Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

[Here’s Why] You NEED to Engage with Fans on Social Media

Learning to engage with fans on social media could be the difference between having ZERO fans to having a platform full of superfans. We know followers, likes, and comments are important—so they can’t be neglected.
So what’s the scoop? How do you engage with your fan base to cultivate a loyal following? Darla and Natalie dive into the topic in this holiday re-released minisode of the Wingnut Social podcast.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] All about engaging with fans
[4:40] How do you get superfans?
[7:50] An example of what NOT to do
[9:00] Someone who has mastered engagement
[11:30] Establish yourself as the brand expert
Resources & People Mentioned
Superfans by Pat Flynn
MoonPie on Twitter
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook by Gary Vaynerchuk
Brittanie Elms episode on Wingnut Social
How to create superfans for your design business
Superfans are the people who love you—and everything you do—and don’t hesitate to like or comment on your posts. They’ll be the first people to bring up your name and recommend you to a potential client. They are the key to growing your business!
So how do you foster such a loyal following? It’s simple. Engage with your fans. Reply to comments, direct messages, or emails. Take 5 minutes a day to give them a thoughtful response. Even if it sits in your inbox until you can respond, nothing makes someone feel more included than a personalized response. 
Why is engaging with your fans so important?
Engaging with fans on social media isn’t always the #1 thing on your to-do list. But they need to be high on your list of social media priorities. Because money can’t buy you what superfans provide for your business. 
Your fans want to feel as if they are a part of the community and that you value them. You can give them that with a few short minutes of your time! If you treat people with the importance that they deserve, you’ll gain a loyal following.
Every business—design or otherwise—needs superfans. They are essential to the growth of your business. They are your word of mouth. So focus on cultivating those relationships. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with people!
Darla and Natalie chat about the best and worst examples of social media engagement that they’ve seen and go in-depth on the power of engagement. Be sure to listen to this valuable 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

Merry Christmas: The Wingnut Social Blooper Reel

It’s no secret that Darla and Natalie are quite the characters (*cough* special brand of crazy *cough*) and love injecting a little good-natured insanity into their podcast. This special Christmas edition of the Wingnut Social podcast is a compilation of their goofiest moments in Wingnut Social History. Pour a glass of eggnog (or whiskey) and tune in for some holly jolly laughs. Merry Christmas from Wingnut Social!
...Darla hopes you enjoy unwrapping your limited edition John Wick action figure...
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
Follow along—see if you can guess who said what!
Welcome to our wacky Wingnut Christmas
“The wingnut social podcast fueled by the fat in my a$%.” 
“I had a shot and I'm chasing it with Red Bull right now.”
“North Carolina go on and raise up. Take your shirt off to surround your hand like a helicopter.”
“Hold on. I'm taking another sip of wine.”
“If we're rubbish, it's not because we're rubbish.”
“I have a face for radio. I'm ready.”
“I'll tell you what—this podcast here is hard work.”
“Ethel! Ethel I need some help! Can you help me do my hair? I can't quite get my arms up there anymore. My shoulders are dead.”
“You're going to be in a pine box.”
“That's all I need. I don't need nothing fancy because when you're dead, you're dead. Who am I trying to impress? Am I right?”
Natalie the Giraffe Masters Kung Fu
“It’s straight up Kung Fu and we just Judo and we just get ‘em and we like to really kick them where it counts. I mean, that's the best to just go kick a criminal straight in the balls.”
“Now where does a giraffe learn Kung Fu raised in a zoo?”
“Well, there was the panda at the zoo. I forgot to tell you about the Panda…”
“The Kung Fu Panda?!”
We resume the abnormal broadcast
“So Far away. Doesn't anyone podcast close anymore?” 
“So excited, going to Disney World, gonna see Star Wars Land. Yeah!” 
“They love us. He works hard for the money!” 
“Hello, my honey! Hello, my baby! Hello, my ragtime gal. Send me a kiss by wire. Baby, my heart's on fire…”
“Natalie, can you hear me?”
“It’s the hard-knock life for us!”
A love for Little Debbie
Hi, my name is Darla and I have a problem. Hello my name is Darla and I am a Little Debbie addict.
“I offered her a little Debbie and she said no.” 
“How can you say no to that? “
“Cuz I don't like them.” 
“Yeah. Me neither, actually,” 
GASP.
 
“Should we do it now or afterwards?” 
“Let's not take over Robert.”
“Oh, you got called Robert!” 
“Ooooooooh”. 
 
“Come on Tubby.”
“Oh, you just did not…”
 
“I like saying giraffe as your last name.” 
“I'll change it legally.”
“To what, rhinoceros?!”
“Badoom boom, try the veal.”
“Aren't you hilarious Darla?”
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

Kenny Rogers Remix: All about Instagram Strategy

Did you know that in Kenny Roger’s song, “The Gambler”, he says a lot about Instagram strategy and social media marketing? No? Well, Darla and Natalie dive into the social strategy outlined in his song in this special re-release of the Wingnut Social Podcast. Listen to gain some new insight! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:55] Know when to hold ‘em
[5:10] Delegate your social media
[6:00] Know when to walk away
[7:30] Money Money Money, Money!
Resources & People Mentioned
Kenny Rogers ‘The Gambler’
If you’re gonna play the game—learn to play it right
You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, and know when to walk away. So what does it look like when you’re doing things right?
When 50% of non-followers are seeing your Instagram posts.
When your engagement rate is 5-10% of your followers.
If these two things line up, it ain’t broke—don’t fix it. Hold your cards and play out the hand. So when do you fold ‘em? When Instagram strategy is eating up time better spent designing. Get an intern or outsource the work. Delegate. 
When do you walk away? When comments have you down in the dumps and you’re about to blow your top, cool off. Let your audience see you take the high road.
Never count your money when you’re sittin’ at the table
When you’re making money and your business is profitable it’s easy to stay the course. But when your chips are low (or a recession hits) you may start to waiver. That is when it’s most important to stick to your strategy. Continue to put money into marketing so your pipeline is full.
You need new leads coming in. This is where many designers are reluctant to spend their money. It’s hard to see it’s immediate impact, but in a recession, your pipeline will dry up if money isn’t consistently budgeted for marketing. 
For the rest of their tips and takeaways, listen to the whole special 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

The 5 Step Sales Strategy Plan with Brian Robinson

A sales strategy plan that applies to designers is hard to come by. Even worse, knowing what to say and how to say it can be stressful and daunting. Is there an easier way to approach sales that is less anxiety-inducing? Brian Robinson joins Darla and Natalie to share his 5-step plan for success. 
Brian is a best-selling author and sales coach, specializing in helping businesses capture lost marketing opportunities. His sales formula—discussed in depth in his book—is a helpful approach for anyone looking for a better way to sell. He discusses his approach in this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:25] John Wick poll and Christmas decorations 
[4:30] A sales formula with Brian Robinson
[8:05] Make sales a conversation—not a presentation
[9:25] Brian’s 5-step formula for success
[12:40] The psychological concept of anchoring
[16:25] Takes notes with pen and paper
[20:40] How to discuss solutions for your clients
[24:25] Closing: discounts and deadlines
[29:35] A less aggressive option
[31:30] Money money money, money!
[36:50] What up Wingnut round
Connect with Brian W. Robinson
Get the first 3 chapters of Brian’s book FREE!
Brian’s Website
Brian on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
The Selling Formula by Brian W. Robinson
The Compassionate Samurai by Brian Klemmer
The 5-step sales strategy plan
Brian points out that you need to make your sales pitch a conversation—not a presentation. Viewing it that way can take a weight off your shoulders. He lays out a 5 step strategy:
Step #1: Connect with your prospect and set the agenda
Step #2: Master the client interview: ask for permission to question them about their home, desires for the remodel, and so forth. Take notes with pen and paper.
Step #3: Present your solution: based on the client interview, present a solution that solves their specific design problems.
Step #4: Share pricing and guarantees (Brian shares some impressive strategies in this episode).
Step #5: Close the deal. Brian notes, “you must always have an offer—and a deadline.'' 
Most people struggle with closing the deal because it’s awkward. It’s hard to look someone in the eye and ask them for their business, even when you’re offering an amazing service. If you struggle to ask clients directly if they’d like to work with you, Brian said you can phrase it this way: If I could provide you with an incentive to choose one of our packages today, would you be open to discussing that? Most people are going to say yes. It’s a nice segue into your offer and being able to schedule a follow-up.
Understand the psychological concept of anchoring
Pricing can be another tricky subject, especially when so many potential clients have no idea what the true cost typically is. One tip Brian gives to help mitigate the sticker shock is to have potential clients complete a questionnaire. It should present the client with an option to choose their budget range or write in what their budget amount. This allows you to know their budget mindset before scheduling a consultation.
The other strategy when dealing with pricing is that of anchoring. You present your packages and pricing from the most expensive to the least expensive. This anchors their mindset to the highest price so that anything offered that’s lower is more appealing. Just like in design and photography, make your pricing follow the “rule of thirds”. Anything that is presented in threes is appealing to the eye—and the wallet.
Listen to the entire episode as Brian walks through his strategy in-depth and gives designers a great layout for selling their services the easiest way possible. 
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

The ABCs of Shooting an IGTV Video with Shana Heinricy

In this episode of Wingnut Social, Shana Heinricy takes a deep-dive into shooting an IGTV video. She’ll share how to prepare for the video, basic formatting and structure, equipment needed, the shooting process, and how to post on Instagram. If shooting a video gives you stage-fright—or you just need some simple tools and strategies to dive in—this is a must-listen! 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] Shooting a video for IGTV
[2:25] The 4 places to post videos on Instagram
[4:10] Prepping for an IGTV video
[7:00] Basic structure your video should follow 
[9:10] Equipment to invest in
[10:55] Tips and tricks for the shooting process
[14:30] How to post the video on IGTV
[17:00] Video is THE way to communicate
Resources & People Mentioned
Window Works
Gimbal Stabilizer on Amazon
Wireless Lavalier Microphones
Cell Phone Halo Light
Phone Tripod
IGTV
How do you prepare to shoot an IGTV video?
Shana cannot emphasize enough—don’t write a script for your video. How a person writes is 100% different than how they speak. The perfect grammar and word choice are important for writing. What’s important for video (and podcasts) is being informal and conversational. Here are a couple of things Shana recommends:
Write keywords or phrases to guide your video
Cover the main points—using numbered steps is a great option!
Include transitions into new topics
Give clear and useable takeaways for your audience 
What do the viewers want to know? What questions are they asking? Shana points out you need to keep these questions at the forefront of your mind when preparing a video. She notes you can also take some pointers from a recent blog post and transform them into a video. 
What should the basic structure of an IGTV video look like? 
YouTube and Instagram influencers alike use a particular formula for the videos they create: an introduction, the body of the video, and a conclusion. What should each of those look like?
The introduction: Introduce the topic of your video and ask listeners to comment with questions they’d like you to answer. This is a great place to ask them to subscribe to your channel! It’s all about engagement.
The body: Go through your main points (using transitions) and answer listener questions—and post your next one!
The conclusion: Give a quick recap of your topic, remind them to like your video and subscribe, and leave them with a challenge (a specific action to carry out). 
If you shoot your video in this format, you should develop an interactive following of subscribers.
Listen to the whole episode for tips on the shooting process, how to post it to IGTV, and why designers NEED to be using IGTV as their primary video platform! It’s time to join the video bandwagon!
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

Tech Tools Designers Need to Embrace with Jarret Yoshida

If you’re stuck in an old-school way of running your business, it’s time to begin embracing some tech tools. Gone are the days of just using Quickbooks. There are multiple project management systems available geared towards designers. If you’re ready to update some antiquated systems and embrace the technology that’s available, don’t miss this 100th episode of the Wingnut Social Podcast!
Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie to chat about the systems and tools he’s integrated into his design business. Jarret is an interior designer in New York City, specializing in high-end residential spaces. His background in the tech space drove him to fully embrace tech tools to drive his business forward.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:00] Special Blooper Reel episode for Christmas!
[4:50] Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie
[6:30] Project Management Software for designers
[15:40] Find what works best for your firm
[18:15] Jarret’s Interior design style
[19:30] How Jarret schedules meetings
[23:05] Client communication
[25:45] Client presentations
[30:20] Internal communication
[36:55] Google Suite for emails
[38:30] Embracing technology will make your life easier
[40:40] What up Wingut Round!
[43:15] Connect with Jarrett
Connect with Jarret Yoshida
Jarret’s Website
Twitter
Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Design Manager
Mydoma Studio
Ivy Business Management Software
Asana Work Management Platform
Book: Becoming a Man by Paul Monette
Slack
G Suite
Project Management Software for designers
If you’re like most designers, the majority of your time is spent designing and being creative. No one likes to take time away from what they love to invest time into bookkeeping—especially on a platform that doesn’t serve you. Jarret found that Quickbooks was too generic, and began searching for a system that better served the needs of a designer.
So he started using Design Manager, and the difference was astounding. It was easy to learn. The financial tracking and project management was geared towards the design industry. It helped him become more productive and efficient. He points out that you can’t be afraid to stray from the industry standards to find something better. 
Darla and Natalie have tried Ivy and currently use Mydoma and adore it. The goal is to find what works best for you and your firm. To hear more about how Design Manager and Mydoma integrate with the design world, be sure to listen to the whole episode!
Tech tools: shiny, new, and unexpected
Jarret, Darla, and Natalie all advocate embracing technology and the tools that simplify your life and business. Slack is a great tool for internal communication within your business. Asana is a platform that Darla and Natalie love for keeping on-task with projects. G Suite (Google) is great for client presentations, email, and much more.
While advocating for technology, Jarret also points out that we cannot forget the human element. There is something special about the human touch and engaging with clients face-to-face. After all, they hired you because they like you, who you are, and what your design aesthetic is. It is all part of the luxury experience you want your clients to feel.
Jarret loves being surrounded by his team. It’s so much easier to collaborate, critique ideas, and be productive when you can communicate in-person. His firm is small and intimate enough that this is still feasible. Embracing technology is not about forgetting your roots or removing the human touch. It’s about integrating tools into your system that allows you to focus on what you do best.
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

The Lowdown on Pinterest Rich Pins

What are Pinterest Rich Pins? Why would you want or need them for your business? Darla and Natalie tackle Rich Pins in this minisode of the Wingnut Social Podcast. You’ll learn what they are, why they’re useful, and how they can greatly benefit you. Don’t miss it!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:20] What are Pinterest Rich Pins?
[4:05] Is it hard to make a Rich Pin?
[4:45] 4 different types of Rich Pins
[6:45] The benefits of Rich Pins
[8:05] Adding metadata to your account
[9:35] Rich Pin Validator
Resources & People Mentioned
LuAnn Nigara’s Window Works
Yoast SEO WordPress Plugin
Pinterest Instructions
Pinterest Rich Pins Validator 
Website Instructions with Yoast plugin
Website Instructions done manually
What are Rich Pins? Will they make me rich?
The jury is still out on that one, but anything is possible! Rich pins are pins that pull metadata from your website and the information is displayed directly on a pin. It also gives pinners a better picture of what they’ll see on your website. It is shown to improve engagement, and possibly even lower your bounce rate. 
There are four different types of Rich Pins: App pins, Product pins, Recipe pins, and Article pins (designers are more likely to use article pins). The pin links to your article, drops your website name on the bottom of the pin, shows the author, and is even capable of more. Better yet—adding Rich Pins to your Pinterest account is completely free.
It seems like a win-win. Keep listening as Darla and Natalie share more benefits!
How do I set up Rich Pins?
The very short version is this:
Pinterest needs to be able to access meta-data on your account. There are a couple of ways to do this. You can install the Yoast SEO plugin on your site, update a couple of settings, and voilà! If Yoast is not an option, you need to add specific coding to the header of each page on your site. Detailed instructions are linked in the resources. OR pass the task to your web developer and watch them work their magic!
Once you’ve got your metadata sorted out on your website, you head on over to the Pinterest validator and enter a single URL from your website.
Click ‘apply now’! Once Pinterest has validated your account (it may take 2-3 weeks) you’ll see that Rich Pins are enabled when you create one. 
The long and short of it is this: you NEED Rich Pins. The simple fact that it increases engagement as much as 40% should convince you. But, if you need more convincing, listen to the whole mini-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

Understanding Biophilic Interior Design with Michelle Castagna and Jeffrey Allis

This special bonus episode of the Wingnut Social Podcast is a panel on Biophilic design that was recorded LIVE at the DCOTA fall market. Darla and Natalie sit down with Michelle Castagna and Jeffrey Allis to discuss Biophilic design, why it’s risen in popularity, and how to incorporate it into your design.
Michelle Castagna is the owner of Muse Design Studio with over 20 years of experience in the design industry. Her goal is to make every individual's unique story shine through in their design. She wants to encourage her clients to experience life in a positive and balanced way through Biophilic design. 
After 25 years with the Chicago Board of Trade, Jeffrey Allis shifted industries and became a Biophilic Designer and Horticultural Consultant. He provides his expertise in the US, Canada, and Latin America. His life-long love for plants and gardening is apparent in his beautiful designs. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[1:05] Biophilic Design Panel at DCOTA Market
[3:05] Michelle’s start in the design industry
[5:10] Jeffrey’s beginnings in the world of design
[5:55] What is Biophilic design?
[9:15] How has the movement risen in popularity
[12:30] The science of Biophilic design
[18:00] How do you educate yourself and clients?
[20:30] How do we incorporate Biophilic design
[31:15] Biophilic design in cold climates
[34:25] Maintenance and upkeep
[38:50] What to look for in a professional?
[42:30] Where is Biophilic design headed?
[47:00] Vertical plant walls
[51:05] IFDA implementing a certification program
[52:10] Reason for the resurgence
Connect with Michelle Castagna
Muse Design
Michelle on LinkedIn
Connect with Jeffrey Allis
TruVine Design
Jeffrey on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
DCOTA Market
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
The Seattle Spheres
1 Hotel South Beach
WELL Building Standard
What in the world is Biophilic design? 
Biophilic design’s most simple definition is a love of nature and incorporating natural elements into your interior design. It is about bringing nature back into the built environment. It is about your wellbeing and the emotion you feel when you’re in your space. People want to feel grounded in their homes and enveloped in a sense of calm. 
There is so much “gray” in people’s lives. They are hungry for texture, color, and life in their homes.
The way the human brain functions in beautiful spaces has a direct impact on health and well-being. Because of this, Michelle points out that you must incorporate how a client wants to feel in their space. You answer that by providing natural elements the evoke the emotion they seek to feel. It can be with direct elements, such as live plants. Or you can incorporate faux greenery, wood elements, natural shapes, etc. 
How to incorporate Biophilic design
Americans have become so detached from nature that most people don’t know how to keep a plant in their home alive. Jeffrey points out that the right plants in the right space is key. Once you’ve identified the correct plant, it’s as easy as feeding and watering to the proper specifications. There are even low-maintenance plants for those without a green thumb (cough—Darla—cough). 
To do this properly, you need to seek out an expert in the space—or become an expert yourself. 
Even if you don’t have the knowledge and know-how to choose the proper living plants, you can focus on bringing the outside in (continuum theory). Your home doesn’t need to be a jungle to be biophilic. If you’re in Miami, it could mean simply incorporating the right wood, seashells, natural elements, or even images that connect you with the nature outside your window. 
This special bonus episode is full of content about the world of biophilic design. Don’t miss the value it can add to your design process!
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

Stellar Sales Techniques for Interior Designers with Nikki Rausch

Mastering sales techniques can be something that feels out-of-reach for those in the design industry. Many people find it downright terrifying. Even the terminology around the topic of “sales” can scare people away. So how do you master selling your services? How do interior designers need to change the conversation? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Nikki Rausch joins Darla and Natalie to help you learn some simple sales techniques that will transform the way you sell.
Nikki runs Sales Maven—and with over 24 years of experience—she is a seasoned expert in the sales world. She is the author of 3 books (one of which you get for FREE) and is passionate about helping entrepreneurs learn to sell. It’s no longer about the aggressive sale but about being conversational and invitational. If you’re ready to step-up your sales game, check out this episode now!
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:00] Sales techniques with Nikki Rausch
[5:40] Nikki’s background in sales
[7:50] What is the biggest struggle?
[10:15] Be conversational and invitational
[15:55] Offering a solution to someone’s problem
[18:00] How to mitigate sticker shock
[26:10] How sales have changed
[29:15] Is email enough of a follow-up?
[32:30] What up Wingnut Round
[35:10] How to connect with Nikki
Connect with Nikki Rausch
Sales Maven Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
Resources & People Mentioned
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann
The Selling Staircase by Nikki Rausch
Nikki’s free ebook just for Wingnut Social Listeners!
A Well-Designed Business Podcast
Sales techniques include being conversational and strategic
Sales have garnered such a tarnished reputation and most people equate salespeople with being aggressive and pushy. In this changing world, it’s important to flip that skewed worldview upside down and make your sales strategy conversational. If you struggle with what to say and how to say it, you aren’t alone. 
Nikki desires to help make the sales process simple by coaching you through the conversations.
Not only do you want your interactions with clients to be conversational and not pushy, but you want it to be invitational as well. Nikki says it may not feel natural, but you want to invite the client to work with you. If you don’t ask them to hire you, it leaves them feeling unsatisfied. 
To hear how Nikki suggests navigating the sales conversation with clients, be sure to listen!
Remember that the sales process isn’t about you
Darla points out that it’s so easy to let your internal critic tear you down: You sound like an idiot. You’re bombing this presentation. But instead of focusing inwards, you must remove yourself from the equation. Your proposal is about meeting the client’s needs, solving a problem, offering a solution, etc. It is not about you.
You want to be constantly moving the conversation in the direction of a sale. Consumers are more savvy and skeptical than ever before. Nikki points out that people know when they’re being sold—so ask the right questions, give recommendations, and give the opportunity to buy. 
Remember that potential clients who have sought you out are looking for an expert willing to take the time to assess their needs. Give them what they’re looking for in a conversational and invitational way, and you’re already taking the necessary steps to simplify the sales process.
To hear more of Nikki’s sales techniques and specific examples, listen to this amazing episode of the Wingnut Social podcast!
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

Pinterest SEO and What’s New!

Pinterest has implemented a new change—they now require your pins to have a title. The goal is to make their search results more targeted to what the user is searching for. So what parameters have they set? How will it change your pinning process? Find out more (and hear a stunning impression of Yoda) in this mini-poddy episode of Wingnut Social!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:35] The Mandalorian: the best thing to happen to Star Wars
[1:40] Pinterest is its own search engine
[2:10] Pinterest pins must now have a title 
[3:30] Why are they doing this?
[6:10] Using keywords on Pinterest
[6:55] The status quo going forward
Resources & People Mentioned
Rich Pins
Tailwind
How to add a title
The Mandalorian
11 Tips for Using Pinterest Like a Pro
A title, your Pinterest pins must have!
There is a method to Pinterest’s title madness. You are allowed up to 100 characters to provide context for your pin. But when a pinner is scrolling through their feed, they’ll likely only see the first 30-35 characters of your title. 
You only have 30 characters to grab their attention and reel them in! So make it eye-catching. Natalie recommends using a title case font, which is proven to show higher click-through rates. To hear their other tips, keep listening!
Pinterest SEO, a whole new world
Darla points out that the only thing that is constant is change. So in the name of improvement, Pinterest turned its SEO world upside down. Adding a title to pins allows users to use Pinterest more like a search engine. With a few expertly placed keywords in your title, you will rank in results for whatever search term is used. 
It is now the #1 thing Pinterest will pull from when providing results.
Previously, Pinterest pulled data from your Rich Pins (which we talk about a little bit more in this post). If you’re using Tailwind and have already scheduled out upcoming posts, you’re in luck! Tailwind will automatically create a title for you. Since this is an ongoing change, be sure to start adding titles so users find your pins! 
To hear more brilliant advice from these wonderful ladies, listen to the whole mini-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

LinkedIn: Professional Networking on Steroids, with Sarah McIntyre

If you’re looking to find the best social media channel for professional networking, LinkedIn should be your go-to. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles or visual attraction as some of the other platforms, but it’s a game-changer for networking. If you’re ready to learn some trade secrets about navigating the world of LinkedIn, listen to this episode of Wingnut Social!
Sarah McIntyre joins Darla and Natalie to deliver some expert advice about marketing on LinkedIn. Sarah boasts over 20 years of experience in Australia and is the founder and chief strategist of BRIGHT Inbound Marketing. If you’re a designer and wondering if your time is wasted on LinkedIn—listen to this episode. It might just change your mind.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio
Or anywhere you listen to podcasts
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[4:00] LinkedIn with Sarah McIntyre
[6:40] Why should designers be on LinkedIn?
[9:15] How does an interior designer benefit from LinkedIn?
[10:30] What content do we focus on for LinkedIn?
[12:50] Leveraging the LinkedIn algorithm
[15:00] How to interact on LinkedIn
[17:55] LinkedIn groups existed before Facebook’s did!
[20:20] Advertising on LinkedIn
[24:30] Articles on LinkedIn
[26:10] Things to add on your profile
[27:10] Hashtags on LinkedIn
[28:25] Where to devote your time
[30:25] What up Wingnut round
[32:25] Connect with Sarah
Connect with Sarah McIntyre
BRIGHT Inbound Marketing
BRIGHT on LinkedIn
Sarah on LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
Is TikTok the Next Instagram?
LinkedIn for Interior Designers with Joe Apfelbaum
Alignable: The Small Business Network
Permission Marketing by Seth Godin
Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman
LinkedIn is THE premium space for professional networking
Designers tend to gravitate towards the social media platforms that are on the visual side of the spectrum—Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, etc. When it comes down to utilizing LinkedIn, they can be at a loss. It isn’t just a place to “get recruited”. It’s networking on steroids. 
Sarah recommends optimizing your personal profile because the business pages don’t perform as well. Make sure you have a professional profile photo and background while giving viewers a clear picture of who you are and what you do. You can even provide examples of your work.
So who do you network with? Connect with contractors or other people you interact with to source products. You can also reach out to people who fall under the umbrella of your ideal client. Join groups and interact with people, answer questions, and focus on giving them something of value. 
Advertising, Hashtags, and posting: What do you do?
The LinkedIn algorithm is similar to any other platform: the goal is to keep you on the news feed. Outbound links won’t get routinely featured. What is a designer to do? Post an update, video, image or go live. Tag people you work with (which can increase your reach).
Sarah recommends using hashtags, but keep them limited. Don’t do anything over the top like you might on Instagram. Remember that most people are looking for professionalism and don’t want the updates to be spammy. 
Darla attempted creating an ad on LinkedIn and felt it was clunky and expensive. In Sarah’s experience, it’s better to shoot for organic traffic on LinkedIn vs. paid advertising. Large companies with endless budgets pay top dollar for that traffic. Your budgeting bucks are better spent elsewhere. 
To get the complete scoop on LinkedIn, listen to the whole episode! Sarah has some stellar insight about the platform you don’t want to miss. 
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

How Will Instagram Hiding Likes Impact Designers?

Why has Instagram begun hiding likes? How will it impact your performance metrics? Will you see a sudden drop in engagement? If all of these questions are rolling around in your mind and sending you into a frenzy—you aren’t alone. 
Instagram started rolling this out in the US after testing it in other markets. In this minisode of Wingnut Social, Darla and Natalie go over the pros and cons, the impact on engagement rate, and even how it can affect mental health.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[2:35] Why Instagram is hiding like counts
[4:40] Banning features that promote changing yourself
[6:50] It can allow you to be more creative
[8:55] Are we going to shift towards tracking comments?
[9:40] What will some of the changes mean for designers?
Resources & People Mentioned
The Business of Home Instagram Article
Why did Instagram move away from “likes”? 
Instagram desires to create a less pressurized environment where people feel comfortable. Tracking likes have been linked to increased anxiety, depression, loneliness, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).
Instagram claims it is making these changes to protect mental health, decrease bullying, etc. 
To further their efforts to create a safer space, they are also banning any filters that change facial filters. They’ll also be limiting ads that promote weight loss. The move can seem limiting to those who track their metrics, but perhaps they really are trying to create a better space.
Designers can make the shift a positive change
Darla believes being overly focused on “likes” can hurt creativity, authenticity, and transparency. On a positive note, it forces you out of the box you’ve created. You don’t know what people like? No problem. It’s time to branch out and be creative with your content creation. 
Not only that, but you no longer have to see dwindling numbers of likes and feel discouraged.
You can still be an influencer in the space. It may be a little bit harder to track your ROI, but Instagram will still track your metrics and the algorithm is still in play. Perhaps a shift towards better mental health will have an overall positive impact. Only time will tell. But humans are adaptable—so be creative and embrace the change. 
Will people start focusing on tracking comments? Will engagement dwindle? What does the new “like-less” platform look like? Find out more in 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
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

How Implementing Surveys Transforms Email Marketing with Rob & Kennedy

How can implementing surveys as part of your marketing mix benefit you? Is there a way to integrate surveys that can be helpful to both you and potential clients? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Rob & Kennedy join Darla and Natalie to talk about how surveys can transform your email marketing. 
Rob & Kennedy are both in the entertainment industry (one a comedic hypnotist and the other a mind reader!). They sought to find a business to fill their down-time when they were traveling (waiting in airports and lounges) while also solving a problem they faced. ResponseSuite was born. To hear how it benefits everyone—designers included—listen to this episode now!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Castbox
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[3:05] Surveys as a marketing tool
[5:00] Rob & Kennedy’s Background
[7:05] What is ResponseSuite?
[8:50] How should you use a survey
[11:25] Create surveys that aren’t boring
[15:20] How it serves your clients
[19:05] Filtering potential clients by budget
[23:25] You need to use an email campaign
[26:40] Is it easy to use?
[28:25] What up Wingnut round!
[31:10] Connect with Rob & Kennedy
Connect with Rob & Kennedy
ResponseSuite
Rob & Kennedy’s Podcast
Instagram
Resources & People Mentioned
Special Offer just for Wingnut Listeners!
THE coolest John Wick Action Figure
Nancy Ganzekaufer “Designer for a Day”
Book: Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz
Book: Win the Crowd by Steve Cohen
Active Campaign
Mailchimp
Canva
Implementing surveys = a powerful marketing strategy
ResponseSuite is a marketing automation system that allows you to gather data from people who complete a survey. The answers from the survey integrate with your email marketing platform and filter people into different email campaigns. It can be used in multiple ways. 
You can integrate it into your website.
A survey can be used in an email marketing campaign.
ResponseSuite can independently host a survey for you. 
Rob & Kennedy state that it’s easy to use and basically “Darla proof”! If you’re still unsure, they offer a 14-day trial where you can schedule a 20-minute phone call where they walk you through how to create a survey! 
How does this help you serve clients?
Rob & Kennedy point out that there are three things you want to gauge from a potential client: What stage they’re in, their aspirations, and the biggest (design) challenge they face. Answering these questions can help you properly segment potential clients into categories for marketing campaigns. Some of the ways you can segment people include:
By hot or cold leads
What style of design they like
Different budget categories
Biggest challenges faces
They state that it would be advantageous to offer a range of budget categories in a survey question—including ranges that are too low for you to work with. Why? You can create different pages for a potential client to land based on their answer(s). 
For example, If the budget is too low, you can offer them a PDF resource, DIY guide, or even referrals to other designers. If they select a budget option that would be a perfect fit for you, they can be directed to a calendar to schedule a conversation with you. It’s genius! It’s an easy let-down for client’s who aren’t a good fit, without an awkward phone call or email.
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

What Kenny Rogers Can Teach Us About Social Media Marketing

Is your social media marketing on point? Do you know how to track when things are going well or when you’re struggling? How do you deal with haters? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Darla and Natalie channel their inner Kenny Rogers to deliver some stellar insight on social strategy.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:37] When do you implement changes?
[2:15] Know when to hold ‘em
[4:25] Delegate your social media
[5:20] Know when to walk away
[6:50] You NEED to budget for marketing
Resources & People Mentioned
Kenny Rogers ‘The Gambler’
Know when to hold ‘em
Instagram has some nifty tools to allow you to track how your posts are performing. In a business account, you can choose “insights” in the toolbar to track your stats. Natalie and Darla recommend two things it helps to track, and if they’re performing well—stay your course. 
Reach: When your reach is enticing 50% of non-followers to view your content. Your hashtags are working, keep going.
Engagement: If 5-10% of your followers are actively engaged with your posts (commenting) then you’re doing something right.
If either of these metrics is suffering, it’s time to reevaluate. Play around with different hashtags or copy on your posts until you find something that works! Tracking metrics doesn’t just apply to Instagram. Stay aware of your engagement and reach across platforms. But if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! 
Know when to fold ‘em
Darla and Natalie are brutally honest—time is money. Is social media eating up too much of your time? If you struggle with posting consistently and it isn’t your groove, delegate! Your talents are better served in the areas where you excel. For most of you, that’s spending your time designing. Especially when it comes to dealing with divisive comments. 
Unfortunately, not everyone on social media is there to build others up. The errant “That color is NOT what I would have chosen!” can leave you reeling. The ladies point out that’s it’s tough, but you have to take the high road and let it go. It’s time to fold your hand and move along. 
Darla and Natalie talk budgeting for social media and show off their vocal talent in this fun episode of Wingnut Social. Don’t miss it!
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

The Mindset Behind Posting Project Minimums for Your Design Business with Christine Lin

A project minimum might be a concept you’ve toyed with if you’re in the interior design industry. When you need to bring in some Benjamin’s to run your business it can be an appealing option. But how does it affect your business? Will you see a decrease in leads or clients? Thankfully, Darla and Natalie’s guest Christine Lin will shed some light on the subject.
Christine has been in the design space for only two and a half years, but she’s already making waves in the San Francisco Bay Area. One year after she launched her firm she decided to implement project minimums. To find out what that looks like for her and how it’s impacted her business, listen to the whole episode of Wingnut Social now!
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:55] Going to Disney World!
[3:10] Project Minimums with Christine Lynn
[7:20] The scope of Christine’s first projects
[10:40] Taking the leap: Setting a minimum
[12:50] The basics of markups
[16:50] How did inquiries change? 
[18:20] Advice for new designers
[19:20] The Form + Field Intake process
[21:50] Setting realistic budgets
[27:30] The pros of an office space
[32:35] What up Wingnut!
[36:00] Connect with Christine
Connect with Christine Lin
Form + Field
Instagram
LinkedIn
Resources & People Mentioned
Business of Home
Alana Frailey Interior Design
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Does a project minimum make sense for your business?
When you’re just getting started, it's imperative that you take the work that comes your way to build a portfolio. But as you’ve adjusted and begin to settle into the niche you desire, do you toy with the idea? According to Christine, there is a point where you need to stop taking on small projects that don’t net any profit. 
You have to be able to cover your overhead expenses.
Are you covering the costs of your office? What about paying your staff? Christine also notes that setting a certain minimum cost will determine the types of projects you receive. She loves large projects where she gets to renovate and design an entire home. Setting a design fee minimum of $10,000 and a budget minimum of $50,000 helped weed out the smaller projects. It allowed her to focus on what brought her joy.
How did a project minimum budget affect her business?
When Christine implemented her project minimums, she didn’t experience a gap in clients or loss of business. Instead, she started getting leads for larger projects that fit her vision and expertise. She will accept lower project budgets on a case-by-case basis if it piques her interest—such as the project she did with Ayesha and Steph Curry. 
Christine is clear about her project minimums on her website and in her contact form. She enjoys vetting client inquiries and answering their questions. She often finds that when she speaks with them she is also educating them on costs (which can be quite high in her area). The process allows her to help adjust expectations while also feeling out if the project would be a great fit.
Her take it or leave it approach suits her and her business continues to thrive. Listen to the whole episode for her insight on the topic, acquiring an office space, and more!
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