Mastering the BUSINESS of Motion Design with Hayley Akins
Sep 4, 2024
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Hayley Akins, the founder of Motion Hatch, specializes in empowering motion designers with strategic business insights. She dives into the challenges freelancers face in a post-COVID world and the importance of adapting business strategies. Hayley discusses the shift to productized services, smart pricing tactics, and the need for proactive self-promotion on social media. She emphasizes building connections through community engagement and using platforms like LinkedIn, providing invaluable advice for enhancing visibility and securing clients in a competitive landscape.
The motion design industry has shifted significantly, with increasing demand for services post-COVID, but challenges arose in 2023 as opportunities declined.
Freelancers must transition from relying on referrals to actively seeking clients, emphasizing the importance of a proactive marketing approach for business growth.
Implementing structured systems and processes for client management enhances productivity, allowing motion designers to focus more on their creative work while navigating industry uncertainties.
Deep dives
The Shifting Landscape of Motion Design
The podcast discusses how the motion design industry has evolved in recent years, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant shift occurred as live-action content transitioned to animation, leading to a surge in demand for motion design services. However, the boom was followed by a downturn in 2023, creating challenges for freelancers who experienced a drop in work opportunities. Adapting to this evolving landscape is crucial for professionals in the field, as they must explore new avenues for client engagement and business growth.
The Importance of Proactive Marketing
Freelancers in the motion design industry are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach towards marketing and client acquisition. The traditional reliance on referrals diminished, suggesting that motion designers must actively seek out new clients rather than waiting for opportunities to arise. Teaching individuals to focus on their business strategy, including identifying specific products or services they can offer to direct clients, has proven to be a successful tactic. This shift towards active marketing measures allows designers to take control of their client relationships and revenue generation.
Understanding Productized Services
The concept of productized services is explored as a strategy for motion designers to streamline their offerings and improve marketability. Instead of engaging in custom work for every project, creators can develop standardized services that clearly define scope, timeline, and pricing. An example includes a designer who specializes in creating motion brand guidelines, making it easier for potential clients to understand and engage with their services. This approach not only clarifies the value being offered but also significantly aids in the marketing and sales process.
Leveraging Social Media for Client Engagement
Leveraging social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn, is emphasized as a vital strategy for connecting with potential clients. The discussion highlights the need for motion designers to engage actively with their audience through content that resonates with non-designers. By creating awareness and attraction posts, designers can shift their focus from industry-specific topics to more universal themes that appeal to a broader audience. This strategic use of social media can lead to valuable connections and opportunities, encouraging designers to foster relationships with prospective clients.
Building a Sustainable Business Framework
The podcast underscores the importance of building a strong organizational framework to facilitate growth and efficiency in a motion design business. Implementing systems and processes for tasks such as client onboarding, invoicing, and project management can significantly reduce stress and improve productivity. Utilizing tools like CRMs and automating follow-up emails aids in maintaining client relationships while ensuring that freelancers can focus on their creative work. By adopting a structured approach to both marketing and client management, motion designers can navigate an uncertain industry with confidence and resilience.
This week, Joey sits down with Hayley Akins, the founder of Motion Hatch to uncover smart strategies for building a motion design business! If you’re a motion designer or animator struggling with the business side of things—like finding clients, pricing your work, or just keeping your head above water—this episode is a MUST-LISTEN! Get the show notes on our blog: http://www.schoolofmotion.com/blog/motion-design-business-hayley-akins
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