Improve the design process
Early computer-aided design (CAD) software often required a significant amount of training, and the high cost meant it was not always a viable option for many designers and companies.
Today, 3D design software is significantly faster and more powerful than when CAD programs first entered the market. Now, professional software developed specifically for the pool and landscape industry can include not only 3D design capabilities, but also printable construction plans, instant video-creation tools, and integrated media options which make sharing online and with clients a simple process.
What is even more beneficial is the right software not only ensure design projects easier, it also helps prevent simple mistakes or misunderstandings from turning into serious problems. A complex CAD program, for example, might require a lot of training before the technology is mastered—especially if it is not the right program a designer needs.
To achieve the best results, design software can be used to ensure the client understands how a finished project will look, before any costly change requests are made. It can be used to show a client how a small tile sample will look when installed, thus preventing expensive and time-consuming tear outs during the build when the client is not happy with the results.
Communicate with clients
Beyond helping designers create client-winning projects, today’s design software can also be used to connect with clients and prospects in their market.
However, social media apps and options marketed as the efficient new way for businesses to connect with clients can become yet another drain on a designer’s time. As Google’s trend report noted, many consumers expect immediate, responsive customer service that can be challenging for small businesses or busy designers to provide.
Further, those “liquid expectations” (identified by analysts that mean consumer expectations cross industry lines) might lead a customer to feel ignored or slighted when their chosen designer or builder does not reply as quickly as a large retailer with an always available customer service team.
Choosing the right social media apps will help a designer stay in contact with clients and prospects, while also keeping them abreast of any potential customer service issues, whereby catching and addressing any complaints before they become major problems.
Leveraging those processes successfully might mean being upfront with clients in advance, such as arranging a reasonable turnaround time on e-mail replies. As Hopkins’ Schlitz beer advertising campaign suggests, sharing the behind-the-scenes story can boost sales simply by helping clients understand the reasons for certain processes that might otherwise seem opaque.
When communicating with clients, sharing these details can help minimize ‘pain points’ during their decision-making process. Clients who are uncertain about what they really want to achieve, or how they want their finished outdoor living space to look and function, can find it reassuring when designers offer plans for the client to consult.
One way to offer such reassurance is to use one-click media-sharing options which allow designers/builders to share proposals and changes seamlessly. Easy video creation tools, which professional design software now often includes, allow designers to narrate a walk-through of a design, providing clients with a visually beautiful presentation, as well as a detailed explanation of how the concept will achieve their backyard living goals.
