How to Convert From a Graphic Design Firm to a Digital Firm

Converting from a graphic design firm to a digital firm takes careful planning.

When starting out as an entrepreneur with a graphic design firm, you will often expand upon clients through word of mouth. While graphic design can be lucrative, most clients that employ a graphic design firm will eventually have a desire to hire a full-service digital agency. When a client asks for services outside of graphic design, you must decide if you want to refer them to another firm, or expand your shop to meet all their digital needs.

Instructions

1. Evaluate your company and what positions need to be filled in order to make it a complete digital firm. While you'll already have graphic designers, evaluate other hires, such as digital strategists, new business account managers, project managers and programmers.

2. Examine other digital firms, and find what is most effective for them. Compile the best parts of other firms into the goals for your firm.

3. Amend your business plan to feature the aspects of your new business. Include goals, both short- and long-term, and any challenges you anticipate.

4. Develop job descriptions for the positions that need to be filled, and post job ads at web outlets. Contact local universities to notify them of openings you have in your expanding company.

5. Join online groups and subscribe to digital newsletters to stay informed on trends occurring in the industry (see Resources).

6. Interview potential candidates, and hire a group that seems best fit to complete your firm. Consider using a headhunter if you struggle to find individuals that fit your plan.

7. Develop a website to give information to potential clients. Remember that as a digital firm, your website is a key selling point to new businesses.

8. Announce to your clients that you will be converting to a full digital firm, and pitch your services to them.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider doing non-profit work to build a comprehensive portfolio outside of graphic design.

• Be aware that as a graphic design firm, some of your clients may actually be digital firms, and you will lose your business with them.

References

• Funding Universe: The Richards Group, Inc.

Resources

• Advertising Age: Latest Digital Media and Marketing News
• Success Magazine: "From the Corner Office: Stan Richards"
• Career Builder: Post Jobs
• Rochester Institute of Technology: Art, Design & Crafts Online Resource Lists