Offering something for free might seem like a good way to attract clients, but you may want to reconsider. Using the word “free” in your business undermines the value of your services, and there is a better word choice. Here’s why it’s time to replace the word “free” with “complimentary” and elevate the perceived value of your offerings, all while positioning your interior design firm as high value.
The Problem with ‘Free’: It Diminishes Value
The word “free” has become ubiquitous in marketing, but it carries a significant downside. It diminishes the perceived value of whatever you’re offering. When you label something as free—a consultation, a download, or a newsletter—it immediately suggests to the potential client that it has little to no value. If people don’t have skin in the game, they’re less likely to appreciate or act on what they receive. This approach can be detrimental when positioning your design firm as high value.
Instead of offering something for free, use the word “complimentary.” This small change in language can make a big difference in how your services are perceived. “Complimentary” implies that the offering is a gift, something of value that you are generously providing. This simple shift elevates the perceived worth of your services and helps reinforce your brand as one that offers high-quality, valuable experiences, effectively positioning your design firm as high value.
From ‘Free’ to ‘Complimentary’: Elevating Your Offerings
Whether it’s a newsletter, a design consultation, or a downloadable guide, referring to these as “complimentary” rather than “free” changes the way clients view them. A complimentary consultation, for instance, suggests a session of real value where the client will gain meaningful insights and advice. This sets the stage for a professional relationship built on respect and mutual appreciation.
Please resist offering free design discovery calls or consultations that anyone can book via a direct calendar link. This approach often leads to your calendar being filled with unqualified leads, wasting your valuable time. Instead, I recommend implementing a vetting process—a “golden door qualifier.” This is to ensure that only serious, qualified potential clients gain access to these complimentary sessions. This strategy is crucial in maintaining your brand’s image when positioning your design firm as high value.
Crafting High-Value Offerings
When you frame something as complimentary, it’s crucial to ensure that it truly delivers value. For example, a “Complimentary Furniture Investment Guide” sounds far more appealing and valuable than a “Free Budget Guide.” The former implies that the guide will help clients make wise, informed decisions about their home investments. The latter could be perceived as just another basic, low-value download.
This shift isn’t just about semantics. It’s about creating offerings that are genuinely valuable and worth your client’s time and attention. By focusing on delivering high-quality content and experiences, you can build stronger relationships with your clients and increase the likelihood of them investing in your services.
Key Takeaways
The word “free” might seem harmless, but it can significantly undermine the value of your offerings. By shifting to “complimentary,” you elevate your services, reinforce your brand’s quality, and attract clients who appreciate and value what you bring to the table. It’s time to ditch the F-word and embrace a language of luxury, quality, and value in your interior design business, effectively positioning your design firm as high value.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design business 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 design and the business of home.
