Hello Fellow designers! I've been thinking about starting this blog where I can share a bit more of my experience of running my interior design biz, and if you are trying to grow yours, be a resource that will help you thrive. I'd love to know what topics would it be something you are interested in learning more about so I can create the entries accordingly! So leave a comment, send me an e-mail, or a DM however you prefer, I'd love to know. As for this one, I thought of sharing my favorite 3 interior design tools that I use every day to run my business. I've been on my own for more than 2 years, and it's been a trial and error for a long time sometimes still I decide a tool is not for me; So I do suggest trying and finding out what works better for your Interior design business and workflows.
I will start with a general look at my workflow and the tools I use for every step of my design onboarding process.
1-Onboarding a new client
Tool: Honeybook.
I use Honeybook for a lot of things in my business. Most importantly, Improved my Workflow 100%. My lead form is through them...so on my website, I have this contact form that automatically connects with my Honeybook portal and creates a new lead. My Customized lead form includes specific questions that help me understand the needs of my future client and the best scope that fits their project- with this said, I contact them with the information I received, already with a plan of action on how to get their project started. A smooth start for them and easy for me.
Other than that, I do have my contracts there, I invoice, and I have automation through this platform. I've been with them since I started my business and although it is an investment, I've found it SO WORTH IT. Plus, with their new smart files, I'm now able to ask for immediate feedback on my client's projects. If you want to know more about how I use Honeybook, let me know and I can create a specific blog entry on how I use it and better practices to improve your workflow.
Recap: Honeybook is for you if...
1- You need to optimize your workflow and enjoy more the design process.
2- You need a platform to invoice, schedule, and sign contracts.
3- You want a responsive space where your client can find all the e-mails and files in the same spot.
If you want to give it a try, Get 50% Off your first year with my referral code by clicking the button below. You also have a 7-day trial to see if it is the right fit for you.
2- Start of the Creative Process.
Tool: Milanote
Once I signed a client, and gathered the information I needed, My creative process starts. This means, mood boards, brainstorming, context research and I start gathering together all the visual elements that I need to start creating mood boards or style boards.
This website app has helped me to have all the links of products, pins, etc. in the same spot with client boards. You can add color schemes, and notes and even draw in it. My favorite feature is that I can create boards inside boards allowing me to have a client brief, mood board, to-do lists, and schedules and never miss a due date.
Recap: Milanote is for you if...
1- You need a place to organize pictures, inspiration pins, and brainstorming.
2- You struggle with to-do's and due dates.
3- You want to share ideas with your clients through a website.
I do not have a promo code for you with Milanote, but they have a free plan for you to try it out! website:
Let me know your thoughts!
3- Material Board Tool: Mattoboard
The Most Innovative app I've been using EVERY DAY. The fact you can create realistic material boards for your clients and the fact it's completely FREE and you can download your boards with good quality, is just pure gold. I used to do material boards in Photoshop emulating shadows, materiality, etc. But this app is a game changer. My process is way faster and the options you can create are endless.
I'm not sure if they will develop a subscription or if they will keep it as a free resource, but definitely something you should be taking advantage of to elevate your deliverables.
Hope this is helpful for you, I'm getting ready to share more details about running an Interior design business and hopefully in the future create a community where we all can help each other! :)
Leave a comment below with what would you like to learn more about and I'll get on it!
Write to you soon, creative.
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