So what can you do? Here are some suggestions to help your money go a little further and really get results.

1. Put together a realistic budget and be open about it.

While some people are afraid to put their budget out there in the open, you’re actually doing yourself a favor when you do. If you present your budget to them first, and it is under what they normally charge, they can decide if they still may be able to finagle some things and work within your budget. Of course, I stress that you need to still have a reasonable budget, and don’t be surprised if you may need to drop some of your planned bells and whistles.

2. Always communicate clearly.

Be specific about things that you like or don’t like and don’t be afraid to point them out in other designs or in our own. If you have your own vision for the project, be very descriptive. Don’t use subjective words. If you need to, sketch things out – we don’t care if you can’t draw. In many cases, it can help to communicate easier if you are explaining a drawing.

3. You hired the designer for their expertise…

So let them do what you hired them for. This comes in two parts: Actually taking a step back and accepting that they are the expert and recognizing their expertise – when they recommend something to you, for instance – and also not “checking in” on your project every hour of the day. Designers need time to work. Any creative needs uninterrupted time to do what they are best at. We ask that our clients schedule phone calls in advance, and we do not usually take phone calls that are not scheduled, particularly when in the middle of a project. This choice is made with our clients’ best interests in mind.

4. Let the designer come up with the solutions.

This is relative to number 3, because you hired a designer to create solutions for your problems. If there is something in the design that doesn’t necessarily work for your target audience, instead of suggesting a solution, tell them the problem. Chances are, they will come up with a solution that is better than you could have dreamed. Whereas, if you suggest something, that is what you will get – which may not be the solution that yields the best results.

5. Come to the table organized.

Create a plan for your company and stick to it. If you don’t have your own plan, be prepared to work with a business advisor or, if your designer offers consulting as well, be prepared to pay for them to get you organized. Any good designer will ask you to fill out an in-depth design questionnaire before they begin your project (unless you provide the needed information another way). If you’re not ready for this step, you’re not ready for the design phase. In order for a design to truly be effective for your company, you need to know many things, including what you want to achieve, your goals and objectives.