Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business
The interior design business podcast for interior designers, architects, and home professionals. Hosted by interior design and digital marketing pro, Darla Powell. #interiordesign
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Episodes
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Natasa Jones has found an innovative way to market her business by using Facebook Community Groups. Because, let’s be honest, organic traffic for businesses on Facebook isn’t what it used to be. Karina provided Darla with a startling statistic: your business page is only getting a whopping 2% of organic reach on Facebook. Learn how to overcome the underwhelming stats in this episode of Wingnut Social!
Natasa is an interior designer based in Milwaukee, WI. She owns a full-service interior design studio with the goal of a liveable modern aesthetic. She stumbled upon an ingenious strategy while looking to grow her reach. She shares this unique strategy that’s gotten her 10 leads in two months. Don’t miss this episode!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:35] Upcoming events in March!
[6:08] How Natasa and Darla met in real life
[7:37] Facebook organic reach is dwindling
[9:23] How did Natasa come across this idea?
[13:59] WOW client’s with the idea of what could be
[16:20] How to get into Facebook Community Pages
[18:18] Do you need to live in the community?
[20:25] Criteria to look for in a group
[23:33] Are there any downsides of FB groups?
[26:32] Does Natasa charge for the initial consultation?
[30:22] Natasa is raking in leads with this strategy
[31:15] The What Up Wingnut! Round
[33:25] Connect with Natasa Jones
[36:33] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Natasa Jones
Natasa Jones Interiors
Natasa on Instagram
Natasa on Facebook
Natasa on Pinterest
Natasa on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
Darla is speaking at Podfest!
RESA Speaking engagement March 11th
Sandra Funk on Design Consultations
BOOK: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
NKBA Webinar
How Natasa stumbled into Facebook Community Groups
Natasa landed one of her largest projects to date because she invested extra time in showing a client what their home could look like if she went over budget. She did a 3D render of the space with new flooring and windows (on top of the requested furniture). The client was thrilled with the design and agreed to the proposed changes. After completion of the project, Natasa had the work professionally photographed.
The photographer she had used asked her if they could share the work in a local Facebook community group. They’d introduce her as a new business in the area and share before and after images showcasing her work. Natasa happily agreed—and was astoundedby the results. Her email BLEW UP. The post in the group got in front of the right eyes and she received inquiry after inquiry.
How to gain traction in Facebook Community Pages
Community pages are separate entities from personal and business pages. It’s where a unique community comes together to discuss things that only pertain to them. Natasa describes it as a more intimate setting where people talk about important issues. When asked if it’s difficult to get approved to join the groups, Natasa semi-jokingly stated “It’s the Midwest, we love everybody”.
After the success of her first post in a group, she started asking clients if they would be willing to post in their respective communities Facebook group. She would provide professional photos for them to share. Doing so gave her an “in” without seeming like she was selling herself and her services.
It also allowed the homeowners the opportunity to brag on the beautiful new interior transformed by a brilliant designer—a win-win for everyone! In the two months since Natasa began testing this marketing method, she’s gotten 7-10 inquiries from each post. Of those inquiries, she’s scheduled 8 consultations and so far has signed with 4 new clients.
Listen to the whole episode as Natasa shares how she researches groups, potential downsides of posting in them, and—hotly contested in the design community—whether or not she charges for her initial design consultation.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor
www.curreyandcompany.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @Curreyco
On Instagram: @Curreyco
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Monday Feb 17, 2020
Monday Feb 17, 2020
Darla and Natalie will bust 5 myths that have been floating around about Instagram in this Monday Marketing Minisode! Instagram launched a branded account—@creators—where they share tips, tricks, updates, tutorials, and MUCH more. Recently, they answered some FAQs in their stories. Darla and Natalie discuss those “answers” and share their take. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:35] Natalie’s rainbow work skivvies
[2:03] It’s time to busy some myths
[3:06] Photos versus videos: which one is better?
[4:40] How often do they change the algorithm?
[5:54] Will Pods get you to appear higher in the feed?
[7:32] Does a comment need to be more than 6 words to be counted?
[8:38] Do likes/comments in the 1st 30 minutes rank you higher?
[9:50] What you need to focus on
[10:33] RESA being moved to April and location TBD
Resources & People Mentioned
Instagram @Creators account
5 Instagram myths BUSTED
1. Photos versus videos: which one is better?
Guess what? According to Instagram, they are ranked on the feed equally! However, the caveat is that your feed is based on your activity and preferences. If you interact with more videos, you’ll see more videos on your feed. Darla shares another trick that may sway you one way or another—be sure to listen!
2. How often does Instagram change their algorithm?
Drumroll...All the time. The Instagram algorithm uses artificial intelligence (AI) and claims feed rankings are constantly adapting and changing.
3. Does being part of a pod get you featured higher in the feed?
In the short-term, you may see positive changes. However, Instagram WILL spot engagement that isn’t authentic and adjust accordingly. It’s just a matter of time.
4. Does a comment need to be more than 6 words to be counted?
There’s a rumor goin’ round… that a comment needs to be 6 words or longer to be counted in your algorithm. Instagram responded in their truly blunt fashion, simply saying that’s FALSE. They used lots of emojis in their answer, too.
5. Are posts ranked higher if they get interaction in the first 30 minutes?
Instagram again answered that this was false BUT based on Darla and Natalie’s personal experience, the faster you see engagement the better. You also need to respond quickly and interact with your fan-base.
What is important in the long run?
In the end, Instagram’s cryptic answers don’t bother Darla and Natalie. After all, Instagram holding its cards close to their chest keeps the mystery alive. This alone sustains engagement because no one really knows the answers to all of Instagram's secrets.
So what’s the bottom line? Comments, likes, reshares, and views are HIGHLY important—along with a focus on creating stellar content. Continue to foster authentic engagement with followers. Follow these hard and fast tips and you’ll thrive on the platform.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Feb 12, 2020
Wednesday Feb 12, 2020
If you’re a designer who doesn’t have the renown to get invited to participate in the Kips Bay Decorator Show House—what are you to do? How do you get exposure? Maryline Damour was a new designer looking to connect with other designers and vendors in the Hudson Bay Area. She had the brilliant idea to create a show house to bring the community together.
Maryline was 4 years out of design school. She knew that being invited to participate in a show house was something that could launch your career. So she took her destiny into her own hands and decided to organize her own show house. In this episode of Wingnut Social she shares how she chose a house and everything she’s learned about the process along the way. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:50] Valentines Day & Doodling
[2:45] Announcement: Podfest 2020 in Orlando!
[5:22] How Maryline Damour’s show house got started
[9:35] A show house can launch your career
[12:15] How do you choose a show house?
[15:35] Blowback from designers - why are we fixing up YOUR home?
[17:15] How did she decide what to do with revenue?
[20:00] Exposure gained from house #1
[22:32] Obtaining show house #2
[25:11] What’s in it for the homeowner?
[28:10] Does the homeowner get a say in the aesthetic?
[29:43] Legal issues you might run into
[32:15] What is the financial commitment?
[35:35] What is Maryline’s focus for show house #3?
[41:52] Mistakes to avoid and lessons learned
[44:35] What up Wingnut! Round
[48:05] Connect with Maryline
[51:56] Blooper Reel!
Connect with Maryline Damour
Kingston Design Connection
Kingston Design Connection on Instagram
Kingston Design Connection on Facebook
Damour Drake
Resources & People Mentioned
Darla is speaking at Podfest 2020 in Orlando!
Corey Damen Jenkins Episode
Sasha Bikoff Episode
Stacy Garcia Episode
Andrew Joseph PR
Jane Austen
Sourcing a show house isn’t as easy as it sounds
Most people in the Hudson Bay didn’t even know what a design show house was. As Maryline began doing market research she was finding herself educating others. But shocker—she couldn’t find anyone who would hand over their house. After a year of zero headway, she made the executive decision to use her own home. It was a mid-1800 Victorian house in dire need of repair. But what other choice did she have?
There could have been potential blowback from designers. After all, they were essentially fixing up HER home. What if they thought it was a ploy for her to get free stuff? So she decided she needed to be upfront from day one in all of her marketing that it was her home. But she also emphasized the reason for the project in the first place—connecting area designers, vendors, and other makers in the space. People understood the value proposition and came on board.
Plus, she replaced her roof, fixed the front porch, and made improvements on the house to prepare it for the designers.
Show house round #2: A different angle
With the exposure from her first year, Maryline took a different approach to source a show house the 2nd year. She had been approached by a publicist—Andrew Joseph—who succeeded in getting her a lot of buzz. So she did a call-out to have area homeowners submit their homes for the 2nd round. About a dozen people applied and they landed on a huge brick home that was built in the 1800s. It was a whopping 4,000 square feet with 16 different rooms spanning 3 floors.
The family of 8 homeschooled their children and were able to stay with family for September and October, giving Maryline and her designers’ plenty of time to transform the space. But they have to move out of their home completely for 2 months, begging the question: what’s in it for the homeowner?
Maryline pointed out that they get anything that remains in the home. Landscaping work, permanently installed lighting, wallpaper, paint—it all stays. Best of all? The homeowners get a complete kitchen remodel. Maryline said they ended up with custom cabinets from floor to ceiling. Not only that, but they had been renting out some of their rooms out using Airbnb. Those rooms got a complete facelift. They had professional photos taken and a ton of free press. It was a complete win for everyone involved.
To hear what Maryline’s plan is for house #3, mistakes she learned to avoid, and what she does with any revenue (hint: she works with a local non-profit) listen to this episode of Wingnut Social!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor
www.curreyandcompany.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @Curreyco
On Instagram: @Curreyco
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Feb 10, 2020
Monday Feb 10, 2020
If you’re at a loss—banging your head against the wall—and can’t think of content for your Instagram story, look no further: Instagram’s create mode is here to save the day. What is it? What can you do with it? Is it worth your time? The short answer is YES.
Find out how to use this feature in this Monday Marketing Minisode of the Wingnut Social podcast! Darla and Natalie will fill you in on this fun and interactive side of Instagram. If you’re looking to increase engagement and connect with your fans, this is a must-listen!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:24] Instagram Stories Create Mode
[5:47] The 7 features you can use
[7:23] Why you NEED to embrace it
[10:30] Blooper Reel
Resources & People Mentioned
Instagram.com
Instagram Create Mode 101: Dummy-proof
Stories are one of Instagram’s most popular features! The more you add to your story and interact with your fan base, the more it influences the algorithm and gets you more traffic. So for those of you who haven’t embraced the newest feature, here’s where you find it:
In the top left corner of the app, choose the spot where you would normally add a story.
In the menu on the bottom, scroll to ‘create’ and gain immediate access to 8 different features.
It’s that simple! If you don’t have images prepared, it’s a creative way to post to your story without stressing over pulling content out of nowhere.
Create mode’s fun-filled features
There are currently 8 features that you can choose to make your Insta story creations. What are they?
Happy Birthday: Post a special Happy Birthday shout-out to your story!
GIF Mode: This hilarious feature allows you to add a GIF to your story.
Templates: 8 premade backgrounds to interact with your fans in a unique way.
On This Day: A randomly selected #ThrowbackThursday photo you can share to your stories!
Make a poll: Type a random question to ask your followers!
Ask ME a question: Listen to the episode to hear some of the crazy questions Darla was asked when she tried this!
Countdown: Going live? Have an event coming up? Give your fans a countdown to boost excitement and anticipation!
Quiz: Ask your followers to answer a quiz question—see how well they know you!
Darla emphasizes that you need to go check it out for yourself—and Natalie is totally on board. Experiment and find your favorite feature and start increasing engagement with your fan-base!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Feb 05, 2020
Wednesday Feb 05, 2020
Should an interior designer invest in a retail space to enhance their design business? How can a showroom benefit your current firm as well as be profitable on its own? If you’re on the fence about investing in your own space, Victoria Sanchez joins Darla and Natalie to go over the pros and cons and share why it works so well for her.
Victoria Sanchez is an award-winning designer and the owner of ‘Victoria At Home’, a premier home furnishings boutique with showrooms in Alexandria, VA, and Santa Fe, NM. She has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in interior design—and over 30 years of experience in the industry.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] Ready for Winter to be over!
[2:23] Darla’s upcoming speaking gigs
[6:13] Victoria Sanchez’ background
[8:06] All about Victoria’s retail store(s)
[11:00] What comes first, the chicken or the egg?
[13:10] What’s tricky about a retail store
[15:10] With Age comes wisdom
[17:35] When do you open a location?
[20:07] Is the expense of a retail space worth it?
[24:33] How important is the location?
[31:00] Marketing for interior designers
[34:45] Why having a showroom is worth it
[38:35] What up Wingnut! Round
Connect with Victoria Sanchez
LinkedIn
Twitter
Victoria At Home
Resources & People Mentioned
Darla is speaking at Podfest 2020 in Orlando!
Upcoming RESA speaking gig: Details TBD
Cheryl Kees Clendenon Wingnut Social Episode
Andrew Joseph Public Relations
La Luz
Urban Loft
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Your retail space is a portfolio of your work
Victoria has always been drawn to retail and she loves the opportunities it provides her. People come into her store and get to know her style and personality. They gather a general sense of who she is—while she gets to know them. She is able to explain that she’s a designer and show them her aesthetic in one moment.
Victoria points out that retail space isn’t for everyone. She didn’t launch hers until her kids were in high school and she had more time—and cashflow—to get it going. You need tools and resources in play, as well as money for inventory, display, and staff. Above all, you have to love working with people.
She shared that about 25% of her revenue comes from her retail space and about 75% is from design work with clients. She uses her retail space as a catalyst for her design business and it has significantly increased her client-load. Victoria shares more about her locations and why their placement is important. Keep listening!
More designers need to invest in marketing
Victoria is passionate about educating designers. She believes the current curriculum in design programs is lacking proper marketing techniques for the specific field. She points out that it is of paramount importance to have a marketing plan in place. If that’s not something you’re comfortable with—hire someone who is. Victoria works with Andrew Joseph PR to help market her new location in Santa Fe.
She was honest with herself and knew she didn’t have the time or expertise to properly market her business. Her community in Santa Fe is small and she learned quickly that marketing and networking go hand-in-hand. If people like you, they will talk about you—and word-of-mouth in a small community will get you places.
Is having a retail space worth it in the day and age of digital shopping? Can you compete with the online giants? Listen to the whole episode to hear Victoria’s take on the industry and why she believes brick-and-mortar is here to stay. She’ll share some of her numbers, expenses, and how her two locations are so different.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Wingnut Social Podcast Sponsor
www.curreyandcompany.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @Curreyco
On Instagram: @Curreyco
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Feb 03, 2020
Monday Feb 03, 2020
If you think your marketing demographic isn’t on social media—you’re wrong! Stop using the excuse that it’s pointless to market on social media platforms because it won’t get you business. Darla and Natalie are about to prove you wrong. It’s time to embrace the power of social media.
In this Monday Marketing Minisode, the ladies will share some fascinating statistics about popular platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Listen to the end for a surprising statistic they didn’t see coming!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:36] The best thing about the Super Bowl
[1:40] The demographic on social media
[3:10] Facebook Statistics
[5:30] Instagram Statistics
[7:00] Twitter Statistics
[8:00] LinkedIn Statistics
[10:20] YouTube Statistics
[12:13] Your target audience IS on social media
[13:48] Use the #WowWingnut hashtag!
Resources & People Mentioned
Demographics for popular platforms
Your marketing demographic on 5 platforms
If you’ve doubted the necessity of marketing your design firm on social media, here are some statistics that will blow your mind:
Facebook:
79% of 30–49 year olds use Facebook
68% of 50–64 year olds use Facebook
74% make an income of $75,000 or higher
74% also have a college education
Instagram:
47% of 30–49 year olds use Instagram
23% of 50–64 year olds use Instagram
43% have a college education
42% make an income of over $75,000
Most of Darla and Natalie’s ideal clients use Instagram. It’s a great place to show off your work and give potential clients a visual representation of what you can do for their space. In fact, most of Darla’s design clients come from Instagram!
Twitter:
26% of 30–49 year olds use Twitter
17% of 50–64 year olds use Twitter
32% have a college education
32% make an income of over $75,000
Twitter isn’t the ideal space for interior design BUT it is good for tagging and reaching out to brands that DO have a strong Twitter presence.
LinkedIn:
37% of 30–49 year olds use LinkedIn
24% of 50–64 year olds use LinkedIn
51% have a college education
49% make an income of over $75,000
It may not be the prettiest platform, but a chunk of your target market still exists here!
YouTube:
Darla and Natalie were astounded when they read the YouTube statistics. It just proves that video truly is king—for any age. It is the #1 social media platform.
87% of 30–49 year olds use YouTube
70% of 50–64 year olds use YouTube
80% have a college education
83% have an income over $75,000
The proof is in the pudding
Darla and Natalie didn’t want to bore you with statistics but they are SO important and help prove their point: You need to be on social media. It’s a long game, but you have nothing to lose.
The days of sending out mailers or passing out paper flyers are no more. You cannot simply rely on referrals and word-of-mouth. You need a pipeline that won’t dry up—social media can provide that for you.
If you’ve been putting it off and delaying the inevitable, embrace it. Get your business on Instagram, Facebook, or whatever platform best matches your marketing demographic. Your customers will find you when you go where they are.
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
Wednesday Jan 29, 2020
How does an interior designer get a project published in AD Pro? What are they looking for? Publishing is competitive and it’s important to set yourself apart from the hundreds of emails editors receive daily. So how do you get chosen? Find out from today’s guest, Katy Olson.
Katy is the Editor for AD Pro, a subscription-only digital resource for design-industry professionals. Previously, she was the Executive Editor at Business of Home. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine, Daily Mail, Hampton’s Magazine—and much more.
AD Pro started out as a section of the Architectural Digest website, the brainchild of the editor-in-chief. Now, it is a B2B membership for movers and shakers in the design industry to come together and be informed, entertained, and inspired.
Get the inside scoop on what editors look for in a pitch in this engaging episode of the Wingnut Social podcast.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:55] All about Katie Olson
[6:20] The target audience of AD Pro
[8:50] How does AD Pro benefit Interior Designers?
[11:15] How to get published in Architectural Digest
[14:20] Invest in professional photography
[17:15] Editors look for exclusivity
[21:20] Cultivate a relationship with the editor
[22:50] Shoot for a sense of timelessness
[24:20] What makes Katy say ‘yes’ or ‘no’?
[27:20] What up Wingnut! Round
[30:40] Connect with Katy Olson
Connect with Katy Olson
Katy on Twitter
Katy on LinkedIn
Katy_Olson(at)condenast.com
Resources & People Mentioned
Architectural Digest
AD Pro - 20% Discount Offer!
The Sara Lynn Brennan episode
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
What sets you apart and gives you higher odds of being published?
Katy’s #1 recommendation is to cultivate a relationship with the editor(s). If you pitch a project you can ask them to give it to you straight. Do you really have a shot? If they can’t get your project featured, perhaps they can help you brainstorm another angle. Is there a compelling story? Can your project facilitate discussion? Was there something particularly difficult that you overcame? If you have that relationship it opens the door to conversation versus a yes or no answer.
Architectural Digest embraces a classic style. If your design aesthetic is modern, AD may not be the perfect fit for your work. Katy recommends doing your research—if AD isn’t a good fit, find a publication that will be. But if AD is your goal, shoot for a sense of timelessness in the piece you submit. Make sure you’re reaching out to the proper editor, but keep in mind they collaborate with their team. If something isn’t a fit for the print version it may be an option online.
What is the ideal email pitch?
Katy receives 100+ emails a day and can easily pinpoint those that won’t get the time of day. If you want to be considered, don’t send out a mass pitch, misspell her name, or send an email to the wrong editor.
So what should you do?
Include whatever makes the process easier. Attach your 4 best high-quality images or a dropbox link to your project. Immediately share the photographer’s contact information (and whether or not the magazine has publishing rights for the images).
Take care of any house-keeping in that initial email—it only has to be a simple paragraph—and what angle they can use for your project. Doing these simple things will help set you apart and increase the likelihood of a resounding YES.
To hear Katy’s thoughts on photography, exclusivity, and a full run-down of the benefits of an AD Pro membership, listen to the whole episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Check out Currey & Company for your decor needs!
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Jan 27, 2020
Monday Jan 27, 2020
This is the question that Darla and Natalie are asked the most: Should you do a live stream or a pre-recorded video? Is it simply a matter of preference? As a designer, do you need to be shooting video for your social media at all?
In this episode of Wingnut Social, they’ll dissect the pros and cons of pre-recorded video vs. going live on Instagram. They’ll finally answer your burning question: which one is better? Don’t miss the answer—listen now!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:35] Darla’s upcoming speaking gig!
[2:45] Live video vs. pre-recorded video
[4:20] The pros of each option
[10:00] The cons of each option
[12:15] The long-awaited official answer
[15:07] It’s one important thing you HAVE to do
Resources & People Mentioned
Instagram
Live Stream or Pre-Recorded Video: the Pros + Cons
The pros + cons of going live on Instagram: Going live is meant to be engaging. It allows you to interact with viewers, say hello, and answer questions in real-time. Darla equates it to more of a party format—lighthearted and fun. It’s also inexpensive and can be done on the fly with little-to-no planning.
Unfortunately, unless you save the video to your highlights immediately after recording, it will fade away after 24 hours. Gone. You also can’t edit the recording. If you’re like Darla and have a deer-in-the-headlights moment, it’s there for all to see (maybe that’s one you DON’T save to your highlights…).
The pros + cons of pre-recorded video: If you’re recording a video in advance it doesn’t matter how many times you screw up. You can stop it, re-record a section, and move on. It is far more forgiving. It also allows you to research, create an outline or script, and flesh out your thoughts. Darla especially enjoys the ability to add stickers or links when you upload it to Instagram.
The list of cons is pretty short for recorded videos. They can be more time-consuming because of the amount of prep work that goes into them—which could be a plus as well. The biggest downside they see is the lack of personal connection. There’s no interaction with your viewers when you pre-record. The videos also tend to be shorter and to-the-point.
The answer you’re been waiting for
So what is the long-awaited answer from the Grand-High Poobah of all things Wingnut?
BOTH. Yes, you read that right. Darla says you need to do both.
The two types of videos complement each other! They make a nice juicy whole for marketing your brand. It allows you to give your viewers a well-rounded experience. Darla and Natalie agree that it’s something important that you must muster up the courage to do.
To become comfortable with both platforms—you need to practice. Plop yourself down in front of that camera and get comfortable recording in advance. Stop and go as needed and give yourself some grace and space to master the sometimes uncomfortable platform.
You can also practice going live on Instagram (or platform of your choice). Ask friends to watch and interact with you so you can get used to answering questions and engaging with your audience. If you hate it you can immediately delete it and move on.
According to Darla, “All is fair in love and video”. So start recording!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
Wednesday Jan 22, 2020
Every interior designer has a different opinion when it comes to charging for the design consultation. Darla has charged for the consultation from day one—but has been beta-testing free-of-charge consultations. Why? Find out in this episode of Wingnut Social, with special guest Sandra Funk!
Sandra is the founder and principal designer of House of Funk, a design firm based in NYC and New Jersey. She is an award-winning designer with over two decades of experience in the industry. Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020—described as a template for building your business. Give this one a listen!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:58] Sandra Funk joins Darla & Natalie!
[8:31] Sandra’s philosophy on design consultations
[11:26] The consultation is a way to vet the clients
[14:11] How to let people down softly
[16:21] Sandra offers online design
[17:36] Tips for designers who are just starting out
[21:36] What happens in Sandra’s consultations
[24:21] How does Sandra account for loss of consultation income?
[27:07] The Interior Design Standard launching spring 2020
[30:06] How easy is the program for a new design student?
[34:08] What up Wingnut!
[35:31] Connect with Sandra
Connect with Sandra Funk
House of Funk
Sandra on Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Make Every Man Want You by Marie Forleo
Sandra Funk’s Trade Resources
What does a consultation look like with Sandra Funk?
Sandra has never charged for a consultation.
Her focus is on high-end design with projects that take between 8-18 months to complete. She believes that if you charge for a consultation, you’re pressured to have a complete design proposal ready immediately. Sandra believes it diminishes the bigger project. By not charging, she can focus on getting to know potential clients.
By the time she meets a client, she’s already done the research, had conversations and is 99% sure she wants to work with them.
The goal of her consultations is to gauge communication style, responsiveness, how the clients each other, and learn the scope of the job. She does this by asking scripted questions, such as:
What emotions do they want to feel in the space?
How do they want the space to function?
Who uses it? When is it used? How many people use it?
Do they have children? Dogs?
What, if any, rooms reflect their style?
She’s looking for someone who knows what they want, is decisive, and has the necessary budget—with no capacity or interest to execute the project themselves.
How do you say no to people who aren’t a good fit?
Sandra works with very specific high-end clientele. She sets a minimum project budget for $100,000—but her average client is renovating 3+ rooms with a $300,000 budget. The home must have a million-dollar or higher valuation. Lastly, the work needs to make logical sense for her firm. She calculates that based on overhead costs, how many clients she can handle at one time, and projected salary for the year.
So what does Sandra do when people aren’t a good fit?
She refers them to her online design option and has had great success driving traffic to it. Her firm is still working with the client on all of the design—but none of the execution. It is a win-win for both sides and she’s not sending away unhappy prospects.
Sandra points out you must always remember that “when you say yes to the little things that don’t make sense for you, you actually close yourself off to the big things that do make sense”.
To hear her tips for new designers and about the design program she’s launching in the spring, listen to the whole episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Jan 20, 2020
Monday Jan 20, 2020
You heard that right—you can learn savvy marketing strategies straight from your dog! How they behave and how they interact with you could be the key to mastering client relationships. Intrigued? Listen to this special minisode of Wingnut Social as Natalie walks through what your dog(s) can teach you about marketing.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:38] What dogs can teach you about marketing
[1:30] A lesson in trust and patience
[2:17] Interact, engage, and draw your client in
[4:37] Be as attentive as your dog
[5:24] Forget and forgive
Fetch: the ultimate lesson in trust and patience
If you’re a dog owner, you know they love to play fetch. Many dogs will bring the ball back—but stay at arm's length. They have to learn to trust you before they’ll drop the ball. You have to be patient and let them become comfortable.
Soon enough, they’ll happily drop the ball for you to throw again.
In the same way, a client has to learn to trust you. You must be patient and work to build a relationship with them. Let them control the game and decide when to put the ball in your hands.
Dogs make you feel like you’re the only person in the room
Dogs are affectionate creatures. When they see you, you become the most important thing in their world. They wag their tail, they lick you, they jump—they let you know how happy they are to see you.
Clients need to know that you’re excited to interact with them. Shake their hand, smile, and be warm and engaging. Do you follow them on social media? What’s new in their life? Ask them questions and show you’re interested in who they are, not just landing a job.
Learn to listen—and yap a little less
Dogs are attentive creatures. When you speak to them they may tilt their head or move their ears—but they can’t talk back in a way that humans can understand. That’s makes them the BEST listeners.
You should give your clients the opportunity to speak and listen. Let them vent, let them share frustrations or joys, and be attentive. Don’t interrupt them. Show them that you truly care about how they feel and that you value their thoughts on the project.
Forgive and Forget
If you accidentally step on your dog’s tail—which every dog owner has inevitably done—it stings. They may yelp in pain. But ten minutes later, they have no memory of the event. They curl up next to you and snuggle close.
If a client makes a snide remark or comment out of frustration or anger (or try to place blame on you for their mistake) let it go. Be the bigger dog, maintain professionalism, and let it roll off your back.
Want to learn more? Listen to the whole episode for the full rundown of Natalie’s tips!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
www.WingnutSocial.com/services
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
Wednesday Jan 15, 2020
The One Room Challenge™ is a biannual event that gives designers (and design enthusiasts) the chance to showcase one room in their home that they’ve redesigned (in a six-week timeframe). Linda Weinstein launched the One Room Challenge™ in 2011 and the popular event is now in its 16th season. In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Veronica Solomon joins Darla and Natalie to talk about her experience being a featured designer in the challenge.
Veronica’s story is compelling—she lost her husband to cancer in 2004 and subsequently dropped out of design school to care for her two young children. But her passion for design never waned and in 2008 she completed her degree in design. Veronica launched Casa Vilora Interiors and over the last 11 years has acquired an impressive list of accomplishments. Don’t miss this vibrant episode of the Wingnut Social podcast!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:50] The One Room Challenge™ with Veronica Solomon
[4:45] Veronica Solomon’s background
[5:50] What is the One Room Challenge™ all about?
[9:00] How to become one of the 20 featured designers
[10:15] Best advice to get your foot in the door
[11:30] What the blogging process consists of
[12:30] Should a baby designer join the One Room Challenge™?
[14:25] What does the budget look like?
[17:25] Veronica’s experience working with sponsors
[20:10] What to do to become a featured designer
[23:00] Can the design challenge help build your client list?
[25:35] What up Wingnut round
Connect with Veronica Solomon
Veronica on Instagram
Veronica’s website
Facebook group for designers
Resources & People Mentioned
One Room Challenge™
Beautiful Places, Spiritual Spaces by Sharon Hanby-Robie and Deb Strubel
What is all the hoopla about the One Room Challenge™?
It originally started as a way to keep herself accountable to finish a room in her home, but Linda Weinstein created a fun and interactive design movement. Now there are over 30 sponsors for the event and the media partner is Better Homes & Gardens. 20 designers get the opportunity to be featured twice a year.
You need to register to participate and apply to be a featured designer. If chosen, you get to work with a minimum of 5 of the sponsors to create a stunning room. You commit to posting a blog (or a story on Instagram) for 6 weeks as you show the ‘behind the scenes’ of your design.
At the end of the 6 weeks, each designer’s carefully crafted rooms are revealed on the One Room Challenge™ website. It is a creative outlet where designers get to share their unique aesthetic and design trends with the world.
Should a ‘baby designer’ get on board?
Veronica says this is an absolute yes! When she originally joined her first challenge she was looking to build her audience and eventually bring in more clients. It is ideal for budding designers to build their portfolio and gain an audience they wouldn’t have otherwise.
Veronica pointed out you shouldn’t let the platform scare you—you can transform a room even with the smallest budget. She estimated she only spent around $2,000-$3,000 on her first go-around. You can start small and build what you can with what you have.
Veronica’s latest One Room Challenge™ reveal was a bedroom design—that likely cost near $70,000. Many pieces were donated by the sponsors she worked with, but she was definitely opting for a more lavish and luxurious design.
So how do you become one of the featured designers?Veronica’s #1 tip is to create memorable rooms. Design beautiful spaces that stand out and accurately portray your unique aesthetic. To hear the rest of her tips, how she designs the rooms, and how the challenge helps bring in clients, check out the whole episode now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Monday Jan 13, 2020
Does stage fright keep you from recording videos for your audience? Are you worried that you’ll look dumb or stumble over your words? What’s holding you back?
In this minisode of the Wingnut Social podcast, Darla and Natalie aim to help you overcome your fear of being in front of the camera. Learn to shoot a video with confidence. If you’re struggling to hit that record button, this is a can’t-miss episode!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:23] 3 tips to overcome stage fright
[2:35] Tip #1: Get over yourself!
[5:15] Tip #2: Pretend you’re talking to a friend or family
[7:00] Tip #3: Give the viewer something of value
Tip #1: Get over yourself to overcome stage fright
Many Wingnut Social clients are scared to death of shooting a video of themselves. For various reasons—anything from how they look to what to say—they are petrified. Darla points out that you just need to get over yourself.
People are obsessed with themselves. They don’t care how you look in a video! The ladies point out that nobody is perfect. Your imperfections are what make you interesting. So embrace them, don’t worry about what other people are thinking about, and record that video!
Tip #2: Pretend you’re talking with a friend or family
83% of social media in 2020 will be leveraged towards video. So it is imperative that you overcome your fear. Another tip: act like you’re talking to a close friend or family member.
How do you act when you’re doing a video chat with them? Are you relaxed and comfortable?
Of course! If you try to channel that feeling, your video will feel natural. You can practice recording to work out the jitters and slow your heart rate down. Then try again!
Tip #3: Give the viewer something of value
Focus on the reason you’re recording a video in the first place. Is it content for Instagram or YouTube? You’re probably offering something of value, such as a how-to video. Or you’re making an announcement.
Whatever it is, remember that it is all about what you are offering your viewer.
They’re likely watching to learn something. They aren’t focused on what you’re wearing or your hairstyle. When you focus on what you’re giving the people on the other side of the video it can ease your anxiety.
For the full low-down on overcoming stage fright and recording video for your interior design business, listen to the whole minisode now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Check out the services we offer!
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Jan 08, 2020
Wednesday Jan 08, 2020
Product licensing is a world that every designer dreams of joining. It can be seen as the ticket to retirement—passive income that brings in a pretty penny. But according to Stacy Garcia, it’s a little more complicated than that. Dive into this episode of Wingnut Social as Darla and Natalie converse with Stacy about the ins and outs of product licensing.
Stacy Garcia made her way into the design world 20 years ago when she launched LebaTex—a textile company. She knew she wanted her own collections and a branded product line, so she made it happen. Tune-in to hear how she went from a bootstrap business to successfully licensing products with multiple big-name designers.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:35] Product Licensing with Stacy Garcia
[4:30] Stacy Garcia’s background in the biz
[8:20] You might have to take some big risks
[10:30] What Stacy would do today
[15:30] Why hire a publicist?
[17:25] It takes time to build momentum
[20:50] What are high-end vendors looking for?
[24:00] Make sure you own your designs
[27:15] Is licensing a numbers game?
[33:15] What up Wingnut round
[35:35] New fabric collection with Calico Corners
Connect with Stacy Garcia
The Stay Collection on QVC
The Calico Collection
LebaTex
Stacy’s Website
Stacy on Instagram
Stay on LinkedIn
Stacy on Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
Color Marketing Group
Hunter Douglas
Crypton Fabric Intelligence
Book: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Book: Many Lives, Many Masters by Brian L. Weiss
Inspire Me! Home Decor Instagram
Inspire Me! Home Decor
You need to create your own opportunities
20 years ago, Stacy struggled to break into licensing. So she put everything on the line and took out a $50,000 line of credit against her home and launched her textile company, LebaTex. She put every last penny into that business (and consequently didn’t sleep for two years). She designed a professional trade-show booth and hired a publicist—and then she landed her first deal.
It took some moxie to put everything on the line. But what do designers look for now?
Stacy points out that you can launch something small with a lot less money. If you can get one licensing deal, it gives you leverage. It gives you more access to the market. But you have to remember you’re relying on distribution and manufacturing from whomever you sign with.
They’re looking for something unique. Here are some questions she points out they will consider: Why should they choose you over someone else? Is it your design aesthetic? Your social media following? Do you know how to forecast what will be trending in materials, colors, and consumer buying habits?
What you NEED to know about product licensing
If you desire to get into product licensing (and excel at creating beautiful and unique products) there are a few things you need to understand:
It takes time to build traction and momentum. You’re probably not going to achieve the passive income you desire with one or two deals. You have to consider the lifetime of the deals, whether or not the products will take off in the market, and more.
Make sure you own your designs. Stacy has seen designers partner with companies to manufacture their creations, only to be taken advantage of. Hire an intellectual property attorney, own your design, and make sure it’s in a contract that a manufacturer is just producing the design for you.
Consider who you already work with. Who do you like working with in your network? Who excels at marketing? Takes great care of you? What if you leveraged your connections and pitched a collection to that person instead of waiting to be discovered?
There is a lot to consider when it comes to product licensing. You have to remember that it’s not just a creative decision—it’s a business opportunity. You want to get the lay of the land when considering a deal (What would a collection look like? How many pieces? Royalties? What is the lifetime of the collection?) and manage your expectations.
To hear the ladies full discussion on product licensing, the deals you should shoot for, social media considerations—and much more—listen to the whole episode with Stacy Garcia now!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Monday Jan 06, 2020
Monday Jan 06, 2020
Have you gotten a bad Google review? Does a 1-star review have you down in the dumps? If you’re about to blow your top, take a step back and give this minisode a listen. Darla and Natalie tell you where to start, how to get a review flagged if it’s inappropriate, and how to handle the situation the right way.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:40] Darla got her John Wick action figure!
[1:55] Bad Google reviews
[2:30] What to do when you get a bad review?
[7:10] How do you flag an inappropriate review?
[8:15] How Natalie put out the fire
Resources & People Mentioned
Wingnut Social’s ‘Google my Business’ minisode
Google my Business
Instructions on how to flag a review
Google’s Prohibited and Restricted Content Policy
BONUS: Springerle Cookie Recipe
How do you deal with a bad Google review?
Up until recently, Wingnut Social had 5-star reviews across the board. Google notified Darla and Natalie that they had received a poor review. They immediately dove in and figured out what went wrong. But how did they address the bad Google review? With three simple steps:
Acknowledge the issue or concern: The reviewee had a very poor experience dealing with the answering service Wingnut uses.
Address the issue: They’re addressing the issue internally with the sub-contractor.
Resolve the issue: Apologize to the reviewer/client if necessary and let them know corrective action is being taken.
Other people looking at reviews for your business will see how you address issues. A bad review will crop up here and there and you need to know how to address it—and do it quickly.
Natalie identified the problem and bent over backward to address the concern with the reviewer. Miraculously—and this doesn’t always happen—the reviewee removed the poor review and replaced it with a 5-star review.
Did you know you can flag an inappropriate review?
Google has a policy on ‘Prohibited and Restricted Content’ that they use to comb-through a flagged review. If a review is explicit, inappropriate, or even simply aimed at a different entity, it can be removed. You simply need to go into your Google my Business account to flag the review and fill out a policy violation form.
If the review doesn’t fall under prohibited or restricted content, do your best to remedy the situation without being snarky, confrontational, or accusatory. Handle it to the best of your ability, then move on. After all, you’re only human. Plus, people have learned to distrust a perfect score. And if you’ve properly displayed how you’ve handled the situation, people will move past a bad Google review.
To hear the full story on how to deliver exceptional service, tune-in to the full Monday minisode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com
Wednesday Jan 01, 2020
Wednesday Jan 01, 2020
In this episode of Wingnut Social, Natalie shares her top 5 “aha” moments from 2019. Natalie will cover the tips she learned from Nicole Heymer in episode 5 on brand voice ALL the way to the sales pointers she learned from Nikki Rausch in episode 97. Don’t miss the valuable lessons she learned—listen to this episode!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:40] Natalie hosts this episode of Wingnut Social!
[2:25] Nikki Rausch on sales techniques
[5:30] The “Bless and Release”
[6:35] Closing the loop with clients
[7:25] Carla Aston on blogging
[9:00] Brand voice with Nicole Hymer
[11:35] How to become an HGTV design star
[13:20] Corey Damen Jenkins project pointer
Resources & People Mentioned
Episode #97 with Nikki Rausch
Episode #25 with Carla Aston
Episode #5 with Nicole Heymer
Episode #38 with Abbi McCollum
High Point Market
Step outside of your comfort zone
Natalie is kicking off 2020 and hosting the first episode of Wingnut Social solo—when she’s usually Darla’s co-host. She’s used to offering extra insight and questions that complement Darla. Darla pushed her to do this solo episode to make her “grow”.
Natalie humbly admits that hosting is a lot more difficult than it seems.
She’s stopped and started recording more than she cares to admit.
It takes a lot of effort and learning to master something new.
But she’s launching the new year with a push to grow and expand her expertise and killing it in the process. So listen to hear her “AHA” moments—and hopefully have some of your own as you apply these tips to YOUR business.
Natalie’s top 5 “AHA” moments
Without further ado, here are Natalie’s moments to remember:
Episode #5 - Brand Voice with Nicole Heymer: Be authentic and consistent across all platforms. Clients will get to know you and learn to trust you before even connecting for a consultation.
Episode #25 - Blogging for Interior Designers: Your blog needs to answer a question or solve a problem. You need to offer something of value to your reader. If they can’t do it themselves, they may just reach out to you—the brand expert!
Episode #38 - Be an HGTV Star with Abbi McCollum: Abbi is always on the hunt for the next big thing in design! If you want to be a star, the easiest way to get in front of her is to use the #HGTV hashtag on your social media posts!
Episode #97 - Stellar Sales Techniques with Nikki Rausch: Schedule a follow-up call with a potential client before you wrap up a presentation. It increases the odds of them following through and making a decision.
BONUSTIP from Corey Damen Jenkins: Natalie heard him speak at High Point Market on the subject of posting your projects. Instead of posting in real-time document the journey with photos. Then—towards the end of the project—slowly drip the photos out over a few weeks. Instead of your followers losing interested trying to follow along over 6 months, you’ll keep them engaged.
To hear more in-depth details on each of Natalie’s favorite moments from the last year of Wingnut Social, listen to the whole episode!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
www.WingnutSocial.com
On Facebook
On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
Darla’s Interior Design Website
1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.com