How to Grow Your Interior Design Business During a Pandemic

2020 has been a hard year for many small businesses. With social distancing mandates and safety concerns forcing consumers to rethink their overall needs, as well as their shopping practices, service providers and retailers alike have had to reassess their offerings and basic business processes. Some have even had to close their doors permanently or risk cash flow crises and ultimate bankruptcy. Fortunately, however, most small interior design firms have escaped much of the pandemic’s ill effects; as home-bound consumers — with an unusual amount of time on their hands — seek ways to improve the comfort and functionality of their homes with renovation projects and new furnishings, interior designers have stepped up, finding ways to accommodate customer demand while remaining ever cognizant of safety and financial concerns. Here’s how you, too, can grow your interior design business even as COVID-19 wages war on the rest of the world:

Listen

Successful businesses listen to consumers. Whether they do it officially through the services of a reputable market research firm (such as Communications for Research) or they request feedback from their customers directly, businesses that survive do so because they pay attention to changing circumstances and consumer demand and make it a priority to adapt to them. Professional studies; small, informal polls and questionnaires; even social media monitoring can all shed light on current trends, allowing you to anticipate and react to any new market needs.

Re-Evaluate and/or Diversify

One of the most enduring impacts of COVID-19 has been the heightened reliance on e-commerce that today’s shoppers now trust for their purchases. Even as physical storefronts reopen, consumers have continued to use the internet to buy what they want and need. Successful interior designers have responded to this new trend by amplifying their online presence and offering amended services that can be virtually reviewed and purchased. Instead of relying on traditional interior design processes — a lot of which was done in-person — the firms that have flourished have maximized their exposure within the current market and provided new products and services that fit the new demands of consumers. 

Return to Old Customers

Of course, it’s always easier to rely on existing customers than it is to find new ones. During a pandemic, it makes sense to call on old customers to see if you can offer any new services to them. They know and trust your business and just might be in search of help with some other project.

Concentrate on Marketing

Finally, to really grow your interior design business you need help. During a crisis, especially, you need to highlight your brand so that you remain top of mind. Find ways to showcase your firm’s value: create meaningful web content; partner with influencers; monitor social media sites; use analytics to track consumer interest; work with vendors to provide unique services. Marketing, even in-house and guerilla marketing techniques, can give you the boost you need to remain ahead of the competition.

Whatever tactic you choose to grow your business, remain committed to constant evaluation, as market trends constantly necessitate new ideas and new strategies!