing environment and increase the value of your feedback.

Live user testing is useful because you get to see your product design in use, real-time. You can also record sessions to share with the client or have the client onsite during testing, which makes reporting and getting “buy-in” on design decisions a more efficient process.

On the other end of the spectrum, remote user testing can allow for a larger testing population, which can help validate results and bring in a wider range of responses.

One of the major benefits of a remote test is that the user is in their comfortable, natural environment, most likely exactly where they will be when they are interacting with the design in real-time. According to usability.gov, the test should take 15 to 30 minutes and be comprised of 3 to 5 tasks.

Remote user testing can be moderated, tracked, and recorded for future reference using testing apps or traditional screen sharing tools that are now finding a complementary feature option in the area of remote, moderated usability research.

This means leveraging tools as simple as Google Hangouts to be physically “present” while remote so you can monitor user activity.

Dedicated remote UX testing tools now offer a lot of flexibility and can work well for overseas audiences.

The key to conducting a good remote user testing session is to make ease of use for the testing phase as important as it is for the product design being tested.

To test accurately and obtain an honest response from their interaction, remote users need to be comfortable with the method by which you are conducting the test. If they are frustrated because they had to download a piece of software or had issues with the Internet connection, that agitation will be carried over into the testing process and can affect feedback.

Here are some of the best times to consider opting for the remote test solution:

• When timelines make it difficult to schedule in-person testing
• There is a broad geographic disbursement of target user audiences
• If the number of tests run is an important factor
• As a supplement to live testing so you can compare and validate results

Tips for Conducting a Usability Test Interview

One of the main reasons it is essential to conduct an external usability test is because, often, when people are too close to a topic, it is not easy to see the obvious.

Testing with users who were not part of the foundational design designs will likely reveal issues and opportunities that the product design team was not able to identify.

Filling in the gaps during the earliest stage of a product’s release can save millions in investment funds and may also save the life of the product itself.

These are just a few of the key aspects of organizing and conducting a successful, unbiased usability test. Here are a few other important elements to keep in mind:

• Make a suitable and inviting environment, so the user feels comfortable expressing their true feelings
• Choose a goal or task for the user to achieve that is based on the purposes of the business or the design sprint
• Be sure to ask the reasons why they answered, responded, or had the expectation that they did
• Use open-ended questions so you do not skew the results of the usability test session
• As much as possible, when asking questions, lead with an unleading question. For example, “when you entered the checkout process and you saw the button labeled “X,” you…”

3 Simple Ways to Test Your Design or Idea

1. Design Concept Straw Poll
This internal test introduces 3-4 design concept executions to internal members of the team who were not a part of the ideation process and, therefore, are not coming in with preconceived notions. The poll begins by allowing participants to stroll around the room where the concepts have been placed on the walls of the room and are spread out fairly widely. In some cases, the participants are given post-its or stickers to silently highlight areas of interest or ask usability questions without interrupting the experience of the others.

At the end of a specified time period, usually 15 to 20 minutes, the participants are asked to vote on the concept they found to be most effective and engaging and informing them about the product and its value.

2. Guerrilla Testing
This is where test subjects are randomly chosen from an Internet forum or live in a public place and asked to perform some quick task, usually in exchange for a small incentive. The guerrilla test is a great way to acquire a large amount of base-level data or validate a specific design element}.

3. Prototype Test
The most common, a prototype test puts the product design right in the hands of the user and evaluates how they interact with it. This test takes the high fidelity prototype that would be produced using InVision, Marvel, or similar tool and loaded onto the user’s device so we can observe the best possible example of how they will interact with the final design.

This test provides the designer with feedback on the overall concept of the app or website – did the user get excited about the idea, were they genuinely interested in what it has to offer?

We can analyze the onboarding process to make sure users understanding the initial interactions and the steps they need to take. We can see how they utilize the navigation system and make sure they find it easy to contact product owners or communicate through features such as video, chat, and feedback ratings.

Most important, we can ask the question, “what can we do to make it better?” The replies to that all-important question will typically produce the most unexpected responses and are sometimes the most value-providing inputs for the next iteration of a product’s design.

The 4 Best Ways to Communicate User Research Results

1. Make it Visual
We use color-coded post-its so we can quickly see the trends in our research results. Heatmaps, number-driven survey results, and stats provided through A/B testing can all be delivered in a visually designed format that makes it easy to understand the valuable Intel gathered from research methodologies.

2. Format the Findings Simplistically
When sharing with stakeholders, it is important to keep the communicated data succinct and only delve deeply into the findings when requested.

3. Make it Accessible
This means delivering information in a way that makes it easy for decision-makers to access and review in their preferred manner.

The easiest way to do this is by creating a summary video so they have the option of seeing and listening to the report highlights, and they can play the video at their convenience. The video summary should be accompanied by a research report of the UX findings for those who prefer a written format and to distribute the findings to the development team.

4. Make it Easy to Follow and Format for Different Info Absorption Types
The report should begin with a summary of the findings and an outline of how those results can be used to improve the product’s design.

The outline should be two pages or less and in a skimmable format. It should be followed by a summary of the research methods, tools, and objectives. Next, the findings from the user experience research process should be presented in numbers, charts, and to-the-point text. Any dense data should be contained at the back or in an appendix where it can be accessed by individuals who are interested in that information. It should also be presented in a well-designed format that makes it easy to understand and digest.

The post Usability Testing – How to Validate UX Research and Deliver Design Decisions appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

With the competition for attention standing out from the crowd requires more of a bullhorn than a whisper. Starting with a beautiful brand and marketing materials can be a differentiating aspect and here are 7 of the best ways I have found to hire an outstanding freelance graphic designer.

Visual communication is one of the most vital aspects of a brand’s success story. The only way to win that battle is by having team members, whether outsourced or in-house, who specialize in building beautiful brands and marketing materials.

It is so important that your graphic design elements be well-crafted, beautiful, and crystal-clear. Looking impressive gives your chance to make a positive impact on new visitors and reinforces your value to existing customers and clientele.

Why is Graphic Design so important to profits?

The beauty of high quality graphic design is that it now dictates the perceived value of every single brand. This is a good thing because the visual design of your brand is something fluid that you can always change and find ways to make it work better. Since graphic design affects each market in every industry, you can begin to predict how your design projects should go based on previous examples that audiences are accustomed to seeing.

For example, words like “flat” and concepts such as “minimal design” have become everyday lingo even among non-designers. Marketing consultants and trusted freelancers are rolling out top-quality work on websites, presentations, and brochures that display a mature level of creative that makes the best of the client image. Design Gurus and stepping up their game and consistently delivering modern and interesting visual design because, now it’s what audiences expect and respond to.

Is the cost of good graphic design really worth it?

As a business, there is no turning back from the requirement of looking trustworthy and reliable. No matter how great your product is, if it does not live up to the aesthetic expectations of your targeted consumers, your awesomeness will go unseen, unheard, and undiscovered.

Thankfully, the solution is simple, make a great product and then make that product LOOK as good as it truly is. How? By hiring an expert graphic design provider in the form of a contractor, freelancer, or marketing agency.

Where should my brand start when re-designing our marketing materials?

From exterior packaging to the design of your website, every digital and physical touch point (encounter) that a potential customer can make with you should be glaringly gorgeous.

Google offers several articles on how to find and hire freelance designers and marketing agencies. There are also design service marketplaces such as Freelancer.com, Upwork, Guru, and others along those lines. Also other ways of finding someone to help you make your brand and approachable and in this article over seven way to help you get the job done beautifully and stress-free.

How can I be sure I actually need to make the investment of hiring a freelancer?

Do you have a backlog of wishlist items you and your team have not been able to complete? Would you be confident and excited to share your latest marketing piece with your entrepreneur role model? Do you currently feel in your heart that your brand is portraying itself to the best of it’s your ability?

Those are the questions to ask yourself when trying to decide if the cost will be worth it.

Standing out from the crowd requires more of a bullhorn than a whisper.

One of the major benefits of working with a freelancer is that they can come in, help you with something very specific, and then be on their way, leaving with basically no overhead and no long-term employer responsibilities.

Are there a lot of options for finding GOOD and Talented Freelancers?

Not all contract graphic designers are eager for the 9 to 5 work regime.

As artists and outside-of-the-box thinkers, it makes since that they would want more freedom and flexibility in their lives.

Some freelancers work another job and manage projects on the side, others want the opportunity to develop their skills and network, and others simply love the freedom that comes along with the freelancer lifestyle. Plus, in cases where the freelance designer has an excellent portfolio, it is highly likely that they will make more money as a contract employee rather than going full-time.

Over 700,000 freelancers have joined the work force in America just in the last year and Upwork has reported a 22% annual increase in clients with spending balances of over $10,000. Heck, there’s even a Freelancer’s Union!

How do I find the good Freelance Graphic Designers?

According to LinkedIn, there are over 53 million freelancers currently in the United States.

With those kind of numbers in play, finding the right freelancer for the job can be challenging if you don’t know where to look.

We are all familiar with resources such as Upwork and Fiverr.com which sometimes have a reputation that may not be what you are looking for.

So in this article I am going to introduce to you some other places where you might be able to find someone who can create impactful graphic designs, presentations, and website that has a solid grasp on many aspects of graphic design and can produce the materials you need to accomplish the task of promoting your products, services, and brand image in ways that are both creative, engaging, and profitable for your business.

TopTal

Up first, Toptal.

Toptal is an excellent platform for honest and transparent client-freelancer communications and is literally the most discretionary contract recruitment company on the planet. The specialize in expert product designers, software developers, UX Engineers, Visual Designers, and Project Managers.

They tout themselves as hiring only the top 3 percent of Freelances IN THE WORLD and have an excellent chain of online reviews (BTW – guess who made that illustrious list of 3%ers).

With big tech changes coming onto the scene that require an elevated level of skill, things like the Blockchain, augmented reality, AI, voice search, and increasing caution for secure information transfer, a platform like Toptal can have an advantage over others because of the perceived notion that an increase in cost means an increase in value.

LinkedIn

Did you know that LinkedIn has a portion of its recruitment capabilities devoted solely to connecting freelancers with clients in need? Profinder is a separate portal with registered freelancers who receive notifications when a client list an open job request.

Clients are sent the first five candidates who respond to their inquiry and from their the two sides discuss the needs and decide whether or not to make it a partnership.

Behance

Behance is not only an aggregate source of creative beings, the site also hosts almost daily live broadcasts of training and challenge streams for viewers through their website and on YouTube.

They teach designers how to use emerging software and even review portfolios, making suggestions for improvement. The Behance job board is a worldwide database of job listings created by users specifically looking for graphic design freelancers.

Dribbble

Dribbble is an enthusiastic community of high-end designers who share, improve upon, and motivate one another’s work. This exclusive platform requires an invitation from an existing member in order to gain admission, sort of like a graphic designer country club.

The site offers glimpses of works in progress and full final project views to browse for inspiration and, potentially, on-boarding to a company team.

Creative Circle

Being an employment agency gives some employers a greater sense of confidence in the talent they believe will turn out from this option.

As a freelancer, going about finding project through this route also provides peace of mind regarding billing, communication, and even access to employee benefits.

Having security on both sides of the client-freelancer relationship can create a very harmonious partnership.

Creative Circle has offices all over the country and have a pool of candidates for a range of projects outside of graphic design.

AngelList

YouTube

Not a top-of-mind resource, YouTubers who are experts in their field created hundreds of videos every week teaching entry level designers, and even experts who want to learn something new, just how to navigate the process of developing beautiful graphic designs.

Content creators are all over the web every day creating educational tutorials for the hopeful graphic designer. These YouTubers are experts in their fields and some of them have outrageous followings. Watching a video created by your potential contract hire will give you an idea of: their personality, problem solving ability, how they deal with challenges, how they communicate with others, and, of course, how good they are at what they do.

The only risk for you with this avenue is that, dependable on their level of popularity and skill, you’re probably going to have to expand the budget in order to bring them on.

Google Search

The most obvious starting point when trying to find a freelancer for most of us is Google Search.

The only issue with that is the fact that we are looking for graphic designers, not Marketing Agencies who bought ad space and not companies who have a dedicated SEO department. You’re looking for a regular, awesome Jane (or Joe). So, when you decide to do a search online, most likely the best options will be in the results AFTER you scroll through all of the options listed above in advertising spaces.

So keep that in mind and skip ahead a bit in the list of search return results. Read the descriptions and see who stands out to you

How to choose a freelance graphic designer

When making your selection, you want to find a freelancer who not only knows the software but who also has an eye for design and a positive level of respect for their customers and their craft.

This type of individual will give the best working experience and, if their portfolio is a match, they also deliver an expert final product that accomplishes your messaging objectives and makes your brand, product, or service look AMAZING!

Here are a few tips on what to look for when selecting a freelance designer for hire:

1. A stellar portfolio with work that looks modern
2. Confirmation that it is your designer who created the portfolio projects
3. Someone willing to give you an overview of what you need based on what you’ve communicated, but who is not willing to go beyond the point of a short snippet of advice prior to initiating a contract or agreement
4. Choose a freelance designer who is willing to say they will do their best but avoid those who in-authentically promise the moon
5. Design process that they had vetted and found to be the most effective way to develop results
6. If possible, a freelancer with any type marketing psychology can be invaluable
7. And, most importantly, if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Why would I need to work with presentation expert, I mean, it’s PowerPoint

Let’s be honest, you could absolutely create a PowerPoint presentation yourself. It may take quite a bit of time, it might not be as impressive as a professional’s work, but you do have the ability to put something together that is good enough to use in terms of functionality.

Despite the fact that most presentations lack the luster to hold an audience past the first six minutes, each day millions of users either give or receive and despite random naysayers, the presentation tool is still the best way to combine images, video, and voice to quickly communicate a message, particularly to a large audience.

Hiring an expert freelancer in the area is something you would utilize to take your presentation to the next level and to make sure the content supporting your messaging is a stellar rendition of where word you will say. Since it will be used as a backdrop for big events, important corporate-wide announcements, and even client proposals, don’t you want it to be the best possible version of good?

A good, professional designer with a lot of experience, who has worked in a range of industries, and possibly has a degree in marketing or communications can do more than just make your PowerPoint look good. They will also be able to make suggestions regarding your content and your approach to your audience that you may not recognize without them.

The considerable advantage of hiring a freelance design expert instead of taking the do-it-yourself route is also in the amount of time you will save and, if you’ve made a good selection, the final result produced by the designer should be a drastically improved rendition of what you alone would have produced.

This means you save some time as well as a few headaches and when you step out in front of your audience you’ll have greater confidence in what you are presenting to them and, thus, you will naturally do a better job of being convincing and showing the passion behind what you are presenting. That passion will be transferred to your audience and increase your chance of getting the audience to agree with your message and make moves to implement the call-to-action you are going to deliver toward the end.

Can’t I do ANY graphic design work myself

Sure! Why don’t you grab that butter knife over there and perform open heart surgery on yourself while you’re at it.

We’re talking about leveling up your brand here. Besides, do you really have time to learn a new trade AND be amazing at it right away?

But sometimes necessity calls for innovation so if you must go at it alone, there is no need to go the whole road of creating marketing material designs all by yourself.

If you are in place where you feel like DIY’ing it is the best option, you search the web for some pretty great template designs that will help you get started. From brochures and PowerPoint presentations to UI Design Kits for mobile apps, there are tons of resources that can provide you with beautiful, outstanding graphic design templates. You can view my list of the top seven template shops for great-looking graphic design elements for some ideas to help you get started. If you’re in the market for presentation design, you can also visit my very own template store to see if you can find something that suits your needs.

No matter what path you decide to take, the important thing is that you place ‘pretty’ at the forefront of your brand’s visual design elements and find a solution that is not just “good enough” but that is utterly grand and exceeds all expectations you ever had for how you would be presenting your brand to the world. Happy building!

The post Hiring Freelance Presentation and Graphic Designers take Your Brand from meh… to Muah! appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

In case you are still wondering about your position on the web, this article may help you clear up a few basic questions and generate a truly effective plan that will help you re-position your web design and its offerings/elements in a way that get your more visitors as well as more lead conversions.

A few business marketing novices are still debating whether or not the look of a website is as important as the product or service the website is advertising. What do you think (let me know in the comments). Personally, I thought the answers was obvious until I kept hearing the question be asked multiple times over.

So does it really matter how your website looks? Or is it sufficient to just do-it-yourself? After all, you just need a spot online, meaning just some type of web presence…right?

Tell me, have you ever seen a very pretty lady surrounded by average or less than average ladies? Did you the notice the pretty one more or the ones that look like they’ve been beaten with ugly sticks? That’s what the World Wide Web is; a few attractive marketing pieces swimming in a sea of basic-ness. If you want more for your brand and your product, taking the high ground is only a phone call and a creative brief away.

Words of wisdom from my grandma to all: “Honey, if you’re going to go cheap do it on your nail polish, or something else like that. But don’t be cheap when it comes to your face.” Ok, so my grandma never actually said that, but I bet she thought it because she was pretty smart. And, when I’m a grandma (watch it…) I’ll make it point to tell my grand kiddos that when it comes to putting your best face forward, cheap is not going to cut it (unless you’re going for the cheap look, of course).

We all know that having a web presence is crucial.

However, unless you’re starting a new business or re-designing a previous site, you’re already way behind the game if you’re just getting around to creating one. Now just being online is almost irrelevant on its own. In addition to looking good, giving away something of true value, have a funnel system for tracking visitors, setting your pages up for Schema/structured data, making sure Google can find all your pages, ranking your most important pages, creating landing pages, and oh my gosh the list goes on; why do all of that on something that is not as beautiful as it could possibly me?

More importantly, how far do you think you’re going to get with a perfectly SEO’d unattractive site that does not have an optimized UX flow. I know it sounds daunting and, if it were your job to physically get these things done, it would be. But that’s not your job. Your job is to decide what you want, understand what you need, and delegate those b***es out!

Back to the original point, if you haven’t done the things listed above AND you’re just now building a new website for your business (whether its a brand new business or not) you have some ground to cover, particularly in the area of content creation. Despite the fact that getting a great-looking website is definitely something that you just kind of need to “get done,” it can’t possibly be a good idea to come in at the fourth quarter of the game with a broke-armed website.

Back to budgeting. If a budget has to come into play for an entrepreneurs, but when it comes to whether or not skimping is a good thing, it’s much more frugal and wise (rather than cheap) to skimp in other areas instead. Consider it. Your web site is literally the face of your company. Of all people who have access to the Internet, 85% of them do NOTHING without checking it out online first.

Even more crucial is the fact that, for some businesses, their website is a part of their product and is literally the only way they can be found online. So even if you have to go the route of a great-looking WordPress template which, combined with page speed enhancement can actually do the trick, it’s important to get creative with your funds and get the job done right as soon as possible.

I actually had a friend ask me to send him the name of the place I was having my birthday party so he could look it up before coming. As if even though we’ve been friends for years, the tech-impression the venue had created was going to somehow decide whether or not he was coming to my party. The audacity!…and the reality.

Well, yes. Of course how your website looks matters. In this age of highly competitive marketing and vast alternative solutions to almost every product, putting your best foot forward online is a basic necessity and not an optional luxury.

Now for a self-serving marketing plug. If you need help updating your web design, click here to contact me for assistance.

The post How Important is it to Have a Good-Looking Brand Image and Website? appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.

The other day I was strolling the forums giving answer to basic web design questions. It’s a man that is sometimes not because I have the free time but because I just happened to find myself looking for something in the web development coding arena and come across a question that I can easily answer.

On this particular day, it was a Facebook group and a nice young woman had listed a job opening requesting a web designer who could also do the coding for the website using HTML and CSS.

To my surprise, the participants of that thread literally laughed her out of the group.

They said things like, “you expect to find a designer who can also code ha!” And other things along those lines. Basically proving their lack of ability and also bring up a really good only that I want to address here.

This phenomenon of separating the visual design aspects of creating a website from the coding side is actually something fairly new. I have been doing websites for the last 20 years and, in my day, when you made a website, you had to have design skills as well as coding skills. There was one guy who made it pretty and another girl who made it real and accessible online.

There was one person who took the time to get to know the brand and made something attractive and functional.

The fact that it is now laughable to consider the idea of having, basically, a web designer, as opposed to a run in designer and a developer separately is mostly embarrassing to me.

Overview: The Difference Between a Web Designer and a Web Developer

I felt embarrassed as a designer that those people would laugh and the value the quality of the work that a true web designer and developer can create. Even if their argument was true, this person seeking help with a potential client and the way they communicate with her was simply unacceptable.

So, to clear the slate, not everyone who works in web focused only on one discipline.

I would not expect the average designer to go as far as being a full stack developer who can work with custom code built from the ground up, but, any web designer worth more than a nominal fee, should be able to develop at least in HTML site and should absolutely be able to handle any basic customization required for WordPress site.

So when you’re looking for web designer for an individual or start a project, do not be discouraged and do not feel that you have to hire two separate people. You just have to keep looking until you find the right person.

In a larger, enterprise organization there are more moving parts and potentially hundreds of pages, then you absolutely want to separate those two roles and hire someone who specializes in each one individually.

But, for the most part, the modern marketing designer can where a few different hats. They have the visual artistry side “down,” they have some experience when it comes to the “why” behind design decisions, and they can at least handle the basics of web development such as HTML, CSS, and building with WordPress.

The modern marketer needs to be multifaceted, with one foot planted in art and the other in science. – Mat Wesson, Salesforce Canada

To get a better idea of the difference between a web designer and a web developer, or at least the separate functions of the two, read on, watch on, and then download my checklist of things you should look for when hiring a web designer that go beyond the portfolio to help make sure you have an outstanding experience with a qualified professional who is interested in your success and able to perform in their roles for you as needed.

I think the topic gets a little muddy because, even within just the developer scenario, there are still different types or levels of web developers. They are divided into what is called frontend, the HTML, CSS, JS side, and back-end which deals with service and database aspects and uses advanced coding language like PHP or ASP.NET.

And that’s not all. In the Front-End Side as well as the Back-end, on a basic level, the decision of which type of design format to use has further options, still. Especially when you get own into the various types of CMS sites (for example, WordPress and Joomla – an oldie, but still somehow a goodie).

When it comes down to the basics of hiring an outstanding web designers, look for:

1. Passionate Designers Who are as Excited About Your Success as Their Own

You want to hire designer who is passionate about modern design in emerging trends, but not willing to put those things in front of what your website needs as a brand and what your clients and customers need to hear from you in order to take action.

2. Those with Experience Designing for more than one Industry

It is tempting to want to find someone who has designed specifically the type of site that you want your site to look like, however, that is not necessarily a beneficial thing and it should also not be a requirement. Most web designers function as contractors and should therefore have a portfolio that displays a wide range of capabilities and a vast base of knowledge that they can put to work for you in your particular field.

Having a designer who is an expert only in one industry also increases the likelihood that you will receive work that is not necessarily up to par with current marketing and design techniques. This is because if they only do one type of design, chances are, they been doing that particular type of design in a particular type of way for the entirety of their career. This leaves little space for you to gain the benefit of a designer who has a more broad range of skills and who is knowledgeable about how to convert customers in multiple product segment.

3. For Your Web Designer, What’s More Important to You, the Work or the Person?

This does not mean that you have to choose between the two, however, during your search you will likely come across someone who you like very much as a person but who does not have the quality of works you looking for.

In the reverse, you may also very well find someone you have excellent portfolio but a crappy I figured.

In either these cases you want to know before you get on that road which one is most important to you so you know how to respond.

4. Find a Designer Who is Wise About Design and Not Just Trendy

I always chuckle a little when my clients use shrimping industry words like minimal, material, and other words bit mostly only designers use and that they heard or read somewhere online.

While all these things are basics that should be known by a designer, they do not identify the measure of the design capability. Just as some of my clients is simply read up on the topic, a designer who knows a few trending keywords does not necessarily have to be someone who is graded knowing when to use those individual trends

Here are a few more important things to look for when you are on the hunt for great designer:

• A Strong Work Ethic and High Level of Integrity
• Modern Design Aesthetics and a borderline addiction to details
• Proven, Streamlined Project Management Process
• Marketing and Presentation Design Expertise
• Content Research and Organization Capabilities
  effective project management
• Flexible Availability that suits the needs of your organization (on-site, off-site, remote, conference calls, and dial-in team meetings)
• Access to support designers in the case of work overflow

To learn more about what makes a great designer, watch the following video. When you are ready to make your hiring decision, refer to the checklist below as a design brief for your website designer/developer to make sure they include all of these very basic but important user experience aspect of your new website user interface so you can be sure your new designer gives you exactly what you want and need.

The reason this topic is so important to me now is because I have had way too many clients come to me with horror stories. I understand that sometimes things don’t go the way either party expects, but, personally, I’m tired of paying for the mistakes of projects past and if there is anything I can do to make sure that as many people as possible have a positive web and graphic design experience even if it’s with another designer, I am all for it. Good luck in the design of your project and remember don’t stop and see get what you want.

Happy building!

The post Designer vs. Developer: How to Hire a Web Designer to Get the Job Done Right appeared first on Bridgette Bryant | Designer, Poet, Friend.