6 tips for interior designers who want to create a strong brand
Have you ever wondered how you can create a strong brand for your interior design business? Have you even wondered why branding is important?
It’s a given that Interior design is about creating a visually appealing and functional space that reflects the personality and values of the client. Often as designers, we feel we have to take on chameleon-like qualities and emphasise the qualities of our clients first.
Though it is crucial that we consider the needs and desires of our clients, it’s our unique perspective that our clients are paying for. Otherwise, they would get a draftsperson to complete a design and do all the selections themselves.
It’s this unique personality that is our brand. It differentiates us from the competition and helps us attract new clients.
In this blog post, I’m going to discuss the six ways that interior designers can use branding to enhance their business:
Firstly, as designers, we have a unique brand story. This story is developed from exploring our background, mission, and values as designers. Our brand should centre around our brand story. By sharing your story on all your touchpoints, from your website to your emails, a strong brand identity gives clients a sense of who you are and what you stand for.
The next tip is to create a consistent visual identity. Using consistent colours, typography, and imagery across your marketing materials creates a recognisable and cohesive brand. Your selections will be aligned with your brand and your brand story. This may seem daunting, but once you understand who you are and what your brand is, you will be able to develop a strong identity.
Once we have developed our brand and story, we can use social media effectively. We always have things to say because we can talk about our unique perspectives! Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new clients and building a community around your brand. You can tell your brand story across platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Showcase your portfolio, share design inspiration, interact with your followers, and ensure your unique brand visuals and voice shine through.
Your website is often the first point of contact that potential clients have with your business, so it's essential to make a great impression. Whether you develop your website yourself or it is developed for you, ensure that you pay as much attention to the words on your site, the client’s journey, and your visuals. Does your website sound like you and look like your brand?
The next tip is to be authentic as you can. By digging deep into your brand story, you will develop a vocabulary of your brand, both in your voice and vision. Be true to yourself and your brand at the point you are in. However, though we all have aspirations to build our businesses, be clear about who you serve, your values and your mission. Your clients will appreciate your authenticity, which will help you build trust as you can follow through.
The last tip is to personalise your approach. You will try to understand your client's needs and desires, and your designs will reflect their personalities and lifestyles but with your unique spin. This will help you build a loyal client base who love you because of that unique quality.
Using branding in your interior design business helps you stand out in a crowded market and build a loyal client base. By focusing on your unique brand story, consistent visual identity, and effective use of social media and website, you can attract new clients and build a successful business. Want to learn more about how you can develop your brand? I’m running a beta test for my new course. Check out this page here.
Hi 👋🏽 I’m Joanne!
I’m an interior designer, educator and business coach. After studying Economics and Education at uni, the design world beckoned, drawing me to Christie’s in London, where I completed post-grad studies in art & design and then to Hong Kong, where I founded Eclectic Cool, a design firm and design store. . Eclectic Cool represented international brands such as Gubi, &tradition, HAY, Armadillo Rugs & Dinosaur Designs to name a few. My work and store have been featured in Monocle, Conde Nast Traveller, Elle Decor, Expat Living, Cathay Pacific inflight magazines, South China Morning Post and the ABC (Australia) network and more. I live on the south coast of Australia on a country property between the beautiful Australian bush and the Pacific Ocean with my husband and cavoodle. I’m the mum of three adult children.
