KBB - May/June 2014 - 20

TECH SAVVY

A Look at Current Digital Design Tools to Create Presentations that Sell
"If they can see it, we can sell it" could be touted as an interior designer's
number-one maxim when convincing clients to buy. If you look at top
advertising trends for 2014, you'll find that topping off everyone's list includes the ability to translate ideas into some sort of technology-driven
visual platform. And not just using technology to translate ideas into stunning design presentations to increase ROI, but building brand loyalty by
recycling those visual design inspirations into social capital is also high
on the list.
Not surprising, Forbes' 7 Top Online Marketing Trends that Will Dominate 2014 by Jayson DeMers, founder of AudienceBloom.com, included
"Content as King" as one of his top marketing trends. But it's where his
"Image Centric Content Will Rule" and "Less is More" trends overlap that
we find convincing proof that taking advantage of visual technology
presentation tools as part of any sales process is good business.

If You Invest in Me, I'll Invest in You
According to Rory Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy, U.K., in his article in Wired.Co.UK titled "Rory Sutherland Knows How to Save Marketing,"
the cost of advertising is also a virtual engagement ring proffered to the
potential consumer; the upfront expense entailed being proof of longterm commitment.
Replace Sutherland's "advertising" for "investment" here, and the same
holds true for your sales process. In other words, "if you invest in me, I'll
invest in you" is what consumers are rapidly coming to expect. Now that
the internet has all of us playing in a much more level sandbox, any upfront investment in our design clients and their projects gives us a distinct
advantage over others who've expended less effort.

Digital Design Tools Give You the Investment Your Clients Expect
Now that we know clients are buying from those who make an upfront
investment of time and effort, and because pictures and video are now
worth thousands of words (considering the inflationary demand of new
media and expectations of the next generation of consumers), digital
design presentation tools give you just that: the investment your clients
are looking for and pre-qualified proof that you are committed to their
needs on the project.

there is no download or install necessary. Homestyler allows you to customize and share designs with your clients and colleagues within minutes.
Website: www.homestyler.com
Twitter: twitter.com/adsk_homestyler
Facebook: www.facebook.com/homestyler
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/adhomestyler

* 3Dream. This program is an affordable, easy-to-use, online 3D room
planner for industry professionals wishing to produce realistic living spaces fast and easy. Created using the same technology as video games,
users can plan in 2D and switch to 3D for real-time rendering - just like
a video game - to complete detailed room designs with finishes and

Using Technology to Create Stunning Design Presentations Sets
You Apart from Local Designers and the Amazons on the Internet
Increasing your chances of closing sales and ongoing brand loyalty are
reasons enough to invest time and effort in learning and using visual design
software. Here are few of the growing number of design presentation and
3D tech tools to keep design clients coming back to your sandbox.

* AutoDesk Homestyler. This is a 3D, free, online home design software. With Homestyler, users can design their own space, find their own inspiration and express their creativity. Homestyler allows members to make
smarter home design choices faster. Create and share home design
ideas for your dream kitchen, room addition or interior design project.
And the simple interface is great for all levels of users. It is all online, and

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K BB

May/June 2014 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

http://www.AudienceBloom.com http://Wired.Co.UK http://www.homestyler.com http://www.homestyler.com http://www.twitter.com/adsk_homestyler http://www.facebook.com/homestyler http://www.pinterest.com/adhomestyler http://www.kbbonline.com http://www.kbis.com

KBB - May/June 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of KBB - May/June 2014