Intro
Starting a service-based business means figuring out more than just how to deliver your service. You also need to determine what to charge, who your ideal customers are, and how to build a reputation that encourages people to recommend you.
For entrepreneurs in creative industries, these decisions can be especially important. It's easy to limit your opportunities by focusing too narrowly on a particular type of customer or setting prices without understanding what the market is willing to pay.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, we sit down with interior designer Jordyn Clark to discuss the business side of interior design and some important lessons that apply to service providers across many industries.
Intro to Jordyn Clark
Jordyn Clark is an interior designer and the professional behind J Luxury Design Group. Her approach to business emphasizes making interior design accessible to different types of clients rather than limiting services to one income level or demographic.
In this conversation, she shares insights into pricing services, researching the market, building professional relationships, and creating a welcoming experience for potential customers.
You can book a consultation with Jordyn here.
For quick questions, you can contact her at (877) 455-8789.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Jordyn discusses how she approaches pricing her interior design services and why researching the market is important when determining what customers are willing to pay.
We also explore the importance of being open to working with different types of clients. Jordyn explains why limiting your customer base too early can cost you sales and referrals, especially when you're still building your business.
Whether you're an interior designer, freelancer, or another type of service provider, this conversation offers useful lessons about pricing, customer relationships, and growing a business.
Listen to the Episode
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Quick Takeaways
Research your market before setting prices. Talk to other professionals and potential customers to understand what people are willing to pay.
Don't limit your customer base too early. Being overly selective about who you serve can reduce your opportunities to make sales.
Make your services accessible. Consider different budgets, spaces, and the resources customers already have available.
Your reputation matters. How you treat potential clients can influence whether they recommend your business to others.
Think beyond the first sale. A customer who can't afford a larger project today may still refer someone who can.
How to Price Your Services Without Undervaluing Yourself
One of the challenges entrepreneurs face when starting a service business is figuring out how much to charge.
Jordyn explains that researching the market was an important part of determining pricing for her interior design services. This included connecting with other interior designers, learning what they charged, and asking potential customers what they would be willing to pay.
The goal was to find a balance between charging enough to support the business and offering prices that felt fair to customers.
She also explains that pricing doesn't necessarily have to be one-size-fits-all. Factors such as the square footage of a space and whether customers want to incorporate furniture they already own can influence the services and pricing offered.
Don't Limit Your Business to One Type of Customer
A mistake some service providers make is becoming too focused on serving a particular demographic.
Jordyn believes businesses should be careful about creating the impression that their services are only for people with a certain income level or lifestyle. When potential customers look at your business and don't feel welcome, they may decide not to reach out at all.
Her approach is to make interior design services available to different types of customers and consider their individual needs.
This is an important lesson for freelancers and entrepreneurs: narrowing your target market can be useful, but don't accidentally close the door on customers who could become valuable clients.
Be Willing to Work With the Customers Who Reach Out
Another important point Jordyn makes is that service providers need to be willing to work with people who express interest in their services.
She shares examples of seeing businesses that appear unavailable or unwilling to work with potential customers, even when those customers are interested in booking.
Of course, there are situations where a business may be fully booked or a project may not be a good fit. However, being unnecessarily selective can prevent you from generating sales and building relationships.
Especially when you're still growing, every potential customer deserves consideration. Someone who purchases a smaller service today might become a source of referrals or return business later.
Your Customer Relationships Can Lead to More Business
Getting a customer to make a purchase is only one part of building a successful service business. The way you treat that customer can influence whether they recommend you to someone else.
Jordyn points out that turning away potential customers over relatively small differences in price or other minor considerations may not be a good long-term strategy.
Even if someone cannot afford your full service today, they may know someone who can. But if their experience with your business is negative, they are less likely to recommend you.
Building a welcoming reputation and treating customers with respect can create opportunities that extend beyond the original transaction.
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is especially useful for:
Interior designers: Learn how to approach pricing, customer relationships, and attracting different types of clients.
Freelancers and service providers: Discover why market research and flexibility matter when growing a service business.
New entrepreneurs: Understand why being too selective about customers can limit early sales opportunities.
Creative business owners: Learn how to make your services accessible without undervaluing your work.
Anyone trying to generate more referrals: Understand how customer experiences can influence your business's reputation.
Key Topics Covered
How to determine what to charge for your services
Researching competitors and speaking with potential customers
Pricing based on project size and customer needs
Why service providers shouldn't limit themselves to one demographic
How being overly selective can hurt sales
The importance of making potential customers feel welcome
Why customer relationships can lead to referrals
Building a positive reputation as a service provider