The Finial Company (TFC) manufactures high-end, hand-crafted decorative drapery hardware targeted to interior design professionals and sold exclusively through distributors. TFC’s vast mix of standard products, special collections, assorted styles, sophisticated finishes and, most notably, unlimited one-of-kind custom creations makes them an ideal resource for even the most particular of interior designers. At the same time, TFC’s endless customization makes it time consuming to get new distributors up-to-speed and product-savvy enough to successfully assist a designer who is juggling multiple projects and timelines before the window of opportunity closes. TFC’s consulting team is often called upon to actually present the collections and options to a designer.
Develop a digital plan to update TFC’s outdated distribution and marketing models; better serve distributors by transforming product education from a standalone print catalogue to a streamlined online experience; grow revenue by increasing business with, and for, their existing distributor customers; create awareness and a relationship with the primary target, the design community, with whom TFC has not previously engaged.
It came down to this: How to help distributors be the hero for their design customers – and TFC be the trusted resource for them both.
Recognizing TFC’s complicated business model, we knew it was imperative to start with a thorough discovery and strategy engagement to clearly identify the barriers for both targets and develop insight-driven communication strategies to ensure we created a solution that added value to our targets business.
One of the main barriers to interior designers taking on the window as part of their project is the complexity involved (math-oriented) in designing and ordering window hardware products. The task of measuring for custom window spaces and hardware becomes daunting. As passionately “hands-on” as a designer is about every aspect of their project, many feel they have to outsource to a window treatment specialist out of necessity.
The brand strategy and digital overhaul of The Finial Company has been a resounding success. Not only has the digital platform helped streamline business for distributors and their design customers – the strategic insights have enabled TFC to forge a new relationship with designers built on a unique understanding of their challenges, the need for unrivaled service, one-on-one support and custom tailored solutions.
+1000
new designer accounts opened in the first year
940
new design projects in the works via byDesign Project Planner
38k
new designer/guest visits to the website
25%
accessed the site from their mobile or tablet