AP Customer Experience Team's Insider Tips

You've been watching the videos, reading the articles, and setting up processes. But are you getting the most of your Aisle Planner account Here's some great insider info from APHQ (and the lovely ladies of our Customer Experience team) to make sure you are set up for success.

Top 10 Tips

1. How do I go from booked lead to a new project?

    

   Create your new client's project DIRECTLY from the Lead Record in the Sales section - your lead will turned to a "Booked" status and your new project Client Record will hold all original details. This way, you keep all those records, notes, and files without re-entering everything a second time. 

    

2. What are notes used for?

    

   Think of Notes (or we like to call it your Project Notebook) as a "shared drive" or one-stop-shop for any resource guides that help you and your clients in the planning journey. Keep meeting notes, send client worksheets to fill out, AND bring external docs and URLs into your project (room block lists, client's Pinterest board, detailed Google Sheets, and more). 

    

3. What's the best way to onboard my clients?

    

   Create a note template introducing Aisle Planner and bring into each project. Assign your clients a related task in the checklist, directing them to review the note to become familiar with the tools (You are welcome to pull from the "Intro to Aisle Planner" note in your sample project!) 

   Another tip - create a custom video from your account, showcasing how to use the tools and how to collaborate (Loom is a great platform for this!). Make sure to set expectations on managing their task list, adding imagery or other requested items, and how to answer their questions with their Aisle Planner account!

    

4. What do my clients see in Aisle Planner?

    

   To get a good feel of what your leads and clients will experience, try the following:

   1) Submit your lead contact form from your website so you can review your "Thank You" message and Auto-Response

   2) From your lead record, send yourself any documents (Quotes, Contracts, Invoices) from the templates you've created. Take action on the documents (signature), so you receive your notifications.

   3) Create a project from the Lead Record

   4) Invite yourself into the project the same way you invite clients. Accept the invitation and log in to see what your clients see based on the different permissions you have set for them.

    

5. I only see a few types of tables and chairs, etc. in my Layout section. How can I add more?

    

   To create a layout that is true to life and eye-catching, use your Object Templates: Custom tables, cool rental pieces, plants, tablescapes, etc., to add a little “extra” to your layouts. Use these to create tablescapes as well for additional detail! 

    

6. Can I set up an automated response to new leads?

    

   Yes - turn on your Lead Auto Response for an instant reply when someone reaches out to you (and attach your brochure!). This buys you some time as you determine how you'd like to follow-up. 

    

7. Do I have to add my clients' name, date, etc. to my contract over and over?

    

   Apply "Merge fields" to your contracts, and you can use these fields to auto-populate information. Less manual editing saves time! 

    

8. What's the most efficient way to get client input?

    

   Use Questionnaires to document client input and selections, or try using a Note as a worksheet that your client can fill out information in. Pro Tip: if you are using questionnaires during planning, go to the "Client record" section of a project to use during the event planning phase.)

    

9. How can I avoid writing the same emails to clients when I send contracts, invoice, etc.?

    

   Set up email templates: save yourself from re-crafting the same messages over and over. Anytime you send a brochure, proposal, quote, contract, invoice, questionnaire, or studio share (notes, style guides, and color palettes) you'll be able to select from your saved email templates.

    

10. How do I customize Aisle Planner’s checklist default? 

     

    Aisle Planner comes pre-loaded with default checklists, timelines, and notes. Make these your own templates and personalize based on your workflow, tasks, and timeframes so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s much easier to remove tasks or categories in a project than it is to add. 

     

 For more tips like this - reach out to customercare@aisleplanner.com!