Interior Designers - How to Get More Afflluent Clients Without A Website

If you just have a website and you haven't updated it in months or maybe years, you are missing a great opportunity to grow your business with the latest Internet tools.

For newbies, you can start with a blog, a Hub Page or a Squidoo Lens. Google now offers Knols, too.

If you haven't heard about the newest social networking site for interior design enthusiasts and professional interior designers, you might want to check http://www.avaliving.com. It is free for interior designers and for home enthusiasts, and the founder, David Bassett-Parkins intends to keep it free for both audiences. This is a great way to connect with potential clients, and it is extremely important that you keep your content fresh and exciting.

Blogging is a great way of building relationships.

If you want to learn how to create your profile and how to blog, check out my new eBook, Ultimate Business Success Strategies for Designers. You'll get great advice to increase your business whether you're a newbie or veteran http://www.DesignSuccessU.com.

Building a personality with blogs or micro sites helps with potential clients, so if you aren't a member of the blogosphere, join and start writing about topics that connect with your ideal client profile. Be sure to share some personal stories, too, because your potential clients base their hiring decision on whether they like a designer. People make decisions based on emotions and rationalize them with logic.

Blogs are also extremely helpful for building your links to your main or static site. Google loves fresh content, so if you start a blog, be sure to add new posts every few days. It really does not take long to build a nice base of articles for your readers.

If you aren't readin blogs, you really do want to start doing that soon. It will give you great ideas for articles. Check http://www.Alltop.com and search for interior design.

One of the best ways to build your clientele is through referrals. These referrals can come from more than your happy clients. If you want other professionals to recommend you, be sure to offer something of value to them first. Support their community activities, send them clients, help them with a project, get to know them personally and give way more than you ask in return.

Realtors are one of the best sources, but don't forget financial planners, bankers, insurance agents, car dealers, etc. One of my favorite books that I've read lately is called The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann. It is a terrific modern-day parable about learning to give.

What you receive is in proportion to the amout you give, and if you really need to receive a lot, give more than you think you can. It can be your time and support as much as your money.

Let me know if you have some great marketing tips to share with your colleagues. Even in tough economic times, there is plenty of business if you look in the right places. We are adding articles on our site every few days, and we welcome your requests and comments at http://www.DesignSuccessU.com.