Market An Interior Design Business? Help Appreciated.

by DP55
7 replies
Hey guys and gals,

My partner has been asked to manage a local interior design business in a small town. The business owner has another business which generates a lot of money so she focuses her time on that whilst hoping my partner can improve this business. The sales dropped drastically until she started and they're slowly getting better.

I'm offering to help market the business for free in my spare time and if things go well I will be receiving a payout. I know, I know - don't ever do that. For personal reasons I am doing this and to be honest I'm not too bothered about getting paid. I'd love to help the business owner (an acquaintance) and my partner. In fact the business owner lives 3 doors down from my mother!

Anyway, I'm already in the process of creating a website which I am actually getting paid for. The owner's other business requires a website too which I'm being asked to build so that'll be done.

So far I've planned:

- Blog - linked to website - will contain regularly posted tips on interior design
- Video marketing (haven't considered much content yet)
- Basic SEO - only competition is yell listings etc so will be a joke to rank
- Google Places (well - Google+ now!) listing - currently unclaimed
- Yell listing - also unclaimed
- Other citations
- Basic social media

The biggest problem is the town is not particularly large and so even SEO won't make a huge impact. There is a larger town about 12 miles away and a large city 20 miles away.

If anyone has any ideas that are beyond general marketing I would really appreciate it. I have some ideas for offline marketing campaigns too. I've already considered talking to a couple of local businesses that build housing estates. In fact there's a bunch of houses being built locally so will get in there as best I can.

I've only just brainstormed these things just now so I'm missing a lot. Also it's 1am on a Sunday night/Monday morning so my brain isn't quite working the way it should. Hoping a few suggestions from you lovely people might come my way.

I have all the sales figures so my campaigns should be easy to measure.

Regards
-
#appreciated #business #design #interior #market
  • Profile picture of the author kebertt
    You could do a local mailing with USPS, or if you're looking to save $ and strictly use internet marketing I would recommend doing SEO for the nearby city. Coupons and discounts are always a great way to get more customers through the doors.
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    • Profile picture of the author underworld90
      What about approaching non-competing but complementary businesses in the bigger towns and partnering the interior design services with their services? That's how other businesses do it, and they tap into a whole new lead flow.
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      • Profile picture of the author James Foster
        Originally Posted by underworld90 View Post

        What about approaching non-competing but complementary businesses in the bigger towns and partnering the interior design services with their services? That's how other businesses do it, and they tap into a whole new lead flow.
        This is spot on.

        You'll get more traction with this than a blog, etc.

        Look at all your complimentary businesses around this field that you should be introducing yourself too. Home builders, painters, furniture store owners, carpet store owners... I could go on and on... you get the idea.

        These are all people who can refer business to you, and if you set the deal up right, could probably send an endorsed mailing to their customer lists.
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        • Profile picture of the author DP55
          Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

          This is spot on.

          You'll get more traction with this than a blog, etc.

          Look at all your complimentary businesses around this field that you should be introducing yourself too. Home builders, painters, furniture store owners, carpet store owners... I could go on and on... you get the idea.

          These are all people who can refer business to you, and if you set the deal up right, could probably send an endorsed mailing to their customer lists.
          Excellent post, thanks! I had trouble thinking of many complimentary businesses. The problem being it's not a particularly big town at all.

          There's a big argument going on in my local town about the abundance of 2 types of shops with more and more opening up. The first is kebab shops. There's 3 within a 20 metre radius on one street.

          The second is the best. Estate agents. With this in mind we'll be swinging by those over the next few days to see if a deal can be made. I will also be researching some local businesses based on your suggestions.

          Thanks again!
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  • Profile picture of the author DP55
    Thanks for the reply guys.

    I can get a ton of flyers distributed for cheap around the local town so that's on the agenda. As for talking to complimentary businesses it is something I've considered but finding the right sort is tricky. This business focuses on blinds and curtains mostly. Apart from approaching businesses that build new estates I can't think of any.

    I guess window fitters could be good!

    Cheers
    Signature
    Business In A Box
    Let me set up a mostly-automated business for you. $XXX-XXXX/month. Marketing + website included! PM For More Info - Only $97. Only 3 Available!

    Brand New Private Method
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  • Profile picture of the author Sander Zaydman
    One of the Best Strategy for Interior Designers is Pinterest. If you are interested, PM Me and
    ill show you my Pinterest system that i used to drive massive amounts of traffic for an interior design company.
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    Now sure how much to charge for your local marketing services?
    Add me on Facebook and I'll give you access to my Local Marketing Consultant Group....

    www.facebook.com/sander.zaydman

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  • Profile picture of the author instyledirectuk
    Hi All,

    In:styledirect Interiors is a proposed venture that will offer comprehensive interior design services for homes, offices and rental property in the Boulder, Colorado area. In:styledirect Interior Designers also will provide access to products to complement the design consulting services including furniture, both new and antique, decorator fabric, and home and office accessories. This venture offers the personalized services the target market desires and can afford in a way that is unique from concept to implementation.

    Thanks
    Lynelle Thompson
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