12 Expanding Business Opportunities with Interior Designing

Interior designing can be one of the most lucrative ways to expand one’s business opportunities. This can turn into hugely creative work in case someone is personally passionate about interior designing as in interest. Hence, accompanying one’s passion for striking the right cords in the business world, interior designing can pay off tremendously.

Interior design is trending on online and onsite platforms. According to market research published in IBISWorld, corporate profit growth and the value of nonresidential construction are expected to shoot up threefold in the coming years, from 2021 to 2026. The biggest companies in the US and Europe have introduced this surge in the interior design industry, focusing on innovative and unprecedented interior decorating methods, residential design techniques, and institutional designs that speak for themselves.

Following the footsteps of the biggest brands in interior designing, there are a few tips that can help the starters in this field who aspire to either establish an interior designing company from scratch or those who want to expand the business opportunities for an already established brand;

Determining the Services

Interior design is a vast area where one can be creative. When you first start your business, the most important thing is to determine what services you will be offering specifically. Whatever services you intend to provide, ensure you deliver exactly what you offer to your clients. This way, your business will not only gain the trust of your clients but will also expand among the targeted audience.

Determining the Market and Audience

Sticking to a particular market, which can be one or two, is essential to have a clear direction in your business. Interior design opens various business opportunities; however, not all can be incorporated under a single brand, and such an open field might lessen your brand’s credibility. Therefore, one can choose a targeted market, for instance,

• Corporations and businesses – office design
• Hospitality providers
• Institutional design
• Home furnishing and décor – Residential design, etc.
• Choose a Trademark Style

Every brand and company has a particular trademark of its productions and services that becomes its identity. In a creative field like interior design, the only way to impress your audience is to stick to a specific style and category, which will be your brand’s distinct identity. Also, a targeted audience will be attracted to you instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. After all, it is better to specialize in one thing than to remain halfway through many things.

An Evocative Online Presence

Online marketing techniques have proven to be more effective than on-site platforms in this day and age of technology. People tend to select their preferences online first and then order them. Therefore, an online platform for your creative business will surely enhance your market presence and business opportunities, bringing more traffic and audience to your brand.

An online platform is also a way to begin your startup journey as an interior designer. According to a study, in the US alone, there are more than 100,000 firms for interior design businesses which employ almost 116,466 interior designers[2]. This shows the demand for this business, which can be doubled with an online presence.

Building a Portfolio

A strong portfolio will attract many customers to your business. A portfolio is a visual presentation of your work that makes convincing people easier. People will approach you easily after looking at your work. Your portfolio must speak for itself.

Setting Rates

Rates for your interior design services should be flexible or fixed, depending on the type of work you are involved in. Expanding your rate sheet to include all kinds of people will help you reach a larger audience. However, the affordability of your services will determine your audience.

Building Relations with Suppliers and Contractors

With the help of suppliers and contractors, interior design can be successful. This is an extensively creative project that requires the expertise of many artisans. Therefore, you must have an inventory of supplies and good relations with the contractors. For instance,

• Appliance distributors
• General contractors
• Textile suppliers
• Carpenters
• Painters
• Electricians and electrical equipment suppliers, etc.

A Rigorous Promotion Campaign

Promoting your brand is something that must be considered in this modern day. A solid online presence can only be achieved through a rigorous promotional campaign, online and on-site. For this, a few things can be done;

• Start a blog for your brand that will not only work as a portfolio but will also project information regarding your prospects. SEO techniques can be used to fully enhance your online campaign
• Use paid ads to activate your lead generation
• Make and share your business cards
• Ask family and friends to spread the word about your brand
• Attend tradeshows and discussions to create a strong marketing network. This will expose your brand to a vast audience

Interior designing can be a very lucrative and far-reaching business. It can open many opportunities for beginners in this field. Thus, taking it on as a business platform will give you satisfactory results.

Expanding business opportunities in interior designing involves exploring various strategies and niches that can help grow your business. Here are several ideas to consider:

1. Diversify Your Services

• Residential Design: Offer design services for homes, apartments, and vacation properties.
• Commercial Design: Cater to businesses such as offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and hotels.
• Specialty Design: Focus on niche markets like eco-friendly design, smart home technology integration, or luxury interiors.

2. Expand Your Market Reach

• Geographic Expansion: To reach more clients, open new offices in different cities or regions.
• Online Services: Provide virtual consultations and e-design services to clients worldwide.

3. Collaborate with Other Professionals

• Architects and Builders: Partner with architects, builders, and real estate developers to offer comprehensive design-build services.
• Furniture and Decor Suppliers: Collaborate with furniture and decor suppliers for exclusive deals and custom pieces.

4. Leverage Technology

• 3D Rendering and VR: Use 3D rendering and virtual reality to create immersive design presentations for clients.
• Interior Design Software: Invest in advanced interior design software to streamline your workflow and enhance your design capabilities.

5. Develop a Strong Online Presence

• Website: Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, and client testimonials.
• Social Media: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Houzz to share your work, engage with potential clients, and build a following.
• Content Marketing: Start a blog or YouTube channel offering design tips, DIY projects, and behind-the-scenes looks at your projects.

6. Offer Workshops and Courses

• Design Workshops: Host workshops on topics like color theory, space planning, and home staging.
• Online Courses: Create online courses for aspiring designers or homeowners looking to improve their own spaces.

7. Focus on Client Experience

• Personalized Service: Offer personalized design services tailored to each client's unique needs and preferences.
• Project Management: Provide comprehensive project management to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Aftercare: Offer aftercare services like periodic check-ins and maintenance advice.

8. Stay Updated with Trends and Standards

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest design trends, materials, and technologies.
• Certifications: Obtain certifications from recognized institutions to enhance your credibility and expertise.

9. Network and Build Relationships

• Industry Events: Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking functions to connect with potential clients and partners.
• Local Community: Get involved in your local community through events, sponsorships, and collaborations with other local businesses.

10. Create a Unique Brand Identity

• Branding: Develop a strong, recognizable brand that reflects your style and values.
• Client Testimonials: Showcase client testimonials and case studies to build trust and credibility.

11. Explore New Market Trends

• Sustainable Design: Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices to appeal to environmentally conscious clients.
• Smart Homes: Integrate smart home technology into your designs to attract tech-savvy clients.

12. Offer Subscription-Based Services

• Maintenance Packages: Offer subscription-based maintenance and refresh services to keep clients' spaces updated and fresh.

Implementing these strategies can help you expand your interior design business and seize new opportunities for growth and success.