Selçuk Aker · Freelance & Collaboration

Digital Advertising Brief: Separating Media Budget from Graphic Design

Media spending, campaign management and design production are different work items in a digital advertising plan. When receiving an offer from a freelance graphic designer, it is not enough to just state the total advertising budget. The messages, formats and trial versions to be produced also need to be defined.

By Selçuk Aker · Published · 5 min read · Updated

Digital Advertising Brief: Separating Media Budget from Graphic Design — Selçuk Aker

Media spending, campaign management and design production are different work items in a digital advertising plan. When receiving an offer from a freelance graphic designer, it is not enough to just state the total advertising budget. The messages, formats and trial versions to be produced also need to be defined.

Match the channel to the customer task

In the search ad, the user may already be expressing a need. In a social media feed, the visual may need to explain the context first. Carrying the same text and poster to all channels does not create the same communication effect. Channel selection should be accompanied by target, audience and testing plan; Not every business needs the same channels.

A demo application for a software product and a registration announcement for an event require different information. In the first one, the task that the product facilitates can come to the fore, and in the second one, the date and conditions of participation may come to the fore. In the brief, specify the concrete action to be taken instead of “more customers”.

Write the production quantities as concepts and adaptations

Preparing square, horizontal and vertical delivery for one main idea is not three separate campaign ideas. However, trying three different message approaches requires new creative work. Make this distinction visible when comparing graphic design price.

  • Number of main messages and alternative approaches.
  • Need for static images, short videos or motion graphics.
  • Person to check targeted placements and current specifications.
  • Responsible for landing page, text and product photography.
  • Approval schedule, revision limit and file delivery.

Keep version names clear. If it is not known which image was used in which campaign, it becomes difficult to turn the next report into a production decision. Designate a content approval owner for last-minute stock or price changes.

Do not confuse media cost with design cost

Cost per click is a measure of advertising spend based on the number of clicks; It is not the designer's production fee. The growth of the advertising budget does not automatically determine the number of designs. In performance evaluation, in addition to the click, it should be examined whether the next task has been completed or not.

With Selçuk Aker, campaign images and landing page design can be planned around the same message. Media buying, account management and technical measurement setup are scoped separately. KPI guide explains what questions the report should answer.

Do not use the same delivery list for Instagram and Google Ads

A search ad's text needs are not the same as in-stream image or video production. The current type of the campaign, the placements to be used and the presence requirements should be clarified by the media manager; The design brief should be prepared accordingly. Don't use the number of campaign types from an old post as a fixed rule for today's plan.

In an image to be produced for Instagram, not only a beautiful product presentation is determined, but also which offer is explained and where to go after clicking. Do not deliver different message versions with the same file name. If the designer does not manage the media account, the relevant responsible person must check that the published version is correct. Mobile campaign guide helps plan the next step from the visual.

Google Ads or SEO: How do design needs change?

Paid advertising and organic search are not the same distribution method. A separate landing page may be required to test specific messaging in a campaign; For organic search, pages that explain the service in detail and answer relevant questions can be prepared. Which approach takes priority depends on the goal, budget and measurable demand.

Starting an ad does not guarantee specific positioning or sales. Google's description of ad ranking explains that position is determined by factors such as quality and search context, as well as bid. There is no fixed success date or lifetime ranking promise for SEO either.

Specify the source channel in the design brief: What words will the visitor see and what information will they expect on the page? Evaluate the result not only with the click, but also with the occurrence of the relevant demand. Landing page guide explains how to preserve the message in the next steps.

Separate organic sharing, B2B advertising and remarketing

Organic content can maintain engagement with the existing community; Paid advertising is distributed with a set target and budget. Since the decision process in B2B studies can be long, define intermediate goals such as a qualified meeting or a suitable demo request instead of expecting immediate sales from each advertisement. Plan the budget based on the test coverage and cost the business can bear, not a universal percentage.

For remarketing, it is not necessary to use the same message as the person who saw it for the first time. The person who has reviewed the service may look for process or delivery information. For this approach, data, permissions and account settings are the domain of the media manager. The designer prepares appropriate messages and formats; Tracking everyone everywhere is not a design goal. Marketing offer control clarifies the separation of duties.

Frequently asked questions

Does preparing an advertising image mean setting up a campaign?

No. The design file, campaign settings and media budget are separate deliverables.

Can I use the same image in all media?

The main idea can be preserved; however, adaptation is required for rate, content density, and user context.

Is there a fixed starting price for the advertising budget?

A universal amount cannot be given without knowing the target, medium and conditions. It should be evaluated with the relevant expert based on the test plan and scope.

Related articles

Have a design project in mind?

Let’s agree on your requirements, deliverables and timeline. Work directly with Selçuk Aker.

Request a design proposal ↗