I Got Billed ~$1K Last Week For Design – Here's Why This Is Normal.

Designing Business Documents, Really?

Image from Author’s Upwork Account

You know what I do; I create business documents like this one. The main objective of these documents is to convince someone to buy a product (like an investor, for example).

Reading this, you’ll probably think that the content is what really matters. Doing this for 12 years, I can assure you that design is AS important. Let me tell you why.

---

Sections of this read:

• Design, and the subliminal feel.

• How much I advise entrepreneurs to invest in design.

  • The smart alternatives (Don’t go for that $10 Fiverr designer yet.)

• (For Paid Subscribers) My exact process of designing documents that are sent to VCs for $20m+ in investment ask.

---

Design and the subliminal feel

Ever wonder why you feel good about certain documents at first glance? That's design magic at work.

When an investor flips through your pitch, they're not just scanning numbers and strategies; they're experiencing the document.

A thoughtful design taps into the subconscious, delivering a vibe that's hard to put into words but easy to feel.

It's not about flashy graphics; it's about using design elements like color psychology subtly to make your document not just seen, but felt.

How much I advise entrepreneurs to invest in design.

Here's my take after a dozen years advising entrepreneurs: always earmark a decent chunk of your budget for design. If you're shelling out $1000 for a top-notch business writer, be ready to invest at least $500 on making that content look pretty.

But keep it under $1000. Why? Because while a cool design can elevate your pitch, the substance of your writing is what ultimately seals the deal. A beautifully designed pile of fluff is still, well, fluff.

The smart alternatives (Don’t go for that $10 Fiverr designer yet.)

Not ready to invest half your budget in design? No problem. You've got options: hire a budget-friendly designer on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, grab a cool template from CreativeMarket.com, or get hands-on with tools like Canva.

Mixing and matching these resources can be your golden ticket. Buying a template and finding someone with the design knowledge to customize it can give you that professional edge without breaking the bank.

(For Paid Subscribers) My process of designing documents that are sent to VCs with $20m+ in investment ask.