Newly-engaged couples flock to Pinterest every day in search of wedding day inspiration—pinning ideas of everything from dresses to tableware to replicate on their big day.

What does this mean to you as a wedding planner? It means you need a Pinterest account!

Pinterest can help wedding planners to maximise their brand visibility and connect their ideal clients. In this article, we cover:

• Why Pinterest is an essential marketing tool for wedding planners.
• The benefits of marketing your wedding business on Pinterest.
• How to successfully market your wedding business on Pinterest.

Ready to get started?

Why is Pinterest relevant to my wedding planning business?

Pinterest advertises itself as a "visual discovery engine", where users can create and share visual content, aka. Pins. What this means is Pinterest users actively search out relevant content to them, rather than passively consuming whatever shows up in their feeds. If someone is planning a wedding, they're going to search for it. If your content is good enough, they're going to find you. Not only does Pinterest make you more discoverable to your target clientele, but its interface also serves as a beautiful way to present your portfolio. Wedding planners can use Pinterest to showcase their own past projects and showcase specific areas of expertise, or create boards of other users' content to showcase their references and style to potential clients.

Wedding planners traditionally focus their social media marketing efforts on Instagram but Pinterest is a worthy Instagram alternative, here's why:

• Pinterest is a search engine, not just a social media platform. Unlike Instagram, Pinterest is primarily a visual search engine. This means that users are actively searching for specific content and can discover new businesses and inspiration based on their search queries.
• Pinterest has a longer lifespan for content. Pins on Pinterest have a longer lifespan than posts on Instagram. This means that wedding pros can create content that will continue to receive engagement for months, or even years, after it is first published.
• Pinterest is less reliant on algorithms. Instagram's algorithm can be unpredictable and frustrating for businesses trying to reach their target audience. Pinterest, on the other hand, is less reliant on algorithms and instead prioritises content that is relevant to the user's search query.

Advantages of using Pinterest as a wedding planner

Increase your brand visibility

In 2023, Pinterest has over 460 million active users, many of whom use the platform to search for wedding-related content. By using relevant keywords and optimising your boards for search, you are opening yourself up to a whole new audience for your wedding planning business!

Improve your website traffic

Pinterest is a powerful traffic driver, and many wedding planners use the platform to direct users to their websites and generate more leads., Entice users with aesthetic images, then convert them to potential clients with direct links to your website included in your Pins.

Be more receptive to emerging trends

Besides marketing to potential clients, Pinterest is an excellent site to watch for emerging wedding trends. As a wedding planning business, it is important to keep up-to-date on the latest updates and popular search inquiries. Leverage this data to your advantage and use it to position your business better.

How to succeed on Pinterest as a wedding planner

Use visually appealing Images

Pinterest is first and foremost a visual platform—aesthetics matter! As a wedding planner, you offer your clients much more than aesthetically pleasing design, but it is beautiful imagery that will make potential clients stop and take notice. Continually invest in a great photographer to photograph your weddings and use those images to build your visual portfolio on Pinterest.

Organise your work into boards to showcase your different styles or group your work by project. Play around with how best to present your portfolio—it's your work, and you know best how to flaunt it. Remember: every Pin is a potential customer.

Write strong descriptions

An image speaks a thousand words... but sometimes we need the words too. A cleverly crafted caption provides context for your images and is the key to converting a view, into an active lead. Keep your copy short but meaningful and include lots of keywords. Pinterest works like a search engine, SEO is important to ensure your pin pops up in relevant wedding-related keyword searches.

Produce creative content

There is more to Pinterest than visually stunning imagery. Pinterest users also search the site for useful resources and educational tools. Think: what can you create that is of use to your target audience? Wedding planning checklists, invitation templates, budget planners—the list goes on. BE creative in how you attract potential customers to your page.

Be clear with your CTA

Pinterest users want to save your work as inspiration, but you want them to do more—so tell them that. Include a clear CTA in every post you make, whether that be directing viewers to your website, prompting them to contact you directly or encouraging them to follow your other socials for more inspiration. Don't ask, don't get. Pinterest is a great way for you to expose your brand to an engaged audience full of your dream clientele, so what are you waiting for? Get pinning!

Get inspired

Pinterest is not just a space to highlight your own work, but also to take inspiration from the work of fellow wedding pros. Pin your favourite work to different boards on your profile and reference them when you're in need of a burst of inspiration. Having inspiration boards on your profile will also help prospective clients get a better sense of your style and reference points—a nice extension to your own portfolio.

Clerkenwell Design Week is one of the most prestigious events in the interior design industry calendar. The festival is a celebration of design, bringing together renowned designers, leading brands, and industry experts to infuse the British capital with exciting installations, industry-leading conversation and a creative buzz.

The event showcases the latest developments across product design, architecture, and interior design. For interior designers, the festival is an opportunity to explore trends, connect with suppliers, and engage in important industry discussions led by experts in the interior space.

Discover how to make the most out of your time at Clerkenwell Design Week as an interior designer.

Clerkenwell Design Week for Interior Designers

For interior designers, joining Clerkenwell Design Week is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of design. It's a invaluable is a ticket to industry knowledge, endless inspiration and a chance to connect with fellow industry professionals.

Improve your industry knowledge

Continually engaging with industry events is vital to your wider understanding of the interior industry. Clerkenwell Design Week Spearheaded by established design professionals and CEOs and offers a platform to learn about pivotal topics such as sustainable design practices, the integration of design and technology, and the importance of preserving historical design perspectives.

Create connections

We all know how essential networking is to the growth of your brand and your business. Clerkenwell Design Week is made for designers and manufacturers, meaning you'll have a wide range of opportunities for collaboration, professional development, referrals, and sourcing. Get involved, strike up conversations, and share your ideas. Who knows, it could lead to future opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Discover recent innovations

Clerkenwell Design Week is a stage for industry innovators to unveil their latest works. The latest collections from the biggest names, right before your eyes. Clerkenwell Design Week exhibitions showcase the best and brightest in furniture, accessories, lighting and more. Browse the latest developments in furniture and lighting and get inspired by boundary-pushing installations. Take note of emerging trends and let the innovative spirit inform your own work—your clients will love it!

Events for interior designers at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

Interior designers, wondering which talks to attend this Clerkenwell Design Week? Here are five you shouldn't miss!

Sustainable Living: Don’t Move, Improve! - Homes with Green Ambitions

When: 23 May 2023, 14:00 - 15:00

Where: Spa Fields Park, EC1R 0JX

Speakers: Marie-Louise Schembri, Anna Beckett, Mark Rist, Natalie Savva, Ben Hayes, Kaowen Ho, and Theo Games Petrohilos

Everyone in the interior design industry has a responsibility to incorporate more sustainable practices—this is your opportunity to learn how. Finalists of the annual sustainable design competition, Don't Move, Improve! will be showcasing their designs at Clerkenwell Design Week. Explore active design solutions that use natural, long-lasting, and renewable materials to reduce carbon emissions without compromising on liveability, materiality, and uniqueness.

Book your ticket here.

PANTONE: The Art of Living – Colour Trends for Home & Interiors 2024

When: 24 May 2023, 14:00 - 15:00

Where: Spa Fields Park, EC1R 0JX

Chairperson: Carola Seybold and Jane Boddy

The world is waking up to the importance of colour in design and how it impacts our mood—can you read colour? This colour trend forecasting session is hosted by none other than Pantone, a leading source of colour expertise. Attendees will benefit from an invaluable lesson in colour trends for the year ahead, as well as how to bring these colours to life across multiple materials and bridge the gap between the digital colour world and the real world.

Book your ticket here.

Biophilic Design in Practice

When: 24 May 2023, 15:00 - 16:00

Where: Spa Fields Park, EC1R 0JX

Speakers: Sam McCarthy

The impact of biophilic design on our mental health is undeniably positive, now it is time to harness that power in your own designs. Sam McCarthy invites you to learn the key principles of indoor planting, its benefits, and how to build effective greenery into your interior designs.

Book your ticket here.

BIID: Flexible Working and the Rise of Hybrid Hospitality Spaces

When: 24 May 2023, 16:00 - 17:00

Where: Spa Fields Park, EC1R 0JX

Speakers: Anna Burles, Tala Ojuolape, and Harriet Forde

A new way of living, and thus designing, has emerged. Spaces in the hospitality sector, hotels, restaurants, bars etc. are adapting to new social attitudes by rethinking the design of their interiors. This talk will explore how interior designers can successfully adapt to a changing market and delve into the question:  how do you create spaces that promote better productivity, collaboration, and creativity?

Book your ticket here.

Interior design exhibitions at Clerkenwell Design Week 2023

Aromas del Campo

When: May 23rd-25th

Where: House of Detention, EC1R 0AS

What: Lighting

Once a manufacturer of dried flowers and aromatic products in Valencia, Aromas del Campo now applies that same elegant aesthetic to lighting. Even more impressive than the undeniable beauty of their products, is Aromas' commitment to combining traditionally relegated materials like marble, wood, and ceramic with the fundamentals of metal and glass.

Visit Aromas del Campo's website.

Burmatex

When: May 23rd-25th

Where: St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ

What: Flooring

Burmatex is known for its leading sustainability principles and commitment to responsible trading. Their latest collection is not only a visual delight but is also a glimpse into the sustainable materials and practices we can expect to see take over the interior design industry in years to come.

Visit Burmatex's website.

Plant Designs

When: May 23rd-25th

Where: The Old Sessions House, EC1R 0NA

What: Interior accessories

Plant Designs works with the principle of biophilia to build beautiful spaces that benefit residents and nature alike. At Clernkenweel Design Week, they launch a new preserved planting range that requires no water or light—a game changer in bringing nature into people's homes. Feel the natural craftsmanship for yourself, and discover how you can incorporate them into your next design project.

Visit Plant Designs' website.

Kirkby Design

When: May 23rd-25th

Where: St John’s Square, EC1V 4JJ

What: Fabrics, textiles, and wall coverings

The Kirkby Design team have earned themselves a reputation as innovators in the textiles industry. Their collections offer a distinctive mix of bold and understated designs, drawing inspiration from wool, chenille boucle, and quilted velvet, ensuring they remain at the forefront of an ever-changing market.

Visit Kirby Design's website.

Carysil

When: May 23rd-25th

Where: St John’s Square, EC1M 4DS

What: Kitchen & bathroom accessories

The beauty is in the details—and that is what Carysil provides. Carysil provides high-quality kitchen sinks, taps and accessories, browse their latest collection as a reminder to never neglect the finishing touches in your work as an interior designer.

Visit Carysil's website.

As a creative freelancer or owner of a creative independent business, good financial hygiene is the key to success. However, sometimes money management can leave us feeling overwhelmed and out of our depth—we're good at creating, not filing taxes! If only there were more transparency in the world of financial management and clear-cut answers to your most pressing financial concerns—what is the best way to organise your finances? What expenses are eligible to be written off? How do you build a budget with a fluctuating income?

Thankfully, you've ended up in the right place. We invited our creative community to an "Ask Me Anything" session with accounting expert Claire Van Holland. Her advice helped clear up financial confusion and empower our community to make better financial decisions for their businesses—and we want to share the advice with you too.

Meet our expert: Claire Van Holland

Claire Van Holland is the founder of CV Ledger, a modern accounting firm built for creatives. Claire is first and foremost a creative, who just so happens to also like crunching numbers. She fell into data analytics, financial projections and budget forecasting over the course of an extensive career in corporate media, which saw her work with media giants including Pandora Media, Disney Interactive and MySpace Media. After co-founding a furniture design business with her husband Aaron in 2011, she realised she could provide more impact by using her corporate analytics experience to help other creatives achieve financial autonomy through collaboration. She launched the CV Ledger in early 2016 and the rest is history.

In Claire's own words: "As an independent business owner or creative freelancer you're already busy enough, you don't need the stress of managing your finances constantly looming over your head. I know full well that organising and managing finances is the last thing you want to be doing—you'd rather be creating of course! And so this is me looking out for my creative tribe, helping and empowering my fellow creatives to overcome the stigma and uncertainty when it comes to managing money." Without further ado, let's set you on the road to financial success...

What is the best way to separate your personal finances from your business finances as a creative entrepreneur?

The best way to separate business finances from personal finance is to simply create separate accounts. Yep, it's that easy! All of the money you earn in your creative work (whether that is full-time, part-time or freelance) should be deposited in your business bank account. So if you get paid an invoice by a client, you flow all of that money into your business checking account. All work-related expenses should be charged from your business account and personal expenses that have nothing to do with work—groceries, for example—come out of your personal account. You should never meld the two.

If you want to take it a step further, you can also have a business credit card. Whether or not it is actually registered officially under a business is neither here nor there, as long as you are not incurring any personal expenses on that credit card and it is used solely for business. The golden rule is ensuring that you never put any personal transactions on there because that's when it starts to get confusing. You want to mitigate the stress of crossing the lines between business and personal as much as possible, especially come the tax-return season, and I promise the simple action of separating your accounts will do so.

What account types should I have as a small business owner?

Disclaimer: how you structure your accounts comes down to how you are running your business, how complex and layered it is and how much money you are moving in and out of your accounts. The most common account types for small business owners are:

• Income account. An account that houses all the money coming into your business.
• Operating expense account (which can also be a credit card). An account that deals with all your regular dues/expenses.
• Payroll payments account. An account dedicated to paying out employees, contractors and potentially, yourself.

How do I approach paying myself a wage as a small business owner?

The easiest way to give yourself a wage as an independent business owner is to take a "draw" or a "distribution" for yourself. This is as simple as deciding upon a fixed amount you'd like to earn each month and then transferring that money out of your business account and into your personal account. It sounds a little bit too easy, but that is it. You could even set that up in increments, or change the frequency to suit your needs: once a month, twice a month etc.

There is also the option of running a payroll for yourself, meaning that you are designating yourself as an employee of your own company. Therefore, when you pay yourself, you are also paying out payroll taxes. Of course, there will then be requirements contingent on whether or not you are officially registered as some sort of corporation and dependent on your region. If you are considering the payroll option, thoroughly look into those requirements or seek advice from a professional to ensure you are not putting yourself at risk of incurring plan penalties.

As a freelancer, my income varies from month to month. How can I budget for this?

For personal budgeting, first list out your fixed monthly expenses, the ones that you can definitely expect: rent, groceries, and subscriptions. Now work out your projected monthly income. Start with the months you can predict your income: recurring work, pre-booked clients etc. This will just give you insight, even if there are shifts and changes and adjustments along the way. Don't be generous, always err on the side of caution and work off the lowest possible income. Subtract your fixed expenses from the income that you are anticipating and get a sense of what money you have left over. If you are in the negative, you know that you need to identify areas to cut back spending or really step on the gas in terms of finding additional client work to pad out your overall earnings.

If you're looking to create a business budget, again start by listing out your essential expenditures; the basic things your business needs in order to operate: rent, software, payment processing, utilities, etc. Once you have figured out where you are currently spending your money, the next layer is identifying where you need to spend money next. A good example of that would be training expenses, or enlisting the help of subcontractors. Maybe you're in a situation where you can't take on all of the work yourself so you want to bring in external help—what is the cost of doing so? Once you have identified these current costs and projected costs, you need to work out a monthly total—that is your budget. Good budgeting is a mixture of building good habits, having good tools and planning ahead—always budget for a minimum of 6 months ahead.

I am a freelance content creator and a 9-5 employee. How do I manage my taxes?

If you have a 9 to 5, there will already be taxes automatically taken out of your pay check. As a freelancer, your taxes won't be automatically deducted—you'll need to do that manually. Tax levels vary depending on your location, but 30% of your wage is a good base measure of how much to set aside—better to assume higher than be caught short. For every payment that you receive as a freelancer, let's say it's $500 this week and $2,500 the next, you want to put 30% of that sum aside to cover your tax payments. I recommend setting the money aside in the spirit of 'set it and forget it.' If you have a separate tax savings account, which I recommend everyone does, then transfer the 30% immediately into that account and then you don't have to worry about it intermingling with the rest of your money.

What is the best financial organisation software for creative entrepreneurs?

Often people don't want to pay for financial software and instead choose to keep it old school with a spreadsheet, but then you lose the beauty of automation. And so, I really do encourage you to make the investment for yourself and for your business because ultimately it gives you peace of mind and saves you buckets of time. Finding accounting software that works for you is half the battle in feeling confident and secure in managing your finances. As a creative myself, I understand the importance of finding visually appealing software with a good user interface My personal recommendation is Xero, they pitch themselves as being beautiful accounting software designed for small businesses—and I agree with that. I also recommend FreshBooks for freelancers or anyone who regularly deals with invoices. I'd advise trialling a number of systems to see what resonates with you in terms of usability, technology, and experience. If you need some help getting started, I offer training sessions in using Xero.

How do I get the most out of my expenses?

The very first question you ask yourself is, "Is this a business-related expense?" If the expense is directly incurred as a result of the work that you do, it is eligible to be written off. For example, you can offset expenses related to research and development. As creatives, we draw inspiration from an endless number of places. Maybe research takes the form of going to a movie because you are creating a branding identity, or taking a trip to experience an area that influences your craft in some way. Remember you need to be prepared to justify why each payment is an essential expense for your business—if the answer feels a little too far-fetched, be careful. For example, people often ask me whether they can write off a very expensive meal. My response is, "What are the justifications for that meal?" If you met a potential client for dinner in order to secure a big business opportunity, maybe that is eligible. If you treated your significant other to a classy dinner, the answer is probably not. You need to justify the direct impact of any expense that occurred on the work that you do.

Next, maintain good accounting hygiene. Build the habit of classifying your financial activity on a regular basis so that at the end of the tax year, or the end of any given month or quarter, you'll be able to pull your financial statements (income statements, balance sheets etc.) and take them directly to whoever is preparing your taxes. They will then use that information to prepare your tax submission for the year. Be discerning about who you work with for your tax preparation. Work with a professional who understands your industry and exactly what it is that you do. If you're working with somebody who doesn't understand your industry, you're doing yourself a disservice because they'll likely run more on the conservative side of tax write-offs.

‍

Got more questions? Reach out to Claire via her website or on Instagram. Alternatively, tune into her podcast, Naked Finance, for a regular dose of easy-to-implement financial tips and tricks for creatives and small business owners.

‍

Visualist regularly invites industry experts to answer the practical questions of our creative community. Brand messaging, financial management, legal contracts—you name it! Secure an invite to our next event by joining us on Facebook.

Generation Rent—the collective of young adults (18-40) priced out of the housing market. Unable to buy, they are a generation condemned to rent, spending a high percentage of their income in doing so.

Renters aren't a traditional target demographic for interior designers, oft written off due to financial instability or the inherent restrictions of rented spaces, namely structural limitations and unaccommodating landlords. But the ever-growing rental market is changing such that many young adults have accepted, even embraced, the idea that they will rent long-term and so are looking to interior designers as a way to make their space their own. This poses a new challenge for interior designers: how do you create the illusion of ownership when your clients don't in fact own the space?

Could Generation Rent be a catalyst for a new era of interior design, whereby interior designers must evolve to accommodate a much more mobile and adaptable way of living?

The dollar sign(als)

Interior designers have been monitoring the tipping scales of homeowners vs renters for a while. Artem Kropovinskyi is the founder of Arsight, a New York-based interior design studio that works on residential and commercial spaces. In 2018, Artem began to notice the shift. "The telltale signs were the rising demand for flexible and affordable living spaces, the decline of traditional furniture retailers, and the emergence of new platforms and apps that catered to renters who wanted to decorate their virtual homes. We had to be more versatile in the industry and take on more diverse projects." Artem and his team began working on more commercial projects to open up a new income stream. They also began an internal evaluation to see how they could make their services more appealing to this growing demographic of renters.

A big point of consideration for interior designers targeting renter clients: affordability. Interior design has traditionally been the reserve of the elite, but a growing middle-class market of renters means that has to change. Interior designers need to set their prices in an accessible ballpark in order to have their services considered. The good news for interior designers is that design is an area that renters are willing to invest in, statistics show that over a third of renters have spent money on doing up their landlord's property and that decorating (49%) and buying furniture (48%) are the two most popular ways to splash the cash.

In fact, many renters are motivated to invest by an unlikely source—social media. According to New York Times, individuals are investing in their rented apartments as a way to cash in on the algorithm's preference for "aesthetic" apartments. In exchange for pictures of their beautiful homes, content creators are receiving boosted views and sponsored brand deals. One woman, Imana Keal, reported $80,000 in earnings. Renters are still using interior design as a form of social signalling, in the same way homeowners long have. However, the focus has shifted from parading wealth, to boasting taste.

Though willing to invest, Generation Rent's budget is still tight. To combat shoestring budgets, interior designers can learn from virtual design platforms (the now-defunct Decorist, Havenly etc.) that have worked to democratise the service of interior designers by "modularising" it: room-by-room design, concept board designs etc. These compartmentalised packages have proved popular amongst renters who want to interact with interior design services but perhaps don't yet have the means, or the need, to invest in full-service packages. Interior designers can choose to market themselves via such platforms or copy their model by breaking down their offerings into accessible packages for renters and homeowners alike.

Products and preferences

In 2019, furniture giant IKEA pioneered a new movement with an entire collection tailored to renters—with all pieces made to be broken down, moved and set back up again. Other companies followed suit, some doing away with the idea of ownership altogether. ZZ Driggs is tackling the logistical and financial issues of purchasing furniture, "dismissing the idea that fashionable, consciously-made furniture is only for the elite" by offering New York City dwellers the option to rent statement furniture pieces.

Of course, furniture alone does not make a home. Companies supplying decorative items like soft furnishings and wallpaper have also found innovative ways to cater to Generation Rent. Danielle Millet is the founder of Peel & Paper, a sustainable, completely removable wallpaper brand. As a child, Danielle Millet experienced the frustrations of rented accommodation firsthand. "Although the houses we lived in were clean and comfortable, they lacked the freedom to have some wild patterns on my walls. Self-expression in (a home) signifies a sense of belonging. When you are not allowed to express yourself in a rented home, those plain white walls make you constantly aware of the fact that it does not 'belong' to you." Progressive companies like Peel & Paper and IKEA provide interior designers with a toolbox capable of meeting the demands of rental clients.

Interior designers equipped with the right tools, then just face the matter of understanding the design preferences of Generation Rent. The dominant lifestyle of the times has always manifested in interior design trends; take the vivaciousness of the 1920s and the resulting Art Deco style or the hippie-driven Bohemian style of the '70s. Mark Bittoni is the principal of Bittoni Architects, a firm working to combat the affordable housing crisis in LA with the development of co-living spaces, and he believes this day and age is no different. "As the cost of housing has risen, designers and architects have been forced to find ways to make smaller spaces feel more open and functional. In many cases, this has led to a focus on minimalist design, with an emphasis on clean lines and streamlined furnishings."

Minimalism makes sense for renters—the fewer possessions to manage when moving, the better. It also makes sense when you consider the budget preferences of the generation in question—more than three in four millennials would choose to spend their money on an experience over a material possession. Though often misjudged as sterile and boring, minimalist design is actually a doorway to more fruitful living—Generation Rent wants to work with interior designers who can optimise their space to support social experiences, professional success and general well-being. And hey, it's keeping the landlords happy too—whitewash walls, clean finishes and bright lighting makes for an inoffensive blank canvas easy to sell on to the next tenant.

With no signs of the property ladder becoming more accessible any time soon, Generation Rent is likely to be the first of many generations adopting more transient habitation habits. If this influx of renters has already changed the way interior designers and product designers are approaching their craft, can we expect rising rates of renters to have a profound impact on the very way in which we live?

Progressing together

In his work as an architect, Mark is tasked with increasing the efficiency of shrinking spaces whilst also taking into account the likely ever-changing tenants and their diverse needs. "Many apartments and homes are being designed to serve multiple functions, with rooms that can be easily reconfigured or repurposed depending on the needs of the occupant. For example, a dining room might next function as a home office or a living room might now require a fold-out bed for guests." And it appears these compact conditions are here to stay. "In the future, it is likely that the impact of rising rent prices on design will continue to be felt. As urban populations grow and housing becomes even more expensive, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on small, efficient spaces."

Is the future of interior design about finding increasingly smart solutions to decreasing square footage? Or is there an alternative ending, whereby interior designers pioneer a shift towards a more communal lifestyle ushered in by the smart design of communal spaces?

We are already seeing more young people across the UK embrace shared accommodation as an antidote to rising rental prices, with over 25% of renters still sharing accommodation at age 35. Though in many cases this is out of necessity, it is evidence that young people are open to the idea of living more communally. Way of Life is a property management company exploring this new consumer mindset by fostering the same sense of community whilst giving tenants their privacy and independence. As a Way of Life resident, you can have a self-contained living space to yourself (bedroom, kitchen, bathroom) but your tenure also grants you access to activities such as yoga, urban gardening and a virtual martini masterclass, all in the company of your neighbours.

It is not just a well-stocked activities calendar that separates Way of Life homes from your average rented apartment—it is design. Each Way of Life unit is designed by a team of in-house interior designers to make the most out of "space and light, storage and high-spec appliances". Tenants can even opt for professionally furnished apartments, another data point signalling Generation Rent's willingness to invest in their temporary living spaces. The pre-decorated apartments are intended as an antithesis to the uncomfortable nondescriptness of traditional rented accommodation but it is the communal spaces that really make residents feel at home. Way of Life complexes contain purpose-built communal areas that were intentionally designed to encourage interactions between strangers and foster healthy, social relationships—bright, inclusive and characterful being keywords on the moodboard. Interior designers who have experience in commercial design will find these qualities familiar but in the context of residential design, they may come as a surprise.

What the public wants from their homes and their places of leisure is becoming increasingly homogeneous. Adaptable yet practical, exciting yet personal and, crucially, supportive of social relationships. If designers and their businesses are to successfully adapt to this new approach to design, they must overcome a few logistical challenges. As Artem explains, "living in shared or communal spaces poses a challenge in maintaining privacy and personal space. Misplaced design can hinder this by limiting individual choices or preferences, imposing rigid rules or norms and neglecting aspects of security or hygiene." If communal living becomes a more viable option for the masses, interior designers who can develop a signature style that is social, yet secure, will be best placed to reassure clients and capitalise on the shifting market.

Interior designers should also prepare for a blurring of lines between the residential and commercial design, "Resi-comm", if you will. An exciting new market to explore, Resi-comm projects take the form of hotels, restaurants, office blocks or communal living spaces—essentially clients looking to use design as a way to bridge the gap between private and public spaces. This works both ways, as Nicola Lindsell from Boxx Creative explains."There are crossovers and merging between aspects of residential and hospitality interiors. For instance, there is a trend for private residential clients to desire chic ‘hotel-style’ bathrooms. And with the rise of Airbnb, hotels are becoming less corporate and focusing more on providing a welcoming home from home."

For interior designers, this means no longer viewing commercial and residential designs as "either/or" but as complimentary disciplines that can inform one another and intertwine to reimagine the way we live, work and play in domestic and commercial spaces.

So...?

Impermanent does not mean unimportant. To Generation Rent, their home—though temporary—is an extension of their self more than ever before. The role of an interior designer now is not to design for a fixed space, but rather curate a versatile design that could, in theory, relocate with the tenants—a reflection of their tastes, lifestyle and beliefs compiled through furnishings and decor.

Has Generation Rent changed the interior design industry? Yes. Unrecognisably so? No. After all the fundamentals of interior design have not changed—it is all about transforming a space to reflect the taste of its occupants, and making a house a home.

Interior designers, it's time to start charging your worth! Pricing design services is a common hangup for many interior designers, but Kate Hatherell is here to shed some light on the often secretive world of pricing in interior design. Kate is an interior designer turned design coach and teacher. She founded The Interior Designers Hub—a platform providing business mentorship, training and support for freelance interior designers and small studios. Kate's "Practical Pricing" masterclass has helped countless designers to effectively price their packages—and now she's here to help you do the same.

Interior designers from Visualist's community, The Creative Business Club, approached Kate with questions ranging from how to find confidence in their pricing strategy, to how to deal with bargain-hunting clients. Here are the highlights...

How do I gain confidence in pricing my services?

I think we often price our services based on what we think we're "worth" but actually, it's not a "finger in the wind" exercise. Sit down and work out how many hours the project is likely to take. Work out how much you would like to earn and do the maths to see what that works out at for an hourly/ daily rate. This just helps you to get a reality check. Of course, you don't just then charge that rate as you also need to build in time for when you are not engaged in billable hours. However, it gives you a baseline to understand where to start.  When you have calculated how much you need to make, you're no longer just guessing at a price and wondering if it's reasonable.

Think also about the transformation you are bringing to your client—a new lifestyle, comfort, showing off the neighbours etc... you are not just selling your time, but your expertise and the transformation you bring. That's valuable to people! It really can be daunting to raise your prices, and a lot of it is about your mindset and how comfortable you are to charge more. I always advise designers to do a practical exercise, calculating what they need to earn to pay their bills, and then how much they would need to charge per day/ per hour to sustain that. In my experience, a lot of newer designers are charging the bare minimum and they could easily double their prices.  Always aim to price higher rather than lower... be mindful of the messages that you're giving out by offering "cheap" pricing. A lot of clients will be suspicious of people who are "cheap" and avoid them for that very reason!

Is it better to charge an hourly or flat fee?

Charging a flat fee is fine, as long as you are clear about the boundaries around your work. It's so easy for the scope to creep up until you are working a lot of extra hours without getting paid. If you want to charge a flat fee then make it crystal clear with your client what is included in the price and what isn't. For example, how many revisions of concepts you will deliver, how many times clients can send back furniture, etc.

If you choose to work for an hourly fee, you need to accurately estimate your time in order to avoid being underpaid.  You should use a time-tracking tool to help you, Clockify is a good one, but there are other apps out there too. Remember that you need to allow yourself the time to be creative, conduct research and all of the other administrative tasks like sourcing and procurement too. I tend to charge a flat fee for design, a percentage for procurement and hourly rates for project management (sold in blocks of 10 hours, depending on the project size).

When it comes to pricing my services, how much is "too much"?

It's a bit of a "how long is a piece of string" question because it depends on so many factors. You need to get clear on the sort of design you are doing and who your ideal client is. If you are selling design to young working families who want their home designed, your clients are likely to have a very different budget to the business person who is wanting their second or third apartment in a city location decorated. You want to avoid working at the lower end of the price scale if you can help it. A lot of money is made on mark-up of furniture, and if your clients have a small budget, this may impact the amount you may be able to make.

How can I price in accordance with the market when everyone is so secretive about pricing?

The market can be very opaque, but I for one am always encouraging people to share their pricing. It's actually pretty off-putting for most clients to have to guess how much you are charging. Price yourself based on what you need to earn, and for the market that you are serving. Even if that makes you the most expensive in the area... that's not always a bad thing. Think of the alternative... what messages do being "cheap" give about the services you offer? Remember that interior design is a luxury service, and you need to see your services through the lens of your client. Don't judge your services by what you could afford, but by what they can afford.

What should I consider when designing my different packages and services?

You need to think about the deliverables you will offer for each package. I recommend that designers don't have more than three packages because it can get really confusing for clients, and a confused mind never buys! Consider the journey you want the customer to go on. For example, you can offer a lower tier offer where you just produce concept ideas, a medium tier where you also produce visuals and a shopping list, and a top tier where you offer procurement and project coordination too. The customer can start at your lower tier and move up through the ladder as they grow in confidence. If you design your packages around this customer journey, it gives you lots of opportunities to deepen the working relationship with your client and of course, upsell to higher-priced products.

Top tip: I would advertise all your packages as "starting from" to allow yourself the opportunity to tweak pricing if the project is more complex.

Is it better for clients to subcontract contractors directly or for me to project manage the whole thing and take a cut?

The phase after the design is known as procurement, and this is often managed by the interior designer. It's a really good way of making additional income and you can charge a markup on the FF&E of your order. In terms of hiring subcontractors, you can do this, however, there are quite a few pitfalls with doing it, in terms of your liability and the work involved. A lot of clients hire the contractors themselves and the designer can co-ordinate the work. You must make sure that, whatever approach you take, you have insurance and a contract in place that covers you for all project-related eventualities. As part of this contract, you must have a clear schedule that states the number of revisions that are allowed within the scheme. If a client changes their mind, you can then charge them an additional (agreed in advance) fee for them changing their minds. When you make this clear at the beginning, clients are likely to make better, more thoughtful decisions.

What should I say to clients who challenge my prices?

If you are confident in your pricing, then you don't need to be fazed by someone pushing back. Never reduce your prices just because they ask. Explain the method behind your pricing and how you can change adjust the scope of the project if they can't afford it, but hold true to your pricing. You're worth it! If they don't want to pay it, then they aren't your ideal client. Remind yourself of the transformation that you bring to peoples lives. People get what they pay for and if you were to reduce your pricing, they wouldn't be getting a quality product.

Is it ever okay to work for free?

The most common reasons that interior designers work for free is that they either lack confidence or because they want to build their portfolio. Any good interior design school should structure their course so that you come out of it with a strong portfolio ready to take to the market. If you are self made, consider creative ways to build your interior design portfolio that don't require underselling yourself. With regards to confidence, there's nothing like learning as you go along. If you are qualified, you are competent. From there the only real way to get experience is to dive in and get it!

‍

Want more advice on how to set your rates and navigate pricing as an interior designer? Sign up for Kate Hatherell's pricing masterclass, Practical Pricing for Interior Designers. Whilst you're there, delve into the huge bank of interior design resources that The Interior Designers Hub has to offer.

‍

‍Visualist regularly invites industry experts to answer the practical questions of our creative community. Brand messaging, financial management, legal contracts—you name it! Secure an invite to our next event by joining us on Facebook.

Ever looked at your branding and realised it just doesn't resonate like it used to? If the answer is yes, you're probably due a brand refresh. Thats a good thing! It means you and your business have grown.

As a creative business owner, you understand the importance of maintaining a strong brand image. Your brand is the face of your company, and it's what sets you apart from the competition. When your branding no longer feels reflective of you and your company ethos, it is time to switch things up. That being said, a brand refresh is no overnight job. It take strategic thinking and an investment of time and money, so you need to be sure it is right for you and your business before proceeding.

We've identified three red flags to look out for that indicate your branding is crying out for a makeover. So let's dive in and discover how to breathe new life into your brand!

1. Your services have evolved

Ask yourself, are you still offering the same service as you did when you started your business? Maybe after a few years in your role, you may have noticed your aptitude for a particular niche service? Or maybe, as an industry insider, you became aware of a particular gap in the market and seized the opportunity? Whatever the story, it is not uncommon for a businesses services and offerings to evolve over time.

Adapting your offerings shows great entrepreneurial spirit, you just need to make sure that your branding now clearly reflects what you do. Clients want a clear understanding of what they can gain from working with you—your brand message is how you tell them.

2. You're not standing out from the competition

Lets face it, most creative industries are pretty saturated. We're sure you have a distinct USP that makes you stand out from the crowd, you just need your target market to know that too. How? With great branding.

You want to create a brand image that is distinctly your own, one that does not look or feel like a clone of your competition. If a few years back your brand felt fresh and interesting next to its competitors but now other firms have caught up, it is time to raise the bar again  and undergo an innovative brand refresh.

3. You're catering to a new clientele

Every creative entrepreneur goes into business with a certain target market in mind, however as your business grows and evolves you might find that so to does the clientele most interested in your product/service.

Does your branding appeal to this new demographic? Two tests: is your portfolio of work to date coherent with your branding? And will your current branding attract your dream future projects? If either answer is no, you know what to do.

4. You just know

You know your business better than anyone else. If you have an inkling that something isn't right, listen to it. Some signs are obvious, like those outlined above, but some are more subtle. You need to be completely confident in showcasing your brand to the world and if you're not 110% on your branding, that is not going to work. So go with your gut and direct your brand as you see fit.

A brand refresh might be just what you need to reignite your creativity and kickstart a great new era for your business—exciting! But remember, these things take time. Introduce your new brand look slowly teasing it through your social media, website and brick-and-mortar store.

If you're an interior designer looking to reach a wider audience and expand your business, selling your services on Etsy could be a smart move. As one of the world's largest online marketplaces for independent businesses, Etsy has a dedicated following of buyers who appreciate unique and high-quality products and services.

Okay, so where do you start? Setting up shop on Etsy is easy, but using it to successfully market your business requires a little extra attention. We've outlined 4 preliminary questions you need to answer in order to build a strategy for optimising your listings to showcase your interior design skills, connecting with potential customers, and ultimately boosting your sales. From crafting compelling product descriptions to finding the sweet spot in pricing your packages, we'll cover everything you need to know to succeed as an interior designer on Etsy.

Step 1: Define Your Product for Etsy

To get started on Etsy, you need to define what interior design services you'll be selling. If you already have an established business, you may choose to simply list your existing packages on Etsy or experiment with new offerings.

Identify relevant keywords

To attract potential clients, it's important to pepper relevant keywords throughout your Etsy listings. Consider the words or phrases that your ideal client may search for and incorporate them into your titles, descriptions, tags, and everywhere else that's appropriate. Examples: interior design services, interior design templates, colour analysis

Craft a Compelling Description

Stand out from competitors by focusing on the benefits of your interior design services rather than just the features. Connect with potential clients on a personal level and gradually guide them towards making a purchase. Explain how your service can improve their homes and meet their specific needs. After establishing the value of your service, conclude with a brief outline of the features you offer. Remember to use SEO keywords to help your listings rank higher in relevant search results.

Step 2: Price your interior design services right

Determining the right price for your interior design services on Etsy can be a challenge. While you may be tempted to set low prices to attract customers, it's important to consider how sustainable this method is long term. Like any other digital marketplace, Etsy take a cut when you make a sale via their platform. You'll want to take this into account when setting your prices. You should also start by researching the price range for similar interior design services on Etsy. A few quick calculations will then reveal your the pricing sweet spot that works for your business. Remember that your price should reflect the value of your services as a skilled interior designer. Pricing too low may lead shoppers to question the quality of your materials—people don't always love a bargain! Whereas excessively high prices will drive potential customers away. By pricing your services appropriately, you can attract the right customers and ensure that your business is profitable on Etsy.

Step 3: Present Your Interior Design Services Effectively

You're an interior designer, you have a natural eye for aesthetics and when it comes to selling services on Etsy, that will make all the difference. To grab the attention of potential customers, your images must be eye-catching and high-quality—in a toss up  between two very similar products , the one with better visuals always takes home the bacon! Etsy allows up to five images per product, so make the most of them! Use infographics to clearly explain what is included in each package (concept boards, revisions, procurement) Then use images to highlight your best work or wow clients with impressive before-and-after transformations—to see is to believe. Remember image quality is key, blurry photos are a big no go.

Step 4: Set Your Shop Policies

Before listing your interior design services on Etsy, take the time to define your policies for returns, payments, and any other relevant issues. Be transparent with your policies from the outset and then stick to them—don't be intimidated by complaining customers or cause confusion betraying to amend your policies mid service. We're human, mistakes happen! Having clear policies for your shop helps to maintain positive relationships with clients even if things don't go to plan. Good reviews are your best friend on Etsy, so do everything you can to keep customers happy!

What makes a house a home? Ask the co-founders of DMT Design, Kate Cuadro and Alexis Caldera. DMT Design is a vital piece of the puzzle at NYC-based real estate broker, The Development Marketing Team. The elegantly designed and staged apartments that set DMT homes apart from the competition are the creative masterpieces of Kate and Alexis.

Backed by almost two decades of experience across interiors, fashion, and real estate, Kate and Alexis have mastered the art of understated elegance and understand how to design a space that motivates consumers to call it “home.” Kate and Alexis offered to give us a peak into the dazzling life of NYC real estate and explain how in a world of luxury and opulence they continue to create designs that are distinctly personal.

Meet the Founders

Alexis Caldera

"I’ve worked in residential and commercial design in New York for over seven years now and have had the opportunity to learn from renowned architects and designers, including Gensler. After completing my Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from the University of Arkansas, my career started off with an internship at a small residential interior design firm in Manhattan. Later, to broaden my skill set, I obtained my real estate license. At DMT Design, I'm able to pursue my passion for both real estate and interior design, whilst expanding my expertise in both areas."

Kate Cuadro

"I graduated with a degree in Merchandise Product Development from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), and have spent the last seven years designing and managing production manufacturing for various womenswear and children’s brands in San Francisco and New York City. Not too long after moving to NYC, I became intrigued by NYC real estate. Eventually, I listened to my nagging intuition, obtained my real estate license, and joined an incredible and well-established team. Of course, I was still very much a designer and so to scratch that creative itch, I launched a luxury home accessories brand on the side. While short-lived, doing so helped me to realise my true calling, blending my interest in real estate and my love for design."

What does a "day in the life" at work look like?

No two days are the same. Some days are spent meeting with clients at a stone slab yard to choose the perfect marble for their home or coordinating furniture and lighting installations on site. On another day, we might be presenting final design ideas to a client, or adding final touches to a finished project in preparation for professional photography. With such a diverse range of tasks, our days are always full of new challenges and opportunities.

What is the most challenging part of your work?

Managing multiple projects at once can be challenging, but this is also where we thrive. Each project is unique and has its own set of requirements, so staying organized is critical. Tracking every detail along the way, from the client's preferences to the project timeline, we ensure that nothing is overlooked. While it can be a lot to manage at times, we find that the variation keeps things interesting and helps us to maintain focus.

Collaboration is the key to success—agreed?

Collaboration is an essential part of our partnership. Working in sync is key, but we also recognise and appreciate each other's unique strengths and weaknesses. Fortunately, our working styles complement each other well, and working together helps us achieve better results for our clients.

How do you determine what a client really wants from a space?

Like real estate agents, we often joke that we’re not only interior designers but also our clients’ therapists. We put effort into understanding our clients' lifestyles, personalities, and preferences, allowing us to create a space that truly embodies them. Doing so adds a personal touch to the design process, and results in spaces that are not only beautiful but also practical and meaningful to our clients.

For a project in Greenwich Village, our client wanted a space that felt sophisticated, feminine, and glamorous, without being too over-the-top or cliché. To achieve this, we incorporated a neutral colour scheme with bold black accents, as well as brass and crystal details to add some interest. We drew inspiration from the building's unique architecture and the curvilinear lines found throughout the space. By selecting complementary furniture and decor, we were able to create a cohesive and warm space that stayed true to the original vision.

How do you continually challenge yourself to be creative?

We constantly look for ways to push creative boundaries and produce results that leave our clients feeling inspired. Our goal is to not only challenge ourselves but inspire our clients to think beyond what they thought was possible. It’s so important to always be evolving and finding new ways to be innovative.

Where do you find inspiration?

Our favourite places to draw inspiration from are art museums, nature, travelling, antiquing, reading design publications, and working with other creatives.

What makes a house a home?

Every project is unique, and we want to always be a source of inspiration for our clients but a house is not a home without personality. We work closely with our clients to ensure we match their style and personality so the space truly feels like their home.

‍

Add a touch of understated elegance to your feed and follow DMT Design on Instagram.

If you're a recent grad or just starting to dip your toes in the interior design world, you are probably busy pondering one serious question: should I open up my own business or find a job at an established interior design firm?

Honestly, there is no right answer. Both offer up opportunities for interior designers to climb the industry ladder and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on your lifestyle and priorities at this moment in time. To be an interior designer for a pre-established firm means great opportunities to learn and grow in the comfort of job security and financial stability. Whereas being a business owner means having full control of your profit and your time, whilst opening yourself up to a new world of exciting challenges.

Weigh up the pros and cons of each and discover the path into the interior design industry that is right for you right now.

Pay and perks

As a business owner

As a business owner, you have full control of your business' profits. Everything you earn goes into your pocket—or wherever you so choose to put it! If business is good, that is great news. If business is bad, not so much. Being your own boss means your finances can heavily fluctuate and there is no guarantee of when the next pay check will arrive. Before you venture out on your own, be sure to give yourself a thorough financial education!

As an employee

Salary? Check. Employee benefits? Check. Opportunity for promotion? Check. Working for an interior design company will most likely result in a good starting salary and the opportunity to move up the ladder within the company. You won't receive direct compensation for taking on more lucrative projects or putting in extra work but hey, a bonus might be coming your way soon!

Time off

As a business owner

It's your business, you work whenever you like—no permission needed! Your daughter is celebrating her 10th birthday next week? Schedule freed. You feel burned out and want to sleep in? It's a rest day then!

Sounds good right? One catch. As a business owner, someone or something always demands your attention, and for this reason, you'll likely find yourself working thrice as hard as a business owner than if you were an employee. Oh, and the amount you work has a pretty direct impact on the amount you earn, so don't be too liberal with the holidays!

As an employee

As an employee of a large interior design firm, you won't have much freedom in your schedule. Your hours will be pre-set, your holiday confined to a set number of days and you'll need to follow a set of protocols to file a leave request. But, once your hours are complete, you can clock off with no problem. A regular schedule makes for easier planning in your home life, especially if you have a family.

Responsibilities

As a business owner

With great power comes great responsibility. The growth and success of your business are in your hands.  Every decision you make will affect the future of your business and you'll be held accountable for any issues along the way. You'll need to train yourself in financial management, marketing, legal matters and more all whilst balancing your creative work. Owning a business is a commitment, are you ready to take on that level of ownership and responsibility?

As an employee

And, relax! Being your own boss has many perks, but entrepreneur-related stress isn't one of them! As an interior design employee, your responsibilities are clearly set on paper. Anything beyond your scope of work is not your responsibility (although going the extra mile will earn you positive recognition) and you can focus entirely on your own personal growth as a designer!

Creative control

As a business owner

The biggest incentive to being your own boss is the total creative freedom it affords you. Of course, you will still be designed to your client's preferences but you get to decide who those clients are and there are no management-imposed limitations to your creativity. To ensure you're attracting the clients and projects that you dream of working with, you'll want to think about how best to position your brand and craft your brand messaging to capture their attention.

As an employee

You'll still get to flex your creative muscles as an interior design employee, you just won't get much of a say in what projects you work on and the overall creative direction of said projects. Your firm might have strict design guidelines or suppliers that they like to work with which you will have to adhere to. But learning to colour within the lines, especially as a new interior designer, is a great exercise to help you learn and grow.

The verdict

That's up to you! However you choose to start your career in interior design, you'll find opportunities for learning, challenge and creativity. And remember this is just the start of your interior design industry. You are not bound to one way of working for the rest of your career, just do what feels right at this moment.

Every day, newly engaged couples flock to Instagram to gather inspiration and advice for planning their big day. In an ideal world, they'd find your wedding business' Instagram page, fall in love and book you to organise their big day. To stand out as a wedding planner on Instagram you'll need a strong social media marketing strategy, a stunning portfolio, a consistent posting schedule and buckets of personality—oh, and you may also want to consider paid advertisement.

Paying for advertisements doesn't guarantee new clients, but it does guarantee impressions—in order for clients to fall in love with your services at first sight, they're first going to need to see you! That being said, ads are another expense for your wedding business—might you be better off reserving resources to focus on organic impressions instead?

Advertising on Instagram as a wedding professional has its benefits and drawbacks, which you'll need to thoroughly weigh up to decide what is right for your wedding business. Is it worth investing in Instagram ads as a wedding planner? Let's find out!

Pros of Instagram ads

A targeted approach

Over 60% of Instagram users are aged 18 to 34—the demographic with the most wedding bells ringing! So when posting on Instagram, you already have a high chance of being seen by your target market but Instagram ads take that viewer compatibility to a new level. Identify your target audience's gender, age group, location and interests and your ads will show up users that match these specifics. All the marketing in the world won't make a difference if you're talking to the wrong audience, Instagram ads ensure your efforts are being heard by the right people—say hello to higher client conversion rates.

Suitable for all budgets

When it comes to Instagram ads, you set the price. Pay as little or as much as you like and see results accordingly—although a little investment still goes a long way! Explore different ad campaigns until you find the one with the highest return on investment and stick with it—and if things don't go your way, feel secure in the fact you can stop a campaign (and payment) at any time.

Space to showcase your work

Adverts on Instagram can be collages, carousels, reels or stories—so you can pick the format that best showcases your work, or try a variety and see what sticks! Experiment with different imagery and formats to see what yields you the highest conversion rate—be bold! This is your opportunity to showcase your skills and your portfolio. Also, do not underestimate the power of good copy—an image might say a thousand words, but the right words says it all. You want to craft copy that is short, punchy, and leaves a lasting impression upon viewers. Think about how your tone on Instagram con contribute to your wider brand messaging.

Cons of Instagram ads

A saturated market

Yes, your ads will be targeted to the right clients... but so will all the wedding planners' ads! Instagram is home to hundreds and thousands of wedding planners globally your target demographic will be receiving hundreds of ads just like yours a day. Of course, you won't be competing with all of them, but you need to really think about what can make your ad special before launching it or else it'll get lost in the noise!

Ads are not a one-time job

Running the same promotion over long periods will lead to a significant cut in engagements, and ultimately conversions. Ads need consistent monitoring to see what is and isn't working and you need to adapt your content accordingly—this is not a "one and done" job, ads require a long-term commitment to get the best results. So, are Instagram ads the right marketing strategy for your wedding business? At Visualist, we're advocates for trying out lots of different strategies and techniques, so long as you are informed and on-the-ball. Best of luck!

Remember the time you spent hours trawling through your desktop looking for that one file? Or missed out on securing that perfect client because your email inbox was too cluttered to see their message? Running a small business is hard, being disorganised makes it 10x harder. Consider this your annual reminder to conduct a spring clean for your business. With clutter gone from your physical and/or digital workspace, you will be more productive and more motivated. Plus your creativity will finally have more space to flourish! Ready to organise your workspace and set your business on track to success? Let's get cleaning!

Declutter your office

Whether you work in an office, a studio or from home—as so many of us do post-pandemic—your workplace deserves a little respect. Conduct a deep clean from the skirting boards to your desktop and maybe even rearrange the furniture to bring in some new energy to the space. Not only will your workspace look professional and inviting, but you'll also likely feel refreshed and energised on the inside too. Remember a little decluttering goes a long way. Now is the perfect time to work through old paperwork, stock, samples, and equipment to decide whether it is ever going to be useful to you and your business—if the answer is no, it can go. Stop hoarding things you do not need anymore.

Inspect your email inbox

If you have 1490 unread notifications in your email inbox, this one is for you. Delete all the old emails laying dormant in your inbox and treat the problem immediately by unsubscribing to newsletters and mailing lists that no longer benefit you and your business. You should also consider using labels in your inbox to keep things neat and easily searchable for when you inevitably need to check back on a business expense or client enquiry. Take the opportunity to work through your contact list too and update all contacts with their proper information.

Update your socials

Is your Insta feed looking a little... chaotic? Your social media is your shop front, it needs to accurately and consistently convey your brand personality and messaging across all platforms. If there are posts on your social accounts that no longer align with your brand, time to delete them (or at least archive them!) You should also pay some attention to your captions and make any edits needed to align them with your up-to-date brand messaging. See what is going on in your drafts as well—if you haven't used that content yet, it can probably be removed. Instead, queue up a few new posts that more accurately represent your brand. Ensure that your bio and contact information is up-to-date and consistent across all your social media channels—remember this is how you acquire the majority of your leads!

Organise your photo library

As creatives, visuals are our go-to source of inspiration. In fact, we often collect so many that it is hard to keep track of when, where and why we saved them in the first place. Firstly, free up some storage space by deleting any images that confuse your aesthetic. It is okay for your tastes and the direction of your brand to change over time. Once you start scrolling you'll likely find plenty of duplicates—they can go too. Note: there are a number of handy apps that can do this for you! You should consider organising your inspiration into designated folders for easier navigation and to ensure you are always stumbling across fresh, relevant inspiration. Consider using a tool such as Visualist.

We get it! As a creative entrepreneur you're always on the go, and yet you are always looking for opportunities grow your business. Which is why business podcasts are your new best friend. You can listen to podcasts on your daily commute, on the treadmill or whilst waiting in line at the shops, making it easy to fit learning and inspiration into your busy schedule.

Entrepreneurship can be a challenging and isolating journey (lets be real, especially as a woman) but podcasts can provide the companionship and motivation you need to help you reach your goals. Sometimes all we need is to listen to the wise words of a fellow female creative to reinvigorate our creative spirit.

That's why we've put together a list of the top podcasts for creative female entrepreneurs. From expert insights on business strategy and marketing to inspiring stories of successful female founders, these podcasts offer valuable resources for personal and professional growth. Plug in your headphones and go reach those goals girl!

Go-to Gal

Host: Jaclyn Mellone

Okay, girls! Tune in and have a giggle with Jaclyn Mellone, host of the Go-to Gal podcast. (formerly All Up In Your Lady Business). Go-To Gal is a marketing podcast designed to help creative entrepreneurs become sought-after experts in their respective creative fields by talking "mindset, strategy, and tactics." Oh! And Go-to Gal got featured as one of Forbes' top 21 podcasts of 2021, so you know you're in for the best of the best! What are you waiting for? As Jocelyn says, "Stop waiting for momentum, start creating it!"

Being Boss

Host: Emily Thompson

Every day as the boss of a creative business is an adventure, whether you're an entrepreneur, freelancer or side hustler. And if we're honest, sometimes it is a struggle. Emily Thompson, host of Being Boss, can relate and she shares her honest experiences in every episode.

Join Emily for an exploration of the mindsets, habits, and tactics of "harnessing your creative ambitions and embracing the adventure of starting and growing your own business so that you can make money doing work you love."

The Marie Forleo Podcast

Host: Marie Forleo

Marie Forleo is one of the most inspiring female creative entrepreneurs you'll ever meet. Creative? Check. Writer? Check. Philanthropist? Check. Entrepreneur? Double check. It's no surprise Oprah regarded her as a thought leader, and her business is one of Inc.'s 500 fastest-growing companies.

With all that in mind, you'll want to listen to every ounce of advice she and her guests share on her podcast! But Marie doesn't sugarcoat the hardships of being a woman in business—the fear of failure, disappointing yourself, and the struggle to understand what works for you and your business.

She Means Business

Hosted by: Carrie Green

Are you ready to turn your ideas into reality and build a wildly successful business? Every Tuesday, Carrie Green will be there to motivate you in your journey and guide you on the path to success with your creative business. Carrie is no stranger to both the challenges and the rewards of being a creative female entrepreneur, having built not one but two successful businesses herself!

As well as drawing on her own experience, Carrie draws upon "incredible stories of female entrepreneurs from around the world who are following their hearts, building the business of their dreams and creating the success and abundance they desire."