7 Hot Affiliate Vendors

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to make money just because people purchased products from links you placed in your blog posts and emails? That’s how affiliate marketing works. It’s great passive income and a lot of interior designers are looking for more ways to make money. Affiliate programs are a great way to make money in your sleep. Quite literally, your clients and followers can purchase items you are promoting 24/7.

The companies below have great affiliate programs that your fellow interior designers use and love! I did my own research and am not receiving any compensation from these companies to have them listed here. After visiting with several interior designers these were the Top 7 hot affiliate vendors they shared with me. They are listed in no particular order.

1. Boutique Rugs- Boutique Rugs is one of the more popular ones I’ve come across. They offer amazing rugs, have great customer service and pay an affiliate commission of 7%. You can get more information at https://boutiquerugs.com/affiliate-program/

2. Amazon – Doesn’t everyone use Amazon, anyway? Why not use it for your business. A few of the interior designers I reached out to loved Amazon. As you can imagine you can find a wide variety of items and with affiliate commissions of up to 10% it’s worth a shot. For more information - https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/

3. Bellacor – Lighting, furniture, décor and more. Bellacor pays up to 8% affiliate commissions when a client purchases from your link. Click for more info - https://www.bellacor.com/affiliate.htm

4. Curtain Works – This company has all the window treatments your clients will ever need. They pay 10% commission and offer a wide variety of ready-made curtains at competitive prices. Here you go - https://www.bellacor.com/affiliate.htm

5. Jonathan Adler – If your target market loves mid-century modern this affiliate program may be the one for you! Think luxury, smart design and colorful optimism with a 6% commission. Check it out here - https://www.viglink.com/merchants/47931/jonathan-adler-affiliate-program

6. Lulu & Georgia – This home décor company seems to be a favorite of several of the interior designers I spoke with. They offer a wide variety of super stylish décor and offer a 10% commission. Learn more about their affiliate program - https://www.luluandgeorgia.com/affiliates/

7. Serena & Lily – This company always makes me think of a breezy California style. Their products are definitely casual coastal. They have a 9% affiliate commission and more information here - https://www.viglink.com/merchants/35595/serena-and-lily-affiliate-program

Let us know if you need help setting up your affiliate vendors. That is one of the many services we offer our interior design clients at Elite Design Assistants!

XO, Danae

Connect with Your Target Market Through Video

I imagine you’ve been a witness to the increased use of video in business today. As our world continues to gravitate to more of a virtual world video has become a great tool to connect with current and prospective clients. The form of marketing has worked wonders for many businesses including interior designers but as an interior designer how do you best utilize video to engage with your prospective clients?

Here are some great ideas for creating videos your clients will love.

1. Video a paint consult. Showing your target market your process is a great way to gain trust and start a relationship with them. People may not even realize they need you until they see you in action.

2. Showcase a finished space you recently designed. People love seeing newly designed spaces. This will showcase your talents as an interior designer.

3. Bring your target market behind the scenes. Everyone thinks they can be a designer but once they see the multiple moving pieces involved in the day in the life of a designer, they may decide to hire you instead.

4. Create videos on styling. People love to redesign their spaces so show them great ways to style a bookshelf, coffee table, dining table, fireplace mantel etc.

5. Video something unexpected and fun such as designing the perfect floral arrangement, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork or adding unique updates to your switch plate and outlet covers.

6. Video can be fun, but it can also be a little scary for some. Just be yourself and remember, people love bloopers! Video is just like everything else in life … practice makes it easier and more fun.

   Please let me know if you need more video ideas. We will have our own videos coming soon!

4 Social Media Tips For Interior Designers

Hello and Happy Wednesday from Elite Design Assistants! 

We are in the age of social media! It’s everywhere and everyone is either talking about it or endlessly scrolling. Am I right?

Now, social media definitely has its place. It’s absolutely crucial these days to have a presence online. Even if you are not receiving clients from your social media platforms, having a place where your clients can go check you out is a great idea. Simply having a profile online will show them that you not only have a serious business as an interior design professional, but that you deserve to be paid well for it. Your social media feed should be a collection of your worth and should communicate your design philosophy to your ideal client.

Here are a few tips to help you strengthen your social media presence. 

1. Show up Regularly: 6 days a week is what I personally aim for and the frequency in which we post for most of our clients. If you can only show up 4 days a week, that’s fine, but be consistent about it so that your audience knows that they can rely on you and that you are in demand!

2. Seek connection, not just followers: You can have all the followers in the world but if you have no connection with them then it won’t do you any good! Having 200 dedicated and engaged followers will win over 1000 any day. Don’t be shy or be afraid to get vulnerable with your following. The more you can share behind the scenes the better. Also, interacting regularly with other designers on your platforms will bring more connections AND more followers.

3. Create helpful content: This is a big one! Any opportunity to help a potential client is great. You want them to leave with not only helpful information, but you want them to establish you as an expert so that they will not only come back to check in regularly but will want to hire you. 

4. Be mindful about how things look: As designers, you know that how something looks is important. Your potential client’s first view of your feed is important! Create branding that is visually appealing and shows your brand and your talents.

Need help creating a professional and beautiful presence online? We offer content creation, posting, engagement, and more. Contact us today! 

XO, Danae

5 Interior Design Tools That Will Make Your Life Much Easier

Hello and Happy Wednesday from Elite Design Assistants! 

We’ve said it before….as an interior designer you wear a lot of hats. It can be quite overwhelming, but I don’t have to tell you that!

The following tools are going to help you manage several major facets of your business. We have tools for everything from visuals to communicate your design ideas to social media management and in between. 

1. Canva: Canva is an incredible tool. You can create any kind of graphics you want and can even make videos! Anything you make can be saved as any file type you want and you can even have it printed. The best part is that there are really great templates so that you can put things together in a pinch. Just find one you like, customize it by changing color or text, and save! Easy as that. It is free for the basic version and it’s only $9.99 per month to upgrade. Totally worth it for everything it can help you do

2. A floor planning tool:  There are many options for this based on exactly what you’re looking for. If you are putting together detailed floor plans regularly, CAD could be the right option for you. If you don’t have experience with CAD or just want to build basic floor plans, check out Floorplanner, Smart Draw, or RoomSketcher. These are all free options. 

3. Planoly for Instagram + Facebook: Planoly is a free social media scheduling tool for Instagram. To also post on facebook, you can set it up to automatically send it over at the click of a button. Planoly allows you to view what your feed will actually look like visually, and you can easily add captions and hashtags, and schedule your posts in advance. There is an upgraded plan if you want to schedule more than 30 posts at once. $7/month.

4. Tailwind for Pinterest : Tailwind is a social media scheduler for Pinterest! It has several great features, allowing you to schedule in advance, create and check popularity of hashtags, and other awesome things!

5. Photoshop: Edit photos, create moodboards, create other types of visuals for your business.

6. Some kind of note app for your phone: Many designers like to keep notes on their phone. You can create a separate note for each client, so you can write down thoughts, ideas, or requests as they come up throughout the day. If you have an ipad you could keep them there, and there are even sketching apps where you could draw out your floor plan at the consultation. 

7. Business Management Software: there are so many options for this one, so it’s best to do some research and see which one is best for you. If you want to read about some great options, check out our blog post from October, 2020 called Best Project Software for Interior Designers

When it comes to your business, anything you can do to make it run a little more smoothly is a win! Try out some software and tool options for yourself and see which are the most helpful in your day to day!

Have a task you would like to outsource in your business? Contact us today!

XO, Danae

How To Market Your Interior Design Blog

Hello and Happy Wednesday from Elite Design Assistants! 

So last week we talked about How To Start Your Interior Design Blog. And now I want to help you get it out into the world! Here are a few steps for marketing your blog. 

1. Social Media: I encourage marketing your blogs on any social media platforms you are currently on. You’ll want to choose a photo from the blog post to use as your post photo, or something from your portfolio. Special graphics are also an option (see below). We suggest sharing on at least facebook and instagram, but bonus points if you add them to Pinterest ;)

2. Visuals: You can now take that photo you chose and add the title of your blog post. This is something simple that you can whip up in Canva! If you don’t know what canva is, definitely check it out. It can be an extremely helpful and user-friendly business tool that can help you to create beautiful graphics for your social media/blog posts.

3. Share your link: In your social media profiles, it’s best to add a link to your social media bio every time you share it! That way, potential clients can easily access the content without having to go to your website first.

4. Timing: People are on the computer more often on Wednesdays so this has become the best day to release them. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what day you want to post. Posting any day of the week is better than not at all. Side note: Pre-scheduling your posts in advance will take the worry off your plate. Most site builders will allow you to schedule them so that they go out automatically, just like you use a scheduler to post on social media.

5. Email Subscriber List: If you have an email list for your business, you can send out your blog post to them whenever you post one. You can copy it directly into the email and send it out like that like I do, or you can send them an email letting them know it was published and they are welcome to check it out. If you do it this way, you might want to add an incentive for them to read it or provide a teaser so that they are more likely to go to the site. I prefer to add it directly in the email so that they don’t have to follow any extra steps and can just read it right then and there.

6. Call to action: I encourage you to add some sort of call to action at the end of the email, encouraging them to sign up for your new freebie, book a consultation or phone call with you, or simply respond to the email so that they can ask you any questions they may have about the blog or your services. 

Need help writing, scheduling, or marketing your blog posts? Contact us today. 

XO, Danae

How To Start Your Interior Design Blog

Hello and Happy Wednesday from Elite Design Assistants! 

A few weeks ago we talked about the importance of having an interior design blog! So today I wanted to do a follow up and talk about how to start one.

Here are a few things to do to get started. 

1. Frequency: Decide how many times per month you would like to post. We suggest once a week, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with starting slow. Even once or twice per month is a great place to start and you can add on as you feel comfortable, or not!

2. Topics: What do you want to talk about? This is a great time to sit down and write down why you became a designer and what you’re passionate about. What do you love talking with your clients about? What are your favorite services? If you could get paid to write about anything, what would it be? Make a list that you can access when you’re ready to start writing.

3. Images: You’ll want to incorporate images into your blog posts. You can use your own portfolio photos or renderings if you have them, or you can use stock photos from a site like Unsplash or Pexels. 

4. Location: If you have a website, you can host the blog there. There are also special blogging sites that are designed only for blogs so that’s an option too, but if you already have a website, it’s probably easier to just add a page to that! 

5. Time: Now it’s time to set some time out of your schedule to write! I like to set out at least an hour per week to make sure I have time to find a topic, write, and get it scheduled to be sent out to you on Wednesdays.

6. Name: Now that you know all the details, it’s time to name your blog. If you don’t know what you want to name it yet, that’s ok! You can just call it “blog” on your website and if you want to brand it later with a special blog name, you can do that.

Next week’s blog will be about how to market your interior design blog once you have it up and running. See you next week!

Do you want to write a blog but don’t have time in your own schedule to handle all the details?

Contact us today! 

XO, Danae

10 Tips to Attracting More Clients

Our world is changing and as we work from home, we are trying to figure out new ways to navigate business. People still want to live in beautiful spaces, they still want to purchase new items for their homes and they still want to live their best lives. It’s times like these that force us to pivot and create new innovative ways to continue to push our business forward. Below are some ways I’ve seen other interior designers continue to stay in front of clients and continue to offer services that will keep their businesses thriving in our current climate.

1. Nurture that email list! Spend some quality time creating some really heartfelt and genuine emails to send to your contact list. Create emails that let your subscribers know that you understand what they are going through, you are here for them if they need anything and outline the ways you can still help them. Start an email series right now that will help them during these times.

2. Offer virtual consultations. Let clients know how they can still work with you during these times. You may be surprised how many people just need a consultation right now. They are spending more time in their homes than ever and they are sick of looking at it. It’s time for a refresh!

3. Create shoppable concept boards and renders. Share your favorite products and make money using affiliate links. People who shop your style may be more inclined to work with you.

4. Share your portfolio. Start inspiring people with your work and share what makes you happy about what you share.

5. Update and share. Now is the time to get caught up on housekeeping issues like updating your portfolio, creating content, organizing your processes and share what you’ve learned. People connect to you and your story … use this time to share your story and how you are growing and changing during quarantine. What silver linings have you found in this pandemic?

6. Share your e-design services. Share how people can work with you during this time, outline this process and make sure your target market is aware that you are still working with others. Perhaps you have a remote only service and perhaps you have a remote hybrid service. However you are working with clients at this time, share it!

7. Create interest. Write a blog post about why now is a great time to update your home, or how interior design can affect your mood or about the psychology of color. Write intriguing posts relevant to the times to get people interested in your brand.

8. Continue to educate yourself. Now is a great time to start listening to an interior design podcast or to get continuing education through interior design platforms. Many of them are offering free video conferences and webinars at this time. Use what you learn to attract more clients.

9. Create videos. People have time to watch stuff now so create some fun videos about refreshing a space, your process, choosing the right rug or something else that you know your target market will love.

10. Be real. You will attract the clients you are looking for just by being yourself. Stick with a positive message, share a sneak peek into your quarantine life and use humor if that’s your thing. Sometimes we are afraid to be ourselves but it’s only when we are ourselves do we find growth.

Our world will forever be changed so we have to adapt and grow. We will be stronger and our industry will thrive.

Stay safe & well!

XX, Danae

Services you may not know that we offer...

Hello and Happy Wednesday from Elite Design Assistants! 

I don’t want to brag or anything, but we have some of the BEST design assistants out there.

I’ve had a lot of requests lately for services like blog writing and social media….but did you know we offer services that are more in the realm of actual design work? 

I know you’re busy and sometimes all the client work on your plate can be overwhelming. That is why my team offers the following services so that we can help you as much as possible!

1. 3D Renderings: These are HUGE in our industry right now, as they are a beyond amazing way to show your client exactly what they will get, before any furniture or accessories are ordered!

2. Drafting: CAD floorplans, detail drawings, etc. 

3. Mood Boards: We’ll take this step over so you can focus on other things that you love in your business

4. Floor plan services: Space planning for your clients or creating CAD drawings, like I mentioned above. 

5. Sourcing: the process of finding, compiling and recommending finishes, fixtures and furniture. My team will help you find the perfect piece for your project. 

To view examples of some of these services, check out the Portfolio section of our website!
My team and I really want to make your life easier when it comes to your business. When you focus on things you love and let us take care of the rest, your business will flow better and you have more time to focus on bringing in new clients and giving them the best experience possible!

Ready to get help on some of these tasks? Contact us today!

XO, Danae

The importance of having a blog in your interior design business

Hi, folks and happy Wednesday!

Do you have a blog for your interior design business? Yeah, yeah...I know! You don’t and you may not want to. I’m not typically a believer in doing things for your business that you don’t love….BUT, a blog is an important part of most businesses, especially for interior designers.

We’re gonna talk a bit today about why it’s important to have a blog and how you can get started creating one today.

A Blog….

1. Positions you as the design expert. Blogs are a great way to show that you know what you’re doing, showing your credibility with each post. 

2. .Are binge-worthy pieces of content. This means that someone could start with reading one post and they find it so valuable that they read your other posts. Before they know it, they’ll be signing up for your freebies and then eventually hiring you. 

3. Connect with your audience. Blogs are a great way to show your personality.

4. More traffic to your website. You can promote your blog post on social media, bringing them to your site to read. The more time they spend on your site the more likely they are to hire you.

5. Content that keeps on giving. You write it once and then it’s out there getting you new clients every week! No more work required after the initial writing session. 

We’ve noticed that blogging is one of the least-liked tasks for designers in their business. You’re already wearing so many hats, and blogging is not at the top of the list. Next week’s topic will be about how to start an interior design blog, so stay tuned for that! 

We love helping interior designers create a blogging presence online so that you can spend your time focusing on your clients and bringing in more business. Interested in chatting with one of our design assistants about this? Contact us today!

Client Processes for Interior Designers

I’ve heard from many of you that are getting very busy, which is very exciting but can also be very overwhelming so I thought I’d give you some ideas on things you should consider to help you get and stay organized!

First of all, take some time to write down everything you need to do in the coming days, weeks and months. Then crumple up that list and throw it in the trash. I’m so sorry! I’m totally kidding. Please dig that list back out of the trash and from here on out I promise I’ll be serious. J

Block out some time and let’s get to work!

Guidelines

Do you have an operations manual? Have you written down or typed out your business process from start to finish? Creating processes help you stay organized, prevent important details from being overlooked and are very beneficial when delegating tasks.

Write down your business processes and create a manual or guideline that you can use as a reference for all clients you work with and assistants you hire. Include processes for working with clients, marketing, hiring, purchasing, bookkeeping and anything else that is a major part of your business that you feel needs a detailed guide.

I have found that interior designers organize their businesses a little bit differently. Some of them are paper, binder, folder people and others are computer, software, techy people. Do what works best for you!

Today I’m going to write more about client processes and what you should consider having in place, if you don’t already.

Create binders or folders either hard copy, on your computer or in your favorite software program for each client. Now create a To-Do list and schedule for each client. Color code each client and merge the schedule into one master calendar so you have a clearer picture of what needs to be done. But before any of this can be done perhaps you need to take a look at your client processes.

Communication:

Do you have an outline for how communication is handled with clients? Do you have email templates ready to save you time since you most often are sending some of the same emails, whether it’s a response to an inquiry or a welcome email, next steps email, update email or invoice email.

Consultations:

Do you have guidelines on how quickly you need to respond to inquiries and set up consultations? Do you have certain days/times blocked off for consultations only? Do you have a client qualifying process you go through before booking a consultation with an inquiry?

Proposals:

Once you’ve qualified a candidate, had a consultation and are ready to create a proposal, do you have proposal templates on hand? Do you use a formula for figuring out a project timeline and budget? How long do your clients have before they need to respond to your proposal?

Working with Tradespeople/Vendors:

Do you have a list of your go-to contractors, tradespeople and vendors? Do you have a process for connecting with them and lining them up for projects and/or placing orders? How do you schedule installations? Communication and follow up is key and guidelines on these processes are going to eliminate time, headaches and costly errors in the future.

Site Visits:

These processes may have changed due to COVID-19 whether it be the frequency of visits or the manner in which they are conducted. Be sure you have a clear idea of how to schedule and coordinate these as well as how many of these you need for each project. Do you block out time on certain days for site visits?

Reveal Day:

Do you have a checklist and processes for the completion of the entire project? Do you also do styling or take photographs? How do you then present your client with the final invoice?

Running an interior design business is no easy feat! There are multiple moving pieces and a lot of things to coordinate, order, install and consider when working on one project let alone several at one time. Writing down every process and procedure may seem like an overwhelming task but spending a little time now will save you loads of time, money and headaches in the future.

Hopefully, this has given you some things to consider! If you are really struggling with your processes I do know there are courses on this very subject that you can take to really help you get your entire business organized and running in a more efficient manner! Or, I know people who hire an assistant to help get their processes in order as well.

Have a great week! Danae