The interior design business is filled with stiff competition. It can be challenging to retain clients, get repeat contracts and expand one’s customer base in the market. Here are a few tips to grow your interior design business.
Know Thy Enemy
For any interior design business, it is essential to know the challenges that dictate growth. Only then, a personalized business strategy can be created. A few of the problems that any interior design company needs to overcome are as follows:
- New trends are continually emerging (mostly through social media avenues) and it’s hard to keep track of all of them.
- Your business may lack recognition among your target clientele or audience.
- Clients can demand more than what they’ve paid for.
- There is competition as many new design companies exist and are all trying to outbid each other.
Market Your Interior Design Business
As any marketing guru will tell you; If your business is inadequately marketed, it may as well, not exist at all. Marketing to grow your interior design business is more than just being seen. It’s also about creating demand, retaining customers, growing the customer base and establishing a recognizable brand image. Below are a few ways in which you can really get into the spotlight and attract new customers. Implement the following steps:
- Have an accessible online presence in the form of a functional website with all manner of user-friendly features. Try to have an accompanying social media presence as well. Instagram is a good social media platform. Make sure there are easy ways for customers to ask queries and get prompt responses and a feedback portal. Keep your website easy to navigate by not cluttering it with too many design elements. You can upload an impressive design portfolio to show clients. They will see the kind of styles you have achieved with clients. Testimonials from past clients are equally important in order to grow your interior design business.
Blogging
- Post relevant content on your website in the form of blog posts like this interior design blog. It’s important to use search engine optimization (SEO) tools to attract more web traffic. A running blog is a very powerful tool. It gives additional information and design inspiration. Showing the customer that your company knows all the latest trends and is in keeping with the times.
Email Blast To Grow Your Interior Design Business
- Email marketing is helpful. This would include gathering email addresses and sending promotional emails and offers. However, social media marketing is a lot more effective. Sponsored posts on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms reach a target audience or demographic through various ad management tools. This accounts for multiple factors from location to preferences. These tools help you gauge the demand for your services in the market. Boosting visibility towards potential clients. You can post 3D renders, behind-the-scenes videos, transition/transformation videos for various pictures of finished projects.
Create A Specific Brand
A brand image is imperative for most companies. This includes interior design business. A brand image can be a combination of your company values, personal style and your outlook towards design. Usually a brand includes a logo, a company name, mission statement. A brand depicts a certain underlying philosophy of the company.
Various companies are immediately recognizable on billboards or signs. This is because of a logo, use of certain colors, or a particular font. They have established a brand image that customers remember and can relate to. Brand recognition extends to employees. You can give personalized custom items like Architecture Christmas cards or holiday cards. Similar customization can be applied to company merchandise for clients.
Be A Thorough Professional Interior Design Firm
Even in creative firms and companies, professionalism should be a top priority. Always be ethical and responsible with client funds and confidence and keep them engaged in every aspect of the process. For instance, seek the client’s feedback periodically. Make sure clients know how and when they are being charged. Wherever applicable, offer cost-effective solutions to design problems.
When discussing a project with a client, describe how you will be adding value to the project. In addition, you can use media aids, such as videos and renders. Designers should encourage regular communication throughout the project. Be ready to answer any questions the client may have about the process. This builds trust and leads to word-of-mouth recommendations and repeat clients. All leading to grow your interior design business.
This post is a collaboration and may have relevant, relatable affiliate links. All opinions are our own and for informational purposes only.