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The biggest business challenges designers face (and how to fix them)

The biggest business challenges designers face (and how to fix them)

Your business challenges probably boil down to one thing: not knowing how to run a business properly. But running a design business is about 80% to do with business skills and about 20% to do with being a good designer. The problem is that design school doesn’t teach you pricing, marketing, client management or how to scale - so it’s no surprise that many designers struggle with growing their business. Here are some of the most common challenges interior designers face and (more importantly!) how to fix them.

Business OperationsClare Le Roy4 March 2025Comment

This is why nobody is hiring you as a designer

This is why nobody is hiring you as a designer

If you’re struggling to land clients, it’s not bad luck - it’s you. Clients don’t hire based on talent alone, they hire based on trust, visibility and ease. If you’re struggling to book projects, it’s not because the market is slow. It’s because something in your positioning, process or portfolio isn’t working. But these problems are fixable and in this post I share how to fix them.

Branding + Marketing, Finding ClientsClare Le Roy25 February 2025Comment

6 AI prompts to grow your interior design business

6 AI prompts to grow your interior design business

You're probably using AI in your interior design business - but are you using it in the best way possible? These six AI prompts will help you understand how to engage with ChatGPT or Claude in a more strategic way that gives you results that will actually be useful in your business.

Business Operations, AIClare Le Roy18 February 2025Comment

How to build a future ready interior design business in an evolving industry

How to build a future ready interior design business in an evolving industry

The interior design industry is evolving fast - AI, sustainability and shifting client needs are redefining how designers work. This post covers how to future-proof your business by leveraging new technology, smart home integration, sustainable design and scalable revenue models so you can stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

Business Operations, Branding + MarketingClare Le Roy17 February 2025Comment

Four big mistakes designers make on Instagram

Four big mistakes designers make on Instagram

In this post I break down four of the biggest mistakes I see designers making on Instagram and how to fix them. If you’re struggling to grow your account or get engagement, chances are you’re making at least one of these mistakes.

Branding + MarketingClare Le Roy14 February 2025Comment

From music to medicine to motherhood to design: the story of The Little Design Corner

From music to medicine to motherhood to design: the story of The Little Design Corner

This is the story of how The Little Design Corner got started and how I’ve built it to the business it is today.

Business Operations, Build ConfidenceClare Le Roy13 February 2025Comment

58 tasks designers can do in 10 minutes or less to move their business forward

58 tasks designers can do in 10 minutes or less to move their business forward

In this post I share 58 quick and actionable tasks you can complete in 10 minutes or less to move your interior design business forward. These quick tasks will help you make consistent progress - even on your busiest days.

Business Operations, ProductivityClare Le Roy12 February 2025Comment

The Daily Work (why most business owners won’t make it)

The Daily Work (why most business owners won’t make it)

Most business owners fail. Not because they lack talent, but because they won’t show up every single day and do the daily work. Success isn’t about big breakthroughs - it’s about disciplined, consistent action (even when it’s boring). If you're ready to build a sustainable business, this post will show you how to stay on track and make more progress.

Business Operations, Build ConfidenceClare Le Roy11 February 2025Comment

How to improve your interior design business website

How to improve your interior design business website

Struggling to get clients from your website? Learn the 5 key changes you need to make to attract high quality leads and grow your interior design business.

Branding + MarketingClare Le Roy10 February 2025Comment

Designers, don't waste your time (or money) on letterbox drops

Designers, don't waste your time (or money) on letterbox drops

In this post I share why letterbox drops are a complete waste of time (and money) for your interior design business - and what to do instead. From building strategic local partnerships to using targeted marketing that actually reaches high-value clients, I’ll show you smarter ways to attract the right people and grow your business without relying on outdated, ineffective tactics.

Finding ClientsClare Le Roy7 February 2025Comment

How to deal with difficult clients in your design business

How to deal with difficult clients in your design business

Struggling with difficult clients in your interior design business? Learn how to set boundaries, manage expectations, create strong client contracts and communicate effectively to maintain control and avoid project stress. It’s all about client leadership!

Working with ClientsClare Le Roy6 February 2025Comment

My Vision to Build the World's Best Professional Development Platform for Designers

My Vision to Build the World's Best Professional Development Platform for Designers

Most designers try to figure out business on their own, but success doesn’t happen in isolation. After years of helping designers grow, I know the real game changer is learning from those who’ve already done it. So I’m thinking bigger with my business - it’s time to change how designers learn, grow and connect.

Business OperationsClare Le Roy5 February 2025Comment

How I Use SketchUp: My Full Interior Design Workflow with Clients

How I Use SketchUp: My Full Interior Design Workflow with Clients

SketchUp is the only design software I use in my interior design projects. I don’t use CAD, I don’t hand-draw anything, and I don’t switch between multiple programs. Everything - from space planning to detailed joinery designs - is done using SketchUp Pro and Layout. Here’s how I use it day to day…

Design Skills, SketchUpClare Le Roy4 February 2025Comment

How to write better email newsletters (consistent 50%+ open rate)

How to write better email newsletters (consistent 50%+ open rate)

Want to write a newsletter people actually look forward to? I send mine to 65,000+ subscribers every week and consistently get a 50%+ open rate. In this post I’m sharing 10 simple strategies to help you make your emails easier to write and something your audience actually wants to read.

Branding + MarketingClare Le Roy3 February 2025Comment

2024 Annual Review: Revenue, Wins and Learnings

2024 Annual Review: Revenue, Wins and Learnings

In this post I summarise the revenue, wins and learnings in my business from 2024.

Business Operations, Goal Setting, Monthly Business ReviewsClare Le Roy12 January 2025Comment

8 hidden features every laundry room needs

8 hidden features every laundry room needs

Here are some hidden functions in my new laundry that you may not have considered before. Hopefully they give you some ideas to steal for your next project :)

Design Skills, My HomesClare Le Roy22 August 2024Comment

Start making money while you sleep as a designer (with an online booking form)

Start making money while you sleep as a designer (with an online booking form)

Adding an online booking form to your interior design/architecture website isn't just about keeping up with the latest digital trends, it will be a game changer for your business. This simple addition can significantly improve your clients’ experience plus improve your overall business efficiency. Here are some of the reasons you should add this to your website.

Business Operations, Working with ClientsClare Le Roy12 August 2024Comment

My interior design process: step by step

My interior design process: step by step

I often get asked which order things should happen in an interior design project (and at what point certain templates or documents should be sent to the client). Here’s my process…

Working with ClientsClare Le Roy30 July 2024 Comments

7 things designers do wrong on their Instagram page

7 things designers do wrong on their Instagram page

Instagram remains the number one platform for designers to share ideas, show their work, generate leads, connect with clients and build brand. But many designers are making mistakes on the platform that are hindering growth and likely putting some clients offHere are 7 of the top mistakes I see designers making…

Branding + MarketingClare Le Roy26 July 2024Comment

Advice from 10+ years of running my design business

Advice from 10+ years of running my design business

I’ve had my design business for more than 10 years and most of those years were spent doing exactly the same type of work that most of you do - i.e. working 1:1 with design clients on their home renovation projects. Here are some random tips and advice I’ve learned up over the past 10+ years that you may find helpful.

Business Operations, Build ConfidenceClare Le Roy25 July 2024Comment

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