“I don’t know where to start!” Marketing overwhelms you, with so many platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, SEO, email, ads). You struggle to create a clear strategy and wonder which efforts will bring results.
“I hate self-promotion—I don’t want to sound salesy!” You love creating beautiful spaces but dislike talking about yourself. You worry about coming across as pushy instead of naturally attracting clients.
“Technology stresses me out!” CRMs, email marketing, and automation tools sound helpful, but learning them feels overwhelming. You want simple, done-for-you solutions that don’t require becoming a tech expert.
I hear you! Many interior designers struggle with scattered tools, complicated strategies, and the challenge of standing out.
So in this episode, I chat with marketing expert, Ben Rutledge from Sidemark, who shares simple ways to take the stress out of marketing. He explains how to build systems that work, attract your ideal clients, and use automation to stay organized—so you can focus on designing, not just selling.
Ben also reveals the biggest mistakes designers make in marketing and how to avoid them.
Don’t let marketing be your constant struggle. Tune in now and learn how to streamline your design business with the right marketing strategies and systems. Plus, don’t forget to grab Ben’s free 2025 Interior Designers Marketing Checklist.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
Learn how to attract your ideal clients without feeling scattered or stressed
Set up systems that make your business look more professional even if you’re just starting out
Develop a plan on how to nurture leads without feeling salesy
About the Guest:
Ben Rutledge is co-founder of Sidemark, a marketing solution for interior designers.
With 15-plus years in small business marketing, Ben now helps interior designers simplify and succeed in marketing. He enjoys demystifying the process, building strong brands, and driving growth.
Ben lives in Colorado with his wife, Nicole, and loves getting outside every chance he gets.
Connect with Ben Rutledge:
Website: Sidemark
IG: @mysidemark
Check out these episode highlights
2:34 Ben’s Journey into Interior Design Marketing
4:07 Addressing Overwhelm in Marketing
The PSSD framework (Plan, Systems, Support, Tools) to address the overwhelm and help designers sustain marketing efforts.
6:09 What Sidemark Offers
An all-in-one platform integrating CRM, social media planning, email marketing, and lead tracking.
Weekly coaching calls and marketing courses for designers.
10:54 Who Sidemark Helps
Works with both new designers and established firms.
Supports solopreneurs and large firms with customized solutions.
12:02 2025 Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers
Clear branding and identifying your ideal client.
Being a “laser pointer” instead of a “flashlight” in marketing.
13:44 Key Marketing Questions for Designers
What problem do you solve?
Who do you solve it for?
How do you get in front of them?
14:24 The “Pie Shop” Analogy for Marketing
Identifying the key moment when a client decides to work with you.
Strategies to get more people to that decision point.
15:41 Nurturing Leads and Closing Sales
High-ticket interior design services require trust-building.
Common mistakes: lack of follow-up and automation in the sales process.
18:38 Importance of Systems in Business
Why designers need structured processes to avoid overwhelm.
How Sidemark’s automation helps with lead tracking and follow-ups.
20:55 The Value of Setting Up Systems Early
Rebecca shares a story about missing an appointment due to a lack of a system.
Why early-stage designers should implement professional workflows.
25:32 The Role of Email Marketing in Interior Design
Most designers underestimate the power of email lists.
How to structure an effective email nurture sequence.
How email marketing helps nurture relationships and keep designers top of mind for potential clients.
29:48 Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion
Common challenge of self-promotion among interior designers.
Reframing Mindset: Designers are the guide, not the hero.
The importance of being assertive and guiding potential clients toward a decision.
34:03 How Often to Send Emails
Best practices for frequency: Initial sequence vs. ongoing nurture emails.
Staying top-of-mind without overwhelming your audience.
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
Leave me a rating and review! Click here.
Links Mentioned
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…