Shows
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingMarketing Makeover MasterclassWant homeowners to find you on sites they already trust—and choose you faster? We pull back the curtain on a marketing system built for design and remodeling businesses, where credible PR, a sharp website, and practical SEO work together to lift authority and generate better leads. Miriam lays out a step‑by‑step approach to fast media wins using HARO, SOS, and Qwoted, then shows how to pitch editors for regional features that actually drive local projects. She explains when a press release is newsworthy, how to craft it, and why newswires now matter as AI search leans on bra...
2025-11-2018 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingDesigner Discussions Academy Alumni - Robbie MaynardRobbie Maynard, a seasoned interior designer with over three decades of experience in San Diego, California, joins us to reveal her remarkable transformation from PR novice to confidently landing features in House Beautiful, Forbes, and Martha Stewart Living.With refreshing candor, Robbie shares how she initially felt "petrified" when submitting her first pitch to editors. "I thought they wanted me to be a writer and make it sound wonderful," she admits, reflecting a common misconception among design professionals. Through consistent practice and expert guidance, she discovered that editors simply valued her design expertise, not her writing skills—a...
2025-10-0924 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingWho We Are - The Faces Behind the Mic: Designer Discussions ReintroductionEver wonder who's really behind the Designer Discussions podcast? Meet Jason, Miriam, and Maria – three industry experts who joined forces to create a no-nonsense resource for design professionals navigating the complex worlds of marketing, PR, and business growth.Jason brings a unique dual perspective as both an architect and marketing agency owner. His journey began teaching at LSU, implementing marketing strategies for his own firm before expanding to help other designers. This blend of architectural expertise and marketing know-how gives him unparalleled insight into the challenges design professionals face from multiple angles.Miriam (who good-naturedly me...
2025-09-2519 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingClicks, Creators & Algorithms: Advanced Tactics for 2025Are you ready to revolutionize your design business's digital marketing strategy? The landscape is changing rapidly, and staying ahead means embracing sophisticated tactics that your competition hasn't mastered yet.Jason dives deep into three game-changing marketing approaches that are reshaping how successful designers connect with clients in 2025. First, discover the critical differences between traditional SEO and AI search optimization – and why most designers are missing this crucial distinction. Learn the exact process for creating content that AI tools actually favor, including the specific formatting techniques that make your expertise discoverable when potential clients ask questions through ChatGPT an...
2025-07-1710 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow to Recession Proof your Design and Remodeling BusinessWhen economic uncertainty looms, most businesses make the critical mistake of slashing their marketing budgets first. But what if that's exactly the wrong move? In this illuminating episode, Jason shares battle-tested strategies to keep your design business visible and thriving during economic downturns—without breaking the bank.Drawing from his wealth of marketing expertise, Jason walks through practical, low-cost approaches that design professionals can implement immediately. From website optimization and Google Business Profile maintenance to email list segmentation and automated follow-up systems, these strategies require minimal financial investment while delivering maximum impact. The common thread? Strategic thinking an...
2025-06-0516 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingWhat is the first thing to do when your business starts to slow down?Facing a business slowdown? Your first move shouldn't be panic—it should be strategic competitor analysis. Jason shares a powerful yet underutilized approach that helped one Dallas designer develop an entirely new revenue stream matching or exceeding her design business income.The conversation begins with a sobering reality check about social media reach. With Facebook delivering only 2% organic reach, Instagram 9%, LinkedIn 5%, and Twitter 3%, designers must shift their perspective on social platforms. Rather than viewing them as daily marketing necessities, Jason suggests using social channels strategically for competitor intelligence.This comprehensive analysis approach starts by identifying yo...
2025-05-2210 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow to break up with social mediaReady to break free from the social media hamster wheel? This eye-opening episode tackles the uncomfortable truth about social media marketing for design professionals. Maria delivers a refreshing perspective that will transform how you approach your digital presence.For years, designers have been chasing viral moments and follower counts, hoping to attract high-profile clients, television opportunities, or magazine features. But this approach fundamentally misunderstands how business development actually works in the design industry. When you examine the data, the disconnect becomes clear – even if you achieve that coveted viral moment, your content reaches geographical locations where you do...
2025-05-0814 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingThe Ultimate Guide to Modern Website Searchability Across All PlatformsThe digital landscape is shifting rapidly, but contrary to popular belief, SEO isn't disappearing in the age of AI—it's evolving. Jason breaks down exactly how to make your website discoverable across all platforms, whether through traditional Google searches, voice commands, or AI-powered tools.At the heart of modern searchability is the E-E-A-T principle: Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This framework helps you create content that not only attracts your ideal clients but also signals to search engines that you're a credible source in your specific location and field. With AI-generated content creating unprecedented noise online, standing ou...
2025-04-1014 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingDesign Trends from KBIS 2025: Curves, Colors, and Freestanding VanitiesWhat happens when design trends come full circle? In this illuminating conversation with kitchen designer and educator Jan Rutgers, we explore the fascinating evolutions and throwbacks dominating KBIS 2025. Having toured the show for three consecutive years, Jan shares how today's cutting-edge designs are actually sophisticated reimaginings of elements from decades past.The reign of hard, angular kitchen elements is giving way to what Jan calls "soft geometry" – curved islands, arched cooking hearths, and rounded fixtures that not only look beautiful but solve practical problems like the dreaded "hip bangers" of rectangular corners. These softer forms create more co...
2025-03-2735 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingEmbracing Color, Texture, and Sustainability: Home Design Trends for 2025Are you ready to abandon minimalism and embrace a future rich with color, texture, and sustainability? Discover how home design is evolving by 2025 as we, Maria, Miriam, and Jason, unpack the findings from the ASID trend report. We're shedding light on the shift away from monotonous gray and white palettes to spaces that celebrate wellness and complexity. Prepare to learn about the rise of layered lighting for better sleep and blackout drapes that ensure your sanctuary is serene. We're also talking about the enduring charm of natural elements like real plants, which are not just pretty but also improve...
2025-03-1321 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingUnlocking 2025 Marketing and PR Strategies: Insights and Innovations for SuccessUnleash the full potential of your 2025 marketing and PR strategies with our latest episode, where we guarantee insights that will transform your approach. Learn how to effectively reverse engineer your annual goals by tapping into the power of your ideal client avatar, as we link back to the foundational guidance of episodes 24 and 76. Join us as Jason shares innovative tactics for optimizing your website amidst the AI revolution and the clever use of your Google Business Profile as a social media platform to boost local search visibility. You'll walk away with a toolkit of actionable strategies to ensure your...
2025-01-3014 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingTransforming Design Business: Year-End Review and Key Insights from 2024Explore how to transform your design business for the better and unlock the secrets of successful collaboration in our special year-end review of Designer Discussions. Join Jason, Maria, and Mirjam as we highlight the most captivating moments of 2024, including Katie Decker's expert insights on optimizing design operations for profitability and her memorable tips from High Point. Relive the intriguing revelations on the evolution of digital PR with Mirjam, including the unique journey of Haro, and discover unexpected tech facets with Maria’s deep dive into AI and chat GPT-4.Celebrate the collaborative spirit that defines our industry wi...
2025-01-0214 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingStreamlining Business Operations with Katie Decker Erickson: Boosting Profitability and Building Strong Client RelationshipsWhat if you could streamline your business operations and boost your profitability with a few key strategies? Join us as Katie Decker Erickson, a multifamily and commercial designer turned business coach, unravels the secrets of implementing effective processes that keep your business running smoothly, even when team members are unavailable. Discover how establishing well-defined processes allows designers to focus on their creative strengths while bolstering the firm's capacity to handle more projects and attract high-value clients.Scaling your business is within reach when you master communication and pricing confidence. Learn from Katie's expertise on proactive client updates...
2024-12-1924 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingTransform Your Website into a Conversion PowerhouseDiscover the key strategies for transforming your website into a powerful conversion tool with insights from seasoned marketing expert, Jason. His extensive experience highlights the crucial role of maintaining an updated, engaging website as the central hub for your business, rather than depending solely on social media platforms. Jason shares practical advice on tailoring your website's content to captivate your ideal client, emphasizing the need to feature current, relevant projects. He provides actionable tips on arranging your site's layout to not only capture but also sustain visitor interest, ensuring that your online presence effectively represents your brand....
2024-12-0512 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow to develop a digital brand for your businessCan consistency in your brand's voice make or break your design business? Join us on Designer Discussions as Jason, Maria, and Mirjam unravel the secrets to building a digital brand that resonates with reliability and professionalism. Discover the art of crafting comprehensive brand guidelines, covering everything from logo variations and font styles to mission statements. By maintaining uniformity across all digital platforms, your brand becomes easily recognizable and trusted by clients. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting, Jason's insights into creating consistent brand messaging are indispensable.We journey through the essentials of developing a...
2024-11-2108 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingCreating Better Work ExperiencesDiscover how to transform your work environment with insights from Dr. Katie Thomas, a seasoned organizational psychologist and founder of Better Work Experience. With over two decades in the field, Dr. Thomas shares her expertise on the pivotal role of leadership as the steady anchor amidst the chaos of modern work life. From navigating generational diversity to adapting to technological disruptions, she emphasizes the necessity of self-awareness and trust-building in leadership. Through assessments and coaching, she assists leaders in identifying blind spots and fostering team resilience. Listen in to learn how leadership development not only enhances team dynamics but...
2024-10-2415 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingTransform Your Marketing with Designer Discussions Academy: Insider Tips and Success StoriesReady to revolutionize your marketing and PR game? Discover the groundbreaking Designer Discussions Academy, where we break down complicated strategies into manageable, impactful actions. This episode unveils the Academy's unique approach, led by our very own "Dr. Flankenstein" (Jason), designed to help design professionals overcome the hurdles of effective marketing. Learn how our weekly Q&A sessions and comprehensive curriculum can transform your brand into the go-to name in your community.Join us as Maria, Miriam, and Jason share the journey from a niche PR membership to a full-fledged educational powerhouse. Gain insights into the supportive community...
2024-09-2616 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingEffortless Networking Strategies for Design & Remodeling ProfessionalsCan networking feel daunting, especially if you're not a social butterfly? Imagine turning casual conversations into powerful business opportunities without stepping too far out of your comfort zone. Join Jason, Maria, and Miriam on this episode of Designer Discussions as we unravel the secrets of networking tailored for design professionals. Whether it's leveraging LinkedIn connections, engaging with professional organizations like ASID and NKBA, or even educating your own family and friends about your work, we offer practical strategies to expand your reach effortlessly.We didn’t just meet by chance; our professional bonds were forged online, illustrating th...
2024-09-1210 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingMastering Email Marketing for Design Professionals: Personalization, Automation, and Analytics UnveiledEver wondered how to revolutionize your email marketing strategy to maximize engagement and open rates? Tune in to the latest episode of Designer Discussions, where Jason, Miriam, and Maria reveal insider tips on leveraging email automation uniquely tailored for design professionals. Jason refreshes insights from his NKBA presentation, emphasizing the critical role of personalization in email campaigns. Discover how to create effective workflows, segment your audience, and utilize AI to draft welcome messages that resonate with different demographics while maintaining your brand's unique voice.Join us as we explore the importance of regular follow-up workflows, how to...
2024-08-0111 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business Marketing3 Types of Content that Drives Traffic to Your WebsiteCan the right content type exponentially increase your website traffic? Discover the insider secrets as Miriam, Jason, and Maria highlight the top three types of content that can turn your design website into a traffic powerhouse. This episode promises to equip you with actionable strategies to draw in a crowd, from creating compelling how-to guides and eye-catching infographics to engaging videos that showcase your expertise.Join us as Jason unpacks how-to guides that not only attract DIY enthusiasts but also convert them into clients seeking professional help. Learn why infographics are a game-changer for those who prefer...
2024-06-2008 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingAre Blogs Dead?Embark on a transformative journey through the ever-evolving landscape of design journalism with us. Discover how the humble beginnings of personal blogging catapulted into professional powerhouses like Design Milk and Apartment Therapy, with insights from Miriam, a pioneer in the blogosphere. Witness the seismic shift to Instagram and TikTok, unveiling how these platforms are rewriting the rules for trend-spotting and media research. As we reminisce about the mid-2010s—the pivotal moment when the balance tipped towards social media—we'll dissect the current prominence of TikTok and its influence on public discourse, and whether blogs still hold their ground in t...
2024-06-0626 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHARO is dead - best ways to get quick press right nowDiscover the seismic shift in the PR universe with the transformation of HARO into Connectively, and the ripple effects it's created across the industry. Our PR whisperer, Miriam, takes you through the dramatic evolution of this vital service, from its 2008 inception by PR guru Peter Shankman to its controversial revamp by Cision. Get ready to grasp the full implications it holds for your business and PR strategy.As we unravel the layers of HARO's metamorphosis, we'll also consider Shankman's bold response: the launch of Help Every Reporter Out (HERO). You'll get a front-row seat to the community's...
2024-05-0916 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow AI is Changing Google SearchCould the rise of Search Generative Experience (SGE) spell the end for traditional SEO? That's the burning question Jason and Maria tackle in today's engaging discussion. As AI reshapes the way Google Search operates, we peel back the layers of this intricate digital evolution. Prepare to have your mind expanded as we reveal the strategies that will not only preserve, but elevate, your website's content in the age of SGE. Dive into the nitty-gritty with us and grasp the continuing importance of comprehensive content—content that reigns as king and queen in this AI-dominated kingdom.Join us fo...
2024-04-1114 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow Marketing has Changed Over the Course of the last 5 YearsDiscover the seismic shifts that have rocked the digital marketing world as our hosts Jason, Maria, and Miriam, guide you through the transformative events of the past five years. We're unmasking the effects of the pandemic that shoved businesses into the online arena, escalating competition, and driving up ad costs. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. We're talking about the social media juggernaut's leap with the rise of TikTok, forcing platforms to adapt with a newfound emphasis on video content. It's a battleground out there, and we're arming you with the insights to navigate it....
2024-03-2809 min
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business MarketingHow to Start Conversations with Brands at KBISEver found yourself at a trade show, admiring brands and wondering how to spark a collaboration that goes beyond a quick exchange of business cards? That’s precisely what we tackle in our latest Designer Discussions podcast. Join Miriam, Maria, and myself along with our guest experts, as we peel back the curtain on the art of conversation at events like KBS. We're not just talking any chat, but the kind that forges partnerships with impact. From navigating the nuances of licensing deals to crafting brand partnerships, we're here to share our personal stories, mishaps, and those golden moments wh...
2024-02-1518 min