One of the biggest challenges when it comes to virtual design is getting a decent set of measurements from your client! Here I share two short videos I created to help me communicate what I needed in a quick and easy-to-understand way.

The first is this video that shows my clients what kind of measurement file I need from them to start the design process:

As you can see from watching it, I keep it pretty simple. I want the client to feel confident, and I want those measurements in my hands as quickly as possible so I can start the design process.

For you introverts out there, the nice thing about that video is that you only see my hands. This is perfect for any designers who don’t feel ready to put themselves on video. All you need are your hands and your voice. 😀

If you *are* ready to be on video, you can also create a video showing an in-real-time understanding of how to measure a room, like this one:

Video helps me get the message across much faster and more clearly than if I were providing a long-winded Word doc.

Now remember, providing virtual design services doesn’t mean you *have* to provide to-scale, precisely measured designs for your client. As a business owner *you* get to set the rules and you can, for example, offer materials & fixture selections and leave the cabinet layouts up to the client’s local cabinet provider. That said, assuming you *do* want to provide a fairly accurate layout for your clients, then you’ll need fairly accurate measurements and photos from them. This is where a good video can make all the difference.

Of course, even if you do get great measurements from your clients, don’t forget to put a big ol’ label on your designs that says “all measurements subject to field verification” and a clause somewhere in your contract that says that “the designer takes no responsibility for the accuracy of client-provided measurements.” It’s extremely important that this kind of language is both in your agreement and on the plan. It not only helps limit your liability, but it will ensures that the contractor does not inadvertently just order off the plans (or if they do, you can point to the docs and say – nope! those measurements needed to be site-verified)!

If you’re new to this whole virtual design and digital marketing world you may feel a little bit out of your element. Remember my Quick Fix sessions are only a click away if you need guidance or encouragement. And meanwhile, just know – you got this!

May your design biz always make you Seriously Happy!

❤️ Rebecca