Tammy Hart, I.D.D.P, CAPS is a graduate and tutor of QC Design School, as well as a Certified Aging in Place Specialist from the National Association of Home Builders. She is the owner and award-winning designer for the Designer Chick Co., and the Past Director on the National Board for DDA (formerly CDECA).
Over the past several months, COVID-19 has truly tested the strength of our planet, our social units, and our businesses. First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that no matter how your business has faired over the past few months, everyone has done their best. For that, we should all be very proud.
Having said that, now is the time to look forward! As countries all over the globe slowly begin taking steps towards re-opening their businesses in the coming future, it’s critical to begin planning YOUR business’s future, too. This means re-strategizing, and implementing your plan to rebuild.
Whether you’re figuring out how to become an interior decorator once COVID-19 is over, or you’re looking for tips to get your existing business up and running again, the following tips will assist you in your journey!
Tip #1: Start with a Video
As you formulate your game plan and get ready to launch yourself back into the industry within the coming months, one strategy I strongly recommend is putting together a welcome plan for both your new and existing clients.
As the face of your interior decorating business, consider sharing a short, 5-minute video message on your company’s social media. This can help demonstrate your leadership skills to your online following, as well as have a positive impact on your overall success when coming out of this pandemic.
When putting together this video, consider adding the following components into your message:
- Thank your clients for their loyalty
- Discuss your company’s protocols that will help keep your clients safe whenever you work in their homes
- If your business has changed as a result of COVID-19, be open about what’s new and different
- Announce if you are now offering e-design services, such as online consultations, virtual design services, etc.
- If you’ve recently added e-design services, let your clientele know if you intend to offer them on a temporary or permanent basis
- If in-person consultations and services are still offered as well, make sure your following is also aware of this
Tip #2: Revisit your Pricing Structure
For any QC Design School students who have had me as their tutor, many of you will know that I’m a firm believer in pricing your business inline with design industry standards.
But we are NOT in normal times. As such, a change in your pricing structure may be necessary.
Here are some thought-provoking comments, questions, and ideas to help you consider whether you should consider adjusting your business’s pricing structure:
- Globally, many families have been impacted. Lots of people are suffering economically from business shut-downs, layoffs, school and childcare closures, etc. What is happening in YOUR specific target market that could impact your clients using your services?
- Could you add an extra value offering to your prix fixe packages?
- Could you offer special “Covid-19” pricing?
- Could you temporarily reduce your pricing overall?
Only you know the answers to these questions! But I would recommend considering all of your options. If there’s a way for you to help your community AND still allow your business to regrow at the same time, it’s definitely worth a shot!
Tip #3: Refresh your Funnel
As the world opens in stages, trade shows and networking events will not be taking place in the standard, traditional ways. You’ll need to consider new ways of rebuilding your sales funnels. Think of now as being the time to refresh your sales strategy!
So, my questions to you are:
- How are you planning on building your lead list?
- Where will you be attracting new clients from?
- How are you planning to welcome existing clients back?
- Can you reach out to existing clients to as for referrals?
- Can you attract new clients online through social media postings, such as YouTube videos?
Tip #4: Time for an Update
A timely update of your website is critical to ensuring that all your interior decorating business info is accurate. Review each page thoroughly, and make sure that the following information is up-to-date:
- Contact details
- Pricing (including any relevant, special pricing)
- Any new or updated services
- Your safety protocols and procedures
Staying on top of your design website, and making all this info public to your clientele, will help customers feel more confident in choosing YOUR assistance with their projects.
Tip #5: Keep the Lines of Communication Open
In addition to a video you post on your social media pages, make a point to send regular emails to your clients. It’s important that they know you’re keeping them in mind!
Begin with a ‘welcome back’ message that iterates your excitement to return to business, and get the ball rolling again. Share your plan to keep yourself, your team, your clients, and your contractors all safe.
In this email communication, it may also be productive to share your potential plan for any additional closures in the future. After all, we’re not entirely out of the woods yet. None of us know what the economy will look like in another six months from now.
Your clients will likely feel reassurance in knowing that you have a game plan ready, in the event of a worst-case scenario!
It’s your time to stand tall and be dependable. Of course, it’s also just as important that you be open to feedback from your clients during this unprecedented time. We all need to lean on each other for support and healing.
Now more than ever, it’s time to shop local and support our communities!
QC Design School and our amazing team of tutors will continue to support our students – past, present, and future. Above all else, we hope that you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy!
