Selling Digital Assets: Top Tips for Graphic Designers

Contents

1. Identify your digital assets
2. Price your work accurately
3. Build a professional online portfolio
4. Use social media to promote your work
5. Network with other creatives
6. Offer customized solutions
7. Use digital marketplaces
8. Protect your work with digital rights management
9. Stay updated with industry trends
10. Provide excellent customer service

As a graphic designer, you sure know how to create stunning visuals. But do you know how to turn those creations into cash? Welcome to the world of selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers. It's a realm where your creativity meets commerce, and your designs can reach a global audience. So, let's dive into some practical tips to help you get started.

Identify your digital assets

Finding success in selling digital assets starts with a clear understanding of what you're offering. Your digital assets are the products of your creativity that can be sold online. They could be anything from vector illustrations, font designs, and templates, to 3D models, animations, or even digital brushes for painting apps. Here's how you can identify your sellable assets:

• Know your strengths: Your most valuable assets are often the ones you're most skilled at creating. If you're a whiz at typography, for example, your custom fonts could be a gold mine.
• Consider demand: The best-selling digital assets are usually those that meet a specific need or solve a problem for your potential customers. A collection of social media templates, for example, could save a small business owner hours of design work.
• Value uniqueness: In a saturated market, uniqueness sells. If you have a unique style or a fresh take on a popular design trend, these could be your most profitable digital assets.
• Think about versatility: Assets that can be used in multiple ways or in various projects are more likely to appeal to a broad range of customers. For example, a set of nature-inspired vector icons could be used in everything from website design to print media.

Remember, selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers isn't just about making a quick buck. It's about sharing your unique vision with the world, and helping other creatives bring their projects to life with your designs. So, take the time to truly understand what you have to offer, and you'll be well on your way to success.

Price your work accurately

Once you've identified your digital assets, it's time to put a price tag on them. This might seem tricky, but don't fret. Here are some practical tips:

• Research the market: Look at what similar assets are selling for. This will give you a ballpark figure to start with. But remember, while it's important to stay competitive, you shouldn't undervalue your work.
• Consider the time and effort: How many hours did you put into creating each asset? What level of expertise was required? These factors should play a role in your pricing strategy. After all, your skills and time are valuable.
• Factor in versatility: If an asset can be used in multiple ways, it might warrant a higher price tag. For example, a set of icons that can be used for web design, print media, and marketing materials might be worth more than a single-use asset.
• Test and adjust: Pricing isn't a set-it-and-forget-it thing when selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers. It's more of an ongoing experiment. If an asset isn't selling, don't be afraid to adjust the price. Just remember to make changes gradually and monitor the results closely.

When you price your work accurately, you show that you value your skill and effort. You also attract clients who are willing to pay for high-quality digital assets. So, take your time, do your homework, and price your work with confidence.

Build a professional online portfolio

Your portfolio is your storefront when you're selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers. It's the first impression potential clients get of your work, so it's vitally important to make it count.

• Showcase your best work: Your portfolio should highlight your most impressive assets. Let your work shine by using high-quality images and descriptive text that explains the asset's purpose and how it can benefit the client.
• Keep it organized: A cluttered portfolio can be off-putting. Make it easy for clients to find what they're looking for by categorizing your assets. For instance, you could break them down by type (e.g., logos, icons, illustrations) or by theme (e.g., nature, technology, business).
• Make it easy to purchase: Once a client has found an asset they like, purchasing it should be a breeze. Provide clear instructions on how to buy and download your assets. Also, consider offering multiple payment options to accommodate a wider range of clients.
• Update regularly: Keeping your portfolio fresh signifies that you're active and continuously improving. Regularly adding new assets will not only showcase your growing skills, but it also gives clients a reason to come back.

Remember, your portfolio is essentially your brand. It reflects who you are as a designer and what clients can expect when they purchase your digital assets. So, take the time to build a portfolio that you're proud of and that truly represents your work.

Use social media to promote your work

When it comes to selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers, a well-crafted social media strategy can be a game-changer. Social media platforms aren't just for sharing holiday snaps or cute cat videos — they're powerful tools for showcasing your work and connecting with potential clients.

• Choose the right platforms: Not all social media platforms are created equal when it comes to promoting digital assets. Some are more visual, like Instagram and Pinterest, making them perfect for showcasing your work. LinkedIn is great for networking and connecting with professionals who might need your services, while Twitter can help you join relevant conversations and stay visible.
• Engage your audience: Social media isn't just about broadcasting your work; it's also about building relationships. Engage with your followers by responding to comments, answering their questions, and even asking for their opinions. This can build trust and foster a community around your brand.
• Post consistently: Consistency is key on social media. It keeps your work in front of your followers and helps you stay top-of-mind. But remember, quality trumps quantity — it's better to post less frequently but with high-quality, relevant content.
• Use hashtags wisely: Hashtags can help your posts reach a wider audience. But don't just throw in a bunch of popular ones; make sure they're relevant to your work and the audience you're trying to reach.

With the right strategy, social media can be a powerful tool in your arsenal for selling digital assets. It's all about showcasing your work, engaging with your audience, and staying consistent.

Network with other creatives

As a graphic designer, the world of selling digital assets isn't a solo journey. Networking with other creatives can give you fresh perspectives, new ideas, and even lead to collaborative opportunities. Here's how you can do it:

• Join online communities: There are plenty of online communities where graphic designers hang out. From Reddit threads to Facebook groups, these communities are gold mines for advice, feedback, and inspiration. They're also a great place to share your work and get noticed.
• Attend industry events: Conferences, meetups, and webinars are great venues to connect with other creatives. You get to learn from industry experts, see the latest trends, and chat with peers who share your passion.
• Collaborate on projects: Working with other creatives on a project can be a fulfilling experience. You learn new techniques, tackle challenges together, and create something that's more than the sum of its parts. Plus, it's a great way to showcase your skills and build your portfolio.
• Share and exchange resources: Sharing is caring in the world of graphic design. Whether it's a cool font, a handy tool, or a new design technique, sharing resources with your network can help everyone grow.

Remember, networking isn't about taking — it's about giving and building relationships. So, be generous with your knowledge, be supportive of others, and don't be afraid to reach out. Who knows? That designer you admire might just become your next collaborator or client.

Offer customized solutions

When it comes to selling digital assets, one-size-fits-all doesn't always cut it. Customers appreciate the personal touch, and offering customized solutions can help you stand out in the crowded graphic design market. Here's how you can add that special touch:

• Understand your client's needs: The more you know about your client's goals, brand, and target audience, the better you can tailor your designs to meet their needs. So don't shy away from asking questions before you start a project.
• Create unique designs: While it's okay to draw inspiration from others, your designs should be uniquely yours. This means avoiding generic templates and adding your own creative spin to each project.
• Offer design adaptations: A logo that looks great on a website might not work so well on a billboard or a t-shirt. Offering design adaptations for different platforms and formats can add value to your digital assets.
• Provide ongoing support: The design process doesn't end when you deliver the final product. Offering ongoing support can help you build long-term relationships with your clients, and keep them coming back for more.

By offering customized solutions, you're not just selling digital assets — you're providing a service that can help your clients succeed. And when your clients succeed, you do too.

Use digital marketplaces

Did you know that there are online platforms dedicated to selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers? Using digital marketplaces can be a game-changer for your business. Here's why:

• Large audience: Digital marketplaces attract buyers from all over the world. This means that your designs could be seen by thousands, if not millions, of potential customers.
• Easy to use: Most digital marketplaces have user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for you to upload your work, set your prices, and manage your sales.
• Secure transactions: These platforms handle all the financial transactions, so you don't have to worry about getting paid. They also offer buyer and seller protection, giving you peace of mind.
• Marketing tools: Many digital marketplaces offer promotional tools that can help you get your work in front of the right audience. You can also benefit from their SEO efforts, as these platforms often rank high in search engine results.

Some popular digital marketplaces for graphic designers include Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and Creative Market. But remember, just like in real estate, the key to success in digital marketplaces is "location, location, location". So do your homework, find out where your target customers hang out, and make sure your work is available there.

Protect your work with digital rights management

Let's talk about safeguarding your digital assets. You've put a lot of effort into creating them, so it's only natural to want to protect them. This is where digital rights management, or DRM, comes in. But what is DRM, you ask?

In simple terms, DRM is a set of access control technologies used to restrict the use of proprietary software or copyrighted material. It's like a lock that keeps your digital assets secure from unwanted access and use.

Here's why DRM is important when you're selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers:

• Prevents unauthorized use: DRM technologies prevent people from using your digital assets without your permission. This means that only the people who have purchased your designs can use them.
• Controls copying and sharing: DRM can also limit the number of devices your digital assets can be used on. This discourages buyers from sharing your work with others.
• Protects your income: By preventing unauthorized use and sharing, DRM ensures that you get paid for every use of your digital assets.

Many digital marketplaces offer DRM protection for the assets you sell there. However, it's also a good idea to explore standalone DRM solutions. Some popular DRM providers for graphic designers include Adobe's Content Server and Digify.

Remember, protecting your work with DRM is not about being paranoid. It's about valuing your work and making sure others do too.

Stay updated with industry trends

Picture this: you've been selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers for a while, and business is good. But then, sales start to slow down. You're confused until you realize your designs are looking a bit, well, old-fashioned. Oops!

That's right, to stay relevant in the ever-evolving graphic design world, you must keep up with industry trends. This includes everything from design styles and color schemes to new software tools and digital resource needs.

Here are some tips to help you stay updated:

• Follow industry leaders and influencers: These are the folks who are often at the forefront of trends. Following their work can give you a heads-up on what's coming next.
• Participate in online forums and communities: Websites like Behance, Dribbble, and Reddit have active graphic design communities where designers share their work and discuss trends.
• Attend webinars and workshops: Many organizations and software companies host regular events that can help you learn new techniques and stay on top of trends.
• Subscribe to design magazines and blogs: These publications often feature articles on current and upcoming trends in graphic design.

Staying updated with industry trends not only helps you create digital assets and resources that graphic designers want to buy, but it can also inspire your own work and help you grow as a designer. So, why not start today?

Provide excellent customer service

Ever heard the saying, "The customer is always right"? Well, when it comes to selling digital assets and resources for graphic designers, it's not just about being right. It's about providing outstanding customer service that leaves them coming back for more.

Remember, your customers are fellow creatives who value thoughtfulness and attention to detail. So, it's important to go the extra mile when serving them. Here's how:

• Be responsive: Whether a customer has a question, a problem, or just needs some guidance, respond promptly. Your quick response shows them that you value their time and their business.
• Be helpful: Providing clear, helpful information about your digital assets can save your customers time and frustration. If a customer is struggling with a download or can't figure out how to use a resource, step in and guide them through it.
• Ask for feedback: Your customers can provide valuable insights that can help you improve your products and services. So, don't be afraid to ask for their opinions or suggestions. Who knows, they might even give you an idea for your next big hit!
• Handle complaints gracefully: Let's face it, things don't always go perfectly. But when a customer has a complaint, handle it with grace. Apologize, offer a solution, and learn from the experience. Remember, it's not just about making the sale—it's about building a relationship.

By providing excellent customer service, you'll not only make your customers happy, but you'll also increase the chances of them spreading the word about your amazing digital assets and resources for graphic designers. And that, my friends, is a win-win situation!

If you've enjoyed our blog post on "Selling Digital Assets: Top Tips for Graphic Designers," then you'll definitely benefit from the workshop 'Utilising Social Media As A Freelance Artist' by Voodoo Salad. This workshop offers invaluable advice on leveraging social media platforms to promote your digital assets and enhance your freelance graphic design career. Don't miss out on this opportunity to up your game and expand your online presence!