Gone are the days when people would collect magazines and browse catalogs for interior design ideas. Today, social media platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook allow homeowners to discover their design style, learn about interior decoration, and communicate with designers directly. The most effective way to grow your design business and create lasting relationships with your clients is by utilizing these platforms through strategic digital marketing. The following tips are easy to implement and will improve your engagement.
1. Start a Blog
Blogging is one of the most effective ways to showcase your design talent and establish your expertise in the field. Not only do they allow you to share your knowledge and creativity, but you can engage on a more personal, but still professional, level with your clients. They can be short and sweet, but they’re essential for improving your SEO when you use keywords and phrases throughout your content. A blog can easily be added to your company website or created on a blogging platform. Most of these platforms, like Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, and WordPress, have SEO identification features that will improve your search relevancy and increase your traffic when updated regularly.
2. Optimize Social Media
Social media is an amazing way to attract and engage potential clients because it’s free advertising. Aside from your website, your social media accounts should be secondary for showcasing your portfolio and drive traffic back to your website. Engaging your audience with attractive content is only the first step. Connect with your followers by responding to comments, answering direct messages, and liking posts. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram are all great platforms to share your work, but Pinterest dominates the DIY, home and décor, and design space. If you’re a designer and only have time to focus on one of these networks, make it Pinterest.
3. Use Videos
One of the quickest and easiest ways to catch your audience’s attention is with a short video. By 2021, over 80% of all internet traffic will be video, which means it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Many people get intimidated when they hear the word “video,” as they automatically associate it with a big budget. Contrary to popular belief, video content doesn’t need to be perfect or have the highest resolution like photos. All you need is your smartphone and to hit “record.” Start with a simple introductory video to add a personal touch and let your potential clients know who you are.
4. Quality Over Quantity
As an interior designer, you want to make your clients happy by meeting their wants and needs. However, you also want the right customers to find you based on your brand and your particular style and area of expertise. This means sticking with your brand aesthetic throughout all platforms and your website. Focus on quality over quantity. Be consistent with your brand voice and don’t post anything unless it feels cohesive with your business. Eventually, once you find your stride with crisp, bright photos and engaging copy, aim to post at least four times a week for the best outreach. Until then, it’s fine to post less as long as it’s great material.
5. Understand Your Audience
People spend an average of four hours a day on their phones! Make sure that your website is optimized for mobile devices and be sure to take into account your social media networks. Consider who your ideal client is and meet them where they likely spend most of their time. If your ideal client is in their 20s to 30s, you may have more luck with engagement on Instagram. If they’re in their 30s to 40s, Pinterest is your best bet. Try to curate content that will appeal to your demographics. For example, 20-somethings might enjoy a list of budget-friendly places to buy home accents, while 40-somethings may prefer tips on home maintenance and organization solutions.
Building an online presence can take some diligent effort, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Every successful marketing plan incorporates simple digital tactics to better connect with and attract new customers, increase customer retention, and showcase design work in a professional and personal way. The most essential tip to remember is to showcase your brand and expertise, and the right clients will find you with minimal effort.
For additional information take a look at our Resource Library for additional marketing tips. If you want to speak with one of our professionals contact us or schedule a strategy session so we can better understand you business and show you how we can help grow your business and your brand.