According to IBISWorld, last June this year, the Interior Designers market will be worth $23.8 billion in 2022. Homeowners and businesses allocate larger budgets to enhance their living and working spaces. If you’re passionate about design and have a flair for styling, this is the best time to start your own interior design business.
The interior design business is defined as “the activity of planning and executing the design, selection of furnishings and fixtures, and supervision of construction for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings” by Encyclopedia Britannica. Simply put, you help your clients make their space more aesthetically pleasing and functional according to their needs, taste, and budget.
Starting any business is challenging, and the interior design industry is no different. To make sure you get off on the right foot, here are five ideas to consider for your interior design business startup:
Get Your Startup a Unique Logo
One of the standard setbacks for businesses without an official logo is that it can be difficult to be taken seriously. To make an excellent first impression and stand out from the competition, you should have a well-designed logo representing your business well. Your company’s logo is one of the first things potential consumers will notice when they visit your website. Make sure it’s eye-catching and reflects the style of your business.
You can hire a freelance graphic designer to create a logo if you’re not a designer. Once you have your logo, use it on all your marketing materials, from your website to your business cards.
Put Your Business Online
If you don’t have a website, you’re missing out on potential customers who might not be able to find you offline. This will allow potential clients to learn more about your services, see your portfolio, and contact you easily. Make sure your website is professional and up-to-date. Include high-quality photos of your work, testimonials from past clients, and transparent information about your services.
Make sure to showcase your work on social media as well. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are great for promoting your business and connecting with potential clients. Use hashtags in every post, include before and after photos of your works, and don’t forget to redirect your social media posts to your business’ website. If you don’t have the time or resources to create a website, you can use a platform like Squarespace or Wix to create a beautiful website in just a few hours.
Get Your Own Office
While you may be tempted to work from home to save on costs, having dedicated office space for your business is important. This will help you stay organized and keep work separate from home life. It can also make you more productive and professional in clients’ eyes. If you don’t have the space or resources to rent an office, you can look for coworking spaces in your area.
Real estate agents can assist you in finding the ideal work location for your firm, whether property for sale or lease. They can also negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal possible. This is helpful since you’re just starting your business, so you will need all the savings you can get. Setting up an office space for your interior design business is a great way to show that you’re serious about your business and are ready to take on clients.
Attend Trade Events To Flaunt Your Business
Trade events are a great way to network with other professionals in your industry, learn about new trends, and find potential clients. Make sure to research which events would be most beneficial for your business and list the ones you’d like to attend. You can also look for events specific to the interior design industry, like The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) annual conference.
Attend as many events as possible to get your name out there and build relationships with other professionals in your field. At the event, introduce yourself and hand out business cards and flyers. And don’t forget to create a buzz online when you’re attending trade events by posting about it on social media and your website.
Offer Free Services To Receive Free Advertisements
One way to get your business started is by offering free services. You can offer a free consultation to potential clients or give away a free design service. This is a great way to attract attention to your business and show off your skills. Make sure to post about offering free services on your website and social media to spread the word.
By offering free services, you’re also likely to receive free advertisements. If you want to get more exposure, work with influencers in your industry. You can offer them a free design service in exchange for them promoting your business on their social media channels. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and get more people interested in your business.
Final Thoughts
Starting an interior design business can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. If you’re passionate about design and have a flair for styling, use these five tips to get your business started. With a little hard work and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to success.
