What is the first thing to do when your business starts to slow down?

Facing a business slowdown? Your first move shouldn't be panic—it should be strategic competitor analysis. Jason shares a powerful yet underutilized approach that helped one Dallas designer develop an entirely new revenue stream matching or exceeding her design business income.

The conversation begins with a sobering reality check about social media reach. With Facebook delivering only 2% organic reach, Instagram 9%, LinkedIn 5%, and Twitter 3%, designers must shift their perspective on social platforms. Rather than viewing them as daily marketing necessities, Jason suggests using social channels strategically for competitor intelligence.

This comprehensive analysis approach starts by identifying your true competition—both those you recognize and those search engines define as your competitors. By examining what they post, how frequently they publish, engagement rates, and especially which ads they run consistently (those running 90+ days are definitely working), you'll discover gaps in the market where you can provide unique value.

The beauty of this approach lies in its versatility. The insights gained from competitor analysis extend far beyond social strategy, informing your website content, service offerings, blog topics, and overall marketing direction. By understanding what resonates with your audience and identifying where competitors fall short, you position yourself to thrive regardless of economic conditions.

Ready to implement these strategies and more? Jason invites listeners to join the Designer Discussions Academy, opening for enrollment in October. This membership provides weekly actionable steps to simplify marketing and boost business growth in the design industry.

Take control of your business future now. Remember, your potential clients learn 80% of what they'll know about you before ever making contact—will they find you or your competition when searching for their perfect project?

If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:​

• https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-141-What-is-the-first-thing-to-do-when-your-business-starts-to-slow-down

Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.

Join us for our weekly live sessions and workshops: https://www.designerdiscussionsmarketing.studio/pages/academy

Designer Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. We also provide in-depth, actionable products in the Marketing Studio including time-saving templates and guides to help design professionals grow their businesses.

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Designer Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY