130. Marketing and Business Strategies for Interior Designers with Jacqueline Green

Welcome back to another episode of Design for the Creative Mind, where we dive into the business side of interior design. In this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Green, the CEO of Behind the Design.   Jacqueline shared her journey from a seasoned commercial interior designer and former college instructor to a marketing and education expert for the design community. She talks about the importance of not just being a great designer but also being a savvy business owner. One key point discussed is the need for consistency in marketing efforts. Jacqueline highlights the challenge that many designers face when they become busy with client work and neglect their marketing efforts.   She stresses the importance of maintaining a consistent presence in front of the target audience to attract new clients and build brand recognition. We chat about email marketing, which she believes is one of the most effective ways to stay in touch with prospects and nurture them until they are ready to make a purchase.   Jacqueline recommends setting up a system for regular email communication, whether it's weekly or at another frequency that works for the business. By providing valuable content and resources through email, designers can establish themselves as experts and build trust with their audience.   Another aspect of marketing discussed in the episode is the power of referrals and strategic partnerships. Jacqueline encourages designers to network and build relationships with contractors, real estate brokers, and other professionals in the industry. These strategic partnerships can lead to referrals and word-of-mouth marketing, which can be highly effective in attracting new clients.   The episode also touches on the importance of having a strong online presence, particularly through a well-designed and informative website. Jacqueline emphasizes that a website serves as the foundation of a designer's business and is often the first point of contact for potential clients. It should reflect the designer's unique brand and personality and provide valuable information to visitors.   Developing systems and processes is crucial for scalability and growth in any business, including interior designers. One of the main reasons why systems and processes are important is that they allow for consistency. Consistency is key in marketing and delivering design services. By having established systems and processes, designers can ensure that they consistently deliver high-quality work and maintain a consistent brand image.   This consistency helps build trust with clients and establishes a strong reputation in the industry. Systems and processes also help streamline operations and increase efficiency. By having clear workflows and standardized procedures, designers can save time and avoid unnecessary mistakes. This allows them to focus on their core tasks and provide better service to their clients. Additionally, having systems in place makes it easier to delegate tasks and train new team members, which is essential for scaling a business. When it comes to personal branding,   Jacqueline highlights the need for designers to differentiate themselves from others in the industry. She encourages designers to showcase their authentic selves and share their design style and expertise with their audience. By doing so, designers can establish a strong personal brand that resonates with their target market. Personal branding and authenticity go hand in hand.   Designers need to understand their unique value proposition and communicate it effectively to their audience. This involves identifying their strengths, passions, and design philosophy and incorporating them into their branding strategy.   Jacqueline's passion for teaching and helping designers grow their businesses was evident throughout our conversation. Her company offers both courses for those who prefer the DIY approach and full marketing services for those ready to outsource.   For more insights and resources from Jacqueline, visit BehindTheDesignCo.com you can also follow her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinereed/  or on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignco/   Podcast Website and Resources: Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates. SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.   Stay in touch with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/  Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad   Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact        A Podcast Launch Bestie production