The Tools You'll Need

- DIGITAL TOOLS -

1. BRANDED DOMAIN:

No matter what you choose to name your brand, always go with one that is available on a domain. You can purchase a domain at www.GoDaddy.com for around $12/year. If you don't own the domain to your brand's name, it can be used against you. As soon as you decide on your brand, purchase the URL for it asap - even if you don't plan on having a website for a while.

2. WEBSITE:

Your website is like an online business card. It's important to have to promote your services, showcase your portfolio, and capture leads. If you don't have a beautifully designed website in the 21st century, you're going to struggle to promote your value to potential clients. 

3. PROFESSIONAL EMAIL:

Having a professional email makes you look professional, and any correspondence for your services will be taken more seriously when you're responding with an email address that matches your brand. For example, instead of @gmail.com, we use @theinteriodeco.com You can sign up for a professional business email with Google after you have purchased the URL for it. It's only $5/month and one of the best investments you'll make for your business.

4. CRM:

Not only will you simplify your life by automating your emails to potential leads, but you'll have a go-to to store all of your clients personal information, as well as the contact information of any leads that come to you via email or phone, so you know who to follow up with. CRM sites are a phenomenal way to automate the "conversion" aspect of your business, so you have people calling you when they are ready to hire you. Mailchimp is highly recommend and it's free for your first 2000 leads. 

5. CALENDAR: 

Even if you're a pen to paper type of person, you want to have a calendar in both a digital format, as well as one you can have for easy access on your desk - desk pad or calendar notebook. This will ensure you don't get any of your dates and appointments mixed up, and professionally organizes your schedule. This reduces stress and keeps you on track to complete any tasks. Online apps allow you to write out your daily plans in detail so you don't forget any key to-dos.

6. CONTRACT SIGNING:

Having a great storage system for your documents is vital but so is having a system that will allow you to sign, send, and track all your important documents. The home staging tool DocuSign can replace steps like printing and scanning. Hellosign is another popular program that offers a user-friendly interface and integrates with a google account.

7. MERCHANT SERVICES:

A merchant or payment processing service may not seem like the obvious home staging tool. However, a merchant service can streamline payments for your home staging business. A home staging tool like an online merchant service, maintains better cash flow and records for your home staging business.

8. SOCIAL MEDIA BRANDING

It’s important to have a solid social media presence with consistent branding. If you don’t have thousands of dollars to dish out on a graphic designer, you can always utilize services like Canva.com to create your logo, social graphics, ads, and so much more.

- MUST HAVE APPS -

- WHAT TO HAVE IN YOUR TOOLBOX -

• Measuring Tape

• Color Guide Book

• Level

• Professional Grade Steamer

• Furniture Sliders

• Magic Erasers

• Scotch Tape

• Paint Tape

• Scissors

• Box Cutters

• Extension Cords

• Glue

• Zip Ties

• Pins

• Light Bulbs (It's handy to have them)

• Marketing Materials (Flyers, Cards, etc.)

• Camera

• A Mini Jack