During these uncertain times many people are considering different cost-cutting measures to help their organizations thrive. One option you may be considering is bringing your design in-house — it may seem like a good idea, but the reality is it can cost much more than you think, both in time and money.

Below we'll take a look at what some of those challenges are. You can also listen on your computer now or subscribe to our podcast. Call me at (847) 844-8640 or send me a note and let me know your thoughts!

When small to medium-sized businesses decide to make the shift they face new challenges, which include:

• Software difficulties
  Do you know how to use the professional design software?
  Are you ready and willing to take classes and get up to speed on these packages?
  
  
• Printer relations
  Can you speak the printer's language to ensure pieces are created in the best, most economical manner?
  
  
• Unprofessional marketing materials
  Your carefully crafted brand can be tarnished in a heartbeat.

• Additional fixed costs of salary and benefits
  Finding one person who can do design, writing, illustration, photography, production and project management — and do them all well — is extremely rare, and hiring multiple people to fill these roles will increase costs considerably. Then there's the workload — if there's not enough work to keep the team busy all the time the costs simply aren't justified.
  
  
• Cost of maintaining and upgrading software and equipment
  Professional design software is not cheap, and in order to stay current with printers and the industry in general, must be upgraded at least every couple of years. On top of that there are hardware costs which include additional work computers, capable servers for organizing and backing up large graphic files, quality printers, scanners, etc.
  
  
• Lack of fresh ideas
  The in-house team can potentially become too familiar with the product, since that's all they see day in and day out. Fresh, new ideas can be few and far between. Design firms have a variety of clients, so tapping into their brains can bring a blast of energy, a fresh set of eyes, new ideas and value for the money spent.

By bringing design in-house most organizations assume they will save money, and that's not necessarily true. The best design firms work alongside marketing managers to act as a part of your team, bridging the gap between inside and outside, and helping you get the most bang for your buck.

Smart organizations understand that in an economic downturn especially, marketing is vital. If you can continue marketing through hard times, as soon as things turn around you'll be at the top of your prospects' lists. While your competitors are figuring out how to survive and cutting their marketing budgets, you will be passing them up in strides by continuing along your marketing path.

Are you struggling with this decision or do you need someone to help guide you? Do you have any experiences or thoughts relating to this article? Send me a note or call me at 847-844-8640 and we can talk more.

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