Top Website Mistakes Interior Designers Make and How to Fix Them

A potential client visits your website but something's off. In the fast-paced world of interior design, even a small hiccup on your website can send your dream clients straight to your competitors. With so many options out there, you can't afford to make mistakes. Make sure your site is in impeccable shape to attract and keep the high-end clients you want by avoiding these mistakes:

Outdated website design

Imagine a potential client landing on your website only to be greeted by a design that looks straight out of the early 2000s. Not a good first impression, right? An outdated web design can make your business appear out of touch and less credible.

Does any of these feel familiar?

• You have a soulless website with a corporate feel that a friend of a friend made for you years ago, someone who "knows website stuff."
• You tried to DIY your website using a template, tweaking the bare minimum like colors and fonts, but it still feels disconnected from your brand.
• Your website has been neglected for years, and it shows with outdated graphics, broken links, and clunky navigation on mobile.

I know it's hard to work on your business when there's so much to do in your business. That’s why outsourcing to a professional can be a game-changer, so you don’t have to waste  valuable time creating something that ends up mediocre at best.

Imagine having a luxurious, high-performing website that speaks for itself and sells your services while you sleep. A website that perfectly matches your interior design style and puts your excellent work on the pedestal it deserves.

This is exactly what we specialize in.

Blending In Without a Strong Brand Identity

Think about it: Your website doesn’t stand out and merges with countless others in the industry. You don't have a proper logo, brand colors, or typography system in place. Sound familiar?

Your website needs to clearly define what sets you apart from other interior designers. This distinction should be evident not only in the words and organized site structure but also in the visual aesthetic you display and the examples of your work that bring this to life.

A significant portion of purchasing decisions are driven by subconscious factors. But how can you tap into the subconscious mind? By leveraging your brand personality.

A strong, distinct aesthetic creates an emotional connection with your audience, making your business memorable and desirable.

Imagine having a website that not only stands out but also deeply resonates with your ideal clients. A site where every element, from colors to fonts to images, aligns perfectly with your brand's story and values. This is what creates a lasting impression and sets you apart in the competitive world of interior design.

Discover how our branding services can help you achieve this.

Missing a Clear and Compelling Hero Section

In the world of interior design, it's tempting to let your imagery speak for itself. However, unless your portfolio images are so extraordinary that they need no explanation, your site must have a clear, compelling statement upfront.

Here’s what a strong hero section should include to avoid this mistake:

1. Clear Headline: Your headline should immediately tell visitors what you specialize in. For instance, do you focus on modern minimalist designs, luxury home interiors, or sustainable living spaces? Make it explicit. Don’t rely solely on visuals to communicate this.
2. Problem and Solution: Address a common problem your clients face and explain how you solve it. For example, “Struggling to blend modern comfort with historic charm? We specialize in transforming heritage homes into contemporary masterpieces.”
3. Transformation Highlight: Show the transformation your clients can expect. This could be through a before-and-after showcase or a powerful statement like, “Turning dull spaces into breathtaking environments.”
4. Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What sets you apart from other designers? Maybe it's your unique process, exceptional customer service, or innovative designs. Make sure this is highlighted in your hero section.
5. Call to Action (CTA): Guide visitors on what to do next. A strong, clear CTA like “Let’s Talk,” “Book a Consultation,” or “View Our Portfolio” helps direct them towards engaging further with your business.

Including these elements in your hero section not only provides clarity to your visitors but also boosts your website’s SEO. Search engines like Google need to understand what your business is about to rank you appropriately, making you more discoverable to your ideal clients.

Lacking Strong CTAs and a Defined User Journey

A potential client lands on your beautifully designed website, but then what? If there's no clear direction on what to do next, they might leave without taking any action. Without a strong Call to Action (CTA) and a clear user journey, your website’s effectiveness plummets.

Why CTAs and User Journeys Matter:

• Guiding Your Visitors: Just like in interior design, where a well-thought-out layout guides the flow of a room, a website needs to guide visitors through a seamless journey. From the moment they land on your page, they should know exactly what steps to take next.
• Encouraging Engagement: Clear CTAs encourage visitors to engage with your content, whether it's booking a consultation, viewing your portfolio, or signing up for your newsletter.

Examples of Effective CTAs and User Journeys:

1. Homepage CTA: Your homepage should immediately draw visitors in and direct them to take action. For instance, a prominent button that says “Book Your Free Consultation” or “Explore Our Portfolio” can be very effective.
2. Service Pages: Each service page should have specific CTAs related to that service. If you offer residential and commercial design services, have buttons like “Schedule a Residential Consultation” or “Get a Quote for Your Office Design.”
3. Portfolio Pages: After showcasing your work, include a CTA that invites visitors to discuss their own projects, such as “Love What You See? Let’s Create Something Amazing Together.”
4. Contact Page: Make it easy for potential clients to reach you. A simple, clear form with a CTA like “Get In Touch” or “Start Your Project Today” can help convert visitors into leads.

Creating a Seamless User Journey:

• Logical Flow: Ensure your website has a logical flow. Visitors should be able to move from learning about your services to viewing your work and then to contacting you without any confusion.
• Clear Navigation: Use simple navigation to help users easily find their way back to previous pages or explore different sections of your site.
• Consistent CTAs: Maintain consistent CTAs throughout your website. This reinforces the actions you want visitors to take and makes navigation intuitive.

The Impact on Your Business:

A well-designed user journey with strong CTAs not only keeps visitors engaged but also increases the likelihood of them converting into clients. It builds trust and makes your website a powerful tool in your business strategy.

Imagine your website as a well-orchestrated journey, where each step is designed to guide your visitors towards becoming your clients. With clear CTAs and a structured user journey, your website will do more than just look good—it will work effectively for your business.

That’s exactly why we start every website build with strategy first

By making sitemaps and wireframes, we create an effective user journey before jumping into the the design.By implementing these strategies, we’ll ensure that your visitors know exactly what to do next, making your website a true asset in attracting and retaining clients.

Using Low-Quality Images

The images on your website are often the first impression potential clients have of your work. Blurry, poorly lit photos can make your designs look amateurish, even if they are top-notch in reality.

Types of Visuals to Include:

1. Finished Interiors: Invest in a professional photographer to capture your completed projects. High-resolution, well-composed photos can showcase the beauty and intricacy of your designs.
2. Floor Plans and Elevation Plans: Including clear, detailed floor plans and elevation plans can help clients understand your design process and the thought behind each project.
3. Luxurious 3D Renders: If you use 3D rendering in your design process, display these high-quality visuals to give clients a preview of what their spaces could look like.

When showcasing your projects, don't just settle for a simple gallery. Create dedicated pages that narrate the journey of each space from concept to completion. Use high-quality images to capture every detail and transformation. Imagine the impact of featuring before-and-after photos, vividly displaying your expertise and the remarkable changes you bring to each project. To make your presentations even more engaging, consider adding interactive elements like 360-degree views or virtual tours. These features can captivate your visitors, offering them a deeper, more immersive look into your stunning designs.

The Impact on Your Business:

Imagine visitors to your website being wowed by your website and the stunning images of your work, feeling confident in your abilities before they even speak to you. High-quality images not only enhance your website's appeal but also build trust and excitement about your services.

Overlooking the Importance of SEO and Location

If done right, organic search can be a major source of traffic to your site. However, this requires building SEO into your website and optimizing your web pages and content.

Why does my location matter?

Imagine a potential client loves your work but has no idea where you’re based. If your location isn’t clearly stated, you could miss out on local clients who are actively looking for interior designers in their area. Clearly stating your location helps in attracting local clients and improving search engine rankings.

How can I improve my SEO?

• Use Relevant Keywords: Think about the phrases your potential clients might search for, like “interior designer in [Your City]” or “luxury home interiors [Your City].” Incorporate these keywords naturally throughout your website.
• Optimize Your Content: Make sure your page titles, meta descriptions, image titles, and alt text are well-crafted and represent your company and work. These elements should tap into commonly used search terms.
• Claim Your Google My Business Listing: This is crucial for local SEO. Ensure your business is listed, and keep your address, phone number, and hours of operation up to date. Positive reviews from local clients can also boost your credibility and improve your rankings.

Invest the time to learn about SEO and how to harness it to drive traffic to your website, or consider hiring an SEO consultant who can optimize your site for you. By enhancing your SEO and clearly stating your location, you make it easier for potential clients to find and choose your services.

Summary

I know it can feel overwhelming to juggle all these aspects while managing your business. That's why I'm here to help! Imagine having a website that not only looks luxurious but also works tirelessly to bring in new clients.

I specialize in creating standout websites for interior designers just like you. Whether it's refining your brand strategy, creating a stand out-identity, or ensuring your website is not only functional, but jaw-dropping too, I've got you covered.