Campfire 28: How to show your clients you’re an expert designer without saying it?

It’s Friday, and here we are with a new  Campfire 🔥 edition sent by truly yours, Alex Dovhyi. Each week I answer questions from readers about design, freelancing, building skills, switching careers, and anything else that makes you scratch your mind.

This week's question is... 🥁

As I’m starting my freelancing business, how do I show my clients that I’m an expert? Ideally, I don’t have to tell it verbally.

Over the past 10+ years of my design career, I have noticed that to make clients see you as an expert immediately — you should be doing lots of small things.

Here are my TOP 3 things to do to show your clients you’re an expert designer without saying it:

1. Discussing money
2. Treatment without diagnosis
3. Don't try to do everything

Discussing money

Take care of money first. Don't leave it until the end of the conversation. Figure out your minimum level at which you start engagements (the lowest amount you're willing to work for).

Understand the approximate time frame for various price points and deliverables. Make sure you can say a large number and then remain silent until you hear a reaction. And don't be too quick to change your mind. To understand what the client values — ask specific questions.

Talking money means you understand business.‌