9 Reasons for Interior Designers to Use Their Own Website - with Nancy Ganzekaufer, Interior Design Business Coach
/As an interior designer, you know you need a business website. But it’s important to understand why and how to use it properly.
The primary reason for any business to use a website is to control the way your business, work and ideas are presented to your ideal clients.
There are 3 primary ways to do this:
1) Establish your niche and approach. Clearly explain your unique approach, niche and services to interior design clients. Most interior designers don’t do this, but you need to use some words to actually explain how you are different than others!
2) Prove yourself with photos & client success stories. Prove your value and design experience with a Portfolio and match them with real client testimonials - Clients want to see “what could be” and get proof that you are able to get the final job done fully, properly and without stress.
3) Capture initial contact information. This one is often the weakest for interior designers. They live their contact page to say “Contact Us, and then use Name, Email, Phone and Message” - but this inspires no one to take action. You need to lead your clients to take the next step by asking them to either schedule a phone call, request pricing, schedule a meeting, download your pricing or process sheet, or other ways to get clients to take the next step.
Below are 9 reasons interior designers need to confidently use their own website to display their work, by Nancy Ganzekaufer, interior design business coach
Check out her website at https://nancyganzekaufer.com/
1. Showcase your work
In the world of interior design, images speak volumes. In fact, one image could be all you need in order to land a client. A website is a powerful way to put your best work front and center, making it easy for anyone to view and appreciate.
2. Make it easy for your work to be shared
A website not only showcases your portfolio of work, but it allows people to share it, whether via design platforms, popular apps, or even just emailing or texting a friend. This reason alone should be enough to compel you to create a website because it empowers others to do your marketing for you.
3. Develop a relationship with potential clients
Your website is a great opportunity for you to allow potential clients to get to know you and your work. Many times, it takes a client several interactions before they decide you’re the right designer for them. Your website affords you more and more opportunities so that you can close the deal.
4. Create valuable content to position yourself as an authority
Through your website’s blog, as well as the potential for newsletters, PDF downloads, etc., you’re able to share your expertise with anyone who lands on your pages. This type of content not only helps you get found online, but it deepens the relationship you’re building with future clients, too.
5. Give options for getting in touch with you
A website allows you to give plenty of options for people wanting to talk or ask questions. While you can (and should) still feature a phone number, you can also provide easy to fill out email forms (or even online customer service chat apps) to make it more convenient. You’ll be amazed how many more clients get in touch with you when you give them options!
6. Take control of your brand’s image
If you don’t have a website online as an interior designer, you have no control over what shows up when someone searches your name or your business. The best way to make sure people are finding what you want them to find is to create a website.
7. Easily offer free services and information
Your website is an amazing way to generate new leads. Even if someone isn’t interested in working with you just yet, you can utilize your website by providing something free (like a downloadable guide to styling homes) in exchange for an email. Creating an email list that you can stay in touch with can keep your business healthy for years to come.
8. Do less work to get more clients
There are a lot of clever ways to automate elements of your website, which means you can start getting clients without having to hustle every single day. A lot of the systems utilized on websites only require you to do something once, such as recording an informative video or webinar, rather than having to say the same thing every day to potential clients who call asking questions.
9. Attract the right clients
When you design a website for your interior design brand, you’re given so many opportunities to infuse it with your style and personality. When your website conveys who you ARE as a designer, then you’ll find that the right clients come to you– and fewer of the ones who aren’t a good fit.
While it’s great to have a professional help you design your website, I know it can sometimes be pricey which, if you’re just starting out, can be something that is just out of your reach. But that doesn’t mean you should go months (or years) without one. There are so many great, easy to use templates that will allow you to get started building your online presence. And, if you’re wanting to really compete in interior design, that’s something you have to have.
Overwhelmed growing your business and need help? You don’t have to figure it out all alone anymore. Sign up for a discounted one-time business strategy call and I’ll help you make decisions on the next steps for you and your business. http://www.BusinessCoachNancy.com/consult