Welcome to the first Designers Show episode of 2025! Kicking off the new year with fresh energy, this episode brings together the show’s regular hosts and a special guest: Joleen Emery, a renowned digital marketing strategist from Big Raven Media.
Joleen shares her expertise on how businesses—especially those in design and construction—can start the year strong by embracing smarter marketing strategies. From leveraging AI to building authentic client relationships, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you optimize your operations and thrive in 2025.
What’s in it for you?
Marketing can often feel overwhelming when you’re managing projects, meeting deadlines, and juggling client expectations. Joleen’s advice cuts through the noise: focus on one thing at a time and aim for consistency over perfection. You’ll discover how small, targeted efforts can yield significant results, along with tools and techniques that save time while improving your marketing impact. If you’re struggling to attract the right clients, this episode provides practical advice on refining your message and tailoring your strategies to draw in an audience that values your work and is ready to invest in your services.
Your online presence is often the first impression potential clients have of your business. In this episode, you’ll learn how to ensure your website and social media profiles work for you, not against you. Joleen shares simple, effective tips to enhance usability, engage clients online, and save time by using AI tools like ChatGPT to create professional content effortlessly. From leveraging visuals created with Chief Architect to crafting compelling social media posts, you’ll gain practical advice to make your online presence a magnet for the right clients.
This isn’t just another marketing discussion—it’s a roadmap for starting the year strong. By the end of the episode, you’ll have clear, actionable steps to boost your business and confidently tackle 2025. Whether you’re looking to simplify your marketing, attract the right clients, or build a stronger online presence, this episode is packed with insights that speak directly to your challenges and aspirations as a professional in the design and construction industries.
Actionable Tips from the Show
1. Understand Your Audience
Dan and Joleen stress the importance of research. Tools like the Census Bureau and Google Analytics can help you understand who your ideal client is and what they need.
How to Apply It:
Start by defining your ideal client. What are their pain points? How can you address them better than competitors?
2. Simplify Your Approach
Marketing can feel overwhelming, but Dan’s advice is simple: pick one area to improve and focus on that. Joleen adds that consistency is key—whether you’re posting on social media or refining your website.
Pro Tip:
Don’t aim for perfection. Focus on progress. Small, consistent efforts will add up over time.
3. Leverage Tools Like Chief Architect
Joleen highlights how tools like Chief Architect can not only streamline your design process but also provide stunning visuals for marketing materials. Sharing these visuals on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn can captivate your audience.
How It Helps You:
High-quality visuals can make your brand more memorable and showcase your expertise.
Takeaway
This episode isn’t just about marketing tips—it’s a practical guide to help designers, contractors, and remodelers kick off 2025 with confidence. Whether it’s simplifying your marketing, attracting clients who truly value your work, or making your online presence shine, you’ll find advice you can start using right away.
By the end of this episode, you’ll have clear steps to grow your business without feeling overwhelmed. It’s about working smarter, not harder, and focusing on what truly makes a difference. If you’re ready to take your business to the next level this year, don’t miss this conversation!
Watch the full episode below:
1. Embrace AI for Marketing - AI tools like ChatGPT have revolutionized marketing by making tasks like content creation and customer engagement faster and easier. Dan demonstrates how AI can:
- Write professional emails.
- Generate ideas for blog posts or social media.
- Help businesses streamline their workflows.
2. Building the "Know, Like, and Trust" Framework - In 2025, success hinges on building authentic connections with your audience. This involves:
- Knowing your target audience through research.
- Helping them like your brand with engaging, valuable content.
- Establishing trust through consistency, credibility, and client testimonials.
3. Marketing for Residential Construction Professionals - Professionals using Chief Architect or other design tools should focus on:
- Crafting tailored messages for homeowners and contractors.
- Highlighting unique selling points that distinguish them in the market.
- Leveraging their design expertise to showcase their value.
4. Leverage Social Media and Online Presence - Joleen from Big Raven Media emphasizes the importance of a strong digital presence. Key strategies include:
- Posting regularly on platforms your audience uses
- Using engaging visuals created with tools like Chief Architect.
- Encouraging interactions through comments, polls, and Q&A sessions.
📌 Chapters:
[0:00] – Introduction and New Year Reflections
[5:20] – Importance of Planning for 2025
[8:30] – Guest Joleen Discusses Marketing Trends
[12:45] – Using AI for Content Creation and Time Management
[20:10] – Questions to Drive Marketing Success
[30:45] – Building Online Presence Effectively
[40:20] – Engaging Your Target Market on Social Media
[50:00] – Q&A and Final Thoughts
📌 Resources Mentioned:
- ChatGPT: AI tool for enhancing marketing efforts and content creation
- Big Raven Media
- Big raven Farm
- Big raven Yoga
- Chief Experts Academy
📌 Upcoming Events:
