If you’ve been noticing a dip in leads lately, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of uncertainty out there—politically, economically—and it’s showing up in our industry. Here’s the good news: you have the power, talent, and ability to create your own economy. It starts with practical, tactical strategies that work. Let’s talk through seven that are simple to implement, cost-effective, and proven to bring in design clients.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
01:43 – “Mining past clients keeps your business strong through any economy”
03:29 – “Simple Google Alerts can help you reconnect meaningfully”
14:45 – “Ordinary activities like yoga or lunch can become client magnets”
20:34 – “Tailgates and supper clubs turn fun into leads”
36:22 – “Profit partners like hairstylists or massage therapists can introduce you to ideal clients”
1. Back to the Future: Mine the Gold in Past Clients
Too many designers close the door once a project is over. That’s a missed opportunity. Projects don’t end the relationship—they begin the next phase of it. Staying in touch with former clients is one of the most effective ways to generate new business, especially in uncertain times.
Know your clients’ preferred communication style. Are they texters, emailers, phone people, DMers? Use it. Set up Google Alerts with their name in quotation marks to stay in the loop on life events—graduations, promotions, moves. These are perfect touchpoints to check in.
And yes, a digital newsletter is a must. Monthly. Consistent. With a clear call to action. Keep it simple: a note from you, a project feature, a testimonial. Make it easy on yourself—batch-create it ahead of time if needed. A handwritten note or branded postcard still has powerful staying power too. I’ve seen them land on refrigerators and stay there.
Not sure what to say when you check in? Try:
✔ “How are you enjoying the style and comfort of your interior transformation?”
✔ “Are there any changes or updates you’d like us to make?”
✔ “Has it inspired you to move forward with any additional rooms?”
2. In Your Own Backyard
Nextdoor and similar neighborhood apps offer untapped potential—but you need to be strategic. Don’t self-promote (you’ll get flagged), but use those platforms to connect with other service providers who have your audience.
Reach out privately to landscapers, upscale cleaning services, best-in-the-area florists, residential painters, real estate agents and others who share your ideal client and do not compete with you. Suggest mutually promoting one another. Offer to write a post they can use, and ask if they’d be willing to do the same. It appears organic, isn’t technically promotional, and builds trust.
You can also mention their listings or services publicly in a complimentary way—without promoting your own business directly. “Sarah always has the most beautiful listings” goes a long way.
3. Ordinary Delivers Clients
The everyday activities you enjoy—Pilates, yoga, golf, tennis, hiking, even lunch with friends—can bring you leads. You just need to get out of the house.
I’ve seen designers get clients from horseback riding circles, from golf buddies, even from fitness classes. If you work out at home (like I do), think about joining a Meetup group or attend adult education classes where you’ll actually meet potential clients. The best clients are well educated and have thirst for learning.
Marketing only works when it aligns with you, so don’t force what doesn’t fit—but be open to opportunities in the activities you already enjoy.
4. Fortune Follows Fun
Get social. Tailgating, supper clubs, polo matches, wine dinners—these aren’t just fun. They’re lead-gen goldmines.
One designer landed two clients at a tailgate. Another created a quarterly supper club that includes past, present, and future clients—and even teamed up with a realtor to co-host. Think beyond traditional networking.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money. With supper clubs, the host rotates and provides the meal. It’s a relationship-building tool wrapped in a great night out.
If you already belong to a country club or fitness club, and you’re not showing up, now’s the time. Your future clients are there—are you?
Adult education programs, community events, or even joining a wine club or attending ticketed tasting events can lead to unexpected introductions. Paid events tend to attract a higher-caliber crowd, so consider investing in experiences where your clients already are.
5. Where Clients Gather
If your lead gen is dry, it might be time to explore platforms like Houzz, Bark, Home Advisor, Angie’s List and Thumbtack—strategically.
Try one at a time. With Houzz, you may need to invest $250 or so per month to gain visibility. And if you’re not getting good guidance from your account rep, request a different one.
Yes, there’s competition. Yes, you need to vet leads carefully. But I’ve had clients land incredible projects through these platforms—including one who was flown to Florida by a client they met through HomeAdvisor two years prior. Why? Because they stayed in touch with a newsletter.
Don’t dismiss these channels as desperate. They’re used by high-achieving men who prefer to go online rather than ask around, as well as couples and families that are new to the area. If those are demographics you want to reach, explore it.
And don’t invest more than you’re willing to lose. Give it a 90-day trial, then reassess.
6. Profit Partners—The Unexpected Ones
Yes, builders, architects, and real estate agents are common collaborators. But what about:
✔ Personal trainers
✔ Hairstylists
✔ Dentists
✔ Chiropractors
✔ In-home massage therapists
✔ House cleaning services
✔ Florists
✔ Event planners
✔ Personal chefs or caterers
They all serve high-end clientele who hire designers. If they have a newsletter, ask about a feature swap—or pay to be included. Be transparent if your list is still growing. You can still offer value.
This is also a reminder to create a compelling download on your website (a lookbook, furniture investment guide, or a case study) instead of a bland “subscribe to my newsletter” prompt. Build that list.
7. Long-Term Strategies That Pay Off
Some strategies won’t yield fast results, but they’re worth the investment regardless. They offer a long term ROI that takes time to build.
SEO is a long game. It’s never a one-and-done. Algorithms change constantly, and your strategy needs to evolve. Google My Business is one of the easiest short-term wins—if you haven’t claimed your listing or collected reviews, now’s the time.
Social media works when it’s consistent and high-quality. Desperation doesn’t sell—authenticity and value do. Before/afters, testimonials, CTAs in captions, and direct messages to followers matter. Just five to ten DMs a week can lead to new conversations.
And while you may not be excited about networking groups like BNI or Rotary, they can be valuable—if you’re in it for the long haul. It could take a year or two, but I’ve seen entire businesses built from one solid group.
Stay selective about the company you keep. Spending too much time around anxious peers can heighten your own anxiety. Be around people who take action—and do the same.
Key Takeaways
If you’re light on leads, the answer isn’t more stress. It’s a better strategy. These seven paths offer immediate and long-term opportunity—but only if you take action.
✔ Stay in touch with past clients
✔ Be smart about local platforms like Nextdoor
✔ Show up in real life where your people already are
✔ Turn social events into business opportunities
✔ Explore lead gen apps with intention
✔ Build profit partnerships beyond the obvious
✔ Commit to long-term visibility with SEO and networking
You have the power to create your own economy. You just need to stay connected, stay engaged, and stay consistent.
If you’re serious about growth and ready to take action, coaching will accelerate your success. It starts with a confidential Design Business Assessment—a complimentary session where we’ll take a close look at your design practice, where you are, and where you want to be. We’ll put together a plan to close the gap.
If you’re ready to explore coaching, schedule your Design Business Assessment here.
