What’s the key to success as an interior designer? There may not be one answer, but there are some tricks that top design firms are doing exceptionally well. By introducing these tips, you might find your interior design firm quickly climbing to the top.
See some of the few things top design companies are doing to help showcase their work, manage their businesses, and stay on top of design trends.
Creating Inspiring Social Media Pages
With social media exploding, many top design firms have started using social platforms as the ultimate interactive portfolio. In terms of interior design, the more visually driven the platform, the more effective it becomes. This puts apps such Instagram and Pinterest at the top of the list, with Facebook and Twitter acting as supplementary components.
Instagram’s heavy visual focus creates the perfect breeding ground for interior design inspiration. The site allows designers to show the public what they’ve got, from fresh new looks, how they tackle today’s trends, or messages from satisfied customers. With the ability for comments and messages, Instagram also allows designers to find potential clients and get a conversation started.
This marketing and awareness tactic has worked for many, now extremely successful and well-known interior designers, such as Kate Watson-Smyth with an impressive 190,000 Pinterest followers. When used right, social media opens a new door of communication and influence over potential clients, helping your design firm grow.
Using Interior Design Management Software
Today’s top design companies are organized, resourceful, and efficient when it comes to business management. From finances to time management, there are many areas of business that must run smoothly in order to increase productivity and grow customer satisfaction. Working with business management software created specifically for interior designers is what helps keep many of the top design companies, well, on top.
Interior design jobs are expected to increase by 13 percent within the next decade, meaning the opportunity for growth is just around the corner. Working with business management software specifically for interior designers ensures that you’re working with the best software for your company. Every process of business is streamlined, allowing you to complete tasks on time, on budget, and with ease.
Creating impressive proposals or purchase orders can be done from the same place, either at the office or on mobile. Team members can collaborate on documents in real-time and all business documents are backed-up and stored thanks to cloud-based software. While it may not be a secret, this software is one thing top design companies are doing that you can incorporate into your own firm’s success.
Staying on Top of Trends
Top design companies are always “with it” when it comes to design trends. However, these styles are forever changing and staying on top can seem daunting. Don’t fear! There are some tricks for staying on top that can help your business remain attractive to potential new clients.
Today’s design trends expand for beyond HGTV and design magazines. Information is virtually everywhere, from the corners of social media to designer blogs or websites. Leaving yourself time to trend search is important. Consider attending design conventions, interacting online with your favourite fellow designers, and reading relevant design blogs a few times a week. For example, The Pantone Colour Institute is an amazing resource for all things colour.
Staying on top of these trends allows you to maintain your portfolio, introduce new designs to your client’s spaces, and helps grow your following on social media. It may seem like common practice, but it’s one thing that will help you remain competitive in the changing world of interior design.
