Hayley Akins | Motion Hatch & Marketing for Creatives
Dec 3, 2024
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Hayley Akins, founder of Motion Hatch, is a seasoned expert in helping motion designers elevate their businesses. She discusses the evolving landscape of marketing for creatives and effective online engagement strategies. Hayley emphasizes the importance of authenticity and alignment in social media interactions while balancing creativity with professional visibility. Listeners gain insights into navigating challenges in sharing content, the significance of specialization in motion design, and exciting future plans for fostering community support among creatives.
Hayley Akins highlights the need for motion designers to understand business principles, emphasizing that many lack resources for client attraction and pricing.
Effective social media strategies, particularly on LinkedIn, are essential for freelancers to engage with prospects through purposeful content creation.
Deep dives
The Inception of Motion Hatch
Motion Hatch was founded by Hayley Akins in 2017 out of her frustration with the lack of resources available for motion designers, particularly regarding the business aspects. Initially starting as a podcast, the idea stemmed from the realization that while there were plenty of tutorials on technical skills, there was a lack of discussions on how to attract clients and set proper pricing. During her travels, she engaged with a community focused on freelancing and digital nomadism, which inspired her to focus on creating a platform specifically for motion designers. This move towards providing essential business knowledge to her community resonated strongly, helping many navigate their freelance careers.
Impact on the Motion Design Industry
Hayley acknowledges the significant impact Motion Hatch has had on the motion design community, attributing much of the growth to the supportive team and the active engagement of listeners and students. She emphasizes the collaborative nature of the platform, noting that the conversations around freelancing and motion design have expanded since she began. As more designers engage with business concepts, it becomes increasingly common for professionals in the industry to discuss and share insights about their experiences. This shift not only helps individuals but also contributes to a richer conversation about the evolving nature of the motion design profession.
Navigating Social Media for Client Relationships
Effective social media use, particularly on LinkedIn, is crucial for freelancers looking to connect with potential clients, and Hayley emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to posting. She outlines the freelance funnel framework, which includes awareness, attraction, action, and advocacy, highlighting that each post should serve a distinct purpose. This involves creating content that not only showcases work but also engages and solves problems for potential clients. Hayley advises that by mixing broader awareness posts with targeted attraction posts, freelancers can better capture the attention of their ideal clients while establishing a presence in their networks.
The Future of Motion Design Careers
As the industry evolves, motion designers are finding new niches away from traditional work, creating opportunities that bridge their skills with emerging market demands. Hayley notes the rise of unique offerings, such as motion brand guidelines, highlighting how innovation in the field is driven by passion and the desire to solve specific problems. She encourages designers to blend their interests with motion design, leading to unique career paths and diversifying their clientele. As industries increasingly adopt video content, the demand for motion design is likely to expand beyond conventional expectations, positioning creatives for future success.
Hayley Akins is the founder of Motion Hatch, a school that helps motion designers and creatives grow their business.
Hayley is one of the originals in this space. She's been active since 2017 and has helped many people in the industry. I wanted to bring her on to discuss marketing, how it's evolving for creatives, and how to effectively connect with prospects online and on social media. We also talked about how her business has grown, the journey of motion designers, and the importance of alignment and authenticity online, among other topics.
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