3 Tips to automate your interior design business
Do you ever feel like you are being pulled in multiple directions in your interior design business? If your task list is full, you have three options: delete, delegate, or automate the task.
In this blog post, I will give you three tips to start automating tasks in your workflow so that you can spend time on the tasks that push the needle in your interior design business.
Automate your emails: Emails are an incredible time suck. One way we can free up time in our business is to have a set of templates we can use to build upon or refer to when we need it. I have a list of around 70 plus templates that I regularly use in my business. They cover everything from thank you to those sticky emails to which we don't immediately know the answer. I keep these emails in a Notion database or have saved them into my CRM. This saves so much time and is invaluable when I don't know what to say.
Project management software: This type of software can help you keep track of deadlines, budgets, and progress on multiple projects at once. Some popular options include Asana, Trello, and Basecamp. I use a combination of Asana and Notion. I could stick with Notion, but I like looking at my daily to-do list in Asana. When I start a new project, I set up my Project database to tick all the items off as I work through them.
Use automation tools: I have use several tools to help me get through the amount of work I have to do daily. I use Tailwind for my Pinterest pins, Later for my other social media. I use Zapier to help me post on platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. It's a bit of learning to get these automations to work together, but it is much easier than finding the time to do everything.
I'm putting together my 70+ email templates in a handy package for interior designers. I'll be soft launching them later this week for $67. They include :
Thank you for your inquiry
Inquiry Follow Up email
Inquiry Confirmation email
Inquiry call reminder
Sorry I am booked/ Not a great fit email
Budget is too small email
Timeline is too tight email
Client ghosting /re-engagement email
Client comes back to you after ghosting email
Inquiry call booking email
Book your design consultation email
Confirmation of the design consultation
Design consultation reminder
Thank you for the consultation and next steps
Consultation summary email
Your design proposal is attached
Design proposal follow up
Your design contract/retainer request
Discount request for project
Onboarding /Welcome Guide attached email
Kickoff meeting to book
Kickoff meeting confirmation
Client meeting to book
Client Meeting Confirmed
Client Inspiration gathering
Your client portal
Design presentation meeting to book
Design presentation meeting confirmed
Your design presentation meeting is ready to view
Trade day
Weekly updatea
Approval for design
Design concept revision
Feedback follow up
Project Timelines
Project timeline/scheduling update
Project scope creep
Client nuture email
Site visit notes
Site visit issues email
Response required
Installation day
Project completion date
Client binder
Testimonial request
Testimonial thank you email
Referral request
One Year Anniversary email
Significant event email
Out of office
Check in and following up email
When you receive a text communication , against your policy
Conflict resolution
Mistake/error
Issue with order
When a client requests to contact a source/supplier directly
Client has purchased furniture & wants you to 'check'
Designer initiated project pause
Client requests out of scope tasks
Delivery delay
Back order update
Delivery confirmation
Payment Overdue/Invoice reminder
Billing
Warehouse invoice
Extras invoice-advance permission
Account review
A client asks you a question that you need time to answer
These emails will come with video trainings and instructions so you can quickly implement them in your business.
Sign up with the waitlist below if you want to be notified when they are live!
Hi 👋🏽 I’m Joanne!
I’m an interior designer, educator and business coach. After studying Economics and Education at uni, the design world beckoned, drawing me to Christie’s in London, where I completed post-grad studies in art & design and then to Hong Kong, where I founded Eclectic Cool, a design firm and design store. . Eclectic Cool represented international brands such as Gubi, &tradition, HAY, Armadillo Rugs & Dinosaur Designs to name a few. My work and store have been featured in Monocle, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle Decor, Expat Living, Cathay Pacific inflight magazines, South China Morning Post and the ABC (Australia) network and more. I live on the south coast of Australia on a country property between the beautiful Australian bush and the Pacific Ocean with my husband and cavoodle. I’m the mum of three adult children.
