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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling like your social media growth has hit a wall? You're not alone. Design professionals everywhere are experiencing diminishing returns despite increased effort—low view counts, minimal engagement, and the constant pressure to pay for reach.

The Designer Discussions team dives deep into this common frustration and introduces an exciting alternative: Blue Sky. This emerging platform operates fundamentally differently from traditional social media. Unlike conventional platforms where companies own your content the moment you post it, Blue Sky gives you complete ownership and control over your creative assets—a game-changer for designers who invest heavily in professional photography and project documentation.

Blue Sky functions like WordPress for social media, allowing you to post once and have your content appear in multiple formats: a Twitter-like feed, an Instagram-style format called Flashes, and a TikTok-style experience called Starlight. With chronological posting and no algorithm manipulation, your content reaches your audience organically every time you post. Plus, your Blue Sky content appears in Google searches, potentially boosting your SEO when potential clients search for design services in your area.

While it's not perfect—lacking the targeted advertising capabilities of Meta platforms—Blue Sky offers designers a refreshing opportunity to reclaim their digital presence. Our recommendation? Don't abandon your existing platforms yet, but consider experimenting with Blue Sky by repurposing content you've already created. Claim your specialty and location in your username before someone else does, and treat it as another digital portfolio that could reach new audiences with minimal additional effort. After all, as Maria points out, "This is like 2009 Instagram time over on Blue Sky"—a chance to establish yourself early on what could become the next major platform for creative professionals.

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

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-139-What-the-future-of-social-media-looks-like

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

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

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

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

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

The digital landscape is shifting rapidly, but contrary to popular belief, SEO isn't disappearing in the age of AI—it's evolving. Jason breaks down exactly how to make your website discoverable across all platforms, whether through traditional Google searches, voice commands, or AI-powered tools.

At the heart of modern searchability is the E-E-A-T principle: Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This framework helps you create content that not only attracts your ideal clients but also signals to search engines that you're a credible source in your specific location and field. With AI-generated content creating unprecedented noise online, standing out requires a more strategic approach than ever before.

Jason emphasizes that AI should be your assistant, not your replacement. While using AI to generate outlines or identify keywords can be valuable, simply copying and pasting AI-generated content makes your site indistinguishable from countless others. The magic happens when you personalize that foundation with your unique perspective and expertise. Beyond content, technical elements like schema markup help search engines understand exactly what services you offer, while properly structured individual service pages allow you to demonstrate deep expertise in each area rather than providing surface-level information on a single page.

Ready to transform how your website performs across all search platforms? Join our Academy membership where we, the Designer Discussions podcast hosts, serve as your personal coaches. We'll show you how to customize your marketing strategy through weekly live sessions, exclusive community resources, and expert guidance tailored to your unique business. Visit designerdiscussions.com today to learn more!

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

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-138-How-to-get-your-website-found-by-all-search-engines

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

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

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

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

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

What happens when design trends come full circle? In this illuminating conversation with kitchen designer and educator Jan Rutgers, we explore the fascinating evolutions and throwbacks dominating KBIS 2025. Having toured the show for three consecutive years, Jan shares how today's cutting-edge designs are actually sophisticated reimaginings of elements from decades past.

The reign of hard, angular kitchen elements is giving way to what Jan calls "soft geometry" – curved islands, arched cooking hearths, and rounded fixtures that not only look beautiful but solve practical problems like the dreaded "hip bangers" of rectangular corners. These softer forms create more comfortable, functional spaces while adding visual interest.

Color has returned with surprising warmth, featuring muted 70s-inspired palettes of terracottas, greens, and yellows appearing on everything from cabinet doors to appliances. Meanwhile, fluting (also called pole wrap) continues its dominance but is evolving toward wider slat applications that create more architectural presence.

Perhaps most exciting is the movement beyond basic shaker doors, with manufacturers finally introducing leather, metal, and textured center panels. Freestanding vanities lead this charge with curved drawers, multiple finishes, and exceptional interior functionality – proving that beautiful design doesn't require sacrificing practicality.

For designers navigating industry uncertainties, Jan offers valuable perspective on the "changing of the guard" as veterans retire and new professionals enter the field. This transition, coupled with the enduring consumer desire for beautiful, functional spaces, creates opportunities for differentiation through thoughtful marketing and diversified product offerings.

Whether you're a design professional looking to stay ahead of trends or a homeowner planning your next renovation, this episode provides crucial insights into where kitchen and bath design is heading – with one foot firmly planted in the wisdom of the past.

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

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-137-KBIS-2025-Trends-from-the-Show-Floor

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

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

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

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

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

Are you ready to abandon minimalism and embrace a future rich with color, texture, and sustainability? Discover how home design is evolving by 2025 as we, Maria, Miriam, and Jason, unpack the findings from the ASID trend report. We're shedding light on the shift away from monotonous gray and white palettes to spaces that celebrate wellness and complexity. Prepare to learn about the rise of layered lighting for better sleep and blackout drapes that ensure your sanctuary is serene. We're also talking about the enduring charm of natural elements like real plants, which are not just pretty but also improve air quality. 

In our exploration of future trends, we emphasize the importance of accessibility and how it elevates everyone's lifestyle. Listen as we discuss the transformation of luxury from excess to sustainability, featuring bold material combinations and unique designs. The resurgence of moody colors and textures signifies a departure from minimalism, with efficient European-style kitchens and adaptable living spaces taking center stage. As we become more aware of mental health, home design is responding with cozy and flexible environments. New professionals are seeking mentorship and positive office experiences, while builders focus on affordable, low-maintenance options for first-time buyers. Join us in this conversation about longevity, adaptability, and sustainability in design.

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

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-136-Top-2025-Home-Design-Trends

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

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

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

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

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

Unlock the secrets to mastering your digital life as we uncover the best apps for design professionals in 2025. Miriam, our app connoisseur, guides us through a journey of productivity and scheduling tools that promise to enhance your life without overwhelming it. We'll discuss the importance of conducting an app purge to maintain balance and wellness, and the growing integration of AI in iOS updates. With an eye on protecting personal privacy and business operations, learn how to disable data collection and notifications effectively. This episode is your guide to curating an app selection that aligns with your personal goals and strategies, ensuring a more controlled and beneficial digital experience.

Explore the power of productivity with tools and techniques that streamline both work and personal life. From Grammarly's free version for Mac enthusiasts to the dynamic Motion calendar management tool, we share practical advice for optimizing your time. Discover how Boomerang for Gmail enhances email management and how Asana can coordinate tasks seamlessly. We also venture into wellness with apps like Deepak Chopra's Presence, Calm, and Headspace, along with exercise and journaling tools like Glow and the Five Minute Journal. Listen as we share personal experiences and recommendations, encouraging you to experiment with these apps to find the perfect fit for your wellness and productivity needs.

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

https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-135-Best-Apps-for-your-Work-and-Life-in-2025

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

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

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

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

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

Unlock the secrets of edutainment in design as we explore its evolution from classics like Sesame Street to modern platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With special guest Maria, we unravel how storytelling, engaging visuals, and interactive elements can not only captivate audiences but also build brand loyalty for designers and remodelers. Discover how to navigate the challenges of social media and harness its power to keep your audience hooked. Maria offers valuable insights on leveraging TikTok and addresses concerns about its future, ensuring you're equipped to adapt and thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.

In our episode, we also focus on three essential marketing strategies tailored to the design industry, promising to elevate your client relationships and satisfaction. We reveal the importance of educating clients on project timing, fostering trust through transparency, and demonstrating expertise by addressing common challenges with insightful solutions. With a prediction about TikTok's potential suspension looming, we emphasize the nuances of migrating successful content to other platforms like Instagram or Facebook, preparing you to maintain engagement no matter what changes come. Join us for an episode packed with actionable insights to transform your brand and connect with your audience more effectively.

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

•  https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-134-Edutainment-Success-Formula

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

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

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

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

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

Unleash the full potential of your 2025 marketing and PR strategies with our latest episode, where we guarantee insights that will transform your approach. Learn how to effectively reverse engineer your annual goals by tapping into the power of your ideal client avatar, as we link back to the foundational guidance of episodes 24 and 76. Join us as Jason shares innovative tactics for optimizing your website amidst the AI revolution and the clever use of your Google Business Profile as a social media platform to boost local search visibility. You'll walk away with a toolkit of actionable strategies to ensure your business thrives in the new year.

Miriam brings her wealth of knowledge to the table, spotlighting the art of integrating PR into your marketing efforts with finesse. Discover the triad of reactive PR, project features in publications, and strategic publicity to elevate your brand's presence. The episode underscores the pivotal role of professional photography in your marketing arsenal and introduces edutainment as a captivating content creation strategy that could set your brand apart. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide that promises to refine your PR and marketing strategies, ensuring they resonate powerfully with your audience in 2025.

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

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-133-Marketing-and-PR-Planning-for-2025

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

• Episode 109
• Episode 105
• Episode 76
• Episode 24
• NKBA Webinar - Top Marketing Trends That Will Dominate In 2025

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

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

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

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

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

This episode focuses on essential digital marketing trends for designers in 2025, emphasizing the significance of AI, SEO evolution, and personalized content. With insights gathered from market research, the hosts outline how these elements will shape the industry's future and offer actionable strategies for growth.

• Exploring the role of AI in marketing for designers
• Understanding Search Generative Experience (SGE) and SEO
• Importance of personalized content in a competitive landscape

Visit designerdiscussions.com and enter your information for a free download of the full trends list.

Links Mentioned in this Episode

• NKBA Webinar - Top Marketing Trends That Will Dominate In 2025

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

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

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

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

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