Why Not Having a Website is Hurting Your Interior Design Business
Your business isn’t as strong and profitable it could be without a website.
When you’re a small interior design business a website is not optional. It’s required. There is no excuse you could provide that would change my mind.
Your website is your business partner, marketing, client onboarding, work showcase, contact information, client screener, and open for business sign. Without one you’re undoubtedly losing clients and projects.
Here are the reasons why not having a website is huring your business.
People can’t find you.
What do most people do when they want to find something? They search the internet. They won’t find you if you’re not there. And if your business relies mostly on referrals, wonderful, but you may lose some of those referrals because they’re probably still going to vet you online and if you don’t have a website they may choose someone else. Why would you want to limit yourself to only the clients that past clients send your way? Referral-only is not a good marketing strategy because those can dry up.
People want to be able to get to know you a bit before they contact you - your website allows them to do just that. Without a website your reach is limited to who you know and who your clients know - why limit your business?
Social media doesn’t belong to you.
Perhaps you depend on social media to share information about your business and to attract new clients. Great! But again, this is a bad marketing strategy because those followers on social media - they don’t belong to you. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook can take them and your account away without explanation or much recourse. You won’t have anything. Plus organic reach on social media is diminishing and the algorithms can change overnight. Don’t let your business be at the mercy of another mega-company. Social media should be a part of an overall strategy that includes getting those followers off social and onto your website and onto your email list.
Lack of credibility and professionalism.
Everyone has a website these days and without one, your prospects may be left wondering why you don’t. Having a website is synonymous with business and if you don’t - well prospects may feel that you don’t really have a business. Many trade companies won’t let you set up an account without a website. A website shows your business exists and that you are serious about it. This isn’t just a hobby.
You’re not reaping the benefits.
A good website can do a multitude of tasks for you: collect email addresses, convey design aesthetic, describe services, show past projects, screen clients, begin the onboarding process, educate the clients about working with you, sell prospects on your services, get prospects excited to work with you, explain how you work and who you work with, explain the types of projects you work on and the services you offer, tell clients more about you, answer frequently asked questions, show off past press or client praise, and much more I’m sure I’m forgetting right now. Without a website you have to do this with each and every client yourself.
You must have a website.
Not utilizing a website in your business is no longer an option and it’s not a neutral thing - it’s actively hurting your business. It’s stalling your business success and progress.
A website can’t solve all your business problems but it definitely can help reduce them.
If you’re not getting the kinds of clients or projects you want - you need a website.
If you worry about where the next client is coming from - you need a website.
If you’re not getting as many clients as you want - you need a website.
Having a great website that works for you is the first step in a successful and profitable business.
Don’t have a website? Share the steps you’ll take to get online soon.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Capella and I’m an interior designer who helps fellow designers build their businesses. Forget secrecy and competition, I believe designers should support and uplift each other. By helping and boosting one another, we can elevate the business of interior design together! Hang around a bit and I’ll share all the business “secrets” no one else wants to talk about.
