It can be overwhelming to find the best software for interior designers. There is a learning curve to each software, which often acts as a deterrent for creative business owners. But running a small business requires streamlined processes. You can save hours a week by implementing the best software for interior designers. With proper implementation, these processes can even replace the need for additional staffing.

 

 

We spoke with experienced interior designers from around the country, researched extensively, and had personal demos from more than five software companies. We’ve narrowed the list to the two key softwares you need for a thriving interior design business.

 

This post is not sponsored in any way, nor are we provided any free services. We wanted our recommendations to be as candid and genuine as possible. Every business has it’s own needs and every business owner works differently. We selected these options because of their ability to be customized to each individual business. Not only can you customize the look and design of the software, but the functionality as well.

 

 

Also noteworthy,  only one of these softwares is dedicated exclusively to interior designers. Whether you’re a graphic designer, web developer or copywriter, the other softwares will serve your business incredibly. Without further delay – here are our findings:

 

DUBSADO

 

We have been using Dubsado at IDCO for over two years now and we will never be able to sing its praises enough. For all creative businesses, Dubsado will work be your operations work horse. From the moment a client inquires with you to the final deliverables, Dubsado will manage each step of the process – most with complete automation.

But what makes Dubsado stand out in a sea of client management software is the unparalleled customer service. As an active, but not very needy Dubsado client, we feel like we know each member of their team personally. No question goes unanswered for more than a few hours (usually less than 10 minutes!) and their commitment to your success is awe inspiring.

 

 

As one of the best softwares for interior designers, here is what you can use Dubsado for:

 

• Lead Capture
• Proposals
• Legally Binding Contracts + Agreements
• On-Boarding Questionnaires
• Email Tracking + Scheduling
• Client Portals (one-stop shop for all client communications)
• Design Proofs
• Payments (Square, Stripe, Pay Pal, e-check)
• Accounting (syncs with Quickbooks for advanced capabilities)
• Time Tracking
• Task Lists
• Multi-User Functionality (up to three users included for free!)

To be fair, this is an extremely abbreviated list. The software is so incredibly robust, you can customize it to act as a full-time operations manager.

 

Here are a few outstanding reasons we are obsessed with Dubsado:

1. White glove model – this means that every touch point your client has with you through Dubsado is completely branded to your interior design business. From colors, fonts and URLs, your clients will never know they’re using tools from a 3rd party – making your business appear polished, high-tech and seamless.
2. On boarding assistance – not only do you receive a one-on-one coaching session with the Dubsado team, you can hire them to set the entire software up for you. From your inquiry forms to your contracts and workflows, they’ll transfer all your projects from a previous CRM, or start fresh for you.
3. Templates – they’ve provided templates for contracts, proposals, questionnaires, and design proofs, created by working professionals in different industries.
4. Community – Dubsado has a cult following. There is no other way to describe it. Their private Facebook community shares tips and ideas and helps troubleshoot all things business.
5. Completely free, no limits trial – we’re still unsure how they can keep this up, but you can use Dubsado in it’s full capacity for as long as you want, free of charge. Instead of limiting the capabilities you have access to, or the time you have to try it out, they simply cap the trial at three clients. This gives you ample time to try it out and make sure it’s the best fit for you (trust us – it is).
6. Becca, Biz, Jake, Alex – the team at Dubsado is made up of the greatest humans currently alive on the planet. Again, unsure how they do it, but every person who works there instantly becomes your best friend in the most honest, genuine way possible. You can read more about Becca, the co-founder, here. She is our idol.

IVY

For an interior designer, Ivy picks up right where Dubsado leaves off. When we sat down with their team, we were blown away by the capabilities the software had. Creating custom product catalogs with client pieces, saving favorite items for future projects, managing deliveries and creating line sheets. You’re provided with a dedicated account manager who can walk you through the software and answer any questions that comes up over time.

In addition to the five star software, Ivy produces incredibly helpful original content for interior designers. From industry specific webinars to easy-to-access tips and tricks about running a design business, it’s a wealth of knowledge.

 

We’ve worked with interior designers from all over the world on their branding, web design and Instagram management. More than 80% of them use Ivy in their business and swear by it. The functionality is endless. To be more specific, here are the exact items Ivy will help with:

• Project Sourcing
• Time Tracking (billable and no billable hours)
• Automated + Formatted Tear Sheets
• Delivery Scheduling + Management
• Vendor Contacts
• Contractor Detail Management for Easy Access
• Automated Project Tracking
• To-do Lists
• Real Time Invoicing

 

 

Additional benefits we just can’t get over:

 

1. The Mobile app – interior designers are never in one place. Whether you’re at an install or in a showroom, Ivy lets you access all your project details and time tracking from one, easy to use app. (available on iPhone/iPad and Android).
2. The Clipper tool – save furniture, finishes, art and decor easily to a project with a browser extension. Shop your favorite vendors, hit the Ivy icon, input any comments, add a mark up and save to a specific job. (available on Google Chrome).
3. Networking – the Ivy hosts an amazing industry event a month, all around the country.
4. Multi-User Accessibility – get your whole team working from one place with Ivy’s multi-user functionality. Let all your junior designers, accountants, or assistants access jobs directly or hide items they don’t need to see.

 

 

Let’s talk numbers, you can have unlimited access to Dubsado and Ivy for less than $100 a month. That’s likely less than one billable hour of client work, which will save you as much as 20 hours a week. Later this week, we’ll be revealing the full workflow we’d implement between the two softwares, making for a seamless truly business model. In the meantime, schedule a demo with Dubsado and Ivy here to get started.

 

Any questions? Let us know! We’ll reach out to our contacts to get you the answers you need if we don’t have them ourselves. We can’t wait to see what you guys implement!

 

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For more tips on expanding your interior design portfolio’s exposure or lifestyle brand’s website, check out these posts:

 

• The Best Hashtags for Interior Designers
• Optimizing your Interior Design Portfolio for Pinterest
• How to Get Your Work Published
• Branding Your Portfolio

 

 

The Identité Collective is a full service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.