Whether you’re just starting out or you've been in business for a few years the New Year is always a good time to take stock of your marketing and make new plans for success. Fiona Mostyn from My Deco Marketing works with interior designers and home decor brands to grow their businesses through content and digital marketing. Here’s Fiona’s 5 interior design marketing tips to build your design business in 2020.
1. Create a consistent message to attract your ideal client
What is it you want your design business to be known for? Finding a steady flow of ideal clients is every designer’s dream. It needn’t be hard work if you set yourself a few simple ground rules. Define your niche and promote yourself to the clients you want to attract.
Most of the successful designer’s I’ve met always have one thing in common. They define a niche for themselves and serve it really well. To do this consider your skills and how they best match the clients you wish to work for.
It is also important to look at the opportunities in your area. Demographics such as location are really important in defining your target market. A rural or urban situation or the life stages of people in a certain area for example may define whether your potential clients are large country home owners, show apartments for property developers, holiday rental properties, young professionals or homes for families with children.
Focus on your passions:
- do you love colour?
- is biophilic design and wellbeing important to you?
- are you great with neutral schemes?
- do you love planning and zoning large open plan spaces?
- can you come up with inspiring innovative ideas to entertain children in their rooms?
- are you a maximalist or a minimalist?
A focused message is direct, easy to understand and therefore much simpler to market. Showcasing your signature style and unique skills helps attract your ideal client to exactly what they are looking for. Once you have them in mind create marketing messages around the perfect service that you can offer them.
Next you need to get visible with these messages and showcase your expertise at every opportunity. Be consistent across website copy, social media, blogs and printed materials and use every opportunity to use your marketing messages to create a brand that simply and honestly shouts your style.
2. Advertise your bussiness
Give yourself a helping hand by promoting your business to people directly looking for your services. Nowadays online advertising provides an easy pool of well targeted customers for you to showcase your business to. Google Ads, Facebook Ads and a Houzz Pro profile are easy ways to find clients in your local area looking for specialist interior design services. Professional advice on how to set up your adverts, target your keywords and turn those clicks into leads will save you time and money in the long run.
3. Build your SEO
Whilst advertising is a quick way to get get traction from Google, SEO is a long term strategy that continues to bring results long after your initial investment in time and money. Growing the strength of your website and brand in Google searches is essential for any successful business
Here’s 5 easy steps that will build your SEO -
- 1 - Start from the ground up with a great website platform.
Whilst Wix and Squarespace are easy to implement, if you are serious about getting found in Google Wordpress is the one to choose. It is easy to update and manage. Most importantly as a platform originally designed for blogging, Wordpress websites have many SEO friendly features which simply don’t exist on other platforms
- 2 - Complete your Google my business profile
Google My Business is a marker for your business in Google rankings and local search. Make sure you complete your profile with as much information as possible. Don’t forget to get reviews for your business. Also regularly update your profile with posts about what is happening in your business. Just as you would post on your social media accounts - only this information is feeding Google directly with information about what your business is about.
- 3 - Make sure all of your social media profiles are connected to your website
Making your SEO stronger is all about building a spider’s web of connections which link your business around the internet. Building links from your social media profiles to your website helps search engines define what your business is about. Complete your social media profiles and then use them to showcase your portfolio, projects and knowledge through sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Pinterest which can directly link back to your website.
- 4 - Build links back into your website
Social media isn’t the only place where you can build links back to your website. Write a guest post for a supplier, get featured on an blog with an interview about yourself or a business project or add your business to an industry directory.
- 5 - Start Blogging
When considering how to rank your website Google scans your site looking for keywords to decide exactly what your site is about. As well as this it asesses how relevant the content is people searching for specific topics on the web. Google also looks for fresh content. If you haven’t updated your website since your launch it’s time for a bit of an update. An easy way to update your website with fresh and relevant content is to create regular blog posts. Start a content plan and write blogs based on keywords which you want to rank for on Google. This interior design marketing tip covers actually covers 2 of our key actions, reinforcing the consistent messages about your brand and expertise mentioned in tip 1 as well as keeping Google happy with fresh content. If you’re stuck for ideas on what to write take a look at this blog post which shares 35 Ideas for Interior Design Blog Posts.
4. The Power of Networking - Events and Experiences
Whilst social media and online marketing are important and effective ways to get seen and heard nothing beats the personal touch. Meeting people in real life makes lasting connections and offers a chance to bond through shared experiences. Get out and about to Interior Design events to see what’s new and meet new suppliers in the industry.
Local networking groups such as your chamber of commerce are great places to find professionals to drive your business forward. Accountants or graphic designers for example are all services you need as you grow. Also bear in mind that interior design can be a high end and luxury service so mixing with successful business people is one place to find clients who value your service.
However there is also a lot of value in joining a network whose members are specifically focused on interiors, property or creative business. If you work alone these kind of networks are great for peer support. They will also help you with find other industry professionals such as decorators, architects, trade suppliers. As well as suppliers you're more likely to find people like me who are not just marketers but have a wealth of knowledge and contacts in the interiors and home decor industry. If you are based in the north try attending a Concept North event. If you are based in the south check out The Decorcafe for regular social meet-ups and business networking.
5. Build your tribe with e-mail
My final tip filters across all of the interior design marketing activities we’ve mentioned so far. This is that whether online or in real-life all of these activities must focus on collecting names and email addresses so that you can stay connected and keep your business front of mind for these new potential customers. Did you know that emails beat social media hands down on visibility, engagement and most importantly conversion into paying customers. Make sure you collect email addresses at every opportunity by integrate subscriber boxes across your website and social media. Share links to these regularly and mention your newsletter at every opportunity. Then create a regular email newsletter to nurture and convert your readers into loyal clients.
Fiona Mostyn is the founder of My Deco Marketing which specialises in helping interior designers and home decor brands grow their business with content marketing, social media strategy, SEO and PR. Fiona is certified by Houzz as a marketing consultant and works with large and small businesses to increase their visibility online and grow their customer base in line with their long term goals. A passionate networker Fiona is also the co-founder of The Decorcafe Brighton. A vibrant interiors and creative business community all about connecting, collaborating and sharing ideas.
FAQs
Is KLC School of design good? ›
KLC is the smart choice to study interior or garden design
With 40 years' experience, our school has built up an excellent reputation both nationally and internationally for quality design education.
KLC's Foundation Degree, Diploma and BA (Hons) Interior Design are all validated by the University of Brighton. These awards are clearly benchmarked against the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and international recognition increases employment opportunities for KLC graduates worldwide.
What does KLC stand for in KLC School of design? ›This one is always difficult to answer as there is no set acronym for KLC, it's simply our brand. We came up with a few suggestions in the office though – my personal favourites are 'Keeping Learning Creative' and 'Keep Loving Creativity'.
How long does it take to study interior design in Kenya? ›A degree in interior design will take four years to complete. That means a total of over eight semesters are included in the study of the course that has interior design as a subsequent course.
What is the hardest design school to get into? ›What is the hardest art school to get into? Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is the hardest art and design school with the lowest acceptance rate in the world.
What is the most prestigious design school? ›- Princeton University.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Harvard University.
- Stanford University.
- Yale University.
- University of Chicago.
- Johns Hopkins University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
| Top 10 Universities for Art & Design in the World Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rank | Name of Institution | Location |
| 1 | Royal College of Art | United Kingdom |
| 2 | University of the Arts London | United Kingdom |
| 3 | Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) | United States |
- Multimedia University (MMU) – ...
- Taylor's University – ...
- The One Academy – ...
- Saito University College. ...
- First City University College. ...
- Asia Pacific University (APU) ...
- University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie. ...
- Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
Average £25,742 per year.
Is interior design a good career? ›Interior design can be a great career choice, if you follow certain steps, including gaining appropriate education and a solid portfolio. Pay can also vary, but the median salary for interior designers is $47,188. In short, any career that you love is a good career.
Is studying interior design hard? ›
Yes, studying interior design is hard. It takes a lot of time and dedication to study interior design properly. It's no surprise that there are so many job openings for people with such qualifications in the field.
Is interior design degree difficult? ›Earning a degree in interior design can feel like an overwhelming obstacle that requires a heavy investment of time and money. However, if you break the process down into a series of steps, earning a degree in interior design will feel like a much more manageable prospect.
Is it difficult to learn interior design? ›Interior designing is a challenging, refreshing, and extremely demanding field that requires a number of skills including communication, staying up-to-date with the new software and technologies, research, designing skills, and passion for design.
What is the #1 art school in the US? ›| NAME/RANK | PEER ASSESSMENT SCORE |
|---|---|
| University of California--Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA #1 in Best Fine Arts Programs Save | 4.5 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL #2 in Best Fine Arts Programs (tie) Save | 4.3 |
| Yale University New Haven, CT #2 in Best Fine Arts Programs (tie) Save | 4.3 |
Washington University in St.
#1 Best Colleges for Design in America.
“There's nothing wrong with getting the highest grades in the class, but that isn't going to be the quality that sets apart a big winner from the rest of the pack.” A good design school will nurture your talents and prepare you for the industry.
Which design field earns the most? ›- Creative Director Salary: $134,582 per year.
- Furniture Designer Salary: $61,352 per year.
- User Experience Designer Salary: $92,666 per year.
- Architect Salary: $86,514 per year.
- Advertising Designer Salary: $67,100 per year.
- Fashion Designer Salary: $60,918 per year.
Royal College of Art (London, EN)
Founded in 1837, the Royal College of Art ranks 1st in art and design, according to the QS World University Rankings.
Value of a Design Education
A good program teaches you not just skills but concepts, giving you frameworks to stand on the shoulders of giants. While by no means will a degree an expert designer make — it will provide a strong foundation for accelerated skill development.
Yet, the United Kingdom is one of the countries with the highest graphic design salaries. The average annual salary is $72,500, and larger cities like London are the best paying.
Which city is best for graphic design? ›
| City | Location Quotient | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis, MN | 1.58 |
| 2 | New York, NY | 1.54 |
| 3 | San Francisco, CA | 1.53 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | 1.47 |
...
10 Most Fashionable Countries.
| Country Name | Best Countries Overall Rank |
|---|---|
| 1. Italy | 13 |
| 2. France | 8 |
| 3. Spain | 16 |
| 4. United States | 4 |
UX design is one of the most lucrative careers in design and has a considerable higher pay in the industry. Interaction designers understand the systemic approach to problem solving. Organisation that develop software needs UI/ UX Designers interpret the man machine interface.
Which exam is best for designing? ›- NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology)
- NID (National Institute of Design) Aptitude Test.
- UCEED (Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design)
- AIEED ( All India Entrance Exam for Design)
- IIAD (Indian Institute of Art and Design Entrance Exam)
- SHIATS Entrance Exam.
1. Philippe Starck. Philippe Starck is a famous French industrial and interior designer, architect, and creator.
Is interior designing a good career in 2022? ›As a result, making effective and efficient use of limited space is not only a choice, but a necessity for the people. interior design degree is emerging as a booming career option for people with a creative bent of mind as a result of all of these developments.
Are interior designers paid highly? ›Employees as Interior Designer earn an average of ₹19lakhs, mostly ranging from ₹13lakhs per year to ₹44lakhs per year based on 67 profiles. The top 10% of employees earn more than ₹24lakhs per year.
Is interior designing high paying? ›Highest salary that a Interior Designer can earn is ₹6.2 Lakhs per year (₹51.7k per month). How does Interior Designer Salary in India change with experience? An Entry Level Interior Designer with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹2.6 Lakhs per year.
What's the highest an Interior Designer can make? ›The most updated information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that interior designers across the United States receive a median pay of $57,060 per year, or $27.43 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $33,020, and the highest 10 percent earn more than $97,920.
How much do top interior designers make in UK? ›- £40,000 - £50,000 per annum, negotiable.
- Permanent, full-time.
What is the 60 30 10 decorating rule? ›
It's a classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space. It states that 60% of the room should be a dominant color, 30% should be the secondary color or texture and the last 10% should be an accent.
Is studying interior design worth it? ›Of late, a career in interior designing has become a very sought-after career choice. More and more candidates are realising that interior designing is a booming field with numerous job opportunities. It is a common misconception that to become an interior designer you just need to be creative.
Is interior design a stressful job? ›It's a Stressful Job
Satisfying a client's specific requirements is not an easy task. Irrespective of the field, no one working wants to hear “I didn't like it” from their client. With interior designing, the stress can climb up even more because you might not get a chance to edit or delete the mistakes.
Job Roles and Salaries of Architects and Interior Designers
The pay scale of an interior designer are higher than that of an architect because in the hierarchy, the interior designer ranks first. Design architects and mechanical and or naval architects work under designers.
One of the biggest struggles for just about any business, interior design firm or otherwise, is managing costs. Labour, materials, marketing, and even your monthly phone bill add up when you're running a business. For most interior design firms, managing the costs of materials is the biggest challenge.
Do interior designers use a lot of math? ›Interior designers are frequently required to be mathematically proficient. They must understand basic geometry and how to calculate measurements in order to create accurate floor plans.
Do you need to be good at drawing for interior design? ›One of the most common questions asked by students starting on the Interior Design Diploma or short-course is 'Do I have to be able to draw? '. The simple answer is no, but it helps to have some level of ability and confidence in your sketches. Sketching is an essential part of the interior design process.
What is the first thing to learn in interior design? ›The first thing you need to take into account, as an interior designer, is Space. Space planning is the foundation of all design ideas. From creating floor plans to designing the living spaces, everything boils down to this one key factor.
Do interior designers have a future? ›With an evolving lifestyle and fast-paced urbanization, the scope of interior design has grown significantly, making it one of the most sought after professions in India today.
What is the least you can make as an interior designer? ›Starting Salary for Interior Designers
Interior designers have an average starting salary of $35,000 per year. The lowest 10% are paid this on average.
How do interior design students make money? ›
- Create a Membership Site. ...
- Become an Affiliate. ...
- Sponsored Posts (Blog & Social) ...
- Become an Online Interior Designer. ...
- Start Freelance Copywriting. ...
- Create your own physical products. ...
- Become a Brand Ambassador. ...
- Sell a Digital Product.
One of the hardest roles of interior designers is introducing the latest trends while maintaining a sense of timeless style. You don't want your client to feel frustrated when a space is outdated after a few months.
What personality do you need to be a interior designer? ›The average Interior Designer tends to be collaborative and thoughtful when making decisions, prioritizing the needs and feelings of the people involved rather than pure logic or efficiency. The average Interior Designer is likely to be very social, trusting, and accepting of other people.
How can I improve my interior design skills? ›- Effective Communication. This is the key to almost everything. ...
- Long Term Plan. This is what every interior designer thinks about. ...
- Innovative Design Ideas. ...
- Your Mind is Your Database. ...
- Adaptability. ...
- Management Skills. ...
- Trust. ...
- Job Commitment.
Design management is also highly developed in the Netherlands. Concrete examples of these products and services include: Interior products, such as furniture and lighting. Graphic design, brand design, typography and illustration.
What school is best for interior design in the Philippines? ›| Rank | Name | School |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Irene Kathleen Dee Dee | Philippine School Of Interior Design |
| 2 | Hazel Anne Ling Tan | Philippine School Of Interior Design |
| 3 | Nicka Andaya Ventura | University Of The Philippines - Diliman |
| 4 | Grace Vidad Ryser | University Of The Philippines - Diliman |
Korea is widely chosen by international students who want to study interior design but other disciplines: + Korea with Asia's leading education is famous for many Top universities in the world, providing you with a professional, dynamic and modern learning environment.
Which design field gives highest salary? ›- Creative Director Salary: $134,582 per year.
- Furniture Designer Salary: $61,352 per year.
- User Experience Designer Salary: $92,666 per year.
- Architect Salary: $86,514 per year.
- Advertising Designer Salary: $67,100 per year.
- Fashion Designer Salary: $60,918 per year.
UI Designer is also one of the highest-paying design professions in India. They are also required to focus on style and looks and build a user-friendly and easy-to-use interface in computerized devices or software. The average annual salary earned by a UI Designer is around INR 4,93,180.
Which country is best for designers? ›The US is one of the top global locations for design work and is internationally known for high-quality design, generated both in-house for the world's leading tech startups and on the agency side for some of the most respected firms.
Which country is best for design study? ›
- Design in USA.
- Design in UK.
- Design in Canada.
- Design in Australia.
- Design in Germany.
- Design in Sweden.
- Design in Spain.
- Design in Switzerland.
The average monthly salary for Interior Designer jobs in the Philippines ranges from ₱19,000 to ₱24,000.
What is the salary of an interior designer in foreign? ›Salaries range from 1,350 EUR (lowest) to 4,540 EUR (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Interior Designer salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.
Do interior designers get paid well in Korea? ›An entry level interior designer (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of ₩35,538,305. On the other end, a senior level interior designer (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of ₩60,430,113. Data powered by ERI's Salary Expert Database.