Productizing your services transforms your design or architecture firm from a custom, time-consuming business into a streamlined, scalable operation. Instead of selling vague or open-ended services, you package them into clear, structured offers that are easy for clients to buy and for you to deliver.
The tastemaker Guide to Productizing Design Services
This guide walks you through the exact steps to make the transition successfully. Before you dive in, read WHY productization is key to growth!
Step 1: Identify Repeatable Patterns in Your Work
Start by analyzing past projects to find commonalities. Ask yourself:
- What services do clients request most often?
- Which parts of your process are repeatable and don’t require custom work?
- Where do you typically add the most value?
For example, an interior designer may realize that many clients need a one-room design plan, while an architect may find that feasibility studies are a recurring request. These can form the foundation for structured offerings.
Step 2: Define Your Core Productized Services
Once you’ve identified repeatable services, outline clear packages with fixed deliverables, pricing, and timelines. Some examples include:
- Interior Design Consultation Package – A 90-minute session with a follow-up design report.
- Pre-Packaged Floor Plans – Ready-to-go layouts for different home or commercial needs.
- Architectural Concept Review – A structured evaluation of a client’s property with recommendations.
Each package should answer three key questions:
- What’s included?
- What’s the price?
- What’s the outcome for the client?
- When can they expect to get the outcome?
Note: even if you package your services, the price and timeline might not be the same for all clients. For example, if you create a product with floor plans, the price varies if the scope is one room, several rooms, or a full house. But, the deliverables should be the same, i.e. floor plans!
Step 3: Standardize Your Process
Creating a streamlined process ensures efficiency and consistency across all clients. Define the steps involved in delivering each productized service, such as:
- How clients book and pay (e.g., online checkout, proposal system, or invoicing software).
- The intake process (e.g., a questionnaire or initial consultation call).
- Delivery timeline and milestones.
- Final deliverables (e.g., PDF report, mood board, design sketches, or 3D renderings).
This structure helps avoid scope creep and ensures that every project runs smoothly.
Step 4: Set Fixed Pricing Model with Variables
One of the biggest advantages of productization is eliminating the need for custom quotes. Choose a pricing model that aligns with your value and effort:
- Flat Fee – A fixed price for a defined scope of work.
- Tiered Pricing – Different levels of service (e.g., basic, premium, VIP).
- Retainer Model – Monthly subscription for ongoing design or consulting support.
Pricing should reflect both the tangible deliverables and the expertise you bring to the table.
Step 5: Create a Clear Sales Page or Brochure
Clients need to understand your offer at a glance. Whether it’s on your website or in a PDF brochure, ensure that your productized services are easy to find and purchase. Key elements include:
- Service name and description.
- Clear pricing.
- What’s included and what’s not.
- How to get started (booking link or contact form).
Step 6: Design Your Offer Message
Your offer message clearly communicates the value of your productized service. Craft a compelling, client-focused message by answering:
- Who is this service specifically designed for?
- What exact problem or desire does this service address?
- How will the client’s life or space be improved?
- Why is your approach unique or particularly effective?
For example, instead of saying “Interior Design Consultation,” frame your offer as “Get a Beautiful, Cohesive Room Design in Just 90 Minutes.” Highlight tangible outcomes, emotional benefits, and your unique selling points to ensure your offer message resonates deeply with your ideal clients.
Step 7: Transition Clients to Your New Model
If you’ve been offering fully bespoke services, transitioning to productized offerings may require educating your clients. Communicate the benefits:
- Faster turnaround times.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- A more structured, professional experience.
For existing clients, consider offering your new packages alongside custom services at first, gradually shifting toward productized offerings as demand grows. Also, you can start systemizing your current processes while you build your productized offers! Either way, your business (and wellbeing) will improve!
Step 8: Market and Sell Your Productized Services
Marketing and selling productized services is different to selling bespoke services. Your message matters, but so does the mechanism. Make it easy for clients to discover and purchase your services:
- Optimize Your Website – Feature your productized services prominently on your homepage.
- Leverage Social Proof – Showcase testimonials and case studies from past clients. Yes – you can use previous testimonials even if they were collected before you started offering productized services! Just make sure they are not misleading or misrepresenting the current scope or structure of your productized offers.
- Use Email Marketing – Take your subscribers on a launch journey!
- Run Targeted Ads – Promote specific packages on Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.
Step 9: Continuously Improve Based on Feedback
Once your productized services are live, track performance and refine your offerings:
- Are clients booking easily, or do they have questions?
- Are there any recurring requests that indicate a missing package?
- Can any steps in the process be automated further?
Regularly updating your packages based on client feedback will help you optimize both your revenue and customer experience.
Productizing your services doesn’t mean losing creativity; it means creating a business model that is more efficient, profitable, and client-friendly. By following these steps, you can build a more predictable, scalable, and enjoyable business that allows you to focus on your best work.
