How I Got a $5,000 a Month Retainer Client for Creative Services
When I first started Happy Monday, I realized desperately needed a way to remind the client of my capabilities after the initial consultation calls.
During the interim timeframe after that first call, the client is still deciding whether they are going to work you me. I needed to create a multi-purpose Design Portfolio Presentation Pitch Deck Template to show my experience and a relevant selection of case studies in a clear and concise manner to convince them to give me a chance to pitch them on a project scope of work. After many years of trial and error, I feel like I have finally created the perfect presentation deck to use as a leave behind for clients that are looking for help with design needs and creative services.
Sure, anyone can look at my website, but sometimes it really is better to send a short presentation with focused sector and industry case studies that they are asking to see. Clients want to understand my experience without having to do a deep dive into all the projects listed on my website. I’ve found that sharing a narrowly curated leave behind PDF with potential clients always gives me an extra boost when it comes to a client’s decision-making process.
I tend to use Adobe Indesign when it comes to creating a portfolio presentation deck that can be printed as a booklet. But, I’ve also created it in Powerpoint when I need it to be in an interactive presentation format.
My leave behind template has been narrowed down to include the following pages:
cover page
introduction letter page
section break pages
tagline page
image grid pages
resume page (in visual timeline format and text format)
stats page
list of clients I’ve worked with (in list format and logo format)
awards page
history page
services page
process page
case studies page
testimonial/reference page
thank you page
Because it works so well for me, I am sharing my Indesign template with anyone who needs help winning freelance work. This is the same design work showcase template that I used to win a $5,000 a month retainer client. Because it can be used as a presentation, I created it as a 16:9 widescreen presentation size. And also in a letter size for easier printing purposes.
Once the client is ready to define a scope of work and cost estimate, I have yet another streamlined template to help me win the work. I will share that template in the future.
I hope this product help other designers win new business!
