Embracing one's true self and cultivating authenticity in fashion is a special practice of self-care. Fashion is a form of self-expression that can have impacts both personally and publicly. With influencers, actors, and models often being the role models and trendsetters, there can be times in which authenticity becomes a questionable attainment.
For personal stylist Jiovani Cervantes, authenticity is the very essence that makes fashion unique and deserving of celebration. Jiovani has over seven years of industry experience, designing and refining his service specifically to revitalise an individual's sense of self-worth and personal style.
Throughout his career, Jiovani has had his work featured in well-known industry publications such as Digital Vogue, Yellow Mag, and Selin Magazine. He has also enjoyed collaborating and working with emerging artists such as Keraun Harris, Jackie Mitchell, and Inas X.
Jiovani's experience, confidence, and commitment to authenticity enable him to thrive in the crowded, high-pressure fashion industry. We speak to Jiovani about his personal awakening to the power of fashion, his what personal style really means.
As told in Jiovani's own words.
On inspiration
When did your styling career begin?
My interest in styling first sparked in middle school. My friends liked how I presented myself through what I wore, so they would ask me to create outfits from their closet that they could wear throughout the school week. Whether it was to simply look cool or popular, get noticed by the girls, or even keep up with the latest trends, I continued styling my friends until my senior year of high school and I enjoyed every minute of it.
What motivates you?
Those near and dear to my heart. The people who I came up with through hard times, who have always supported my creative endeavours, and who have always given me a sense of purpose. They’re the reason I work as hard as I do. The more I create, the closer I come to making sure they’re taken care of forever.
Who do you draw inspiration from?
Rick Owens. His mindset, perspective, and brand identity align with mine in many ways.
How would you describe yourself?
Artistic, Ambitious, Bold, Creative, Compassionate, Edgy, Elevated, Enthusiastic, Expressive, Grunge, Intelligent, and Polished.
And your style?
I truly think most of these adjectives can be used to describe my personal style. Personally, I’ve always called my style “Polished, Elevated Grunge”.
On trends
You prefer not to follow trends, why is that?
Style is meant to promote authentic individual expression, how can you properly do that when you are dressed to blend in with the others around you?
I’m not saying you shouldn’t participate in the trends, some are worth trying out, the issue is when the entire foundation of your style is inspired by what’s hot right now.
What tactics do you use to steer clients away from trends, and towards a style that is authentic to them?
I encourage my clientele to create budget plans, 5 year plans, and a personal style mood board, a visual representation of the new style realm they should be shopping and dressing within. When you know yourself, the direction in which your life is going in, and how to save money, the new places you’ll shop at won’t sell cheap trends, they’ll sell quality and longevity.
In your eyes, what is authenticity?
Authenticity is how far you’re willing to go to stay true to who you are and your values, despite the pressures of social conformity.
Pretending to be something you aren’t is exhausting. On the other hand, being unapologetically yourself can be liberating and fulfilling.
On business
What are the biggest challenges you face as a freelance stylist?
Recession and economic inflation. I often work with high-profile clientele but, for the most part, I work with everyday people. These clients aren’t expected to pay much, but they pay enough to keep the bills paid, gas in the car, styling supplies stocked, as well as other expenses. One of the ways I’ve overcome this is by spreading my outreach throughout my team and making it a goal to reach out to x amount of client leads per week.
How do you manage and operate your styling business on both coasts?
We don’t need to be in the same state to work together. My network of clients lives throughout the US from Seattle to California, New York to Florida.
Simply describe the occasion, outline your budget, and send over your measurements. Once I have shopped for the look, I’ll send back the remaining shopping balance and expedite shipping to your current location. You then keep the look after—that simple!
On achievements
After seven years in the industry, what has been your highlight?
My career highlights include:
- Working on a Karl Kani set when I first moved to Los Angeles.
- Styling personalities during the rise of “influencer culture”.
- Styling aspiring musicians for artist development agency Wealth Nation.
- My first publication in Vogue
- NYFW client styling
- Creating a Fashion Show event series that promotes and highlights independent designers in the San Fernando Valley.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
I once styled a musician for their headlining performance. After the show, the entourage headed back to their mansion for an after-party. At some point during the party, I find myself out on the balcony, overlooking the city of Los Angeles, just thinking about where I come from and how the hell I’ve managed to get this far. It was one of those moments where life comes full circle and you kind of step back and look at all that you have achieved and gone through in appreciation. I just smiled and started to imagine what more was to come.
... What is to come?
I won’t share all of my future aspirations. However, I do plan to mentor stylists and implement basic cut-sew classes in schools and communities in the future. Mentoring stylists on how to build and curate slow, ethical, versatile, and long-term wardrobes could help reduce consumption, whilst implementing basic cut-and-sew classes in schools and the community could help encourage recycling and reduce waste in landfills.
On the next generation
Is fashion school necessary?
I studied pattern and textile coordination as well as colour theory and analysis during my time at FIDM (The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising). This knowledge comes in handy when I’m identifying what colours will look best on my muse and what textile and pattern combinations work without clashing too much.
If you aim to become a stylist, you don’t need a degree to qualify. You just need to know how to put together looks and have an outstanding network of resources. If you aim to be in PR, designer clothes, or visual communications, then I’d suggest going to school.
You offer a course for aspiring stylists. Why is it important to you to teach?
Teaching and helping others have always been some of the things that fulfil me in life. I’ve gotten so far in what I would consider my dream job, that I feel as though I have a responsibility to share what I’ve learned so that the next creative has a chance at turning their dreams into reality. That’s just the way I am.
What advice do you have for aspiring wardrobe stylists looking to make their mark in the fashion industry?
This career is not glamorous. It is brutal, high-performing, last-minute, and leaves little room for error. But it is highly rewarding. It is not enough for you to love fashion, to really make it in this field it has to be your life. Figure out what it is you want to do in the industry, figure out how to be the best in your lane, and embrace failures as stepping stones to success with unwavering resilience.
Follow Jiovani on Instagram, or learn more about his styling services on his website.
Effective copy is a game-changer for your brand. Well-written copy can help you develop a unique brand identity and, as a result, attract new customers.
Yet, for creative small business owners who aren't natural writers, composing website and social media copy can be a daunting task.
Fortunately, a new generation of AI tools with copywriting capabilities can alleviate some of the burden. These tools can craft engaging copy in a matter of seconds, leaving you with just one responsibility: adding the finishing touches!
Let's explore five of the best AI copywriting tools in 2023.
Benefits of using AI copywriting platforms
AI copywriting tools are designed for efficient writing. They reduce the time you spend on brainstorming and content creation, allowing you to focus on higher-priority tasks.
That being said, AI still lacks the human touch needed to make your copy appear more personable and truly representative of you and your brand. Therefore, AI can't do all the work for you—think of it as a helpful assistant! Here are four reasons why you should use an AI copywriting tool...
- Free up your time. By handling all writing tasks, AI tools save you 90% of the time you'd typically spend on writing.
- Enhance your marketing strategy. AI copywriting tools can also gather interesting ideas and concepts from the internet that you can use to strengthen your marketing strategy, including social media goals, current trends, and recommended KPIs to track.
- Simplify the writing process. With AI writing tools, you don't need to be a professional to write effectively. These tools do the job for you, leaving you with the straightforward task of reviewing and revising the content as you see fit.
- Boost conversion rates. These tools can also be used to create targeted content. This means they can analyze your target audience and generate attention-grabbing copies that will increase click-through rates and conversions.
How to use AI copywriting tools for your business
Three specific tasks that an AI copywriting tool can complete in seconds...
- Write blog posts. AI copywriting tools can write anything from captions to long-form articles. Even better, some AI copywriting platforms offer varied writing style options to match your brand voice perfectly. Just type down an outline or describe the content you want to create, and AI will take care of the rest!
- Create personalised email templates. AI copywriting tools simplify email marketing by creating custom email templates that attract readers. By analysing recipient data, these tools create content that is sure to pique their interest. This makes your emails more engaging and persuasive, leading to higher open rates, click-through rates, and conversions!
- Rewrite existing copy. AI copywriting tools can help you take your ad copy and blog articles from good to great. Just paste your content into the AI platform to check for grammar errors and suggest writing improvements.
5 Best AI copywriting tools for small business owners
ChatGPT
Best for: Busy solopreneurs
Write seamlessly with ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is one of the fastest-growing AI copywriting tools available. It is best known for its user-friendly chat-style interface, where you can input a question or command.
For this reason, ChatGPT is best suited for creating generic content, such as social media posts, emails, or short-form articles. The only drawback is that it has limited knowledge of events after 2021. Try these commands:
- Write a social media caption for a post about the best employee of the month.
- Create an email template for a pet supplies store
Bard
Best for: Trendy business owner
Bard is steadily gaining attention for being the 'smarter' alternative to ChatGPT. It has real-time access to the internet, and is updated on the current zeitgeist.
Bard can run plagiarism and grammar checks on existing copy, as well as creating new, current content. The cherry on top, it shows the related sources of the content, allowing you to cite easily or read more. Try these prompts:
- Run a plagiarism check on this text "insert text"
- Make this blog post more engaging "insert text"
Jasper
Best for: Creative teams
If you're seeking an all-in-one platform for all your content, Jasper is the way to go!
Jasper is a versatile AI platform for copywriting, complete with its own template library and cloud storage for collaboration. It opens to a document-style interface, where you can access and edit your work exactly as you wish.
Simply write a description for the type of content you want and fill in the SEO options and more. You can also utilise the Jasper Brand Voice to create content that mirrors your own style!
Quillbot AI
Best for: Non-native writers
If you already have a lot of content but are unsatisfied with how it's written, look no further than Quillbot—one of the best paraphrasing tools available!
Quillbot takes your content and rewrites it more clearly and concisely. It's also a hub for several other useful tools, including a paraphrasing tool, summariser, grammar checker, plagiarism checker, and more. It's perfect for non-native English writers and small business owners.
Wordtune
Best for: Witty creatives
Wordtune is another rephrasing tool designed to enhance readability and content quality. Similar to Quillbot, you easily switch between different tones and resize the word count with ease.
What makes Wordtune stand out is Spices. As the name suggests, the SPices feature mixes in statistics, facts and even jokes to your copy to add flair to a previously dull piece. This makes the content sound more authentic and engaging.
With climate change continuing to impact our daily lives, businesses are having to take steps to make their operations and offerings more sustainable, and the interior design industry is no exception.
Interior design and construction is a notoriously wasteful sector. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the construction sector was responsible for 62% of the total waste produced in the UK in 2018. Interior designers struggle to stay green when their process inherently requires an abundance of material and carbon-emitting deliveries.
Evidently, better sustainable practices are needed in the interior design industry. As the interior design industry continues to innovate, sustainability must be a part of the vision.
Focusing your efforts on sustainability also benefits your business. Implementing eco-friendly initiatives into your interior design business has the power to draw in investors, clients, and top talent to your business.
Many interior designers do strive to be more sustainable, but what does a sustainable interior design studio really look like and is it achievable for the average interior designer? We have compiled a 6-step strategy to help you take your first step in becoming a more sustainable and environmentally conscious interior design business.
What does it take to be a sustainable interior design business?
Depending on how your interior design business operates, your eco-friendly journey could span from making minor adjustments to your process to reconstructing your entire operations.
You'll need to shut down all environmentally harmful practices and find greener alternatives moving forward.
Characteristics of a sustainable interior design business:
- Less use of energy, water, and resources
- Uses renewable energy
- Low waste production
- Promotes sustainability education
- Supports sustainable partners and suppliers
How sustainable practices can benefit your interior design business
Build organisational resilience
Sustainable business strategies do not only positively cont are made to last and self-sustain.
For this reason, having a sustainable business plan minimises the impact of economic uncertainties like rising energy costs. Furthermore, this makes it easier for you to meet new regulatory requirements in the future.
Enhance brand reputation
Action speaks louder than words. Going green shows prospective clients that you don't just care about making a profit, but you care about your impact on the world as well.
A growing number of clients are choosing services that align with their moral standings, and a commitment to sustainable practices will leave a positive impression on this growing clientele.
Increase sales
Clients and investors now have an eye for brands with environmental accountability. As a result, companies with high environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings have a higher return on investment as clients are more willing to spend more for sustainability.
Sustainable business practices for interior designers
Getting educated on the current state of the environment is the first step to making your business more sustainable. The next steps will depend on you and the type of business you're running!
Read through six actionable eco-friendly business practices and take your pick now:
Calculate your carbon footprint
Before anything else, it's important to know where your business currently stands.
Calculating your carbon footprint is the best place to start your sustainable journey. It provides you with invaluable information that outlines what practices produce the most emissions and how to work around them.
You can use Carbon Trust's online calculator to track your direct and indirect emissions or follow the guide on how to measure greenhouse gas emissions by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Implement a hybrid or remote work setup
Have tasks that can be managed online? Work remotely!
Hybrid or remote work setups consume less electricity and produce less waste. Since employees mostly work at home, less is spent on transport fuel and electricity. This strategy is especially popular among creative businesses!
If that's not possible, you can opt to promote green transport like walking, cycling, or using public transportation instead. You can give green incentives, invest in shared shuttle services or carpools, or set up exclusive bicycle parking spots for your employees.
Choose eco-friendly alternatives
When shopping for appliances for yourself or clients, always prefer energy-efficient options. With less energy consumption, you and your clients can effectively decrease your carbon footprint and cut down the energy bill in the next years! Bonus: Energy-efficient appliances enhance air quality because of their low carbon emissions.
Here are some promising eco-friendly appliances to invest in:
- Cool roofs
- LED lighting
- Solar panels
- Smart plugs
Partner with sustainable vendors
If you outsource your materials, ask yourself these questions—where do they get their materials from? Do they practice fair trade? Do they pay their workers right?
As an advocate for the common good, you'll want to support businesses that share the same values. So take time to run a quick background check on potential partners to make sure you're sourcing from ethical manufacturing.
You can do so by visiting their workplace and observing the operations firsthand. You can also connect with their previous clients and browse comments and other reviews.
Promote sustainable brands
The promotion of sustainable solutions in your project designs and consultations can be a great way to become more environmentally mindful.
If you're an interior designer, you can recommend using eco-friendly appliances or locally-sourced materials to your clients. Similarly, stylists can recommend clothing brands that advocate against animal cruelty.
Showing a burning passion for the environment is the key to attracting like-minded clients!
Reduce, reuse and recycle packaging
The simple act of recycling avoids excessive waste being produced by your business. Instead of single-use plastics, use reusable containers or biodegradable materials to create recyclable packaging.
The switch of mindset goes a long way. You could even ask suppliers delivering packages to your office to keep reusing the same boxes and packaging when making scheduled deliveries. Oftentimes now there are even options for minimal packing, reducing the amount of waste you produce.
Continue to learn and improve your practice
What sets your wedding planning business apart? Are you skilled in dry-hire venues? Do you specialize in sustainable practices?
Contrary to common belief, narrowing your focus as a wedding planner doesn't reduce your client base. In fact, defining your niche can attract ideal clients and enhance your marketing strategy's impact.
This article will explore...
- Attracting Dream Clients: Specializing in a niche draws couples seeking your unique expertise, aligning every job with your passion.
- Enhancing Marketing Strategies: A clear niche enables targeted and effective marketing, distinguishing you from generic planners and reaching ideal clients.
- Maximizing Press Exposure: Unique niches attract media attention, enhancing credibility, visibility, and brand recognition among like-minded clients.
Excited to discover how specializing can spur new growth for your wedding planning business? Let's get started!
Discover the Benefits of Niche Wedding Planning
Many view specializing in a wedding planning niche as restrictive, but it actually attracts better-suited clients and enhances job satisfaction. Here's why:
Attract your dream clients
Focusing on a specific wedding niche draws couples who align perfectly with your expertise and passion. Your niche selection reflects your interests, ensuring a genuine connection with your clients.
Define Your Ideal Client
Narrowing down to a niche allows precise targeting of your "ideal client". Understand their profession, location, and wedding priorities to tailor your marketing strategies effectively.
Refine Your Marketing
A distinct niche enables a focused and unique marketing approach, distinguishing you from a sea of generic wedding planners.
Effective Marketing Strategies:
- Research competitors in your niche for insights.
- Analyze their client engagement tactics.
- Align your marketing to directly address your ideal clients' desires.
Boost Press Opportunities
Media and online communities crave unique stories. Stand out as a niche expert to attract interviews and features, boosting your credibility and visibility.
Build Your Brand
Featured interviews elevate your authority in your niche, acting as free publicity that attracts like-minded clients searching for your specialized services.
Pursue Your Passion
Choosing a niche aligned with your interests and expertise transforms wedding planning into a labor of love. As Mark Twain said, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
Explore Unique Wedding Planning Niches
Looking to specialize in a wedding planning niche but not sure where to start? Don't worry, we've gathered a few niche ideas to spark your creativity:
Budget-Friendly Weddings
Luxury doesn't have to come with a hefty price tag. Offer couples a dream wedding without breaking the bank, showcasing your resourcefulness and creativity.
Vintage-Inspired Weddings
Are you passionate about history and antiques? Specialize in vintage weddings, bringing retro charm to modern couples looking for a touch of nostalgia.
Fantasy Weddings
Turn fairy tales into reality! Embrace your creativity and cater to couples with imaginative wedding ideas, making their dreams come true with unique and magical celebrations.
Quick-Plan Weddings
Thriving under pressure? Specialize in planning weddings on short notice, from intimate elopements to grand affairs abroad. Your organizational skills will shine as you help couples tie the knot swiftly and smoothly.
The takeaway
In a saturdated wedding planning market, a strong niche is your biggest chance of success. Finding your niche and distinct style as a wedding planner will help you to:
- Attract clients that you are excited to work with. Every job will be a job that you want to work on (and they'll likely be more work avialable to you.)
- Improve the effectiveness of your marketing strategy.
- Create more press opportunities
"I need a break!" You say to yourself as your bride-to-be sends you yet another text on a Sunday evening.
As a wedding planner, you pride yourself on fostering great relationships with your clients, but that doesn't mean you should sacrifice your work -life balance. You can still delver a quality wedding planning service whilst setting boundaries with your couples.
Establishing communication boundaries with wedding clients looks different for everyone but can include outlining preferred methods of communication, the expected timing of communication, and defining expectations and responsibilities of both parties.
Establishing boundaries early on presents an expectation to your clients that they are to respect your time when it is not their time. Having clear boundaries allows you to give equal time to all of your clients, dedicate attention to other aspects of running your wedding business (urgh, accounting), and spend quality time with your loved ones.
We have compiled a 5-step to help you respectfully but firmly establish boundaries with your wedding clients and achieve a healthy work-life balance. Let's begin...
5 Strategies For Setting Healthy Boundaries With Clients
Setting boundaries in your work as a wedding planner can at first seem uncomfortable or unfamiliar. Ease the transition with five simple steps to setting boundaries with clients—ones that enhance your work, not diminish it.
Learn to say no
No is a simple word, but one that people-pleasers find near impossible to say.
Saying no is not evidence of you being unaccommodating or difficult, it is evidence that you know what works best for you and your nusiness and you are commited to delivering that high quality service. If you communicate this properly with your clienst from the outset, they will understand and respect your boundaries.
Some clients might not respect your boundaries, and decide to find another wedding planner instead. But remember, the right client will find you in the end. Working with toxic wedding clients is of no benefit to your business in the long run.
Write boundaries into your contract
The way in which you communciate, and what clients can expect of you should be clearly stated in wirting, in your contract.
Your contract can outline what methods of communication are acceptable and what your working hours are. For example, your client can only contact you via text after 8am and not after 7 pm. It is important that both you and your client agree to the terms of service at the beginning of working together.
Set your price
Sometimes you can make exeptions to your boundaries, by working over time or accomodating a specific client request—this is testament to you going above and beyond for your client. However it is important to explain from the outset if these services will come at any extra cost.
Outline any additional fees in your contract, that way you can't be accused of hidden costs and your client can make an informed decision on how they use your time.
Stick to your rules
It is tempting to reply to a late night text, answer your client's phone call at an inconvenient time, or apologise for not solving something that was in fact outside of your responisbilties just to keep the peace. However, in the long run this will only damage your ability to run your business efficiently and could lead to burnout.
Make sure to prioritise yourself and your well-being at all times. If a client can't respect you and your time, then it's time to re-evaluate your working relationship.
Sometimes, needs change, and so too can your professional boundaries. Revising your boundaries once in a while is a healthy way to check-in with your self and ensure you are offering a high quality wedding planning service.
The takeaway
Wedding planners need firm but fair boundaries with their clients in order to enjoy a healthy work-life balance and provide a quality wedding planning service. Setting boundaries is not always easy, but it is important.
Your boundaries stipulate expectations when it comes to client communications and your responsobilties as a wedding planner. Use your contract as a tool to highlight these boundraies, and stick to your rules throughout the process. The right wedding client will respect your terms of service.
As a wedding planner, one of your most effective marketing strategies is the positive feedback from your previous wedding clients. Prospective clients want to hear about the great experiences of other couples who have worked with you and feel confident that you can deliver the same magical experience for them.
Even though your clients leave their weddings with the utmost gratitude, they don't always leave you a review. Your happy couples quickly return to busy, newly married life and leaving a review can often slip their mind.
This is why you need an easy process to follow up with your clients and encourage them to leave you a glowing, informative review that you can use in your marketing. Client testimonials should decorate your wedding business website, your social media, and, possibly, printed for marketing material.
This is a guide to gathering high-quality client testimonials for your wedding business and using client feedback in your marketing. Ready to begin?
Why client testimonials are important for your wedding planning business.
Wedding planner testimonials are a free and effective marketing tool. Your visual portfolio catches the eye of prospective clients, your outstanding client reviews will help to seal the deal. Client testimonials offer insight into your ability and professionalism as a wedding planner, allowing potential clients to use your wedding planning service.
As well as being a great marketing strategy, client feedback is also an opportunity for you to grow and improve as a wedding planner. Even negative reviews offer a chance to learn. Consider all points made in your client feedback and use it to inform your process in the future.
How to collect feedback from your wedding clients
After the wedding day, it is a good idea to drop your clients a message. In this message, you can wish them well and thank them for trusting you to create their beautiful big day. This is also the perfect opportunity to ask for their feedback on their wedding planning experience.
It can be daunting to ask for feedback, but having a positive and encouraging mindset can make it a lot easier. And the rewards are definitely worth it!
Timing is everything
Warning: do not follow up with your clients 2 days after the wedding! The newlyweds will be busy enjoying married life, jetting off on their honeymoon, or easing back into daily their lives.
The perfect time to send a message to your clients requesting their feedback is 3-4 weeks after the wedding. Now, clients will have more time to offer thoughtful feedback on your services and won't feel pressured by your request. If you don't hear back from your client, it is okay to send them a follow-up message after a few weeks.
If you're new to the idea of client testimonials, don't be afraid to reach out to old clients long after the 3-4 week period has passed. As a nice touch, perhaps you could send your message on their anniversary as part of your celebratory message.
Make it easy
Your couples are doing you a favour by offering you their feedback, so you should make the process as easy as possible for them.
- Be clear and concise in your request for feedback but ensure your client knows they are under no obligation to do so.
- How do you want to receive the feedback? Via Whatsapp, email, or the communication method you used throughout the process is likely easiest for your client. Alternatively, you could think about investing in a client testimonial template to make the process super smooth and professional.
- If you'd like your clients to leave feedback on an external site such as Facebook or Google, provide them with a direct link to do so.
- Provide prompts to help your clients write their testimonials.
Offer guidance
Writing is not everyone's cup of tea. Some of your clients might not know where to start with their testimonials. Some might leave a lovely message but fail to offer useful feedback.
To get the best client testimonials, prepare specific questions and prompts for your couples to answer. Here are some.
Some questions to start with:
- What made you choose our wedding planning business?
- Did we meet your expectations in planning your dream wedding?
- Will you recommend us to your friends and family?
You can also prepare a form or templates they can just fill up. This way, you'll sort out all the feedback in an organised manner to highlight and share.
Where to Post Customer Testimonials and Feedback
Once you get your reviews, maximise them. Don't let it rot in your storage space, make sure to post it . However, it is crucial to ask for your client's consent before posting anything (as mentioned before).
Wedding planning business website
Your website is your portfolio. It contains all the evidence of your beautiful work as a wedding planner, so make sure to back it up with amazing testimonials.
Client feedback serves as a testimony to your competence as a wedding planner. Place it where people can see it, especially on your home page. You'll be surprised at how impactful client feedback is for other prospective clients choosing their wedding planner.
Social media
Most newly engaged couples find their wedding planner on social media page. When visiting your page, you want people to have instant access to glowing feedback from your previous clients.
On Instagram, you can use your highlight stories for easier clicks. You can also make them pinned posts on your Facebook Page. You could even use client reviews to produce new content for TikTok.
The takeaway
Client feedback for your wedding business will provide you with a whole range of benefits. Positive testimonials from your couples serve as a powerful and cost-effective marketing tool that can catch the attention of prospective clients, ultimately helping to seal the deal.
Beyond their role in attracting new clients, these testimonials offer crucial insights into your professionalism and capability as a wedding planner, aiding potential clients in making an informed choice.
The best marketing strategy for interior designers is simple: let your clients speak for you!
Beautiful photographs of your interior design work and a well-designed website will catch a prospective client's attention. However, client testimonials will convince them to seal the deal. Feedback from real clients is reliable, personal, and offers great insight into what a client can expect from working with you.
We've created a guide to help you ensure you receive detailed and productive feedback from your interior design clients. This guide will show you how to use that client feedback to effectively improve your services and advertise your interior design business. Read on to learn how to ask for client reviews as an interior designer and how to use client testimonials in your marketing.
This article will explore...
- The importance of client testimonials in establishing credibility and attracting prospective clients by providing reliable and personal feedback on your interior design services.
- Practical steps for collecting client testimonials, including choosing the right time, selecting the best mode of communication, crafting clear and concise questions, and expressing gratitude and respect for the feedback received.
- Effective ways to use client testimonials in marketing your interior design business, such as displaying reviews on your website, sharing feedback on social media, and incorporating testimonials into printed promotional materials to enhance your reputation and reach.
Importance of client reviews to interior designers
Client testimonials are quotes from past clients that describe their experience with your interior design business. Positive reviews boost confidence and serve as excellent marketing content. Constructive criticism from clients highlights areas for you to improve as an interior designer, helping you grow and refine your services.
A collection of positive client testimonials is a powerful marketing tool for your interior design business. Here are three key benefits of client testimonials for interior designers...
Build a positive reputation
You don't grow a good reputation overnight. It is a long and continuous process of showing the world your potential.
Client feedback establishes your credibility. It assures potential clients that you're a skilled interior designer and can deliver their dream vision. The more positive reviews you have, the stronger your reputation becomes. This makes it easier to bag ideal clients and projects!
Increase your client conversion rate
Client reviews directly impact your client conversion rate. Prospective clients trust testimonials from your previous clients, making them more likely to choose your services.
Improve your service
Client feedback is crucial for service development. Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. There's nothing more appealing than an interior designer who listens to their clients!
Testimonials help you identify improvement areas as an interior designer, from client communication to project management.
How to ask for client feedback as an interior designer
Great client reviews are a game-changer for your interior design business. So, how do you get them?
The most important rule when it comes to collecting client testimonials is that your attitude matters more than the method. Remember, you're asking a favor. Be polite, grateful, and accept feedback with an open mind.
Here are four steps to help you collect excellent client reviews as an interior designer...
Step 1. Choose the right time
When should you ask for client reviews? Don’t wait until the project is finished for feedback. Maintain open communication with your client throughout the process. This allows you to address any issues immediately, rather than waiting until it's too late.
However, collect more in-depth feedback at the project's end. Give your client time to settle into their new space before following up with a testimonial request.
Step 2. Pick a mode of communication
If your client agrees to write a testimonial, decide how you'll collect their feedback. You could arrange a face-to-face meeting, a phone call, or provide them with questions digitally.
As their interior designer, you should know your client's preferred mode of communication. Do they like emails? Are they less tech-savvy and prefer paper forms? Or do they find forms a hassle and prefer talking in person? If you're unsure, just ask!
Step 3. Craft your questions
When drafting questions for your client feedback forms, ensure they are clear and concise. The clearer your questions, the better the client feedback. Ideally, a feedback form should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to complete.
Personalize your questions, especially if you’re asking for a testimonial from another professional. Here are some effective questions:
- What did you like most about working with me? This question will highlight your strengths as an interior designer, both creatively and in project management.
- Would you recommend me to others? Why or why not? This assesses your client's satisfaction and can reveal areas for improvement.
- What could I have done better? This helps identify service gaps that need addressing.
Step 4. Be grateful and respectful
After receiving a client testimonial, whether positive or negative, always express your gratitude. Saying thank you goes a long way in strengthening your relationship with clients and leaves a lasting, positive impression.
Lastly, seek your clients' consent to use their testimonials in your marketing content. Most will agree, but some may prefer to remain anonymous. Either way, respect their decision as an interior designer.
How to use client reviews in your interior design business marketing
Now that you know how to collect great client testimonials as an interior designer, it's essential to use them effectively in your marketing. It's time to put your client reviews to good use! Here are three ways to leverage client testimonials to promote your interior design business.
Display client reviews on your website
The first place to showcase your glowing client reviews is on your website. Create a dedicated client testimonials page or integrate feedback across your site. For example, include quotes from clients next to images of your projects in your portfolio.
Share client testimonials on social media
A significant percentage of people seeking interior design services search social media to find the right interior designer. Your social media presence must reflect your brand effectively. Feature client testimonials prominently on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms where you promote your interior design studio.
Highlight the best reviews by pinning them to the top of your feed. This way, it’s the first thing viewers see when they visit your page. Update frequently to keep the content fresh!
Add testimonials to your printed marketing materials
Enhance your promotional materials by adding impactful quotes from clients. Extract 1-2 of the most compelling sentences from client feedback and feature them on your flyers, brochures, and other printed marketing materials. Remember, don’t rely on a single client testimonial; showcase a variety to appear more reputable.
The takeaway
As an interior designer, client feedback is crucial to the growth of your business. Testimonials can shape your services and highlight areas that need improvement.
When requesting feedback, ask specific questions and make it easy for your clients to respond. Positive testimonials are invaluable marketing tools for your interior design business—share them widely.
Looking for a way to enhance your influence as a British interior designer? Let this be your sign to apply for UK's top design awards!
Every year, the UK design industry celebrates excellence in interior design through a series of prestigious awards. They showcase excellence in all areas of design and help new and existing interior designers thrive.
With a design award under your belt, your interior design career is set for success. Apart from prestige, you also extend your influence with extensive publicity. Find out which British interior design awards you should apply for and how they can help your career.
Benefits of design awards to interior designers
The interior design industry presents design awards to recognise unparalleled talent in the industry. Applying for design awards is an exciting journey to grow your interior design career.
Three ways applying for an interior design award will benefit your career as an interior designer:
Increases brand visibility
Winning, or even participating in an interior design award will attract media attention. It is common for participants to receive press attention and have their work published across top interior design trade publications. With this much exposure, you don't need to look for projects; projects find you.
Enhances your reputation
Design awards are your 'bragging rights' for brilliant interior design innovations. They validate your industry expertise and bring value to your name. When greeted by an award-winning designer, clients know they're in good hands!
Drives the industry forward
Design awards feature the best breakthroughs in interior design. Think cutting-edge technologies, unique concepts, and groundbreaking innovations from rising and established interior designers. If your a designer innovating in your field, people need to know about it.
Top 5 design awards for British interior designers
International Design Awards (IDA)
Entry fee: Starts at $80
Featured categories:
- Interior Designer of the Year
- Residential Interior Design
- Workplace Interior Design
The International Design Awards (IDA) is a community of designers, thinkers, and entrepreneurs who sought to fill in the lack of recognition in the design industry way back in 2007. Now, they're on their 17th year of celebrating excellence!
IDA welcomes works within the last five years from interior designers, clients, and students! Winners receive a specially-made trophy and a feature on the main page of the IDA website.
London Design Awards
Entry fee: Starts at $119 + $30 annual fee
Featured categories:
- Mix-Use Building: Residential and Commercial
- Intelligent Homes
The London Design Awards is an international competition hosted by the International Awards Associate (IAA). IAA is committed to moving the industry forward by recognising existing and new talents.
The event is open to designers from all categories and professional backgrounds—even hobbyists are welcome! Apart from a certificate of recognition, winners will be promoted on the London Design Awards' website for 5 years.
BIID Interior Design Awards
Hosted by: British Institute of Interior Design (BIID)
Entry Fee: Starts at $138
Featured categories:
- Interior of the Year Prize
- Anna Whitehead Prize
The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) aims to advance interior design excellence in Britain whilst adhering to an environmentally-responsible system.
If you're shortlisted, your project will be visited by expert jury members for a thorough inspection. Winners will receive a trophy, a digital badge, and exclusive brand coverage and PR opportunities.
SBID International Design Awards
Entry Fee: Starts at $277 + $55 admin fee
Featured categories:
- CGI and Visualisation
- Kitchen, bedroom, and/or bathroom (KBB) Design
The SBID International Design Award is one of the most sought-after design awards by British interior designers. It's the first interior design award that obtained a GOLD Standards Award Trust Mark from the Independent Awards Standards Council.
The SBID International Design Awards welcomes entries from all across the world. Apart from the coveted trophy of excellence, winners also receive extensive media coverage, free access to After Party networking, and an invitation to SBID's exclusive networking event Meet the Buyer.
Design Week Awards
Entry Fee: Starts at $326 + VAT
Featured categories:
- Exhibition design
- Hospitality interiors
- Wayfinding and Environmental Graphics
Design Week is well-known as the UK's top weekly design magazine, but it is also host to one of the most desired design awards in the UK.
Work submitted to the Design Week Awards will be critiqued by a jury of over 50 esteemed design experts. As a winner, you will be featured on the Winner's Showcase, receive a Design Week Awards lightbulb trophy, and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime PR opportunities!
As an interior designer, you seek to please every client you take on. And in an ideal world, clients would have nothing but good things to say about you after a project. But unfortunately, that isn't always the case.
Criticism and negative reviews are an inevitable part of running your own interior design business. It's normal for interior designers to receive bad reviews every now and then. You just can't please everyone. However, it's critical to know how to make amends with your client and turn this into a positive learning experience.
Remember: The only bad feedback is the feedback you don't get. So instead of beating yourself up over it, learn how to handle negative client feedback and channel it to improve your interior design business.
Why client feedback matters to interior designers
Positive reviews reinforce your marketing. The feedback of previous clients informs prospective clients about all the good things you bring to the table. Incorporating positive reviews into the marketing of your interior design business will attract new clients, build trust, and consolidate your reputation. Here are a few benefits of collecting client feedback as an interior designer...
- Improve your marketing. You can use good reviews to create a better marketing strategy. Some of the most common ways to use reviews for interior design marketing are by pinning them on your social media page, and creating a client testimonial page on your interior design website.
- Establish a positive reputation. Good reviews translate to stronger credibility. It tells potential customers that it's worth investing in your interior design services and that you're skilled enough to get the job done excellently.
- Develop your skills. There is always more to learn as an interior designer. Reviews will break down your service from the client's perspective, so you can see what aspects of your interior design service you can improve.
What to do when you receive a bad interior design review
Whether a beginner or an established interior designer, a bad review feels like a straight punch to the gut. Negative client feedback could make you angry, or even make you doubt your skills as an interior designer—this shouldn't be the case.
Regardless of what you're feeling in this moment, stay above your emotions. This isn't about you, it's about the work done on this particular project. This means that when the issue gets addressed, it can put your business in a better spot moving forward.
Here are the do's and don'ts of how to handle negative client feedback as an interior designer...
Don't make excuses
The first step is to not get defensive. Sometimes designers either deny the experience, pass the blame back to the client, or ignore it altogether.
The last thing you want to happen is to unknowingly dismiss your client's feelings just to protect your own. This leaves an impression to potential clients that you don't value their opinions if it does not align with yours.
Do take responsibility for your actions
When you receive a negative review from an interior design client and get that urge to respond and defend yourself—pause. Put yourself in the shoes of your client and try to understand their side.
After, you can write an appropriate response. Apologise and thank them for their honesty, validate their experience, briefly state your side of the story, and conclude with a plan of action.
Don't respond rudely or curse them out
Sometimes, you'll encounter toxic clients who like to strike below the belt. They intentionally provoke you to gauge an unprofessional reaction.
Because your feelings may get in the way, you may fall right into their trap without knowing it. So how should you reply to rude comments?
Do respond professionally when you receive a rude review
Do not try to 'match' their energy or respond just as sarcastically. Any rude behaviour, even as a defence, will hurt you more than them. It makes you look childish to potential clients.
Don't ignore or edit the review
Some websites and social media platforms give you the authority to edit or delete reviews. This is particularly helpful if you want to censor private information or if the review is too long.
For this reason, it can be tempting to just delete or rewrite a bad review to keep that 100% satisfaction rating—but will it let you sleep soundly at night? Maybe not so much.
Do respond honestly and immediately
Even with the power to manipulate what's seen on your page, you can't change the fact that it did happen. Doing so will only stir confusion among clients and will decrease the trust they have in you.
The only thing you can do is censor any foul words or derogatory remarks. Then, make sure to respond as quickly as possible to prevent looking like you're avoiding the issue.
Don't take it to heart
A negative review is an opportunity to learn, not to beat yourself up. Don't let one or two negative client reviews take away your crown. Otherwise, you might miss the sea of opportunities life has to offer.
Do learn from your mistakes
Think about how to channel negative reviews positively into your career. What areas do you need to improve on? How do you resolve these issues? How do you make up for it?
If you're at a dead end, you can always reach out to fellow interior designers or seek the help of an interior design mentor.
The takeaway
At the end of the day, constructive criticism from clients is an integral part of the journey to becoming a more successful interior designer. By channeling negative client reviews the right way, they can be used as valuable lessons that help you to grow and improve as an interior designer and as a business owner.
Resist the urge to make excuses, respond rudely, or edit or ignore the review. Instead, take responsibility for your actions, respond professionally, and focus on self-improvement. Only you know your own worth and potential, use these reviews as a catalyst to improve the quality of your interior design business.
In an ideal world, an interior designer's schedule would be filled year-round with exciting design projects, satisfying both creativity and income!
However, the interior design industry can be unpredictable. There can be long gaps between projects. While new projects will come, these gaps can lead to financial stress.
Thankfully, there are alternative ways for interior designers to earn money. You can monetize your expertise in new and creative ways to maintain steady revenue for your interior design business year-round. These strategies can help boost your income and reach a wider audience!
This article will explore...
- Highlighting five alternative income streams for interior designers, such as affiliate marketing, writing e-books, coaching, starting a YouTube channel, and setting up a virtual store, to ensure consistent revenue.
- Emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and skills in creative ways to generate additional income and reach a broader audience.
- Offering practical advice on maintaining cash flow during slow periods in the interior design business through passive income and varied revenue strategies.
Five alternative income streams for interior designers
Use affiliate links
Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, high-reward revenue stream for interior designers. It leverages the content you already create.
Start by finding affiliate programs that align with your brand and values. Then, add affiliate links to your website, blog, or social media. Highlight products you use and recommend to your audience.
Some brands also accept ambassadors. Keep an eye out for opportunities to represent them!
Write and publish an E-book
E-books let interior designers share their expertise and insights while earning additional income through sales.
You can sell your e-book on your website or platforms like Amazon. Promote it via social media, email marketing, and other channels. You can also offer your writing services to other interior designers.
Writing an e-book takes time and effort, but it can provide a steady stream of passive revenue for years to come.
Coach fellow interior designers
If you're an established interior designer, you have valuable knowledge and expertise that can help aspiring designers succeed.
Offer guidance to help them avoid common pitfalls, develop their skills, and build a successful business. You can provide one-on-one coaching, group coaching programs, or online courses. Sharing your experience can generate additional income and help others grow.
Start a YouTube channel
Interacting with suppliers and clients is crucial for your interior design business, so facing a camera and engaging with an audience might come naturally to you.
Starting a YouTube channel can boost your brand and image as an interior designer. Once you build trust with your viewers, you can monetize your channel and secure brand collaboration deals.
Unsure about content? Start with interior design tips and hacks you know well, then expand from there.
Set up a virtual store
Working on various projects helps you refine your aesthetic and connect with top furniture and decor suppliers. You can recommend their items in your virtual store.
You can also feature your own products, from a handmade welcome mat to an acacia coffee table sourced from Southeast Asia. This can add another income stream to your interior design business.
The takeaway
As an interior designer, steady work isn’t always guaranteed. Balancing your creative passion with commercial demands is a common challenge.
Despite uncertainties, there are ways to maintain a steady income for your interior design business. From establishing a presence on YouTube to exploring affiliate partnerships, numerous avenues can help secure financial stability when work is slow.
Social media is an ever evolving landscape; what is true today might not be true tomorrow when it comes to optimising content for algorithms and maximising reach. However, there are some consistent truths to social media marketing that remain largely misunderstood.
Understanding the social media marketing landscape is essential to the growth of your small business; it is the key to turning a "like" into a loyal client. But with the abundance of social media marketing advice available, how can you determine the genuine formula for social media success?
We've compiled a bank of common misconceptions when it comes to social media marketing and compared the expectation to the reality. This will help ensure that your social media marketing strategy is as effective as possible. Ready to learn the truth about social media marketing?
Social media marketing strategies that work
Before hitting that 'post' button, ensure that your social media marketing expectations align with reality. By avoiding these common social media mistakes, your social media marketing strategy will thrive.
Social media presence
What you think works: having a presence across lots of platforms
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and X (previously known as Twitter)—five major social media platforms you cannot afford to miss. Having a presence across all of these platforms will increase your chance of brand visibility.
What actually works: choosing one channel and mastering it
You've heard it countless times before: a jack of all trades is a master of none. There is no need to sign-up for every social media channel out there. Why not focus all your energy in creating an effective marketing strategy on one platform? This can result in higher client conversion than posting repetitive, un-inspiring content on every platform.
It can be scary to put all your eggs in one basket but managing multiple accounts can be time-consuming and demanding to maintain. Focusing on one platform allows you to become a master at engaging with your audience and promoting your services.
Posting on social media
What you think works: posting frequently on social media
You've likely heard that posting daily on your social media platforms is the key to social media success. By posting more frequently, you will begin to notice that more accounts are being reached, right?
What actually works: posting thoughtfully and purposefully on social media
Quality over quantity. Whilst consistency is important, it is better to post high-quality content less regularly than to bombard your social platforms with sub-par content. That being said, yu should still aim to post a minimum of 3 times per week.
Networking on social media
What you think works: "networking" via likes
Engaging with posts from other content creators, like leaving likes or comments, brings you into their sphere. Consistently engaging with their content demonstrates your unwavering support and genuine interest in their brand.
What actually works: actually speaking to people
Although liking someone's posts helps you get noticed, it doesn't automatically mean you are connecting. If they have a huge following, your like and comments might get buried immediately.
Instead, incorporate messaging brands directly into your social media strategy. If you want to collaborate on an upcoming Instagram marketing promo, you can propose your idea to them. Networking on social media is also an opportunity for you to connect with people in your industry. Who knows, you might even land a paid promotion!
Social media reach
What you think works: aiming for huge reach
Nothing beats the feeling when your Pinterest, TikTok, or Instagram marketing reaches over 10,000 accounts. This signifies that your social media marketing strategies are starting to yield results. This achievement can also lead to an increase in engagement rates and follower counts, which, in turn, can influence the algorithm to feature your content on the Explore page.
What actually works: using hyperlocal marketing
The ultimate aim of your social media marketing strategy is to increase client conversion rates. Even if your content reaches millions of accounts, that is only effective if they are millions of people who could realistically use your services.
If you're a small business, adopting a hyperlocal social media marketing plan enables you to target specific local demand. There is no point to marketing to customers from the United States, if you only service clients in the UK. Use local hashtags, geotags, and collaborate with local influencers to make your content more accessible.
Starting a career in the creative industries is a daunting experience, a little like skydiving out of a plane. If launching your career as a creative is skydiving, then consider a creative mentor your parachute. A mentor is an experienced professional in your creative field who will guide you through your early creative career with invaluable insights, honest feedback, and introductions to industry connections.
Luckily for you, there are a vast amount of amazing mentors covering all aspects of creativity, so finding one is just a digital networking platform away.
Having a mentor as an emerging creative is invaluable. They provide guidance, wisdom, and industry insights only experts know. Mentors also offer support, share experiences, and help develop crucial skills, all of which help you navigate difficulties and locate opportunities.
Follow this guide to connect with the right creative mentor for you.
What is a creative mentor?
A creative mentor is someone who is "a few steps ahead of you" in the industry. They are well established in their chosen creative field and have first hand experience of all the industry has to offer—the good and the not so good.
Just like the cheat code in your favourite game, a creative mentor helps you level up faster in your career. Creative mentors help you to use your existing talents to your advantage, whilst expanding your overall skillset. They can offer guidance and emotional support when you face challenges and can help break down barriers into the creative industry by introducing you to a network of connections.
In a way, the relationship between you and your mentor will be a collaborative one—they share their expertise and you share your passion and fresh ideas.
How do I choose the right creative mentor for me?
There are many factors to consider when looking for a creative mentor. A suitable advisor should be a good match on a personal level, as well as professional. Here are some questions to ask yourself before searching for a creative mentor:
- What are my goals for this mentorship? Be clear on what you want your mentor to help you achieve.
- What are my specific areas of interest? It is wise to pick a mentor who has experience in this niche.
- What makes me work best? Do you respond well to critique or are you looking for a more nurturing mentor?
With the right pairing, you and your mentor can work collaboratively towards your long-term vision and bring your creative career to life. Above all, remember to listen to your intuition when selecting a mentor.
Discover the best creative mentorship programmes
Find your dream creative mentor in one of these digital networking platforms:
Creative Mentor Network
Creative Mentor Network supports socio-economic diversity by connecting young emerging creatives to dedicated mentors.
The Creative Mentor Network exists to provide support for under-represented creatives in the industry. Their mentorship comprises three programmes:
- Bespoke: for larger enterprises
- Break the Wall: for small businesses and freelancers
- Accelerate: 1-1 sessions for entry-level talents.
The mentorship programme promises to equip mentees with a network of professional contracts, a growing portfolio, an enhanced skillset, and an understanding of the creative industry landscape.
Shadow to Shine
Shadow to Shine is a London-based charity networking platform that offers training and mentoring programmes for young creatives. Shadow to Shine empowers emerging creatives aged 16 to 24 as future leaders of the industry.
The mentorship programme is conducted virtually and can be flexible to allow for a range of schedules.
Re:create
Re:create is a straightforward networking platform, allowing young talent to connect with "super talented mentors" from all around the world.
Re:create hosts a huge bank of industry experts from a diverse range of creative fields, comprising everything from food stylists, to copywriters, to game artists. Whatever your aspirations, you'll find a role model eager to support you on Re:create.
Merit
If you're a creative working in the tech space, Merit is the platform for you. Merit mentorship programmes includes career advice, interview training, industry insights, helpful feedback, and potential employment referral.
ADP List
Find a creative mentor with ADP List.
Finding the right mentor is easy with ADP List. Smart filtering capabilities allow you to browse mentors by their field of work and other important factors such as experience level, specialities, and language. Get to know each of the suitable mentors using their in-depth profiles and reviews from previous mentees.
The takeaway
Engaging with a creative mentor is a great way to take your career in the creative industries to the next level. Whether you're a budding event stylist, or an aspiring interior designer you'll find a wealth of industry talent willing to show you the ropes.
When deciding on a mentorship, be sure to consider your personal goals and the learning style that works best for you.
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