You create stunning spaces that inspire people to live better—but how do you make sure the right people are seeing your work?
If you’ve ever found yourself saying,
“My work speaks for itself—why isn’t the phone ringing?” then this guide is for you.
Marketing an interior design business isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about being seen in the right places, by the right clients, with the right message. At Redshift Local, we help design professionals build lean, beautiful, and highly effective local marketing systems that match the elegance of their craft—and deliver results in under 90 days.
Having a clear marketing idea or concept is essential to guide your efforts and set your business apart from the competition.
Step 1: Set Clear Business Objectives for Your Design Firm
Before diving into any marketing strategy, it’s essential for your interior design business to set clear, actionable objectives. Think of these as the blueprint for your marketing efforts—without them, it’s easy to lose direction or waste resources. Start by defining what you want your interior design marketing to achieve. Are you aiming to boost brand awareness in your local market, generate more qualified leads, or increase bookings for your interior design services?
To ensure your goals are effective, use the SMART framework: make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, your interior design business might set a goal to increase website traffic by 20% over the next six months by focusing on social media marketing and optimizing your site for search engines. By setting these clear objectives, you’ll be able to track your progress, adjust your marketing strategy as needed, and keep your entire design business aligned and motivated.
Step 2: Know Your Ideal Client and Your Local Market
Before you spend a dollar on ads or content, get clear on who you’re marketing to.
- Are you targeting luxury homeowners, urban professionals, or commercial spaces?
- Do you specialize in kitchen remodels, eco-friendly design, or mid-century modern aesthetics?
- What’s happening in your local market—new construction boom, high turnover neighborhoods, or lots of remodels?
With many interior designers competing for the same clients, it’s crucial to differentiate your business through focused messaging.
When you understand your audience and location, your messaging becomes magnetic.
🎯 Redshift Tip: Speak to a very specific type of client in your content and ads. General design language blends in. Focused messaging stands out.
Step 3: Establish a Standout Brand Identity
In a competitive market, a memorable brand identity is what sets your interior design business apart and attracts your ideal clients. Your brand identity is more than just a logo—it’s the visual and emotional impression you leave on potential clients. Start by defining your unique value proposition: what makes your interior design services different? Then, develop a cohesive visual style, including a logo, color palette, and typography that reflect your brand values and personality.
Consistency is key. Use the same tone of voice and messaging across all your marketing materials, from your website to your social media accounts. For example, if you’re an interior designer who specializes in sustainable design, incorporate eco-friendly imagery and a green color scheme to reinforce your commitment to sustainability. A strong, authentic brand identity builds trust with your target audience and makes your design business the obvious choice when clients are ready to invest in interior design.
Step 4: Build a High-Impact Online Presence
Digital marketing is an essential, measurable, and versatile approach for interior designers to build a strong online presence and attract clients.
If your digital presence isn’t strong, you’re invisible to 90% of potential clients who search online first.
Google Business Profile (GBP)
Claim and optimize your listing:
- Add service areas
- Upload polished photos (before/after, styled shots)
- Collect reviews from happy clients
- Post regular updates or project highlights
Maintaining an accurate and comprehensive business listing on Google Business Profile and other online directories is essential for improving your local search visibility and attracting more potential customers.
GBP is your local SEO anchor and often the first impression a potential client will see.
Portfolio Website
Your site is your digital studio—it needs to reflect your aesthetic and convert visitors into inquiries.
Must-have features:
- Home page with strong visuals and positioning statement
- Portfolio or “Our Work” section
- Service pages with city-specific SEO targeting (e.g., “Modern Home Interiors in Denver”)
- Contact or booking form
- Testimonials and trust badges
- A visually stunning website that showcases your work, attracts potential clients, and enhances your online presence
Your own website acts as a digital showroom—make a strong first impression with high-quality visuals and a user-friendly design.
Pro Tip: Use soft CTAs like “Schedule a Free Consultation” to encourage contact without pressure.
Step 5: Master the Right Marketing Channels
Instagram + Pinterest
These platforms are built for design—use them strategically. Optimizing your Instagram profile is essential to reach a large, visually-focused audience and boost engagement.
- Post before/after carousels, mood boards, client walkthroughs
Choosing the right social platform is crucial to effectively connect with your target audience and maximize your marketing efforts. - Use location-based hashtags (#ChicagoInteriorDesign)
- Promote saveable content like color palettes, room layouts, transformation tips, and creative ideas that inspire potential clients and enhance your visibility
- Drive traffic from Pins to your blog or portfolio
Bonus: Run targeted Instagram ads with geographic filters to reach local audiences with style.
To succeed, create content tailored to each social media platform to attract and retain your audience.
Google Ads (Search + Display)
Use paid ads to target people actively looking for interior design help.
- Run Google Search Ads for keywords like “interior designer near me” or “kitchen remodel designer in Austin” and optimize your ads for relevant Google searches to increase visibility and attract potential clients
- Use Display Ads for visual retargeting: show past site visitors your latest project shots
- Promote seasonal offers or design packages
Redshift Strategy: Start with a $500–$750 monthly test budget. Focus on high-intent keywords and use clear landing pages to capture leads.
Email Marketing for High-Ticket Buyers
Most design clients don’t hire on impulse. Nurturing is key.
Build a list by offering:
- Free style guides
- “Top 10 Interior Mistakes Homeowners Make”
- Mini project case studies
- Valuable content such as informative blog posts or design tips to educate and inspire your audience
Then, follow up with:
- Monthly design trend updates
- Project reveals
- Seasonal discounts or consultations
Email keeps your brand top-of-mind until they’re ready to commit.
Local Partnerships & Networking
Interior design is a relationship-driven industry. Strategic partnerships can become goldmines.
- Partner with realtors, architects, home stagers, general contractors, and contractors to expand your local network
- Offer referral incentives or package deals
- Attend local home shows, design expos, trade shows, and chamber events to build visibility and connect with potential clients and industry professionals
Example: A partnership with a luxury realtor in Atlanta generated 7 direct referrals for one Redshift client within 60 days.
Referral Programs That Work
Happy clients love to share—give them a reason to. Word-of-mouth referrals are a powerful, organic way to grow your business.
- Offer a $100 gift card or free design hour for every referral
- Reach out to past clients for referrals and testimonials to boost your reputation and credibility
- Create shareable testimonial graphics with your client’s project photos, and include client testimonials as social proof in your marketing materials
- Ask for video testimonials or Google reviews within 1 week of project completion
This creates a self-sustaining lead engine powered by trust.
Step 6: Harness Technology to Elevate Your Marketing
Modern marketing for interior design businesses is powered by technology. Leveraging the right digital tools can help you reach more potential customers, streamline your workflow, and grow your business efficiently. Start by using social media marketing to showcase your latest projects and connect with your audience on platforms where they spend their time. Email marketing is another powerful tool for nurturing leads and keeping your brand top-of-mind with past and current clients.
Don’t overlook the importance of search engine optimization (SEO) to ensure your interior design business appears in relevant search results. Additionally, project management and design software can help you stay organized and deliver the best quality service to your clients. Consider implementing a customer relationship management (CRM) system to track client interactions and follow up on leads more effectively. By embracing technology, your business can stay ahead of the curve and maximize every marketing opportunity.
Step 7: Measure and Optimize Your Marketing Efforts
To build a successful interior design business, it’s not enough to launch marketing campaigns—you need to measure their impact and refine your approach. Regularly track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, social media engagement, and the number of new leads generated. This marketing data will help you understand which marketing tactics are delivering results and which areas need improvement.
Use these insights to make informed decisions about your marketing budget and where to focus your efforts. For instance, if you notice that your Instagram posts are driving the most traffic to your website, consider investing more time and resources into that platform. Continually optimizing your marketing strategy ensures you’re getting the best return on investment and helps your interior design business attract more clients over time.
Step 8: What NOT to Do in Design Marketing
Avoid these common pitfalls:
🚫 Relying only on Instagram or referrals
🚫 Having a beautiful site that loads slowly or lacks SEO
🚫 Targeting everyone (which really means targeting no one)
🚫 Ignoring local visibility strategies like GBP or geo-targeted content
🚫 Overlooking organic and local marketing opportunities before investing in paid advertising
Interior designers who blend aesthetic with marketing strategy win the visibility game—period.
Redshift Local’s Take: Marketing That Matches Your Design Style
At Redshift Local, we help design pros build marketing systems that are:
- Elegant
- Efficient
- Effective
We help interior designers develop a solid marketing strategy to stand out in a competitive market and attract more clients.
We use our VTC Framework™ to guide everything we do:
- Visibility – through search, social, and partnerships
- Traffic – to a site or landing page built to convert
- Conversions – via forms, phone calls, or booking links
Whether you’re brand new or already booking clients, we help you grow faster—with less guesswork.
FAQs: Marketing an Interior Design Business
Yes—for SEO and authority. Blogging is a key part of content marketing, helping you build trust, establish expertise, and attract interior design clients. Short, visual blog posts on topics like “Top 5 Mistakes in Small Space Layouts” can attract organic traffic and support your overall marketing strategy.
Absolutely. Sharing online content such as blog posts and visuals on Pinterest can drive traffic for months or even years, especially for evergreen project content. It’s also an effective way to reach and attract new interior design clients.
Use them for exposure and backlinks, but don’t rely on them long-term. A Houzz profile can appear in search engine results when prospects look for local interior design professionals, increasing your visibility. Still, focus on building your own channels and client list.
Start with $500–$750/month. Adjust based on ROI. An interior design marketing plan will help guide your spending, ensuring your budget aligns with your business goals. Always track results and double down on what works.
Additional Resources for Interior Design Marketing
Staying ahead in the interior design industry means continuously learning and adapting your marketing strategy. There are countless resources available to help interior designers sharpen their marketing skills and stay current with the latest trends. Explore online courses, webinars, and workshops dedicated to interior design marketing to gain fresh insights and practical tips. Industry publications and blogs are also valuable sources of inspiration and best practices.
Joining professional associations and networking with other interior designers can open doors to new clients and collaborative opportunities. Don’t forget to leverage social media platforms and online communities where you can share your work, connect with potential clients, and build your reputation. By investing in your ongoing education and staying engaged with the market, you’ll be well-equipped to develop a winning interior design marketing strategy that attracts new clients and drives your business forward.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Selling Design—You’re Selling a Transformation
And marketing is what gets that transformation in front of the people who need it most.
To grow your interior design business, you need more than a beautiful portfolio—you need:
- A strategic online presence
- A smart, multi-channel marketing approach aligned with your business goals and marketing goals
- A system to turn views into booked consultations
A strong marketing system not only helps attract new business but also ensures your brand image remains consistent and professional across all platforms.
And that’s exactly what we build at Redshift Local.
Ready to Market Your Design Business Like a Pro?
Let’s create a marketing plan that’s as thoughtful and well-designed as the spaces you create. In your session, we’ll help you identify cost-effective public relations opportunities and show you how to showcase your interior design projects to attract more clients.