Which is better: To sell customizable templates for clients or do freelancing?

2 Comments

• 

  bdadmin

  25 March 2025 at 16:32

  Reply

  Hi there!

  Both options have their advantages, and what’s “better” really depends on your goals, skills, and the market you’re targeting. Here are some points to consider for each:

  Selling Customizable Templates:

  • Passive Income: Once you create and list your templates, they can continue to sell without direct involvement, offering a source of passive income.
  • Scalability: You can sell the same template multiple times to different customers, which means you can scale your work without needing to take on more clients.
  • Market Demand: There is still a demand for customizable templates, especially among small businesses and individuals who want to create professional-looking social media posts quickly and affordably. Canva’s rise has created an audience seeking easy-to-use templates.
  • Creative Freedom: You can create what you love without needing to stick to a client’s brief.
  • Time Commitment: Once the templates are made, they require less ongoing time commitment than freelancing, where each project may require extensive back-and-forth communication.

  Freelancing:

  • Client Relationships: Working with clients can lead to long-term relationships and possibly repeat business, referrals, and a more stable income.
  • Customization: Freelancing allows you to tailor your designs to the specific needs of clients, which can be more rewarding creatively and financially.
  • Higher Earnings Potential: Depending on your skills and network, freelance work can lead to larger projects that pay significantly more than template sales.
  • Portfolio Building: Working with diverse clients can help you build a varied portfolio, showcasing your versatility as a designer.

  Conclusion:

  If you want to create a more passive income stream and reach a broader audience, selling templates could be a great option. However, if you value client interaction, prefer custom projects, and are looking for potentially higher earnings per task, freelancing might be the way to go.

  Many designers find success in a hybrid model where they offer both templates and freelance services. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds! Consider experimenting with templates while still taking on freelance clients to see what works best for you.

  Good luck!

• 

  bdadmin

  26 March 2025 at 08:42

  Reply

  Hi there!

  This is a great discussion topic, and I’ve found that both paths—selling customizable templates and freelancing—have their unique advantages and challenges.

  Selling customizable templates can be a fantastic way to generate passive income and reach a wider audience. With the popularity of platforms like Etsy or Creative Market, there’s definitely still a strong demand for well-designed templates. However, differentiation is key; offering unique styles or niche-specific designs can help your products stand out in a saturated market.

  On the other hand, freelancing allows for more personal interaction with clients and the ability to customize projects based on their specific needs. This can lead to higher returns per project but often requires more time and effort. Additionally, working closely with clients can build strong relationships and a repeat customer base.

  I’d suggest considering a hybrid approach. You could start developing templates to sell while still taking on freelance projects to maintain a steady income. This way, you can gauge the template market and adapt as needed, all while continuing to hone your design skills through client work.

  Also, don’t forget to leverage social media and your existing networks to promote your templates or services. Combining both methods could ultimately provide a more balanced and resilient business model.

  Best of luck with your decision!