How To Start Interior Design – I think there is a romantic notion around business, especially in interior design. No one sees the hard work
I think there is a romantic notion of being an entrepreneur, especially as an interior design business owner. No one sees the hard work you put in.
How To Start Interior Design
The focus tends to be Instagram-worthy after the photos, unless you’re sharing “behind the scenes” on location in your IG stories. (which I highly recommend!)
Starting An Interior Design Business In 2023 Business Activities And Marketing Moves
When you tell others what you’re doing, the response: “Oh, that must be so much fun!” is not unusual. I’m right? You know you’ve heard it before!
But honestly, running an interior design or decorating business can be tough. But don’t worry, I’m here to help!
A checklist is a good place to start to understand what you will need to run your business. To see my most viewed coaching video on “How to Run an Interior Design Business” now, click on the video below.
Too many times, new business owners think they are being pigeonholed. A common misconception is that they don’t get as many clients, but that’s actually not the case.
How To Start An Interior Design Business
With each client project and experience, you will quickly discover what you like about the business and what you would rather not do.
As your business grows and you make more money, outsource tasks you don’t enjoy or simply eliminate them entirely as a service you provide.
For example, I used to do all of our renderings and concept designs for clients. I now outsource this role so I can focus on other aspects of the business that I love, such as meeting with clients; curating beautiful designs as I like and making videos!
Either way, make sure you know what services you will be offering. This way, you can confidently explain not only what you do, but also the benefits of working with you.
Quick Start Interior Design Guide For 2023
I like to do a Discovery Call with each potential client and then an initial consultation to make sure everyone is a good fit for the proposed project.
You will need to invest in some key tools for your business design. This will rely heavily on my first point above as to what type of services you will be providing.
For example: 3D visualization software, large color whiteboards, accounting system, intuitive project management system and anything else you need to work effectively and efficiently.
Mydoma is the premier platform for interior designers who want to spend less time managing, get paid faster, grow their business, and get the support of an incredible community.
Ways To Build An Interior Design Brand On Instagram
If you like what you see, as I am a proud Mydoma brand ambassador, you can use my promo code to give it a try. (Note, this is an affiliate link)
Large color plates have been another huge asset to my business. They make it easier to choose the right paint color and I can show clients why I recommend one color over another.
I have a small library of fabric and wallpaper books in my office; brochures and catalogs as well as many samples to refer to as needed. I can bring some of these things to the client’s home to be as prepared as possible for the initial consultation meeting depending on their needs.
Here is my outdoor studio. I’m a little anal when it comes to organization, as you can see! Photo: Stephanie Buchman.
How To Start An Interior Design Or Decorating Business
Sure, interior decorating and design can be fun, but there’s a lot to know and keep track of!
You MUST be organized and professional in your registration process, tracking inquiries, obtaining and placing orders, customizing designs and much more.
In order to make the most efficient use of your time while maintaining your sanity, you NEED to have streamlined processes.
My HR background has served me well in this area, I actually manage to be super organized! If you hate coming up with email texts and creating checklists and forms or creating a process flowchart, let me help you save a lot of time with my proven processes.
How To Start An Interior Design Business Without A Degree
My “ROCK the Initial Consultation Processes Package” will guide you from the first call to the end of the initial consultation. EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS HERE.
With over 20 downloadable forms/templates/checklists; 7 pre-made emails and 3 videos, it’s full of invaluable content ready for you. All you have to do is add your own branding like logo and font colors!
Stop reinventing the wheel with every new client or worse, flying by the seat of your pants and making it up as you go!
As part of your process, DO NOT underestimate the importance of clear and thorough contracts. Learn more about my contract templates, now available for immediate download.
Dear Designer, How Do I Start A Design Project?!?
A huge benefit that you will serve clients is as a source of quality and trustworthy deals.
Customers will want to know they can count on you for great referrals such as builders, general contractors, painters, plumbers, electricians, and anyone else who may be called upon to perform work on a renovation or decorating project.
But here it is extremely important to understand how you will work with your trades. Will you be happy to hand over their details and let clients contact them directly? Or will you be overseeing each project to plan, manage and collect payments for all trades?
If you haven’t heard my podcast episodes with 2 of my suppliers, be sure to give them a listen.
Is Interior Design The Next Gig Economy?
I personally don’t like project management. That’s why we are happy to recommend stores to clients, but usually only to clients who have hired us for ongoing design services. Good deals are hard to come by, so do your homework and be clear about your working relationship.
You will also need to set up vendor and supplier accounts for various products such as plumbing fixtures, appliances, flooring, tiles and furniture. When you attend trade shows, build your relationships with local vendors so you can buy.
If you’ve never visited a furniture store and offer custom decorating services, click here to get insider tips from other designers on how to navigate showrooms and plan your journey.
In today’s busy world, you’ll want to promote yourself through social media platforms as well as face-to-face interactions in your local community. (Unless you only focus on E-design).
How To Start A Project ?
No matter what services you decide to offer, you’ll need a solid marketing strategy to get people to find you, to understand how you’ll save them money and how you can offer so much value to the project! This is why having a great online presence and strong relationships with others in the industry (both online and in your local community) are essential.
A great way to express yourself is through video. I have been using video in my business since 2013.
But with Facebook Live and Instagram stories, it couldn’t be easier to hit the record button and share what you have to offer with the world! And because what we do is so visual, there are tons of content ideas to share on a daily basis.
If you want to start making more videos in your business, read more about my Video for Profit course here. Don’t wait to start making a video, just press the shutter button and do it!
The Epic Guide On How To Start An Interior Design Business — Online Interior Design School By Alycia Wicker
Physical promotional materials are ideal for handing out to merchants, suppliers, friends, neighbors and clients. Here is the brochure I created to showcase my services and learn how I use it in my business to attract new clients.
After the project is completed, ask your satisfied clients for testimonials. Businesses are often successful through repeat business and referrals, and our interior design industry is no different.
I used to ask for reviews on Houzz because I get a lot of my business from that platform. But over the past few years I’ve focused on Google to get reviews and it’s paying off with increased inquiries from homeowners who tell me they found us through a Google search.
I appreciate that Houzz is not very popular in our industry, so you will need to consider which platform you want to align your business with and where you end up getting most of your online traffic from.
What It Costs To Start An Interior Design Business — The Little Design Corner
You will always want to add them to the testimonials page on your website because reviews are a HUGE BENEFIT for consumers.
You are in business to make money. Sure, this business is our passion, but it’s still a business.
What will you charge? How do you build multiple streams of income? Do you make commissions from furniture sales?
When running an interior design business, you will find that you have a lot of outgoing expenses. Everything starts to add up quickly and it is mandatory for you to make a profit at the end of the day. That doesn’t make you greedy, it makes you a smart business owner.
How To Start An Interior Design Business
Maybe you’re leaving money on the table when you should
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