Boost Your Visibility as an Interior Designer to Increase Revenue and Reduce Stress

Are you an aspiring or established interior designer who's passionate about transforming spaces but feels uncertain about how to make your mark in the industry? You're not alone. Many talented designers share this common challenge: they have the skills, the creativity, and the vision, but they're not quite sure how to get the word out about their business.

Unfortunately, too many entrepreneurs think that simply opening a business will attract clients. It just isn’t that easy. I hate to admit this, but like many designers, I really struggled to get clients when I first opened my design business. Luckily, I have learned a lot since then.

In this blog post, we'll explore ten actionable ideas that will not only help you gain the visibility you deserve but also reduce the stress of financial uncertainty. These strategies are designed to be accessible, even for those new to marketing, and can lead to increased revenue, a growing client base, and a more fulfilling career in interior design.

1. Create a Professional Website to Give Potential Clients Accessible Information About You

An interior designer's website is a digital storefront and a crucial tool for attracting clients and boosting visibility. To maximize exposure and increase your online presence, here are key elements you should include on your website:

• Beautifully designed homepage to attract and keep visitors' attention
• Portfolio showcasing your best work
• About page explaining your design style
• Services and specialties, including design process (what clients can expect)
• Social proof through testimonials and reviews
• Blog or Insights page
• Contact Information with a call to action
• Follow on social media buttons
• Lead magnet enticing people to give you their name and email address

By incorporating these elements into your interior design website, you'll not only showcase your work but also provide valuable information to visitors, build trust, and increase your online visibility.

Regularly update your content and engage with your audience to ensure your website remains a powerful tool for attracting clients and growing your design business. Although it may seem burdensome to write new blog articles or update your website content, it is an important task to signal to the search engines that you are an authority and should appear higher in search results.

Pro-Tip: A professional website increases credibility and makes it easier for clients to find and reach you, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. A manageable approach is to use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace and focus on showcasing your work and contact information.

2. Leverage Social Media to Market Your Services and Showcase Your Work

Social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Facebook are goldmines for interior designers. Regularly post high-quality visuals of your work, engage with your followers, and use relevant hashtags to expand your reach.

Consistency is key; establish a posting schedule that keeps your audience engaged. Social media provides an effective way to showcase your design style, share your design journey, and connect with potential clients who are actively seeking inspiration and services.

Don’t be afraid to record yourself in short videos that can be used as reels or shorts. These types of videos can be powerful in sharing your personality to your audience. Jump into Facebook groups and LinkedIn groups to share your expertise.

Pro-Tip: Social media can be a cost-effective way to showcase your designs and connect with potential clients. A manageable approach is to pick one or two platforms (e.g., Instagram or Pinterest) and post regularly with high-quality visuals. Start small, and as you build momentum, expand your reach by utilizing other platforms.

3. Network in Local Communities

Join local associations or organizations to expand your professional network. Attend events, conferences, and seminars to meet fellow professionals and potential clients. Building these connections can lead to referrals and collaborations, which are often key to growing your business.

Going into 2023, I decided I was going to get more involved in networking. I attended and subsequently joined several networking groups. I look at networking not only as an opportunity to generate business but also to build friendships with other business owners with whom I can glean knowledge. I am often shocked by the lack of interior designers in my groups.

I believe some business owners overlook the opportunity to network because there isn’t an immediate reward. I have also heard others shy away due to the time commitment. Networking takes time, but it can be rewarding both personally and professionally.

Networking is a powerful tool that allows you to share your expertise, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and establish your presence in the local community.

Pro-Tip: Networking can lead to referrals and collaborations with other professionals such as realtors, investors, contractors, architects, and so forth. A manageable approach is to identify 2 to 3 local networking groups that you feel comfortable in attending each month. Rather than looking at it as slinging your services, think of it as an opportunity to meet other intelligent and inspiring professionals.

4. Offer Free Workshops at Design Expositions and Events

When I first started my design business, I baked cookies, individually wrapped them, and added a business card. I added the cookies to a cute basket and delivered them to real estate offices. This garnered several referrals. (I bake really delicious cookies - it is my superpower.) Even though this opened a few doors, I missed something really important.

Instead of dropping off the cookies and running out the door, I should have offered a workshop or presentation related to helping realtors stage homes for a quicker sale. This would have gotten me in front of those realtors who didn’t offer that additional service to their clients.

Hosting free workshops or design consultations is a fantastic way to showcase your expertise and provide value to potential power partners or clients. These events not only establish you as an authority in the field but also allow you to connect with potential clients and showcase your design process. Consider topics that resonate with your target audience and provide actionable advice. Free workshops can lead to paid projects as clients get a taste of your skills and knowledge.

In my local market, we have multiple “home and garden” shows that attract homeowners looking to remodel their homes. A quick Google search shows me that there are over 10 in the next four months. Contact the promoters and offer to do a workshop for free.

Pro-Tip: These opportunities can showcase your expertise and lead to paid projects. A manageable approach is to partner with a realtor to host small, informative workshops.

5. Be a Guest on Podcasts

Being a guest on interior design or home improvement podcasts can introduce you to a wider, targeted audience. Share your insights, tips, and experiences to position yourself as an industry expert.

Podcast appearances offer a platform to discuss your work, design philosophies, and industry trends, allowing you to connect with potential clients who are already interested in interior design.

Additionally, many listeners appreciate podcasts' authentic and informative nature, making them a valuable avenue for reaching potential clients.

Pro-Tip: Podcasts are a great way to increase visibility across a large audience. A manageable approach is to create one sheet with your bio and 3 to 6 topics you feel comfortable speaking about. Then, identify ten podcasts you think your message might be valuable to the audience and send a persuasive email on how you could add value to the podcaster audience. If you want to podcast to start with, try the Behind the Design podcast. Simply fill out the form on our landing page and select a 15-minute introductory meeting to discuss your topic.

6. Engage in Content Marketing

Blogging is a powerful tool for interior designers to establish expertise and attract potential clients. Create a blog on your website and regularly publish high-quality, informative content.

Share design trends, tips, and insights that showcase your knowledge and passion for design. Consistency and relevance are key. Use your blog to engage and educate your audience, making your website a go-to resource for those seeking design inspiration and information.

Pro-Tip: Content marketing can position you as an industry expert and drive organic traffic to your website. A manageable approach is to start a blog or a YouTube channel to share design tips, trends, and inspiration. This will also give you additional content to share across multiple social media platforms.

7. Reach Out to Local Magazines and Newspapers for Publicity

Don't underestimate the power of local media. Reach out to magazines, newspapers, and online publications in your area. Pitch story ideas about your unique design projects or design-related tips and trends.

Local media coverage can introduce you to a broader audience and position you as a local design authority. It's a win-win situation – you get exposure, and the media outlet gets engaging content for their readers.

Pro-Tip: Press coverage can generate buzz and attract new clients. A manageable approach is to send press releases about your noteworthy projects or achievements to local media.

8. Connect with Other Professionals in the Industry for Collaboration Opportunities

Collaboration is often the key to success in the design industry. Reach out to other professionals, such as architects, construction companies, and real estate agents, for partnership opportunities.

Collaborations can lead to referrals and joint projects. Partnering with complementary businesses allows you to tap into their networks and reach clients who may not have discovered your services otherwise.

Pro-Tip: These collaborations can increase your exposure and potentially lead to referrals. A manageable approach is to partner with local furniture stores or home improvement businesses for cross-promotions.

9. Optimize Your Online Presence through Google My Business:

Local search is vital for attracting clients in your area. Create and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) profile to ensure that your business appears in local search results. Provide accurate business information high-quality images, and encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews.

A well-optimized GMB listing can improve your local visibility and help clients find you when they need interior design services.

Pro-Tip: An optimized online presence can improve your local search rankings and visibility. A manageable approach is to claim your business on Google My Business and request client reviews. Requesting testimonials from your clients should be part of your process. Give each client a link along with instructions on how to leave a review. Make it as easy as possible for your client.

10. Make use of Digital Advertisements such as Pay-Per-Click Ads or Banner Ads

To reach a broader audience quickly, consider digital advertising options like pay-per-click (PPC) or banner ads. Platforms such as Google Ads and social media advertising can target potential clients based on their interests and location. Create compelling ad campaigns that highlight your unique selling points and guide users to your website or landing pages. Digital advertising can be a cost-effective way to reach new clients, especially when strategically managed.

Pro-Tip: Online advertising can help you reach a wider audience and potentially generate leads. A manageable approach is to start with a modest budget for targeted online ads on platforms like Facebook or Google. You want to ensure you are reaching the right audience, so be sure to add a geographic requirement to maximize your reach. Don’t forget to analyze your results to see what works and isn’t working so you can adjust your ads.

To sum it up, if you're an aspiring or established interior designer looking to boost your visibility and increase your revenue, there are many opportunities and strategies available. By implementing the tips mentioned in this post--ranging from crafting professional emails to becoming more active on social media--you can be well on your way to a career that is both fulfilling and financially secure. Need help with marketing? Behind the Design is the solution.

Introducing Behind the Design Marketing Services

As an interior designer, you know how important it is to generate leads and build a strong online presence. But let's face it: marketing can be overwhelming and time-consuming.

Managing your website, social media, email campaigns, and content creation on your own can take away valuable time from your clients and the work you love. It's frustrating to see your competitors succeed while you struggle to keep up with marketing.

That's where Behind the Design comes in. We offer tailored marketing services specifically designed for interior designers. From website creation and management to social media and email marketing, our experienced team has got you covered. With our help, you can focus on what you do best – designing stunning spaces – while we take care of your marketing needs. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a thriving online presence with Behind the Design. Schedule a call to discuss your marketing needs today.