How to Start an Interior Decorating/Design Business
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Interior decorating and design goes way beyond homes - think restaurants, hotels, spas, art galleries, model
homes, corporate offices, even bed and breakfast inns.
Many successful decorators suggest choosing a specific market that interests you and specialize in that
niche.
Starting Your
Decorating Business: You want to build a portfolio, price your service, set up an office, pick a business
name, design a logo, order business cards and other office supplies, locate furnishing suppliers and of course
- find clients.
Below is a checklist and guide of business resources that can help you get started quickly and easily.
Interior Decorating/Design Business Checklist:
1.  Use an Interior
Decorating Business Plan to figure out your start-up costs, operating budget, marketing strategies,
financial timeline and more. Over the years start-ups have demonstrated that you can speed up your success
and increase your profitability simply by putting starting your business with a plan.
2. Choose a name for your interior decorating business and then register your business name with the
country clerk. You will also need to apply for a business license in your city,
whether you have a home-based office or work out of a commercial space. If you plan to work from home check
for zoning restrictions in your
neighborhood before you set up your business.
3. Open a business
bank account to keep your business income and expenses separate from your personal finances. A
business bank account can also provide you with business checks and assistance in multiple areas, such as
small business loans.
4. Set up a
simple bookkeeping system you can do yourself without having to hire a bookkeeper. Make the most
of your small business tax deductions by meeting
with an accountant and ask about deductions you can take. You can also pick up the book Deduct It! to get more
information.
5. Meet with an insurance agent to discuss potential insurance needs of
your business. The IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America) can provide you with
names of agents. You can also get free quotes and information online for free business insurance quotes.
6. Set up a business phone system for your company.
This can be a toll-free 800 phone number, a multi-line phone system, VoIP or even a cell phone. If
customers have to call your home phone or personal cell phone, your professional image goes out the
window.
7. Set up a business
website. This does not have to be expensive or difficult. Many small businesses have websites that
they build themselves and pay less than $100 a year. Websites can be used to display your portfolio of
decorating projects, provide your resume of work experience, testimonial of previous customers, company
contact information and details on how clients will benefit from hiring you. Websites are a cheap
advertising tool. A good way start your own decorating business is to have an expert in your field
draw up a blueprint for you to follow. This way, you have an outline to follow with steps to take that
lead you in the direction you want to go.
An interior decorator with 20 years of experience, including owning an interior decorating business would
have lots of valuable information to share, don't you think?
Marketing Your Interior Decorating or Design Business
- Business Cards
Network with other business owners related to interior design, such as furniture stores or architects. Let
them see a portfolio of your work and offer them a referral fee for any customers they send you. Business
cards can be a great advertising tool for your business - and they're cheap! You can design your own
business cards online and save even more money. Get 250 free business cards for your decorating
business.
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Postcard
Marketing
Do a postcard mailing to introduce your interior decorating or design company to potential customers in
your area. Using low-cost online services makes this an easy marketing task.
- First, decide on a special discount offer or hold a grand opening sale.
- Second, design postcards online with professional postcard templates (Save 50%).
- Third, get targeted leads from a lead generation company.
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Email Marketing
If you have a website for your interior decorating business (it's a good idea to have one), you can
save even more money by marketing to your customers by email. No email list? No problem. Email
marketing companies like ConstantContact will help you build a customer list with their customizable
website sign-up form.
They also give you email templates you can use to design professional emails. Their program
delivers emails for you, and they include real-time reporting. You can try their service free for 60
days, no credit card is required. Try Free for 60 Days.
-
Advertise with Easy Email
Newsletters
This is a cost-effective,
convenient way to keep in touch with past clients and new prospects. But how would you like
someone else to do your monthly newsletter for you?
Yes, do the whole newsletter for you: write the articles, design the layout, include your personal
company information and email it to everyone on your list. Plus, take care of the subscriber list,
adding new ones and updating as needed. Nika Stewart offers this
service, and her professional format increases sales.
- Get Listed in Local Search Directories
Some people don't use the yellow pages or local newspapers or publications to find products and services in
their city - they look online, and you don't want to miss out on this source of income. Even though
shopping online, people often prefer to do business with a local vendor. Local Search is an advertising
space that is an easy, low cost way to reach your local target market.
Interior Decorating Business Resources to Save You Money:
Articles & Interviews
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How to start with little or no money, find
clients with minimal effort and do an impressive client consultation.
