Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business Marketing – Details, episodes & analysis

Facing a business slowdown? Your first move shouldn't be panic—it should be strategic competitor analysis. Jason shares a powerful yet underutilized approach that helped one Dallas designer develop an entirely new revenue stream matching or exceeding her design business income.

The conversation begins with a sobering reality check about social media reach. With Facebook delivering only 2% organic reach, Instagram 9%, LinkedIn 5%, and Twitter 3%, designers must shift their perspective on social platforms. Rather than viewing them as daily marketing necessities, Jason suggests using social channels strategically for competitor intelligence.

This comprehensive analysis approach starts by identifying your true competition—both those you recognize and those search engines define as your competitors. By examining what they post, how frequently they publish, engagement rates, and especially which ads they run consistently (those running 90+ days are definitely working), you'll discover gaps in the market where you can provide unique value.

The beauty of this approach lies in its versatility. The insights gained from competitor analysis extend far beyond social strategy, informing your website content, service offerings, blog topics, and overall marketing direction. By understanding what resonates with your audience and identifying where competitors fall short, you position yourself to thrive regardless of economic conditions.

Ready to implement these strategies and more? Jason invites listeners to join the Designer Discussions Academy, opening for enrollment in October. This membership provides weekly actionable steps to simplify marketing and boost business growth in the design industry.

Take control of your business future now. Remember, your potential clients learn 80% of what they'll know about you before ever making contact—will they find you or your competition when searching for their perfect project?

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:​

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-141-What-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-your-business-starts-to-slow-down

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Ready to break free from the social media hamster wheel? This eye-opening episode tackles the uncomfortable truth about social media marketing for design professionals. Maria delivers a refreshing perspective that will transform how you approach your digital presence.

For years, designers have been chasing viral moments and follower counts, hoping to attract high-profile clients, television opportunities, or magazine features. But this approach fundamentally misunderstands how business development actually works in the design industry. When you examine the data, the disconnect becomes clear – even if you achieve that coveted viral moment, your content reaches geographical locations where you don't even offer services.

We dive into what potential clients are actually doing before they contact you. With 82% of consumer research happening before the first phone call, your digital presence matters – but not in the way you might think. Your website, Google Business Profile, and social accounts serve as validation of your expertise, not primary marketing channels. This distinction changes everything about how you should approach content creation.

The numbers don't lie. Current organic reach statistics reveal the harsh reality: Facebook (2.2%), Instagram (9.4%), LinkedIn (5.3%), and Twitter (3.6%). This means the vast majority of your followers never see your posts unless you pay to promote them. We outline a simplified content strategy that respects your time while still providing the social proof potential clients seek.

Ready to transform your relationship with social media? Join us for this perspective-shifting conversation that will free you from digital overwhelm and help you create a sustainable, effective online presence that actually supports your business goals. Don't miss our follow-up episode where Jason dives deeper into optimizing your digital marketing approach!

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:​

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-140-How-to-break-up-with-social-media

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Explore how to transform your design business for the better and unlock the secrets of successful collaboration in our special year-end review of Designer Discussions. Join Jason, Maria, and Mirjam as we highlight the most captivating moments of 2024, including Katie Decker's expert insights on optimizing design operations for profitability and her memorable tips from High Point. Relive the intriguing revelations on the evolution of digital PR with Mirjam, including the unique journey of Haro, and discover unexpected tech facets with Maria’s deep dive into AI and chat GPT-4.

Celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines our industry with Maria's reflection on Tori Sikama's episode, where photography transcends its role as a mere marketing tool to become an integral part of brand partnerships. Hear firsthand how building relationships with photographers can elevate your business branding and content creation. Reflect with us on the rich insights our guests have shared, and join us in anticipation of the exciting innovations and opportunities awaiting us in 2025.

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:​

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-131-Year-End-Review-2024

The links and past episodes mentioned in the episode​ are:

• Episode 130
• Episode 127
• Episode 126
• Episode 125
• Episode 109
• NKBA Webinar

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

This is the first episode of a series where co-host Maria Martin introduces us to the concept of behavioral economics and explains how the principles apply to the work and business of interior design.

• What is behavioral economics
• Conscious vs. unconscious behavior
• Learning from big biz and applying it to your client relationship
• Watch for more episodes in this series!

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-41-Behavioral-Economics-Why-do-we-turn-down-the-radio-when-we-are-lost

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Our own digital marketing Expert Jason explains how you can use SEO to drive traffic to your website.

• SEO needs to be continuous to stay relevant
• It’s “digital ditch digging”!
• Start with an up-to-date website
• Add content to your website - refer to episode #26
• Set up a detailed Google Business Profile
• Name your images
• Use keywords

Find more information on SEO and all things digital marketing on Jason’s website: https://www.kitchenandbathmarketingsolutions.com/

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-40-Driving-more-traffic-to-your-website-through-SEO

Resources mentioned in this episode:

•  Google My Business Guide: https://www.kitchenandbathmarketingsolutions.com/google-my-business-2022-guide.html
• SEO Checklist: https://www.kitchenandbathmarketingsolutions.com/the-complete-seo-checklist-for-interior-designers-and-home-remodelers.html

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

In this episode, the Designer Discussions team discusses their experience and tips for hiring people into your design business.

• When to hire
• What to hire for
• Employees vs. contractors
• Skillset vs. personality
• The importance of job descriptions and SOPs

Find more information on Designer Discussions..

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-39-Hiring-Tips-for-Design-Professionals

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Have you ever wondered why it costs so much to hire a publicist? In this episode, Designer Discussions co-host and PR expert Mirjam Lippuner shares why that is and what options you have.

• In interior design, “being published” is not optional, it’s required to be recognized.
• Not unlike interior design, PR is a service, so publicists get paid for their time.
• You pay for strategic expertise, industry experience, relationships
• Different providers: Large agencies, boutique agencies, solo consultants
• Different ways to charge: typically retainer - long-term because PR is long term, partnership - they are part of your team; Project; Hourly
• Average cost
  • Retainers $3-5K
  • Hourly rates $100-350
• PR is not cheap and it shouldn’t be!

DIY is an option! There are a lot great free resources, and Get Ink DIY offers a unique program that’s a hybrid of DIY and done-for-you.

Find more info on Get Ink DIY here, or email Mirjam at mirjam@getinkdiy.com.

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-38-Why-PR-is-So-Expensive

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Be a go-to interior designer for writers to get your business featured. Catch the vital tips in this episode. 

In this episode, Designer Discussions co-host and PR expert Mirjam Lippuner talks with Kelsey Ogletree, a freelance writer and journalist who contributes to many high-profile media outlets.

• How does a freelance writer work
• What is the difference between an freelance journalist and an editor
• How to find the right freelance writers
• How to pitch a freelancer
• Tips on pitching interior design projects and ideas

Find more information on Kelsey on her website: https://www.kelseyogletree.com/

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-37-How-to-work-with-freelance-journalists-to-get-published

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Simple techniques to learn how to begin a marketing strategy for your business. 

In this episode, Designer Discussions co-host and digital marketing expert Jason Lockhart shares the three most important things you need to focus on in your marketing.

The three M’s of marketing success:

• Know your Market and who you are marketing to
• Also refer to episode #6 of the podcast
• Define your Message to target your ideal client
• Choose the right Media to reach your targets
• Start with your website, as we explain in episode #12

Find more information on Jason and other great resources about marketing here:

https://www.kitchenandbathmarketingsolutions.com/

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-36-The-3-Fundamentals-of-Marketing-Success

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY

Pricing is also about value. Learn about the link and how to use it in your best interest. In this episode, Maria Martin, co-host of this podcast, interior designer and Design Appy founder, is talking about how designers can approach pricing their services based on the value they provide, not the hours they spend.

• How to use comparison to help position you offer
• Most budgets are not arbitrary
• Change the framing, the value, the price
• Create your ideal proposal for your ideal client - aim high
• Create a design menu, not just one proposal

Find more information on Maria here: https://designappy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/designappy/

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-35-Pricing-with-context-for-value

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

Download our FREE Client Avatar Guide https://designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/store.

Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY