Growing an interior design business takes more than just talent—it requires strategic marketing that positions you as the go-to designer for your dream clients. If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly posting on Instagram but not seeing real traction, or relying on word-of-mouth without a steady stream of inquiries, you’re not alone.
The best brands don’t grow by accident. They grow with intention, consistency, and a solid strategy that works for them behind the scenes. Whether you’re looking to book more clients, increase brand awareness, or streamline your marketing efforts, these essential growth strategies will help you build a business that scales without the burnout.
Create a Brand That Stands Out
One of the biggest mistakes I see interior designers make is blending in. Your brand isn’t just about your logo or the colors on your website—it’s about how people feel when they come across your content. It’s the story you tell, the experience you create, and the impression you leave behind.
Think about it. When someone stumbles onto your Instagram or Pinterest page, do they instantly recognize your aesthetic? Do they get a sense of your personality? Your content should be as curated and intentional as the designs you create. A strong brand presence builds trust and keeps you top of mind when potential clients are ready to invest in their spaces.
Make Social Media Work for You (Not the Other Way Around)
Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing client projects, sourcing materials, and running a business. But here’s the thing—posting for the sake of posting won’t move the needle. You need a strategy that not only showcases your work but also connects with your audience in a way that makes them think, I need to work with them.
Instead of just sharing polished project photos, start showing more of the process. Give a behind-the-scenes look at your design approach, explain how you choose the perfect paint colors, or share client testimonials that highlight what it’s like to work with you. The more you invite people into your world, the more they’ll trust you as the expert. And if you haven’t embraced short-form video yet, now’s the time—Reels and TikToks are driving serious engagement, and interior design is perfect for visual storytelling.
Engagement is just as important as content creation. Comment back, start conversations in your DMs, and nurture those relationships. Clients aren’t just hiring you for your design eye—they’re hiring you because they connect with you.
Tap Into Pinterest for Long-Term Growth
If Instagram is where people find you, Pinterest is where they plan their dream spaces. And that means it’s one of the most powerful (yet often overlooked) platforms for interior designers. Unlike Instagram posts that disappear from the feed in a few days, Pinterest content keeps working for months—even years.
When used strategically, Pinterest can drive consistent traffic to your website, position you as a design authority, and even generate direct client inquiries. The key is pinning regularly, optimizing descriptions with searchable keywords, and making sure your pins link back to your services or blog.
If you’re not sure how to make Pinterest a core part of your marketing, SocialNectar offers Pinterest strategy services specifically crafted for interior designers. We can help you create a system that works on autopilot—so your content keeps reaching new audiences without requiring daily effort from you.
Build an Email List That Converts Followers into Clients
Social media is great for visibility, but let’s be real—algorithms change, and platforms can feel unpredictable. Your email list, on the other hand, is yours. It’s a direct line to potential clients who have already shown interest in your work, making it one of the most powerful tools in your marketing toolkit.
Think of it like this: Not everyone who follows you is ready to hire you right now, but they might be in six months or a year. Regular emails keep you top of mind, so when they are ready, they think of you first.
The easiest way to grow your email list? Offer something valuable in exchange for their sign-up. A freebie like “5 Styling Tips for a Pinterest-Worthy Living Room” or a design checklist makes it easy for people to join your list. From there, nurture your subscribers with project reveals, design inspiration, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep them engaged.
Leverage Client Testimonials & Word-of-Mouth Marketing
There’s nothing more powerful than social proof. A beautifully written testimonial or a glowing client review can be the difference between someone considering your services and actually booking you.
Make it a habit to ask for testimonials at the end of every project and showcase them across your website, social media, and email marketing. You can even create content around your past projects—share before-and-after transformations, highlight client experiences, or do a “Client Spotlight” series where you walk through the design process.
And don’t forget about referrals! When a client loves your work, they’re more than happy to tell their friends. Sometimes, all it takes is a gentle reminder. Let past clients know that you appreciate referrals and offer a small incentive if it makes sense for your business.
Streamline & Automate Your Marketing Efforts
Growth doesn’t mean spending more time on marketing—it means working smarter. If you’re constantly feeling behind on content, it’s time to simplify your process.
Batch-creating content is a game-changer. Instead of scrambling to post every day, set aside time each month to plan and create your content in advance. Use scheduling tools to automate Instagram posts, Pinterest pins, and email newsletters so your marketing runs without needing your constant attention.
Repurposing content is another way to maximize your time. A single blog post can be turned into multiple Instagram posts, Pinterest graphics, and an email newsletter. Instead of reinventing the wheel, use what you already have and share it in different ways across your platforms.
Final Thoughts
Scaling your interior design business doesn’t have to mean working harder—it’s about working strategically. When you refine your brand presence, create high-impact content, leverage platforms like Pinterest, and build an engaged email list, your marketing starts working for you.
The best brands don’t grow overnight, but they do grow with intention. Focus on the right strategies, stay consistent, and before you know it, you’ll have a business that attracts the clients you want to work with—without constantly chasing the next lead.
Which strategy are you excited to implement next? Let’s chat in the comments!
