Key Marketing Strategies to
Grow Your New Decorating Business

In the world of interior decorating, it’s not just about having a good design sense. To truly succeed, you need both creativity and smart business strategies. Whether you’re starting out or looking to grow your existing business, mastering marketing, networking, and working with vendors is key.

This guide breaks down these important areas, giving practical tips for today’s designers who want to stand out and thrive.

Website

Your Website’s Design:

Importance: Your website is your digital storefront. It should encapsulate your brand, style, and the quality of your work.

Action Steps:

Choose a clean, modern website template that complements your design style.
Prioritize user experience: fast load times, intuitive navigation, and clear calls-to-action.
Regularly update your portfolio with new projects to keep it fresh and relevant.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization):

Importance: Without SEO, even the most beautiful website might remain unseen.

Action Steps:

Research local keywords (e.g., “Toronto interior decorator” or “modern home redesign in Oakville”).
Create quality content around these keywords, such as blog posts discussing design trends in your city.
Use tools like Moz or SEMrush to track your website’s SEO performance.

Social Media Presence

Platforms:

Importance: Social media platforms are where you can showcase your work in real-time and engage with a broader audience.

Action Steps:

Develop a consistent posting schedule.
Use tools like Buffer or Hootsuite to schedule posts in advance.
Create themed content days, like “Transformation Tuesdays” showcasing before-and-after shots.

Engage:

Importance: Social media isn’t just about broadcasting; it’s about building and nurturing relationships.

Action Steps:

Dedicate time each day to respond to comments and messages.
Collaborate with influencers for giveaways or takeovers.
Host monthly live sessions discussing a design topic or giving a behind-the-scenes look at a project.

Networking

Local Events:

Importance: Personal connections can lead to long-term business relationships and collaborations.

Action Steps:

Research local events or trade shows and mark them on your calendar.
Prepare a short elevator pitch about your services.
Follow up with connections made during these events via email or a phone call.

Partnerships:

Importance: Strategic partnerships can exponentially increase your reach.

Action Steps:

Identify businesses that align with your services but aren’t direct competitors.
Propose collaboration ideas, such as hosting a joint event or offering package deals.

Connect with Vendors

Importance:

Broaden Your Offerings: By connecting with a variety of vendors, you can offer clients a wider range of products and materials, ensuring you can cater to diverse tastes and budgets.
Stay Updated: Vendors often have insights into upcoming trends in materials, furniture, and decor. Regular interactions can keep you ahead of the curve.
Negotiate Better Deals: Building strong relationships can lead to discounts or exclusive deals, allowing you to offer competitive pricing to your clients or improve your profit margins.

Action Steps:

Attend Trade Shows: These events are hubs for vendors showcasing their latest products. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet multiple vendors, understand their offerings, and initiate relationships.
Open Communication: Regularly check in with your vendors, not just when you need something. This can be as simple as sending a holiday card or congratulating them on a business milestone.
Collaborative Promotions: Consider co-hosting events or promotions. For instance, if a vendor has a new line of eco-friendly paints, you could host a workshop on sustainable home design, featuring their products.
Feedback Loop: After completing projects, provide feedback. Let them know what clients loved, and if there were any issues. This not only helps in improving the quality but also shows vendors that you value the partnership.
Loyalty: While it’s essential to have a diverse range of vendors, showing loyalty to certain trusted ones can lead to better deals and priority service.

Offer Workshops or Classes

Offer Workshops or Classes:

Importance: Sharing knowledge not only positions you as an expert but also helps in community building.

Action Steps:

Survey your audience to understand what topics they’re interested in.
Promote your workshops well in advance using social media, email marketing, and local advertising.
Offer workshop recordings for sale or as a lead magnet for those who couldn’t attend.

Email Marketing

Email Marketing:

Newsletter:

Importance: A newsletter is a direct line to your audience, bypassing algorithms that might limit your reach on social platforms.

Action Steps:

Segment your email list to send targeted messages (e.g., potential clients vs. past clients).
Include a mix of content: recent projects, design tips, industry news, and personal updates.

Promotions:

Importance: Special offers can drive quick sales or bookings.

Action Steps:

Offer seasonal promotions, like discounts for spring home refreshes.
Bundle services for a discounted rate, encouraging clients to opt for a more comprehensive package.

Google My Business

Importance: This tool is crucial for local businesses, helping you appear in local searches and map listings.

Action Steps:

Ensure all information (address, phone number, hours of operation) is accurate and up-to-date.
Add photos regularly: project shots, behind-the-scenes, and even team photos.
Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews by sending them a direct link after project completion.

Referral Program

Importance: A good word from a satisfied client can be more effective than any advertisement.

Action Steps:

Design a simple referral program: e.g., for every new client referred, the referrer gets a 10% discount on their next service.
Promote this program after project completion, in your newsletter, and on social media.
Track the success of the program and adjust as necessary.