As an interior designer, your business depends on your ability to create beautiful spaces for your clients. But what can you accomplish to set yourself apart from the competition and ensure success? If you’re in the business of interior design, you know that standing out from the crowd is essential to success. With so many options available to clients, making your business stand out can be difficult. However, you can do a few simple and trending things to boost your business. Here are 11 ways to make your interior design business thrive:
Offer unique services
What can you do that other interior designer can’t? Do you have experience with a certain type of design or style? Use your unique skillset to your advantage. Offering services that other designers don’t will make you stand out from the competition and attract clients who are looking for something specific. For example, provide free service for area rugs setting and give a 20% discount for first-time customers.
Keep up with trends
Clients want to see that you’re keeping up with the latest styles. Make sure you’re familiar with the latest fashion and interior design trends. Showcase these trends in your portfolios and on social media. For example, one of the hottest current trends is “hygge” design. This Danish concept is about creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere in your home. If you can incorporate this trend into your designs, you’ll be sure to impress potential clients.
Get involved in your community
Connecting with your local community is a great way to get your name out there and attract new clients. There are many interesting ways to get involved, such as joining local business organizations, sponsoring events, or volunteering your time and talents. Getting involved will help you meet new people, spread the word about your business, and make you feel good about giving back. For example, you could offer to design a new space for a local nonprofit or help with the decor for a community event.
Stay up to date with industry trends
Preserving up with the latest interior design trends is a great way to ensure that your business is cutting-edge. By staying up to date, you’ll be able to offer your clients the latest and greatest design trends, which will set you apart from your competition. There are numerous ways to stay up to date, such as reading trade publications, attending industry events, or following design blogs. For example, Design*Sponge is a popular design blog that covers all interior design trends.
Offer free consultations
One way to attract new clients is by offering free consultations. This is a great way to get your foot in the door with potential clients and show them what you can do. During the consultation, listen to what the client is looking for and note any specific requests. This will offer you a fair idea of the project and help you determine if it’s a good fit for your business. For example, if a client is looking for a complete home renovation, but you only offer design services, it may not be the right project for you.
Keep your portfolio up-to-date
Your portfolio is one of the best marketing tools you have as an interior designer. Make sure it’s always current, featuring your latest and greatest work. Keep it organized and easily accessible so potential clients can see your capabilities. For example, consider creating an online portfolio that can be easily shared and add old projects as you complete new ones.
Invest in marketing
A well-designed website and social media presence are essential for any business nowadays. Make sure your marketing materials are professional and up-to-date. Consider working with a marketing firm that specializes in the interior design industry. You can purchase interior materials like rugs, wallpapers, bedding, curtains, etc., from Cyber Monday Deals or Black Friday Sales.
Take on small projects
If you’re starting, offer to take on small projects or work as an assistant to gain experience and build your portfolio. Once you have a few happy clients, you can start charging more for your services. For example, you can offer to paint a room or help with the furnishings for a small fee. And rearrange furniture for your clients.
Be responsive to client needs
No two clients are alike, so it’s important to be flexible and responsive to their individual needs and preferences. This includes everything from design concepts to project timelines and budget considerations. For example, if a client wants a rushed project, be honest about what you can realistically achieve within their timeframe and budget.
Communicate effectively
Good communication is key in any client-service provider relationship. Make sure you’re clear about expectations, timelines, budget, etc., from the very beginning to avoid misunderstandings later on down the road. For example, if a client wants unlimited revisions but you’re only willing to do three, be upfront about that from the start.
Be flexible
Things change, and sometimes those changes are out of your control. When a client wants to make last-minute changes, be flexible and try to accommodate them as best, you can. Of course, there are limits – if the changes are extensive or would significantly impact the project timeline or budget, have a frank discussion with the client.
Provide excellent customer service
Go overhead and beyond for your clients to confirm they have a positive experience working with you. This could include following up after projects are completed, providing additional resources or advice, or simply being available when they need you. For example, if a client is struggling to find the right rugs for their space, offer them some links or advice, like you can prefer RugKnots for the best deals.
Conclusion
Running a successful interior design business takes hard work, dedication, and talent. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success and build a thriving business that will stand the test of time. What are your best tips for running a successful interior design business? Please share them in the comments below!