Online design work offers flexibility and opportunities. It opens a new world of possibilities and adds to the options and alternatives available to you. However, navigating the world of online design comes with several hidden risks.
These hidden risks include Intellectual Property theft, data breach, inconsistent branding, AI misuse, cybersecurity threats, and more. The risks are real and can potentially have adverse implications for you. That is why it is important to take all the necessary steps to stay protected. In this article, I shall take you through the possible hidden risks of online design and how to stay protected.
What are the Hidden Risks of Online Design Work?
With the advent of technology, there has been a steady rise in online work. Freelancing, teaching, virtual assistant, content creation, and so much more have become viable work options. Online design work has also gained a lot of prominence over the years. However, there are several hidden risks that come along with online design work.
1. Credibility and Trust Issues
As they say, first impression is the last impression. Your website is the first interaction your potential customer can have with your business. So, your website should look professional and immaculately maintained. An unprofessional and poorly designed will wither away the trust and confidence of your customer.
2. Intellectual Property Theft
This is one of the common risks faced by many online design works. Clients and third parties use your data and design without taking approval or permission from you. At times, you don’t even know that your design is being used by someone else.
Even if the contracts are clear, your design might be reproduced, and they might claim ownership of your work.
3. Data and Privacy Breaches
Sharing files or communication through an unsecured platform can expose sensitive client data or your own work to hacks or leaks. Using unencrypted file-sharing tools can lead to unauthorized access to your designs or client information. Scammers are always ready to exploit such opportunities.
Get 300+ Fonts for FREE
Enter your email to download our 100% free "Font Lover's Bundle". For commercial & personal use. No royalties. No fees. No attribution. 100% free to use anywhere.
4. Non-Paying or Unreliable Clients
Freelance designers often face clients who delay payments, dispute the agreed-upon terms, or disappear without paying. Scams are also common, where clients request work with no intention of paying.
At times, a client might ask you for multiple revisions without clear communication, then refuse to pay, claiming the work does not meet their expectations. Clients may request additional work beyond the original agreement without adjusting payment or timelines, leading to overwork and burnout.
5. Overreliance on Third-Party Platforms
Overreliance on third-party apps can prove fatal. There are several platforms, like Upwork or Fiverr, that can charge high fees and change policies, or suspend accounts, impacting income stability.
There is also a possibility that the platform can increase its commission rates, thereby cutting into your earnings unexpectedly.
How to Stay Protected?
Now that you know the risks involved in online design work, let’s take a look at what can be done to stay protected.
1. Win Over Your Customer
The first thing is to win over your potential customer. To do so, you have to up the ante on your credibility. You have to invest in a professional website as it is the reflection of your identity and credibility.
Make sure you are consistent with the branding. It should flow alike across the website, social media, and marketing materials.
2. Use Clear Contracts
You have to be careful and vigilant while signing the contract. Always have a written contract, outlining scope, deliverables, timelines, payment terms, revision limits, and intellectual property rights. You must use the template from trusted sources like AIGA or Docracy.
3. Secure Communication and File Sharing
You must opt for secure communication and file-sharing tools. You must use encrypted tools like Google Drive, Dropbox with two-factor authentication, or ProtonMail for sensitive communications. Avoid public Wi-Fi for client work. If it is urgent and you have to use a public Wi Fi, you can buy a VPN and use it. This will protect against unauthorized access to your data.
4. Set Boundaries and Manage Scope
Set the boundaries and manage the scope accordingly. Clearly define the project scope in the contract and charge extra for out-of-scope work. It is important to communicate the revision policies upfront.
In order to track deliverables and keep clients aligned, you can use any of the reputable tools available. This will help you track the work easily.
5. Secure Payment Systems
Make sure you use a secure payment system. Platforms like PayPal, Stripe, or escrow services that offer buyer or seller protection. You must avoid cash-only or untraceable payment methods.
It is important to invoice promptly and include late payment penalties in your contract. You must be clear while signing the terms and conditions.
Wrapping Up
So, it has come to the fore that there is not one but many hidden risks of online design work. There are different ways of cheating and tampering with your data and files. The most important thing to you is to be well aware and informed about what is happening. This article explains the ways to protect your online design work. Read the article to know about them in detail!
