Why You Should Never Ever Work For An eDesign Platform
We can all see the writing on the wall. eDesign will be the future in an industry that has failed to evolve even though it should have done sone a decade ago. However, it doesn't mean that this is the time to sign up for an eDesign platform.
We have repeatedly seen these companies dangle a carrot out to struggling or new designers with promises of easy money.
Promises that never materialize because, generally, these eDesign platforms are funded by shitloads of venture capital money, run by inept people, and can only make a profit if they screw over the workforce that fuels their insatiable desire for profits.
Modsy is the latest to screw over a bunch of designers. Before that is was Homepolish. Before that, Laurel & Wolf. And really, we don't know for sure that any of those left standing are successful or will even survive the economic downturn (and if they assure you they can withstand a recession, don't hold your breath).
I've said it before: when you work for one of these eDesign platforms you're going to make jack shit, they have no problem making money off of YOUR creativity, your client base, and your hard work.
You can read my past posts here:
Why Online Interior Design Services Suck For Designers
Houzz, IvyMark - WTF Is Happening In Our Industry?!
The Houzz/Ivy Saga continues and + why I hate the word "empower"
For the TL;DR crowd, here's why eDesign Platforms Are Shitty:
You will not be profitable, more than likely you will make less than minimum wage
Their algorithms skew to favor particular designers; it's not a fair fight in getting clients
They will use your design work to market and get revenue for their business
They will cut your access to their platform whenever the fuck they want
They make most of the money in kickbacks from the retailers
They are not marketing on your behalf
Repeat after me: eDesign platforms don't give a single solitary fuck about designers.
What The Industry Needs
I'm not Willy Wonka, and I'm not going to sugarcoat shit. You need to add eDesign to your business, but ONLY if you have the skillset to do so, are willing to learn inbound marketing strategies and ready to be your own boss, which means doing all of the shitty backend business crap 90% of the time.
Do not think that you will be able to slap up a service for sale on your website or in an Instagram post and have everyone in the world knocking down your door in hopes of hiring you. That will not happen. Ever.
I am hopeful that we are finally going to see the tools and support from other companies that are going to give us real solutions that these eDesign platforms pretended to provide. eDesigners face three problems when it comes to running an efficient design business: 1) Design Software, 2) Product, and 3) Marketing.
Picture it—Internet, 2009.
I did my floor plans and elevations with Studio (affiliate link). I created the shopping lists in Excel. Then I exported the drawings, the elevations, renderings, spreadsheet as images and then imported them into Coreldraw. Then began the tedious task of creating hyperlinks to everything I spec'd and finally turning it into a PDF to send off to my client.
It was not a quick process and such a pain in the ass when your client had a revision. However, with trial and error, I learned to revise my design process so that I created efficiency and increased profits by documenting the process. Sure, it's not fun to track the numbers, but this is critical for any designer. If you have no idea where you're wasting time or losing money, you will not be able to increase your profits.
Fast Forward, 2020.
We are still mostly piecemealing solutions together. But, I think changes are happening where we may just have a couple of white knights coming in to bring us the solutions we need.
Software For Interior Designers That Does A Lot Of The Heavy Lifting
There are are a few different options out in the market for interior design software. There isn't one that does it all, and I don't think that will happen any time soon unless there's a coding orgy where the nerds unite on a meth binge and bang out that solution.
In the meantime, Designfiles is really stepping up to the plate. Have you seen the features that they been putting out lately? Holy fuckadoodle doo!
They've got an editor where you can create 3D mood boards easily. I mean, hello? No more having one of those wonky-looking mood boards where the chair looks like it's holding onto the area rug for dear life. But they've got so much more than just that one feature and something amazing coming out shortly that will be a game-changer!
Practically all of the tasks that I had to do with three programs back in the old days are accomplished professionally with their application. And they have consistently improved and added more functionality all the time.
To The Trade Affiliate Programs
Next, let's talk about To The Trade companies. I have no idea why they haven't been able to figure out how to implement an affiliate program yet when a basement dweller covered in Cheetos can do it fairly easily.
Think about it? How does a designer do affiliate marketing now? "Uh, here's my affiliate link from some big ass company (that also offers design services trying to undercut me) that you can use to buy a sofa, and I'll make enough money to buy a Starbucks drink. Once."
Nonetheless, there is a possibility on the horizon that I'm looking forward to: SideDoor. They haven't officially launched (you can request an invitation), BUT I spoke with Chad at SideDoor. He's totally a normal, down to earth guy that has a solution we've been waiting for, and I'm thinking we're going to see really great things from them.
Like what? How about affiliate links that you can share on your blog, your social media, your client projects in your Designfiles account, and THEN... once the client buys it, SideDoor takes care of the rest. While you may not be rolling around in baller commish money like the designers of the 90s were, you will be able to make significantly more than you ever could on one of those shitty eDesign Platforms.
Avoid eDesign Platforms Like They Are Cursed + Invest In Yourself
We don't know what the future holds, but it has never been more important to realize that you MUST look out for your own best interests.
The eDesign platforms will never pay you well. They can blow smoke up your fanny promising to get the clients for you, and what do you get? A couple of bucks and an unsustainable path to profitability.
If you want to be one the few left standing when we come out on the other side of this, listen to me.
Invest in your website now before you spend another minute on social media
Learn inbound marketing strategies and don't outsource them to a nerd
Figure out your signature design process and sell something people actually want
No one on this planet cares about your business more than you. No one on this planet will rescue you from anything. You are responsible for your business, and if you have the desire to create an honest, successful eDesign business, then you have to commit to it.
As you figure out what kind of tools and support you do need for your business to grow, research the companies. Ask your colleagues, do some digging, and become that detective that you are like you're watching an episode of "Dateline," trying to figure out who the killer is.
Then, invest your money with reputable companies, not a soulless fucktard eDesign platform company that couldn't care less about you.
Hola! I'm Alycia Wicker and I help online interior designers grow their business.
Disclaimer: The Blog posts contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a commission (at no additional cost to you). I only recommend products and services that I have found to be helpful and trustworthy. For more information, see my terms + conditions page here. Thanks for your support.
