When you first start your interior design business, it may feel like an impossible road ahead of you. It can be frustrating trying to get your business off the ground, let alone finding your first few clients. However, just like any business, good things take time.
By applying yourself and knowing the proper methods, you should not only find yourself with your first few clients but thriving with clients lining out the door.! Let’s dive in.
Start With Your Current Network
Whether you’re an interior designer or a plumber, finding clients comes down to the same basic science. Start with your current network, and work your way out from there. It’s as simple as sending out a message to your friends and family and letting them know about your intention to start an interior design business.
If none of them are looking for an interior designer, then maybe they know someone who does. This is the process of networking. You’d be surprised how many of your friends and family are rooting for you and willing to spread the word about your new venture.
Create a Website
A website is imperative for getting the word out about your business. Even though you may think, “wait a minute, I’m an interior designer, not a web designer, the truth is that regardless of your profession, nowadays, you need a website to prove your credibility as a business.
Your website is a landing page for potential clients, and a place where you can showcase your portfolio. When you create your website, it’s important that you keep all of the good aspects in mind. From navigation to layout, to adding SEO, your website will come down to several different factors that ultimately form a greater whole.
Get a Presence Going on Social Media
Social media is no longer a place merely for socializing— it’s critical for your business that you build a social media presence to gain a following. As an interior designer, one of the most important places you should be is Instagram. Since it’s such a visual industry, Instagram is a great place to post your work and highlight your strengths.
If you’re not sure how to gain a following, the best place to start is by familiarizing yourself with the basics of tags, and engagement. If you’re really committed to gaining an Instagram following then you may even want to consider taking a course. There are plenty offered online which can help you take your social media networking to the next level.
Ask For Reviews
Reviews are one of the most important things you can do to boost your business. We live in a society that values reviews we find online as much as we would value a personal recommendation from a family member.
So, when someone is happy with your services, encourage them to leave a review. Whether on Google, or your Facebook page, there are many different places where you should be encouraging your customers to leave you 5-star reviews.
