Running a design business is no small feat. But sometimes, we’re the ones holding ourselves back without even realizing it. You might think you’re doing everything to succeed, but there are hidden ways you’re avoiding your interior design business success.
Episode Timestamps
- 01:10 Lead-gen through connection over traditional advertising
- 05:15 Prioritizing lead-gen before business processes
- 13:20 Showcasing work as a lead-gen tool, even if it’s not “perfect”
- 21:45 Streamlining services to focus on lead-gen
- 28:30: Leveraging community visibility for organic lead-gen growth
In conversations with designers over the past few months, I’ve uncovered some surprising habits and choices that keep them from reaching their full potential. Today, I’m sharing these insights to help you race toward success instead of accidentally avoiding it.
Success in today’s design world means mastering the art of lead generation. Instead of relying on traditional advertising, it’s about being visible in your community and beyond; creating opportunities where your ideal clients can find you. By focusing on connection and proximity, you’re creating real opportunities for growth.
1. Embrace Connection, Not Advertising
Wondering where to advertise? Here’s the truth: lead-gen is less about placing ads and more about building genuine connections. Instead of pouring resources into ads, start with “proximity leads to profits.” Think about the activities you enjoy that can put you in proximity to potential clients—whether it’s attending an upscale yoga class, getting a seat to a wine dinner, or participating in a fundraising event.
Every opportunity for connection is lead-gen in action, driving your interior design business success. When people see and engage with you in real-life settings, you’re naturally memorable and magnetic, and you’ll attract the types of clients you want.
2. Lead-Gen Before Processes
Lead-gen should be your top priority, especially in the early days of your business. You can have the most flawless systems, but they’re useless without clients. Invest your time in finding ways to meet new people and build authentic relationships in your market.
Effective lead-gen means generating quality leads—the type of leads that bring in the projects you want, with the clients you love, and in neighborhoods that excite you. Once you’re focused on lead-gen, you can start refining processes with actual clients to serve.
3. Showcase Your Work—Even if It’s Not “Perfect”
Many designers fall into the trap of holding back their portfolio because it doesn’t feel “perfect.” But waiting for perfection is just one way to avoid lead-gen. Use the work you have to attract what you want. Sharing your portfolio, whether on social media or your website, is essential to generating leads for your interior design business success.
If a project isn’t up to your ideal standard, consider leveraging photoshop to reflect your style. Remember, a polished portfolio helps you attract more leads, which generates more opportunities.
4. Make Contact Easy: Include a Phone Number
Effective lead-gen starts with making yourself accessible. By not listing a phone number on your website, you’re potentially missing out on clients who prefer a quick, direct connection. Not everyone wants to fill out a form; sometimes, they want to speak with a real person.
Include a business line and let clients reach you in the way that feels most comfortable to them. Making contact simple and personal can be the difference in converting leads.
5. Streamline Your Services for Effective Lead-Gen
Offering too many services can dilute your brand and make lead-gen harder, ultimately impacting your interior design business success. Clients seek specialists, not generalists. Advertising every possible service confuses potential clients and makes your lead-gen efforts less effective. After all, a confused mind says “no.” And you want them saying “yes, yes, yes.”
Skip listing services entirely and simply detail your robust design process of 7-10 steps, (less than that and you are positioning design as too simple.) Include an image of each step, since we are in the Instagram age.
6. Be Your Own Billboard: Get Out There
Be your own billboard; you are your best source of lead-gen for your interior design business success. Get visible where ideal clients will see you, and be able to connect. Being out in person builds a strong network and positions you as a trusted, approachable design talent.
Lead-gen often happens naturally in these settings—whether it’s a chance conversation at an event or being seen regularly. It’s these real-life interactions, far less so print or digital ads, that lead to quality clients and lasting business growth.
Key Takeways
By embracing these lead-gen-focused strategies, you can let go of the small things that hold you back and focus on actions that lead to real growth in your business.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
