Design-as-a-Service
8
min read
1 October 2024
In today's visually-driven market, stellar design isn't just nice to have—it's a necessity. Yet for many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accessing high-quality design services has long been a challenge. Enter the game-changing solution: design subscriptions. This innovative model is revolutionising how SMEs approach their creative needs, levelling the playing field and allowing businesses of all sizes to compete with polished, professional designs. Let's dive into how design subscriptions are empowering SMEs to access top-tier creative services.
The Design Dilemma for SMEs
Traditionally, SMEs faced a tough choice when it came to design:
Hire an in-house designer: Expensive and often not feasible for smaller businesses.
Work with a design agency: Can be costly and inflexible for ongoing needs.
Use freelancers: Quality can be inconsistent, and management can be time-consuming.
DIY: Often results in subpar designs that can harm brand perception.
Each of these options has its drawbacks, leaving many SMEs struggling to maintain consistent, high-quality design across their marketing materials, products, and digital presence.
Enter Design Subscriptions
Design subscription services, like DesignGuru, offer a solution that combines the best aspects of these traditional options while eliminating many of the drawbacks. Here's how they're changing the game:
Access to Top Talent: Design subscriptions give SMEs access to a pool of skilled, experienced designers without the overhead of full-time hires. You get the expertise of professionals who have worked with various brands and industries, bringing fresh perspectives to your projects.
Cost-Effective Solutions: With a flat monthly fee, design subscriptions make budgeting for design services predictable and manageable. No more surprise invoices or project overruns—you know exactly what you're paying each month.
Scalability and Flexibility: As your business grows and your design needs evolve, a subscription model can easily scale with you. Need more designs one month and fewer the next? No problem. This flexibility is particularly valuable for SMEs with fluctuating design requirements.
Quick Turnaround Times: Many design subscription services, including DesignGuru, offer rapid turnaround times. This speed allows SMEs to be agile, responding quickly to market trends or promotional opportunities.
Consistent Brand Identity: Working with a dedicated team ensures consistency across all your design assets. Your brand identity remains cohesive, whether it's your website, social media graphics, or product packaging.
Wide Range of Services: From logos and business cards to social media graphics and website designs, subscription services often offer a comprehensive range of design services. This variety allows SMEs to handle all their design needs in one place.
No Long-Term Commitments: Unlike traditional agency contracts, many design subscriptions operate on a month-to-month basis. This low-risk model is perfect for SMEs who want to try out the service without a long-term financial commitment.
Collaborative Workflow: Most design subscription platforms offer intuitive project management tools, making it easy to provide feedback, request revisions, and track progress. This streamlined process saves time and reduces miscommunication.
Real-World Impact: SMEs Thriving with Design Subscriptions
Let's look at two real-world examples of how SMEs have leveraged DesignGuru's design subscription service to elevate their brands and businesses:
Case Study 1: Farmhouse Meats - Doubling Online Engagement and Streamlining Operations
Farmhouse Meats, a premier butcher in Northamptonshire with a 30-year legacy, faced significant challenges with their outdated website. It didn't reflect the quality of their products and lacked essential features like online ordering.
DesignGuru stepped in to help, delivering impressive results:
50% reduction in creative costs
50% increase in creative output
10/10 satisfaction with deliverables
The redesigned website not only improved customer engagement but also streamlined operations. Eoin Sweeney, the owner, noted, "It's changed how we work. We're more efficient now, and we can serve our customers better than ever. It feels like we've brought the best of our in-shop service online."
This transformation allowed Farmhouse Meats to maintain their commitment to quality and personal service while stepping confidently into the digital age.
Read the full story here.
Case Study 2: Transcar Projects Ltd - Elevating a Global Logistics Leader's Visual Identity
Transcar Projects Ltd, a global leader in logistics since 1977, found itself struggling with an outdated brand image that didn't reflect their capabilities in an increasingly competitive market.
DesignGuru provided a comprehensive design service that addressed Transcar's core challenges, resulting in:
100% increase in creative output
9/10 satisfaction rating with deliverables
A cohesive and well-coordinated approach to their outward-facing company profile
The partnership with DesignGuru empowered Transcar to revitalise their brand image, better representing their unique capabilities in the global logistics market. It provided them with a valuable, responsive design resource that understands and prioritises their needs.
[Link to full case study]
These case studies demonstrate how design subscriptions can transform businesses across various industries, from local butchers to global logistics companies. By providing access to top-tier design services, SMEs can compete effectively in the digital landscape, improve customer engagement, and streamline their operations.
Read the full story here.
Making the Most of Your Design Subscription
To truly harness the power of a design subscription, consider these tips:
Plan Ahead: While quick turnarounds are possible, planning your design needs in advance allows for more thoughtful, strategic work.
Provide Clear Briefs: The more information you can give about your project, the better the results will be.
Embrace Iteration: Use the unlimited revisions to refine designs until they're perfect.
Think Holistically: Consider all your design needs, from digital to print, to maintain consistency across all touchpoints.
Stay Engaged: Regular communication with your design team ensures they understand your brand and can deliver designs that align with your vision.
Conclusion
Design subscriptions are democratising access to top-tier creative services, allowing SMEs to punch above their weight in terms of brand presentation and marketing impact. By providing affordable, flexible access to professional design services, this model is helping level the playing field, allowing smaller businesses to compete with larger corporations in terms of visual appeal and brand consistency.
At DesignGuru, we're proud to be at the forefront of this revolution, offering SMEs unlimited access to a seasoned creative team delivering over 200 different design assets with one flexible monthly subscription. Whether you're a startup looking to make a splash or an established SME aiming to refresh your brand, a design subscription could be the key to unlocking your business's full potential.
Ready to elevate your brand with top-tier design? Explore how DesignGuru's design subscription can transform your brand. Get in touch today and let's create something amazing together!
Rut is passionate about design, marketing, and making brands shine. When not crafting creative strategies, you’ll find her practicing yoga, enjoying the outdoors, or cuddling with her cats.
