Rule #1: If someone is claiming that their “method” or “strategy” is the ONLY way to attract your dream interior design clients, run far, FAR, away.
While the era of Stripe screenshots and “booked” notifications is on the way out – it’s hard not to wonder what your competitors are doing to attract clients that you’re not (and if signing up for their $10k VIP day will get you the clients you need).
(Spoiler: It *probably* isn’t).
Don’t get me wrong: investing can be a powerful tool for growing your business. I’ve joined programs, hired coaches, and purchased courses that have accelerated my growth. But none of it is a copy-paste method to success – and what you definitely shouldn’t do is force yourself onto a platform you spend every morning wishing didn’t exist because someone said “it’s the only way.”
So, what DO you do? You choose a way to find interior design clients that works for YOU – and feels good. Trust me, there’s plenty of options out there – just keep reading 😉
How to Find Interior Design Clients Who Would Love to Work With You
The goal is not just to find MORE clients, but to find clients who would love to work with you (and that you’re absolutely obsessed with). Meaning you don’t need to use this as a marketing to-do list you have to follow step by step – it’s meant to give you options.
Pick one or two platforms to start with and once you get comfortable creating – and staying consistent – there, then you can start thinking about bringing in another platform/channel to your marketing ecosystem.
Here are my top recommendations to help you find more interior design clients this year:
#1. Local Marketing
It’s not an “either or” thing where you can either market online OR market locally – you can and should do both! If your clients live near you, you should be creating ways to connect with them where they are. This could look like partnering with local businesses, sponsoring local events, or simply networking.
You could even start small by grabbing a booth at a local market to build brand awareness, hand out business cards, and build potential referral partnerships (think realtors, construction companies, and more!).
Want to learn more about building credibility as a local interior designer? Read this!
#2. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Search engine optimization, or SEO, is essentially how you show up in search results on platforms like Google, Bing, and even ChatGPT – although that’s technically “AEO.” SEO takes longer to get results, but once you do, it continues to build and drive traffic for years!!
SEO involves optimizing your website, creating keyword-driven blog posts, and building a strong brand reputation online (it also pairs extremely well with Pinterest marketing, another favorite of mine for interior designers).
With the right SEO, you can show up for Google searches like “interior designer near me” or “interior designer in [your city].”
#3. Blogging
Blogging is one of those dual-purpose marketing channels – on one hand, it’s a great way to rank on Google and help with your SEO (see above), and on the other, it’s the perfect way to nurture your audience in other places by sharing the link on social media, in emails, or Pinterest.
Another bonus? Starting a blog makes it easier to repurpose content for other platforms, like Instagram and email. Not sure where to start? Check out these blog post ideas for interior designers.
#4. Referrals
A good referral program is an absolute MUST if you really want to introduce more passive ways of finding new clients this year! You’re essentially incentivizing your past clients to spread the word and share their experience with you.
And if (or rather, when) someone books thanks to their referral, you give them a reward as a thank you. For example, I offer a $50 kickback for new members in SMM on Speed Dial if someone already inside sent them my way (my monthly membership offering on-demand social media advice for interior designers).
#5. Pinterest
Pinterest is just one of those places built for interior designers – the aesthetics, the visuals, and the fact that 60% of Pinners have used Pinterest to make decisions for home decor decisions. And the best way to get started on Pinterest? Blogging!
Blogging helps you create content to pin – although you can also pin your projects and portfolio! Like SEO, Pinterest does take a while to see consistent results and attract new clients, so it pairs well with a platform that has a little quicker turnaround, even if it requires a bigger ongoing time commitment.
#7. Email Marketing
A nurtured and engaged list – even if it’s tiny – can attract plenty of new clients for the year. The downside is that you have to work on building your email list (they won’t grow themselves). Email marketing usually pairs well with ANY other platform, and you can get by with emailing your list weekly or even bi-weekly. You get to nurture, educate, engage, and connect with your subscribers regularly and in their inbox, sharing your latest projects, breakdowns of the design process, and building a relationship with you, the human behind the brand.
#8. Social Media
As a social media manager, I can vouch for the fact that it’s a great place to find new clients! Right now, my favorite platforms are Instagram and Threads, but you can easily carry your IG content over to your Facebook page, too!
I recommend posting consistently 3-4 times per week and mixing up the type of content you’re creating! You should also be engaging with others on the platform – you can’t build a community if you’re not willing to communicate 👀
You Don’t Have to Do it All – Find What Works for YOU
It might sound a little cheesy – but truly, YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL.
If you did everything on this list by yourself, you’d have no time to enjoy anything. Ever. Which isn’t the greatest since you probably started your interior design business with the hopes of taking spontaneous 3-day weekends or enjoying a random Tuesday morning at your favorite coffee shop instead of being chained to your desk.
Find platforms that work for you, test the theoretical waters, and show up consistently – and once you find a platform you actually love to create for, keep going at it!!
When you show up, feel good about it, and do it strategically – clients WILL come.
And if you decide that you want to try social media, get consistent, and feel good about showing up on Instagram, join SMM on Speed Dial, my membership created for interior designers like you!
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