Dear Barbara,
I have been reading and hearing a lot about how hard it is to find clients in the Interior Design business, I have also read and heard that businesses are failing in this field in growing numbers. I would like to know if what I am reading and hearing is true, am I wasting my time getting into this business?
Michael
Hi Michael,
I’m so glad you got in touch. You raise an interesting question. Are you just getting started or considering getting into the interior design industry?
There are many things that come to mind when I read your questions, having been in the industry for over 23 years. There are two reasons I see most often that make it difficult for some designers to get clients.
To answer your first question –
When it comes to getting new clients, many interior designers are really behind the curve with marketing their businesses. I’ve talked with so many that rely on just one marketing medium like referrals, or a brochure website, which is very dangerous. Think of trying to sit on a 3-legged stool… it’s nearly impossible to do so with only one leg. But with 3 legs it’s simple. A professional website, postcards and an ezine are 3 perfect ways to start marketing your business. It’s what I’ve used for my successful interior design business for over 20 years!
Secondly, when I ask my clients what kind of marketing they’re doing right now, oftentimes the answer is. . . “Nothing” or “Networking” or “I have a website I made”. Yet none are producing any new clients. Why? It could be a number of things. No marketing produces no results. Networking incorrectly or without any follow up will also produce no results. A ‘handmade’ or do-it-yourself website most likely will also produce no results. Unless done correctly and not half way – none of these marketing techniques will bring in the kinds of clients interior designers dream of.
As for your second question about getting into the industry –
Yes, the economy is dire and we have all heard about how many businesses are failing. But I think the distinction you might look at is this… all kinds of businesses are failing, and in EVERY industry… not just interior design. It wasn’t too long ago when Starbucks closed the doors of 500 stores! Mega-giant… Starbucks! Even they’ve been hit hard.
So really, the question I would say is, how much are you willing to invest in the success of your interior design business? What are your business skills? Will you do your own marketing, producing a hand-made look and thus an inferior product/image? Or will you truly invest in your business and insure your success? One path is easier and more comfortable. The other path may be scary, but it will deliver the results you desire.
I hope that helps. Please feel free to post any other questions you may have, below.
Warmly,
Barbara 🙂