Why Design Works and How to Use it to Make Money
May 01, 2021
The author of The Design of Everyday Things, Donald A. Norman, once said something that I wholeheartedly agree with. He wrote,
“Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating.”
As a designer with ten years of experience, I’ve learned a lot about good design and how it benefits a business. Many entrepreneurs think all the design they need is a pretty logo, but I’m here to tell you that design is about so much more than making things look good. Design is letting yourself be seen. It’s about saying “This is where I am on my journey, and this is where you can be, too.”
I firmly believe that at its core, design is about self-expression as a means of connecting with the people who need what you have to offer. Good design works! It makes a difference. In this blog post, I want to share why design works, and how you can use it to make money.
Why Design Works
- Leaves a positive first impression
When a potential customer comes into contact with something from your business, their first impression will be about how it looks. Whether they see a product in use, an ad, or your website, customers will take a mental note of the vibes they get from a business's design. So consider, what message does your design send to the world?
- Communicates your values
Like I mentioned previously, design allows a business to communicate with its customers without physically saying anything. Good design will be centered on your values and can relay that message easily and effectively. One of the first steps in designing for any brand is to narrow down what’s really important. What values do you want to be represented in your design?
- Builds trust
One of the best ways to earn money as a business is to market to your existing customer base. It’s significantly easier for a previous customer to decide to purchase from a brand they’ve already used than it is to find a new customer. However, this model only works if existing customers love what they purchase! Good design can bridge the gap between a one-time and a repeat customer.
How Design Helps You Make Money
- Helps your business stand out
In today’s world of ever-growing e-commerce businesses, it’s really easy to blend into the crowd. Every business has some kind of competition, and good design is one of the best ways your brand can stand out. To do this, your design needs to be distinct, specific, and personal. Make it custom to your brand, your values, and your products!
- Increases your brand’s value
When a brand is well designed, it will look purposeful and professional. Your customer base will be able to clearly understand and connect with your product and mission. All these things will increase your business's value, which in turn can allow you to increase your prices and make more sales. Good design is what makes a good business a successful business.
I hope this post was informative! Design is an absolutely essential aspect of every business, and it should take first priority. It truly works and will help you make money.
