Episode 17

The Four Pillars of Building Your Interior Design Project Pipeline

Published on: 3rd June, 2024

Welcome to Episode 17 of Behind the Drapery, where we delve into the art of building a robust interior design project pipeline. In this episode, we're exploring four key strategies that will help you attract ideal clients consistently and grow your business sustainably. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, these insights will set you on the path to success.

#### Episode Highlights:

1. **PR and Editorial**

- **Importance of PR and Editorial**: Discover how public relations and editorial features can elevate your brand and establish you as an authority in the interior design industry.

- **Getting Featured**: Tips on how to pitch your projects to design magazines, blogs, and online publications.

- **Building Relationships with Editors**: Learn how to create and maintain relationships with key editors and journalists to ensure ongoing coverage.

2. **Trade Partner and Vendor Referrals**

- **Leveraging Industry Relationships**: Understand the power of networking with trade partners and vendors to generate referrals.

- **Creating Win-Win Partnerships**: Strategies for building mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other industry professionals.

- **Maintaining Long-Term Connections**: How to keep these relationships strong and productive over time.


3. **Happy Client Word of Mouth**

- **Delivering Exceptional Service**: The importance of exceeding client expectations to turn them into advocates for your business.

- **Encouraging Referrals**: Techniques to encourage satisfied clients to refer you to their network.

- **Testimonies and Reviews**: Utilizing client testimonials and reviews to build credibility and attract new clients.


4. **Social Media Integration**

- **Amplifying Your Reach**: How to use social media to showcase your work and reach a broader audience.

- **Content Strategy**: Creating content that highlights your PR features, trade partnerships, and client success stories.

- **Engagement Tactics**: Best practices for engaging with your audience and turning followers into clients.


#### Actionable Tips:

- **Pitch Perfect**: Craft a compelling pitch for editors highlighting your unique design perspective and successful projects.

- **Network Like a Pro**: Attend industry events and engage with vendors and trade partners to foster strong relationships.

- **Ask for Reviews**: After completing a project, ask clients for testimonials and reviews to enhance your online presence.

- **Be Consistent on Social**: Regularly post high-quality images of your work, client testimonials, and PR features to keep your audience engaged.


#### Listener Challenge:

Implement one of these strategies in the next month and share your success story with us! Tag us on social media @behindthedrapery and use the hashtag #DesignPipelineSuccess.


#### Stay Connected:

- **Website**: lizlevininteriors.com

- **Instagram**: @lizlevininteriors


#### Subscribe & Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform]. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!


Join us next week as we dive into another essential topic for growing your interior design business. Thank you for listening!

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About the Podcast

Behind the Drapery
Business Advice for Aspiring Designers and Design Enthusiasts
Ever thought about starting your own business as an interior designer? Join Liz Levin (nationally published, design entrepreneur of 20 years) as she interviews experts, colleagues and creatives to pull back the curtain on the design industry.
Whether you're passionate about design, eager to start your design business, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, we're here to open the doors for you.

About your host

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Liz Levin

Based in Washington, D.C., Liz Levin launched her eponymous design studio in 2004 with a focus on creating uniquely modern and livable homes. Just three years after launching her first design business, Liz was named a “Face of the Future” by The Washington Post. She was featured by The Post, again, in 2011, for her work in the DC Design House.
Emphasizing a fresh approach to every project, she is inspired by the unique elements of each home she designs. Her work has appeared in Better Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Washingtonian, DC Modern Luxury, Home & Design and LUXE.
She also coaches aspiring interior designers on growing their own successful design businesses via her online education The Design Business Accelerator at DesignBizToolkit.com She currently lives in Bethesda, Maryland with her husband, two daughters and two doodles.