Well, this is a bit off topic but I think it is still relevant for those who are seriously considering this option. That is, to outsource the graphic design work or to do it yourself. (i.e. Save some money!) To mature internet marketers, the most logical way of thinking is, without doubt, to outsource at all costs! However, to newbies, most of us may think likewise. So here I am going to discuss the differences of both, as they would give you some advantages and disadvantages depending on the time situation and the issue of money. As with most things in life, it is always about time vs money.
Doing the eCover yourself does offer some advantages. First, other than saving money, you have full control of timeline and own requirements of the graphics. Therefore, you can amend the graphics a lot of times until you are satisfied and thought it is 'perfect'. You can also plan ahead of time the process and estimate the completion time of project much better.
Now here comes the cons. You need to purchase the ecover software which may increase your initial business costs. Not forgetting that if you have not learnt graphic design before, you will have to invest time to learn, be it short or long learning curve to some of you.
You also have to consider spending more time doing it yourself. Some of you may not be familiar with colors matching and style of ecovers needed. (graphic design knowledge fundamentals) So it maybe difficult and you may end up being undecisive and frustrating due to too much own experimentation and time using the ecover software. This coupled with other demands of job tasks of the project together may end up draining one's energy and concentration. Thereby, causing loss of focus and attention at some point.
Moreover, if you are not sure of the end result, this may end up backfiring the timeline of the project and affect the sales conversion of the product due to the lack of professionalism and quality felt by the potential customer. Please take note of these points before you seriously consider DIY.
Now, let's move on to hiring a designer to do the eCover instead. Most of you will agree that it is a great time saver. You can get professional graphics done with the right colors and layout instantly. Which implies that you can start promoting your business almost very soon. Certainly, the end result will be attractive and can help convert the sales well.
Customers who had first impressions will be rest assured that thoughtfulness, research and good effort had been put into the product and therefore perceive the product sold is high-quality and well supported.
Besides, the time saved by outsourcing could be invested in other areas of work, eg. copywriting or market research instead. So that you can expedite the process of work and more work done in a shorter time period.
But again, there are both sides of the coin. Do not assume everything in life can be that smooth sailing. You got to do more... more of what? That is, you need to be in constant communication with your designer. Not everyone are made equal in terms of kind consideration and ability to communicate effectively. Hence, you got to be in good contact and understandably terms with the designer you have selected to work with.
So in due respect, you also have to consider the time spent on communication the right needs to your designer so that he/she will be fully understood and deliver a good job. (In my experience, not everyone can do that. I mean, it may not be the designer's fault. It could be the other right way round!)
Next is the job turnaround time and amendments to be considered. This can be fast or slow depending on the effectiveness of the communication in terms of needs and requirements. If this is done correctly, it will be usually very fast turnaround; in the matter of days of hours. Or vice versa. So now, you get the point? Usually things go awry is because not enough efforts done to communicate effectively what each of the party needs or wants.
You may be incurring higher costs of producing the product as in paying more to the designer to do the work. Which in turn, may erode your profit margins.
To conclude, there are no hard and fast rule to this thought or decision. It all depends on your comfort level, situation and budget with regards to either DIY or outsource the ecover graphic work.
Doing the eCover yourself does offer some advantages. First, other than saving money, you have full control of timeline and own requirements of the graphics. Therefore, you can amend the graphics a lot of times until you are satisfied and thought it is 'perfect'. You can also plan ahead of time the process and estimate the completion time of project much better.
Now here comes the cons. You need to purchase the ecover software which may increase your initial business costs. Not forgetting that if you have not learnt graphic design before, you will have to invest time to learn, be it short or long learning curve to some of you.
You also have to consider spending more time doing it yourself. Some of you may not be familiar with colors matching and style of ecovers needed. (graphic design knowledge fundamentals) So it maybe difficult and you may end up being undecisive and frustrating due to too much own experimentation and time using the ecover software. This coupled with other demands of job tasks of the project together may end up draining one's energy and concentration. Thereby, causing loss of focus and attention at some point.
Moreover, if you are not sure of the end result, this may end up backfiring the timeline of the project and affect the sales conversion of the product due to the lack of professionalism and quality felt by the potential customer. Please take note of these points before you seriously consider DIY.
Now, let's move on to hiring a designer to do the eCover instead. Most of you will agree that it is a great time saver. You can get professional graphics done with the right colors and layout instantly. Which implies that you can start promoting your business almost very soon. Certainly, the end result will be attractive and can help convert the sales well.
Customers who had first impressions will be rest assured that thoughtfulness, research and good effort had been put into the product and therefore perceive the product sold is high-quality and well supported.
Besides, the time saved by outsourcing could be invested in other areas of work, eg. copywriting or market research instead. So that you can expedite the process of work and more work done in a shorter time period.
But again, there are both sides of the coin. Do not assume everything in life can be that smooth sailing. You got to do more... more of what? That is, you need to be in constant communication with your designer. Not everyone are made equal in terms of kind consideration and ability to communicate effectively. Hence, you got to be in good contact and understandably terms with the designer you have selected to work with.
So in due respect, you also have to consider the time spent on communication the right needs to your designer so that he/she will be fully understood and deliver a good job. (In my experience, not everyone can do that. I mean, it may not be the designer's fault. It could be the other right way round!)
Next is the job turnaround time and amendments to be considered. This can be fast or slow depending on the effectiveness of the communication in terms of needs and requirements. If this is done correctly, it will be usually very fast turnaround; in the matter of days of hours. Or vice versa. So now, you get the point? Usually things go awry is because not enough efforts done to communicate effectively what each of the party needs or wants.
You may be incurring higher costs of producing the product as in paying more to the designer to do the work. Which in turn, may erode your profit margins.
To conclude, there are no hard and fast rule to this thought or decision. It all depends on your comfort level, situation and budget with regards to either DIY or outsource the ecover graphic work.
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