Passive Income for Interior Designers: Website Ads

If you're an interior designer looking for additional revenue streams, displaying ads on your website that are specifically tailored to your niche can be a profitable opportunity. In this post, we will explain how interior designers can monetize their websites by showcasing relevant ads, opening up the opportunity for a new stream of passive income. Here are the steps to take to create a revenue stream using website ads for interior designers:

1. Create a website or blog. The first step is to create a website or blog that showcases your interior design skills and attracts visitors interested in home decor. Additionally, you will want to build your audience by promoting your website on social media and creating an email list. It’s important that you create a blog or website that is authentic to you.

2. Choose an ad network. Choose an ad network that's relevant to your niche, such as AdSense for Home and Garden, Google AdSense, AdThrive, Mediavine or Houzz Ads. Which ad provider you choose may depend on how many visits your website receives each month. These networks will provide you with ads that are relevant to your audience.

3. Place ads on your website. Once you've signed up for an ad network, place the ads on your website. This can be done by adding the ad code to your website's header, sidebar, or footer. Try to choose ads that blend well with your brand so that they feel like a natural part of your website.

4. Drive traffic to your website. To increase your passive income from ads, you'll need to drive traffic to your website. You can do this by creating high-quality content, optimizing your website for search engines, and promoting your website on social media.

5. Monitor the performance of your ads. Keep track of how your ads are performing by using the analytics tools provided by your ad network. This will help you determine which ads are working well and which ones need to be tweaked.

6. Optimize your ads. To maximize your earnings, you can experiment with different ad formats, placements, and networks. This will help you find the best combination of ads for your audience and website. When you make updates to your website, you may need to make changes to your ads to keep a cohesive feel to your site.

Remember that building another stream of income from ads takes time, trial and error, and patience. However, by creating valuable content and optimizing your ads, you can turn your interior design website or blog into a profitable source of passive income.

xx, Danae

Passive Income for Interior Designers: Digital Downloads (Part 2)

If you’re hesitant to start creating digital downloads that require writing like eBooks and how-to guides, there’s good news - you can turn design work that you’re already doing into digital downloads. 

Mood Boards 

Mood boards are a great idea for interior designers to create passive income because they can help attract clients and showcase their design skills. There’s the added bonus of being able to include affiliate links which allow designers to get a commission if a customer buys one of their product recommendations. Here are some reasons why mood boards are a great passive income option for interior designers:

1. Attract new clients: Mood boards can serve as a visual representation of a designer's style. By creating original, captivating, and well-curated mood boards, designers can attract potential clients who are looking for a specific style or aesthetic for their space. This is a perfect option for designers who have a sought-after style.

2. Showcase design skills: Mood boards allow designers to showcase their design skills and creativity, which can help them stand out in a competitive market. By creating beautiful and unique mood boards, designers can demonstrate their ability to transform a space and create a cohesive design concept.

Floor Plans

Interior designers can also sell floor plans to generate another stream of income. Here are some reasons why selling floor plans can be a great source of passive income:

1. Attract a wider audience: While some clients may prefer to work directly with a designer, selling floor plans can attract a wider audience of individuals who may not have the budget or desire to hire a designer for a full project. By creating and selling floor plans online, designers can reach a wider audience and generate income from individuals who are interested in going with their own design ideas.

2. Showcase expertise in a specific niche: Designers can specialize in a specific type of space, such as kitchens and bathrooms or studio apartments, and create floor plans that cater to that specific niche. By doing so, designers can demonstrate their expertise in that area and draw in clients who are specifically looking for that type of design.

Create Your Own or Hire a VDA

As a designer you may already have your own mood board templates prepared that you could easily convert into a digital download for customers. If not, this is a task that could be delegated to a design assistant that is proficient in Canva, Adobe Illustrator, or Photoshop. 

Creating a passive income stream can supplement a designer's income from client work. By creating and selling digital products, designers can earn ongoing income without the need for ongoing client work or project management. This can be especially valuable during slower periods or when taking time off for personal reasons. Creating digital downloads requires work upfront but pays off over the long term.

xx, Danae

Passive Income for Interior Designers: Course Creation

Interior designers have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that can be shared with others. One way to do this while also generating passive income is by creating online courses. By creating courses, designers can reach a wider audience and establish themselves as an authority in the field of interior design. Plus, courses provide a great opportunity to earn money while helping others learn valuable skills. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of creating courses for an interior designer. 

Generate Passive Income 

After selecting a platform that supports the creation and distribution of courses such as YouTube, Skillshare or Teachable, designers can upload their videos to these sites and earn a commission for views or minutes watched of their course. If the designer has created a comprehensive learning experience that includes video lectures and thorough course materials there’s no doubt the designer will earn royalties throughout the month. 

Establish Authority in the Field of Interior Design 

Interior designers can use courses to show their skills and knowledge of the industry. This can help them gain a following and build credibility. Whether the designer chooses to create their course for homeowners or aspiring interior designers, it’s a perfect way to showcase their expertise. 

Reach a Wider Audience 

Courses allow interior designers to reach a global audience, meaning that anyone with an internet connection can access their course. Additionally, many people are unable to attend in person classes due to work or family commitments, making online courses an appealing option for those who want to learn on their own schedule. By offering courses that can be taken at any time, interior designers can appeal to a broader audience who might not have been able to participate otherwise. 

Expand Business Opportunities

Creating courses can also lead to new business opportunities. Interior designers who create courses can attract new clients who are interested in their services, and they can also offer additional services such as one-on-one coaching or consulting.

Tips for Creating a Course 

1. Decide on your target audience. Decide on who you want to teach, what their skill level is, and what they want to learn. This will help you create a course that meets their needs. 

2. Create a course outline. Your outline should include key concepts, learning objectives, and course materials such as videos, presentation slides, activities, and quizzes. 

3. Choose a platform. There are many platforms available to upload your course to, with different pros and cons. The key is to find one that fits your budget and technical skills. Skillshare, Udemy, and Coursera are popular course sites and people also use YouTube. 

4. Create exceptional content. You want your course to stand out and you can do this by creating high-quality content like videos, worksheets, quizzes and showing real-life scenarios to engage and educate your students. 

5. Market your course. It’s important to get your audience excited about your course. You can do this by promoting your course on social media, in Facebook groups, on LinkedIn, and contributing to a publication or podcast where you can mention your new course.  

In conclusion, creating courses is an excellent way for interior designers to share their expertise and create another stream of income. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced interior designer, creating courses is a great way to share your knowledge and expand your business.

xx, Danae 

Passive Income for Interior Designers: Affiliate Marketing

Interior designers with a strong online presence or who have a very specific niche are very well-suited for using affiliate marketing to create a stream of passive income. Affiliate marketing works by a company providing a commission to a designer who has successfully promoted their product. A simple way to use affiliate marketing is through shoppable mood boards or creating a shop with affiliate links on your website.

How Interior Designers Can Get Started with Affiliate Marketing

1. Identify products that you are using in your projects or recommending regularly to clients.

2. Research affiliate marketing programs offered by those brands and companies. Many companies offer a way to earn a commission if a client purchases a product from your recommendation.

3. Apply to be an affiliate marketer. Once approved, the designer can begin to promote their favorite products on social media, through blog posts or newsletters, or by creating shoppable mood boards.

4. When someone purchases through the designer’s affiliate link, the interior designer earns a commission.

By using affiliate marketing, interior designers can earn passive income without having to actively sell their favorite products. However, it's strongly advised to disclose affiliate links and be transparent about any financial incentives involved to maintain trust with your audience and clients.

Benefits of Using Affiliate Marketing to Create Passive Income

It’s low-risk: Getting started with affiliate marketing doesn’t require much upfront investment as joining an affiliate marketing program is usually free and promoting the items can be done on social media or a designer’s website.

It’s hassle-free: The designer is not responsible for any shipping responsibilities or keeping inventory.

It’s a way to gain exposure to new brands and products: By partnering with reputable companies, interior designers can be the first to know of new products.

It helps create additional income streams: Affiliate marketing allows designers to create passive income while still focusing on their main services.

Tips for Successful Affiliate Marketing

Choose relevant products that align with the designer’s brand and their target audience: For example, an interior designer who focuses on sustainable design would benefit from promoting products from brands that are eco-friendly. Well-received promotions will result in higher conversion rates.

Create high-quality content to promote products in a natural way: A carefully-curated shoppable mood board that compliments the designer’s brand can be promoted on social media or blog posts to show clients what products they are loving at the moment.

Be transparent about affiliate links: This can be done by mentioning that a link is an affiliate link or by using hashtags like #ad or #affiliate when posting on social media.

Where to Get Started

There are many sites for interior designers to get started as an affiliate marketer. You may have heard of some, such as Side Door and RewardStyle. Or you may not know that sites you’re already using, like Wayfair and Amazon, have affiliate programs. The most important aspect is finding a company that aligns with your brand and target audience.

In short, any interior designer who is interested in creating additional income streams and has an online platform and audience can potentially benefit from affiliate marketing.

xx, Danae

Six Simple, Yet Highly Effective Ideas for Virtual Team Building

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Are you an interior designer with remote employees or outsourcing collaborators? Then you know how challenging it can be to maintain open communication and build a sense of camaraderie while juggling everything else. While the idea of team-building can elicit mixed reactions, it's a worthwhile and sorely underestimated investment for any business owner. By fostering connections between team members, you can deepen their bonds and improve communication, leading to better work performance, productivity, and job satisfaction.

The good news is that virtual team-building exercises don’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or necessarily cost you a penny. From simple check-ins to team games, you can build a stronger and happier team. Here are some easy ideas to get started.

1. Master your online platforms and software. To create a strong sense of community and effective communication in a virtual team, it's important to make the most of an online platform like Slack, Asana, or Trello. These platforms provide a space for colleagues to interact, share ideas, and collaborate seamlessly. Knowing your way around your video conferencing platform of choice, such as Zoom or Google Meet, is essential, as features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, whiteboards, and remote control are indispensable tools for virtual communication.

2. Set regular team meetings. By scheduling regular company-wide communication, you can create a welcoming environment that encourages everyone to share their thoughts and ideas. These meetings help to keep everyone informed, ensure that short and long-term goals are within sight, and give everyone a voice. To make the meetings more engaging, consider starting by having each person share their "high" and "low" of the week, whether it be work-related or not. Alternatively, you can kick off team meetings with an icebreaker question to get everyone thinking and interacting, such as “If you were alone in a dark cabin, with only one match and a lamp, a fireplace, and a candle to choose from, which would you light first?”

3. Welcome feedback. While team meetings can be a great forum for sharing ideas, they may not be the best place for constructive criticism. To encourage honest feedback, consider setting up a virtual “suggestion box” for anonymous submissions, and commit to reading and addressing them once a month. Additionally, taking the time to check in with each team member individually can provide valuable insights and allow for open discussion on what's working well and areas that could be improved. Even though you have the final say in your own business, being receptive to your team's feedback can be incredibly valuable.

4. Celebrate the wins. It's easy to get caught up in the momentum of completing tasks and immediately move on to the next one. But taking a beat to celebrate big milestones (completing an important project) or small successes (finding a creative solution to a design conundrum) boosts morale and pumps the team up to keep going. Whether it’s a quick shout-out in a team meeting or an Uber Eats gift card for a job well done, the gesture goes a long way. When team members feel appreciated and united, their performance tends to improve, so it’s truly a win-win.

5. Play online games together. One great way to encourage team bonding is by playing online games together, especially those that require collaboration and communication skills. Set a time limit beforehand and inform your team about it, so that no one gets stressed about time constraints and can organize their workday accordingly. Then it’s time to have fun! Here are some options:

• "Can You Hear Me Now?" is a virtual game that requires excellent communication skills and collaboration. One team member becomes the speaker, and the others are artists. The speaker must describe a randomly generated image using only geometric shapes, and the artists must draw it and then share their masterpieces. The game is not only fun but also teaches the importance of effective communication in a remote team setting.

• Pancakes vs Waffles is a decision-making discussion game that encourages team members to share their values. In each round, the team must choose between two options (such as Pancakes vs Waffles), with one being eliminated each time. The game starts with a simple choice and gradually becomes more personal as new options are added. The game mechanics are helpful for virtual team building because they create a low-stakes environment for sharing personal values.

• There are infinite online games that you can play with your remote team, whether competing in groups or individually. Online trivia, quizzes, and games are a great way to spark enthusiasm. Some fantastic free options are Words with Friends, Scattergories, Skribbl (like Pictionary), TypingTest, or even Geoguessr. If you use Slack, you probably already know about their own game apps. Why not create a “Guess Who” quiz on Kahoot with fun facts about you and your team members? There are also paid platforms designed specifically for team-building experiences, such as QuizBreaker or TriviaMaker.

6. Spend time together offline.

If it's feasible within your company's budget and team members’ travel abilities, consider renting a property that can accommodate everyone and planning a fun itinerary with both group sessions and activities. Make sure to leave enough free time for spontaneous deep conversations that can really strengthen your team bonds. Otherwise, meeting to attend industry events together is a great way to keep up with design trends and also bond and learn as a team.

As you can see, when it comes to team-building activities, there are endless options to choose from. From team meetings to virtual games, the most important thing is to create an environment that fosters open dialogue, collaboration, and enjoyment among your team members–yourself included–who are the driving force behind your company's success. Not only will it add some joy and insight into your work day, but investing in your team today will reap high returns for your company. So why not start planning a team-building activity today and watch your team thrive?

xx, Danae

Passive Income for Interior Designers: YouTube

A perfect passive income option for designers who also enjoy public speaking and have confidence in front of a camera is creating a YouTube channel. The amount of ideas for interior design video content is endless and it could be a fun way to create another stream of income.

YouTube Video Ideas 

1. Decorating Tips + Tricks: Viewers would love to see how designers decorate different spaces around their home, such as a bookshelf, a reading corner, or the fireplace mantel. Interior designers can also show how they create cohesive color schemes and choose different patterns that work together. If you have a niche aesthetic, this could be a great way to show viewers how to pick different design items and why.

2. Behind-The-Scenes Look: Taking viewers behind the scenes of a project, from showing how to create a mood board to creating renders for the project and the big final reveal is a great idea for a YouTube video or even a series of videos. Showing the professional process is really interesting for viewers and potential clients. Designers can showcase how they keep their client’s interests and desires in mind while bringing their vision to life. 

3. Q & A Video: If you are getting direct messages on social media, a perfect way to answer those questions is through a YouTube video. Questions could vary from being about the design process, how-to questions, or even just about your professional background. This is a personable way to let viewers and potential clients get to know you. 

4. Design Challenges: Choosing to tackle a realistic design challenge like creating a furniture plan for a studio apartment or decorating a space with a limited budget is a fun way for designers to get creative and showcase how they take on challenging projects. Even more, it’s inspiring for people watching who may be facing those challenges themselves. 

 How To Use YouTube to Create Passive Income 

To get started on YouTube, interior designers should create a YouTube channel where they can create content dedicated to interior design. YouTube provides a monetization feature that allows content creators to earn money through advertising revenue. To be eligible for monetization, a channel must have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months. Paired with additional affiliate marketing and sponsored products, this could create a substantial additional revenue stream. 

A key tip for anyone getting started with YouTube is to stay consistent. An audience doesn’t grow exponentially overnight. It’s about consistently creating quality content and truly enjoying the process. A major perk of YouTube is letting people get to know the real you, the face behind the brand, and why you’re passionate about interior design. 

xx, Danae

Passive Income For Interior Designers: Digital Downloads (Part 1)

Do you have any tasks that you feel like you’re doing over and over and that you’d like to streamline? Well this task could create a great opportunity for passive income which would create another stream of income for your business.

With passive income, you do work upfront (in this case, it may even be work you are already doing), and earn over time with minimal maintenance. This can provide you with greater financial stability and freedom, as well as the potential to increase your overall income and build wealth over time. A great option for designers to create passive income is through digital downloads. There are many different types of digital downloads you can create easily once and then sell for years.

Here are some ideas for digital downloads:

How-To Guides & Templates

Maybe you feel like you’re constantly getting asked the same questions about paint colors, accent walls, or art ideas.  Moreover, this is a topic that you could explain in your sleep. A great option to convert this into passive income would be to create a how-to guide or template for clients to download from your website – a win win for you and the buyer as they get your professional design expertise and you get paid for it without doing repetitive work. Another great benefit of guides like these is that you can create more than one! 

A simple way to get started with this is to write down common client questions that you feel you’re answering repeatedly or are getting asked on social media. If you have a niche that you are known for you could create a “Getting Start Guide” for clients who are curious about working with you. An even simpler version would be to produce a template with images and graphics on your topic, like how to create the perfect accent wall for example. Selling guides and templates with simple graphics that showcase your expertise is a perfect way to get started with digital downloads.

eBooks

eBooks are another great way to make passive income with your design expertise for clients who like more DIY type projects. An in depth book that could help customers with a bathroom refresh, picking paint colors, decorating for a rental, or how to Feng Shui their space are examples of successful ebooks on the market. Similar to a how-to guide, they get a lot of expert design knowledge and you don't have to do anything but the initial set up.

Where to Sell Digital Downloads

With strong marketing your digital downloads could bring in quite a bit of revenue. There are many places you can post your downloads to be purchased, the first one being your own website. As clients are already browsing your services, having a shop on your site with digital downloads that answer their design questions could be a quick way for you to make some passive income. You could also create an Etsy or Shopify account to sell your products. That way whenever you receive a DM asking a simple design question, you can let the inquirer know that you have created an entire guide that answers all of their questions.

Passive income can take some effort and investment to set up initially, but once you have established your sources of passive income, they can continue to generate income for you over the long term with minimal ongoing effort required.

Let us know if we can help! We’ve got VDA’s on the team that love helping designers create passive income streams. More in this series to come!

 xx, Danae

Top 9 Podcasts for Interior Designers

The thing about being an interior designer is that your work is never truly done, even after a project is completed. Staying current with the latest trends and networking with other industry professionals to share insights can be challenging, especially when time or energy is in short supply. And if you’re a solo entrepreneur, it can be a lonely road at times.

Luckily, there's something that can help with all of that: listening to a podcast. Whether you're on your morning walk or driving to a job site, podcasts provide a convenient way to relax and soak up knowledge from others in the field. With so many options out there, I've compiled a list of some picks, covering a range of topics from interior design to entrepreneurship and lifestyle. So keep your headphones handy and check out these design podcasts!

A quick note: Many of these podcasts are also available on their own website or other platforms such as Audible or iHeartRadio!

A Well-Designed Business

Hosted by LuAnn Nigara. EVERYONE KNOWS LUANN. Anyone who has ever asked me what podcast I recommend to help you grow a profitable and successful business … I tell them to listen to this podcast. I’ve learned a tremendous amount that has helped me grow Elite Design Assistants and I’m not a designer but an industry partner. Whether you are a new or seasoned designer, this podcast is excellent for continued education on best practices in the interior design industry. And if you are a craving more podcasts there are several more below!

Listen: The #1 Rated Interior Design Business Podcast - A Well-Designed Business® (luannnigara.com)

Monocle on Design

Hosted by Monocle's design editor, Nolan Giles, this podcast covers everything from architecture and furniture to product design and urban planning. Each episode features interviews with some of the most influential designers, thinkers, and innovators in the industry, providing valuable insights and perspectives on the latest trends and issues facing our field.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Design Time

While the most recent episode aired in December 2022, there is still a treasure trove of industry insight from the likes of Kelly Wearstler and Jonathan Adler. Hosted by the editors of Domino magazine, this podcast promises tricks and strategies for interior design and lifestyle, too!

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Dark House

If you're looking for something thrilling to spice up your podcast queue, Dark House is a fascinating mashup of interior design, true crime, and even a bit of the paranormal. With guest interviews featuring authors, set designers, psychic mediums, and paranormal investigators, Dark House delves into the dark and mysterious histories behind a few of the most beautiful yet infamous homes around.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Modern House

As an interior designer, you'll appreciate how this podcast features chats with not only interior designers, but also architects, fashion designers, editors, and other inspiring professionals with their own fresh takes. From discussing the latest trends in modern design to exploring the relationship between architecture and nature, this podcast is sure to inspire your own work.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Chairish

This podcast features interviews with a range of experts, including designers, influencers, and entrepreneurs. They share insights on the latest trends, best practices for running an interior design business, and how to navigate the world of online design. With practical tips and advice from seasoned professionals, Chairish is an excellent resource for those looking to stay on top of their game and take their businesses to the next level.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

How to Decorate

As its name would suggest, this podcast features candid conversations with designers and industry professionals who share their tips and tricks for tackling a wide range of decorating challenges, from selecting paint colors to creating a cohesive design scheme. With a friendly and accessible approach, How to Decorate provides practical advice and inspiration for designers at all levels.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Interior Design Business

Here is a monthly podcast from out of the UK, but you can benefit from a wealth of practical advice that applies to interior designers universally. Listen to practitioners and educators talk about topics like sustainability, home staging, and getting your business off the ground.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Clever

Here is a great resource for fellow interior designers looking to stay inspired and connected to the broader design community. Hosted by designer Amy Devers, "Clever" features interviews with leading designers, artists, and creatives from around the world. The podcast provides a fun and engaging platform for these creatives to share their unique perspectives and experiences on design, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

The Interior Collective

Looking for a fun and informative podcast that's all about the business of beautiful living? Then you'll definitely want to check out The Interior Collective. Hosted by Anastasia Casey from IDCO Studio, this podcast brings together some of the most influential names in the industry, including Shea McGee, Clara Jung, and Amber Lewis, to provide you with actionable advice that you can use to take your own practice to the next level.

Listen: Spotify | Apple Podcasts

If you haven't already joined the podcast wave, you’re about to find out that not only are they incredibly informative, but they're also incredibly addictive! Keep in mind that these are just the tip of the iceberg, and there are many more great design podcasts out there. So, take some time to explore and discover new podcasts to keep your design knowledge fresh and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends. Happy listening!

xx, Danae

P.S. I have been on a few podcasts throughout the year. Check them out and let me know what you think!

• Creative Genius Podcast: Outsourcing Virtual Assistants with Danae Branson

• Business of Design Podcast: Episode 386 | Outsource It with Danae Branson

• Quiet Wealth Podcast - Episode 122: Launching a Virtual Design Business with Danae Branson

• The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast: Episode 49 - Let's Talk About Outsourcing Your Interior Design Tasks with Elite Design Assistants

6 Simple Steps to Creating a Picture-Perfect Picnic

There's nothing quite like a picnic, is there? It’s the ultimate flexible and wallet-friendly way to enjoy all kinds of different settings in the great outdoors and soak up some much-needed vitamin D. Picnics are the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends, family, or a romantic date, no reservation necessary. You can stay as long as you’d like, and you have complete control over the menu. Oh, and done right, it’s irresistible Instagram material. As interior designers, we often can’t pass up an opportunity to style a shoot.

So, whether you're a seasoned picnic pro or amateur, I'm here to share my checklist that will make your picnic prep quick and carefree.

1. Scout the right setting

A successful picnic is all about enjoying the atmosphere, so scope out the location and check the weather ahead of time (even though you never know). Some common–for good reason–picnic destinations include a local park, beach, or riverfront. But you can also search near you for lookout points, botanical gardens, vineyards, rooftops, boats for rent, or even farms that are open to visitors. Just make sure there’s a nice, even surface to set up on, preferably far from any traffic, and check for any local restrictions or regulations that might affect your picnic plans, such as no-alcohol or pet-free zones.

2. Make up the menu

It may be easiest to pitch the potluck approach, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you’re aiming for an aesthetic picnic, you might need to take charge. Choose items that are easy to serve and won't spoil or melt in the sun, but also consider their presentation.

One favorite option is a simple cheese and charcuterie board (on a cute cutting board, of course). Another great option is a DIY sandwich bar with fresh bread, meats, cheeses, and condiments. Olives and nuts make great finger snacks. Mason jar salads, a crudité platter with hummus or other dip, or colorful veggie chips are healthy additions, and fruit skewers or chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert. Some great drink options are cucumber water, fresh-squeezed lemonade, flavored kombucha, wine or champagne. Remember to bring a cooler with ice!

3. Serve sustainably

Taking a cue from the mason jar salad idea, using eco-friendly supplies is a must for any responsible picnic-goer. Opt for reusable plates, cups, and utensils made from materials like bamboo or stainless steel. Glass champagne glasses can add an elegant touch to any picnic, unless you have small children or pets running around. Consider investing in a set of reusable cloth napkins. Not only do they look cute and Instagram-worthy, but they're also much more environmentally friendly than their paper counterparts. All of these items can be washed and reused for future picnics, reducing waste and saving you money in the long run.

4. Create a cozy atmosphere

Being comfortable is essential to really enjoying the experience, and no one wants to sit on a hard, bumpy surface for even 5 minutes. Bring enough cushions for each person to sit on, and even a few extra blankets for the ground or in case it gets chilly. Or bring foldable chairs and a table, if sitting on the ground isn’t your thing. Consider bringing a portable shade canopy or umbrella to provide an escape from strong rays. And if you're worried about pesky bugs, light a citronella candle and keep food covered when possible. Pro tip: sprinkle chalk or talcum powder around your picnic blanket–or use a DIY bug spray with essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint with water–which deter ants from crashing your party.

5. Add low-maintenance activities

While eating and chatting the afternoon away may be more than enough to keep you busy, it can be fun to play some games. With so much already going on, you’ll want to keep these activities low-maintenance. So choose simple games like frisbee, fishbowl, charades, giant jenga, cornhole, or a deck of cards (beware of windy days!) that can provide hours of entertainment without too much setup or clean up. Another great option is to bring along a Bluetooth speaker and put on a collaborative playlist (be sure not to disturb others nearby). For a more serene vibe, activities like yoga or painting can be a fun addition. Or if you must go all out, why not set up an outdoor cinema with a portable projector?

6. Style the shot

Every element mentioned above is an opportunity for a visually appealing addition to your picnic scene. So think about what theme or color scheme you’d like to follow. Romantic Mediterranean? Colorful hippie? Sweet and rustic? Starting with the quintessential picnic item, your picnic blanket, and choose matching cushions. A classic wicker picnic basket is always charming, or opt for a more contemporary take. Other items that can serve as props in your photos include cute serving trays, fresh flowers or greenery, straw hats, sunglasses, books, or even someone’s bike! Remove unappealing objects such as any wrappers, phones, or other personal items that only add clutter. Take photos at different times to catch flattering lighting, such as the golden hour. Try photographing your picnic from a variety of perspectives, including from above, showing a bit more of the environment, and of course, including your loved ones to capture the wonderful memory.

Picnicking isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors and create lasting memories with your loved ones. By following these tips, you can elevate your picnic game and create a delightful setting that reflects your personal style. Remember to be flexible, and don't worry too much about the small details. So grab your picnic basket, embrace the spontaneity, and have fun every step of the way.

Happy picnicking!

xx, Danae

Attract the Clients You Want with Your Brand Identity

As an interior designer, you already know how crucial it is to create a space that speaks to our clients' personalities and accommodates their needs. But, to attract the right clients and provide an outstanding experience from the very beginning, a solid brand identity is key. When it comes to standing out in a sea of competitors, the "face" you show the world is everything. So, let's dive into what makes up your brand identity and discover ways to make it shine!

What is your brand identity?

A brand identity is essentially the personality, visual style, and voice of your interior design business that communicates who you are, what you stand for, and what sets you apart from the competition. And all of these elements are best compiled in a brand book, which becomes the ultimate guide for your team.

Identifying Your Target Client

Before you can create a brand identity that resonates with your target client, you need to have a clear understanding of who they are. Think about who you would enjoy working with and feel fulfilled helping. How old are they, or what life stage are they in? What income level or budget do they have? What are their values, and what’s their lifestyle like? And what are their pain points? Use this information to create a detailed client persona that you will keep in mind, as they are the inspiration behind every aspect of your brand identity.

Defining Your Unique Selling Proposition

Your USP is what sets you apart from the competition and makes you the obvious choice for potential clients. To define your USP, start by identifying what makes you different from other interior designers in your area. This could be a specific design style, a unique approach to client communication, or a focus on a niche like sustainability or wellness. Once you've identified your unique strengths, use them to create a clear and compelling message that communicates why you're the best choice for clients who share your values and appreciate your expertise.

Creating Your Visual Brand Elements

Your brand elements or brand assets typically consist of the visual and design components that make up the brand's look and feel, which are used consistently across all marketing and communication channels to create a recognizable and cohesive brand presence. This includes your logo design (and its variations), color palette, typography, iconography, patterns or textures, layout templates, and usage guidelines for all of the above. Work with a talented graphic designer to create a cohesive and memorable visual identity.

Establishing Your Voice

A clear and consistent brand voice is crucial for creating a strong and memorable brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Your brand voice is the tone, personality, and language you use in all of your written communications, from your website and social media to your newsletters and client communications. To define your brand voice, brainstorm the words and phrases that would best resonate with your ideal client and use them consistently. 

Building the Online Experience

From your social media to your website, the content you present–and the way you present it–all sends a message about your company. So make sure it delivers the right sensations, such as luxury, sophistication, or approachability, depending on your brand personality. Pay attention to website templates and click paths that will affect how potential clients perceive your company through their user experience. Consider hiring a web designer to help you create a tasteful and strategic website that showcases your brand identity.

Using Targeted Advertising

If you want to get your business in front of the right people, targeted advertising is a great way to do it. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer ways to advertise directly to your ideal clients. By creating ads that are consistent with your brand identity and visually appealing, you'll be able to grab the attention of the people you want to work with. So, take advantage of these advertising tools and put your business where it needs to be!

Researching Like-Minded Brands

When it comes to building a strong brand identity, you don't have to limit yourself to the interior design industry. There are plenty of other companies out there that can inspire you, from fashion to technology. Look for brands that share your values and personality and see how they express themselves visually and through messaging. This can help you create a brand identity that stands out from the rest and feels uniquely you.

Measuring Your Success

Just like you're always tweaking your business, don't forget to keep an eye on how your brand is doing. Make some specific goals and benchmarks to help you keep track of how well your branding is working. That could mean checking website traffic, how many people are engaging with you on social media, or how many customer referrals you're getting. When you have a good handle on how your brand is performing, you can keep it in tune with your audience and keep your business growing.

You've just had a quick glimpse into the vast world of brand identity, but there's still so much to explore. As a designer, you already possess some talents that are useful in creating a brand identity, but don't be shy to get some expert help from graphic design and marketing professionals to ensure that every aspect of your brand stands out. By developing an outstanding brand identity for your interior design business and sharing it with your team, you'll become a magnet for your perfect clients and projects!

xx, Danae