How To Establish Your Credibility As An Interior Designer

MARKETING

Oct 13

With so much trust placed on the line at the beginning of an interior design project, where the client has to wait months OR YEARS to see the actual finished product, it is CRITICAL that clients trust their interior designer and know they will be able to deliver them the results they are seeking.

The more credible you are as a company, the more streamlined your entire interior design client process will be.

You’ll have fewer objections during the sales process.
You'll have a higher chance of converting leads to contracted projects.
You’ll be able to charge higher fees.
You'll receive more client buy-in and approval at presentation.
You'll receive fewer objections and requests for revisions.
Your clients are less likely to question or second guess everything you do and say.

You want interior design clients to trust your process, know you’re doing what’s best for their home and budget, and see you as an experienced, proficient, knowledgeable, and qualified professional.

Additionally, when you develop loyalty within your client base, clients will come back for additional services and are more likely to provide testimonials and referrals. You’ll build a ready-made pipeline within your existing client base and among family and friend referrals that doesn’t require any additional marketing expense!

Here are a few things interior designers can do to increase their credibility.

#1. Always provide value.

Whether that's on your social media, on your blog, or via your email newsletter, always provide valuable resources and high-quality information. This will help to establish your credibility; you know what you’re talking about AND know what information your ideal clients need!

#2. Show up consistently.

If you're going to post a blog article every month, do it on the same day each month.

Never miss.

If you're going to send an email to your subscriber list, set a regular cadence. Or at least have a regular framework you follow for sharing information.

People like certainty, and when you set a cadence for when you show up, people will expect it. Not to mention, even if someone isn’t ready to hire a designer now, they may be in a few months, and your consistent outreach will keep YOU front of mind.

#3. Do what you say you’re going to do.

Nothing worse than a fickle service provider who talks a big game and then never follows through. Know your capacity. Know your expertise. Know when to say no if you must. But commit to fulfilling your contract and any other obligations you have to your clients.

#4. Give generously in your marketing.

Give generously, almost to the point where you question, “Should I charge for this?” Then give a little bit more.

Be that person who is recognized as admirable and charitable. Be a mentor to others. Share your insights. Be dedicated to the success of others in your sphere.

This builds goodwill. And, if you believe in the philosophy, “you get what you give,” the abundance will come back to you.

#5. Align with other reputable local businesses.

Position yourself as the expert by interviewing them to gather more tips to help your ideal clients.

Not only will you learn and grow, but you’ll also expand your professional network and elevate your status in your local community. Always have a growth mindset.

#6. Invest in professional branding, copywriting, and photography.

Don’t skimp here. Interior design is a visual business, and you need to set yourself apart by presenting your company and brand professionally. I’m telling you, I have seen this to be “the thing” that unlocks an interior designer’s ability to book bigger and better projects - not to mention solid branding gives them so much confidence.

#7. Invest in professional development.

Go to market. Meet with vendors. Invest in classes and certifications (read our breakdown on interior design certifications here).

All of these tips share a general theme: YOU investing time, energy, or dollars into your business. This exchange is important. You ultimately want clients to invest in your business by hiring you, so you must set the precedent that your business is one worth investing in.

I see all too often business owners who don’t want to spend money on x, y, or z, but then expect clients to come in and drop $10k on design fees or $50k on furnishings. But I’m like, wait, YOU won’t even spend $2k on a photoshoot or $5k on branding for your company, why would someone else spend that kind of money with you?