Interiors Insider

How do you actually set your prices? 

And how do you do it in a way that reflects your value, while still attracting your ideal clients?

If these questions have been swimming around in your head, know that you’re definitely not alone. This is a hot topic amongst a lot of designers I speak to. 

It’s not easy to tackle, but trust me - pricing your services for profitability is crucial to keep your business propelling forwards. 

If you’re undercharging or just not sure about where your pricing stands, then it’s time for a change. Pricing is a make-or-break factor in our business. Getting it right takes some work, but it's going to set you up for better, more profitable business in the future.

Today, we'll explore:

- The Cost of Underpricing
- Knowing Your Worth
- Pricing for Profitability
- Positioning Your Pricing with Confidence
- Communicating Your Value

Your expertise, creativity and time are beyond valuable. So, if you're feeling uncertain about your pricing, now’s the time to reassess and plan for a more profitable future. 

Remember: your prices should work for you, not against you.

Resources & Links:

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Most business owners don’t know how to switch off.

We’re constantly grinding away, working behind the scenes to give our all and serve our clients in the best possible way.

But to what end? Is it really success if it comes at the cost of our health and relationships?

Far too often, it’s only when life throws a curve ball that we stop to think about the way we are living our lives and even consider slowing down.

For Kaz, owner of Viva Life Pilates, that curve ball showed up in the form of breast cancer. Now, she’s rebuilding her life and business in an entirely different way.

Before her diagnosis, Kaz was what many would call a success story. She was a powerhouse, juggling life with two children, a rapidly growing Pilates business, and a coveted spot in national advertising campaigns. But beneath that facade was a whirlwind of stress and a life teetering on the edge of burnout. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to bring this important story to light, not just as a tribute to Kaz's courage, but as a vital reminder for all of us hustling in our businesses.

Kaz's discovery of a lump pushed her into a series of investigations, ultimately leading to a devastating diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer, progressing quickly to stage 3. It was a wake-up call no one asks for. The realisation that we often wait for life-altering events to slow down resonates deeply with me.

After her diagnosis, Kaz was forced to confront not only the disease but an overwhelming obligation to her business. Her story is one of resilience, supported by a phenomenal team that kept Viva Life Pilates thriving in her absence. All of us in business fear stepping away and losing what we've built—but Kaz is living proof that sometimes, stepping back is stepping forward.

Navigating through chemo and surgery, Kaz found herself asking life’s crucial questions about priorities and sustainability. The experience taught her that true success wasn't in how hard she was working—it was in how she was taking care of herself and the people around her.

After multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation, Kaz returned to her studio with a renewed mission—not just for her business, but for her personal health. She learned the art of delegation, setting boundaries, and prioritising what matters most. As someone who is pretty much glued to my phone to run my business, I take this lesson to heart. Our businesses should enhance our lives, not overshadow them.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Kaz from Viva Life Pilates

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalifepilates/

Website: https://www.vivalifefitness.com.au/

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Personally, I love Instagram. I believe it’s absolutely key for designers to utilise this tool to showcase their portfolio, style and personal brand. 

However, I know it’s not for everybody. For many designers out there, the pressure of social media can send them into a downward spiral. Keeping up with the algorithm and creating endless Reels can be exhausting. 

If this is you, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to grow your business without it. 

The good news? There are some extremely effective ways to elevate your business visibility and growth without relying on social media. 

So let’s dive into my top ten tips to use in conjunction with Instagram – or allow you to spend a little less time on it. I'll take you through: 

1. Leveraging Google My Business
2. Optimising Your SEO
3. Embracing Blogging
4. Email Marketing Strategies
5. Networking With Referral Sources
6. Utilising Local Facebook Groups
7. Offering a Stellar Client Experience
8. Confidently Niching Your Services
9. Re-engaging Past Clients
10. Attending Trade Shows

I hope these strategies offer you some relief from the pressures of performing on socials, and inspire you to try out some sustainable growth pathways that keep your business vibrant and connected. 

So, get excited and reach out to someone new in your business today!

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

 Here's the hard truth: if you're not willing to invest in your own business, you cannot expect others to want to invest in you. 

Spending money on your business can feel risky, especially when you're trying to save or are unsure of future projects. Yet, the reality is that to make money, you have to spend it. 

Strategic investments in your business aren't just expenses; they are vital tools that create opportunities, streamline processes and elevate your work. The good news is, running an interior design business, unlike a lot of other types of businesses, demands relatively low start-up and ongoing costs. 

Today, we’re exploring how spending money is key to growing your design business, and the areas you should really be investing in to enhance your reputation as a professional. This covers things from your website and headshots to your social media presence. 

Remember, your brand is your reputation, and often the first impression potential clients have of you. If you cut corners here, you’re really signalling to your clients that you’re not confident in your value - and who wants to invest in that? 

Ultimately, adopting a return on investment mindset changes your perspective; it’s here that you realise every dollar you invest has the potential to multiply.

 Investing in your business is a non negotiable. If you want to see sustainable growth and success, whether it's money, time or resources, what you put into your business is what you're going to get out of it.

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

The cycles of business are real. 

There are ups and downs. We love our business, then we hate it. We’re on fire, and sometimes we’re totally off the mark.

And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. Normal, even!

You might be surprised to hear that I’m currently going through my own challenging cycle in business. While I love learning, am very motivated and overall a high achiever, I’ve been questioning myself, my abilities and where I’m actually headed. It’s been making me feel stuck, like I’m going nowhere. 

Could this be a sign of burnout? While burnout might be a bit of a buzzword these days, it’s all too common for small business owners - particularly women - to experience its effects. 

So today, we’ll be exploring how to navigate the cycles of business and life, how to recognise and avoid burnout and what it means to prioritise yourself in the process. 

I'll take you through embracing the ups and downs, being aware of your emotional and mental state during fluctuations and practical tips on avoiding getting to breaking point. 

We never want to get to burnout. We never want to get to that stage where we're stuck in bed or cannot get up, which happens to far too many women juggling life and business. 

So, take a rest, step aside, invest in your personal health and remember: as a small business owner, you are in control!

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Do we need to be qualified? 

Is the interior design industry likely to move towards mandatory qualifications?

This topic is a hot one, and quite controversial amongst a lot of designers and creatives in the industry these days. So much so, that it almost made me nervous to record this episode! 

But it’s a topic worth discussing, because let’s face it: the argument of qualified vs unqualified can deepen the imposter syndrome that’s rampant in our industry, particularly in Australia, making a lot of creatives scared to move forward in business. 

There’s also the fact that professional bodies like the Design Institute of Australia are now advocating for industry standards, which could potentially include formal qualifications. They’re looking to ensure a high level of professionalism and competency within the industry. 

So, will qualifications become a mandatory part of our future? 

Let's explore the pros and cons and try to understand what this means for everyone in our field - qualified or not.


Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

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Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

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Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

There is nothing worse than hitting send on a design proposal and… crickets.

Your prospective client doesn’t get back to you for days, sometimes even weeks. You start to assume the worst. They’ve either thought, “No way!” to your proposal, or your email didn’t even go through.

It’s easy to start panicking or feeling like we’ve been rejected, but I want to remind you: people are busy. How many times have you seen an email in your inbox and told yourself you’d reply later, or just deleted it without thinking? 

People have so much going on these days, and that’s why it’s important to give them deadlines to respond. 

Today, I'm going to uncover a trick I’ve learnt that can really help you optimise your workflow and run your business better - setting expiry dates on your interior design proposals.

We'll talk about why an expiry date helps your business, including:

- Creating a psychological edge
- Protecting your time and resources
- Helping you plan and schedule effectively

We'll also discuss where to actually put your expiry date and how to make it clear to your potential client when sending through your proposal. 

Adding an expiry date to your proposals is more than just a business tactic; it’s about respecting your time and resources while making sure your clients are committed and serious. It’s a tiny tweak with massive benefits, aiding in better planning, quicker responses and a more professional approach.

I hope this inspires you to put your best foot forward and make sure your time, energy and expertise are valued the way they should be! 

Resources & Links:

Previous episodes mentioned: 

How She Built This: Studio Gemma 

How you can start your interior design business as a Career Change Woman with Jane Ledger

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Getting that first client who actually pays you is a really big milestone.

But how do you get there?

We all know how daunting it can be to try and secure that very first customer. And once we do land them, we’ll usually undercharge and overdeliver.

It’s not just new designers that struggle to attract clients, however. Oftentimes, busy designers will bury their heads in their work and fail to continue marketing their businesses. Once the jobs dry up, they’re left without any leads.

Today, I’ve got some tried and tested strategies to help you secure your first paying client, along with some essential steps you should take before you embark on this exciting journey.

Understand Your Value

Before anything else, it’s crucial to understand the value you bring to the table. Ask yourself, what unique skills or services do you offer that others don't? Knowing your strengths and how they benefit your potential clients will be the foundation of your pitch and the services you provide. 

Clarify Your Niche

You need to know where you're going and who you're targeting. What is your niche? Are you clear on what you’re offering, and how much you’ll charge? There is nothing worse than having someone reach out who wants to work with you, but you’re unclear on any of these points. So, the more sure and elevated you are in your delivery of your service, the more likely that you’ll get those return customers and referrals you’re hoping for. 

So, once you've taken the time to build that self-belief and get clear on your offer, where can you expect to find leads? I'll take you through the different ways you might find your first paying client: 

1. Referrals
2. Networking
3. Online Presence
4. Sending Out a Pitch
5. Follow-Ups

Securing your first paying customer might take a little time and effort, but don’t get discouraged. Stay positive, keep refining your approach and learn from any setbacks. Every interaction is an opportunity to improve and grow your business.

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

I’ve seen many designers offer initial design consultations that they’re either not charging for at all, or only charging a small amount. 

This can lead to you as a designer feeling undervalued, wasting time on clients that aren’t able to afford your services anyway, and leave you constantly charging large projects to keep the income flowing.

I challenge you to remove the mindset that the initial consultation should be free. If you stack the value in these consultations they can serve as a strong base for your service offerings, and encourage clients to work with you in a larger capacity.

When you offer a 90-minute or two-hour consultation, you’re not just selling your time; you're providing a warm-up period for your clients. This initial interaction allows them to get comfortable with you and your design process. It gives you the opportunity to set the stage as the expert, guiding them through what needs to happen, envisaging the next steps, and making them feel valued and understood.

One of the primary benefits of such a session is that it lets your clients see just how knowledgeable you are. They might start with a sense of being overwhelmed or uncertain, but your guidance can transform that into trust and eagerness. It's your chance to shine as the expert—demonstrating that they truly need your expertise to achieve their dream space.

If you don't currently offer such a consultation, I urge you to reconsider. Incorporating it into your service offerings is a relatively easy step. Promote it as an entry-level option through your social media platforms— emphasising its benefits and showing potential clients how this consultation will lead them to their design aspirations.

For those of you who want more details about implementing this consultation model, please feel free to reach out. I am more than happy to share insights and answer questions. Slide into my DMs on Instagram or email me directly; whatever works best for you. And if there's a specific topic you’d like me to discuss in future posts, let me know!

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

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