Steps to Launch Your Interior Design Business
The business of interior design is filled with possibilities for emerging and established interior designers.
02/10/2019
The amazing world of interior design is filled with possibilities for emerging and established interior designers. With a cleverly crafted inroad into business and a solid marketing plan, your interior design business could take off in the right direction.
Across the world, the industry is expanding and clients are constantly on the lookout for dynamic innovators in the market. In the US alone, the industry is said to generate yearly revenue of an estimated US$10 billion.
The ideal place to begin is ensuring that you understand your signature style is and how to reach the relevant client base. Here are some ideas to get you started on your new career path.
1. Gather information about your client
Your client is at the core of your business and already expects you to understand as soon as they walk in the door. There are various types of clients with different needs and styles. However, having a niche carves out your special place in the market and in the hearts of clients.
The various facets, and interests include antique furniture, home remodeling, and customized furniture. Once you have identified a potential client, you need to conduct thorough research, know more about their background, market size, specific product preferences, etc. It is vital to have a good understanding of what your clients want from you.
2. Work on your brand as an interior designer
Now that you know your client, how do you begin to resonate with them from a distance? How do they find you, and are convinced that you’re the one to carry out the job - splendidly so! Your brand should represent what you stand for; first, start with your logo, which should reflect the core of your business and style.
As a designer, your brand should reflect your creativity and unique flair for bespoke designs. Once you have worked on your logo - you can also begin to create a portfolio of your design work to accompany marketing material.
3. Establish an online presence
A website is essential alongside visibility on search engines. It is important to ensure that you make accurate information on pricing because most clients go online to compare pricing. Your website needs to convert visitors into clients so your website should be fully functional.
The best social media platforms for interior designers are image-based ones such as Instagram, Pinterest, Behance, and YouTube. On your pages, your work should boldly speak for itself, so make sure that they are striking and reflective of who you are as a designer.
4. Offer some freebies
This is a good strategy if you are entirely new to the game as an independent interior designer. Free services are a good way to expand on your design portfolio and create room for product testing.
You can decide if you want to offer an entire service for free - perhaps through a competition, or if you want to make it partially free - e.g., a free consultation.
Of course, it is not ideal to work for free, but this is one way to get the word out about your service and to gain referrals from happy clients. In exchange for a complete waiver of your design fee, you can ask your client to give you full creative control of your project.
5. Attend design events and trade shows
Attending design events and shows is an easy way to interact with other people in the industry, keep up with trends and interact with fellow creatives. Design shows continue to be an excellent way to gain exposure to the market, globally.
You also get to meet people who have gone through a journey similar to yours. So, you can get some great advice on how to get your business off the ground. Don’t forget to print your business cards and make sure you contact people you meet at the trade show.