Once your systems are in place, the next step toward growing your business is to actually find new clients. This week we asked five designers—Emma Beryl Kemper, Catherine Olasky, Cathy Purple Cherry, Becky Shea and Alex Yeske—how they expand their project pipeline.
Strong Network
“One of the challenges in starting my company this year, after spending more than a decade in a [professional] partnership, has been reestablishing the web and social media presence that can be really helpful with the word-of-mouth route. For potential clients that may have tagged me on a Pinterest board or seen past projects on Instagram or a magazine, I want to ensure they know where to find me and that my branding online encourages them to reach out. This is definitely not my favorite part of the job, as I’m a relatively private person with zero desire to broadcast my life on social media, but I’ve had to become more intentional about this.” —Catherine Olasky, Catherine Olasky Ltd., Houston, New York and London
Old-Fashioned Approach
“There is one thing that for sure never goes out of style, and that is word-of-mouth advertising. Most clients reach out because a previous client recommended us, or a cousin’s friend’s brother talked about their new spaces and that got our name into someone’s head. Another way we’ve had people reach out is by stumbling upon us on Instagram. I love to post photos of our finished jobs, of behind-the-scenes sourcing and pulling schemes together, which people like to see, so new people stumble across our page and may reach out for our services.” —Emma Beryl Kemper, Emma Beryl Interiors, New York
Online Presence
“Finding new clients is a multifaceted approach. Certainly, word-of-mouth is our strongest referral source. We also devote considerable time and effort into maintaining and growing our social media presence. Consistent and prominent print and digital advertising keeps our brand top of mind among our target audiences, and ensuring positive client reviews are regularly added to Google and Houzz provides the credibility needed when a potential client is conducting their research.” —Cathy Purple Cherry, Purple Cherry Architects, Annapolis, Maryland
Tally Those Likes
“Most of our new clients come through Instagram or personal referrals. We are very active on social media and share a lot of behind-the-scenes content, as well as lifestyle content, which clients seem to really resonate with. Our clients often come to us for beautiful spaces that help foster the lifestyle we share and portray on social media. We have also had a couple clients come through other designers, whether because they were too busy or it wasn’t the right fit for their firm. We’re always so appreciative of those designer referrals!” —Alex Yeske, Alex Yeske Interiors, Los Angeles
All in the Family
“All of our business comes from referrals. We have the privilege of working with families and their close friends, and even their children. It’s incredibly refreshing and rewarding to see the trust and confidence our clients place in us, generation after generation. Knowing that we’ve built a strong business on the foundation of family and home fills us with immense pride. Nurturing these relationships has been a labor of love, and we consider it the strongest aspect of our studio. It’s not just about designing spaces; it’s about building lasting relationships and creating homes that resonate with warmth, love and authenticity.” —Becky Shea, Becky Shea Design, New York
