While word-of-mouth referrals are a dream for many interior designers, solely relying on them is usually not enough to grow a business. To reach new clients, advertising is a powerful tool that can amplify your efforts. An optimized website and active social media presence are essential foundations, but well-crafted ads can attract far more attention than organic content ever could.
The world of online advertising is always changing and expanding, so it might feel overwhelming. We recommend learning about the best ad platforms for interior designers to start. Once you have a feel for each platform, choose the one that best suits your business and give it a try. The tips in this article can help you get started with ads on Google, Microsoft (formerly Bing), Facebook, and Instagram.
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Which platforms work best for interior design advertisements?
Different advertising platforms serve designers in different ways. Google and Microsoft Ads may bring you the highest conversion rates, for example, as they’re more populated with leads who are ready to make a financial commitment. Facebook and Instagram ads can increase your follower count, setting the stage for sustained business growth over time.
With over 2 trillion searches annually, Google Ads will likely get your business noticed. Google Search ads are the most common form of advertisement on Google. They appear at the top of searches as sponsored content, guaranteeing views and clicks even if your website SEO can’t get you there.
Google Search ads are text-only, so your copy needs to accurately represent your brand while also encouraging viewers to follow your link.
Location-based businesses can benefit greatly from advertising on Google Maps. By targeting your ideal clients, your business can appear on their GPS apps when they search for nearby services, increasing visibility and driving more traffic.
To optimize your Google Maps advertising, you’ll need to:
- Set up a Google My Business listing
- Enable location permissions
- Target nearby viewers
- Optimize ad keywords
You can learn more about Google Maps advertising here.
Other types of Google Ads for interior designers include:
- Display (images on websites)
- Video (on Youtube)
- App (images and video that appear in various app-based locations)
- Discovery (native ads)
- Performance Max (ads that appear in several of these locations under a single campaign)
Microsoft Advertising
Microsoft Advertising, formerly known as Bing Ads, is a powerful pay-per-click platform that connects your content with over 700 million searchers across the Microsoft network and nearly 300 million native ad viewers.
What sets Microsoft Ads apart is its focus on high-value audiences—users with greater buying power who spend more online and are more likely to make purchases.
Convenience is another key feature. With Audience Intelligence, you can refine your targeting to ensure your ads reach the right clients. Plus, Microsoft Ads makes it easy to extend the reach of your existing campaigns by importing Google and Facebook ads directly, saving time and effort.
With over 3 billion users, Facebook offers unparalleled opportunities for interior designers to reach potential clients. Its advanced targeting capabilities make it an even more effective advertising platform.
With Facebook Ads, you can tailor your campaigns to target specific audiences based on:
- Location
- Age
- Gender
- Income
- Net worth
- And more
Additionally, you can retarget individuals who have previously interacted with your ads or connect with people who share similar interests and traits to your current clients, ensuring your message reaches those most likely to engage with your services.
If you want to dig deeper into Facebook ads, check out this DesignFiles guide dedicated solely to Facebook advertising.
Instagram Ads can be seamlessly managed through Facebook Ads Manager, making them an effortless addition for designers already advertising on Facebook. Both platforms use the same robust targeting system, ensuring consistency across your campaigns.
To maximize impact on Instagram, focus on high-quality visuals—ads that are visually stunning tend to perform best, capturing attention and driving engagement.
For a more detailed look into Instagram ads for interior designers, check out this post from a professional designer who used Instagram Ads to grow her side business into a full-time venture.
For help creating an overall Instagram marketing plan, see this complete DesignFiles guide.
Best practices when running ads for your interior design business
Whichever advertising platform you choose, the quality of your ads and the strategy behind them are essential for success. Here are a few tips to increase the chances that your ads will convert:
Give every ad a goal
Every ad you create should have a distinct purpose. Whether you’re looking to grow your follower count, attract new leads, or secure client bookings, defining a specific objective is crucial for success. While the ultimate aim is always to grow your business, not every ad directly converts to a client—sometimes, it’s about nurturing leads until they’re ready to take the next step.
Common ad goals for interior designers include:
- Growing your social media following
- Building your email list
- Driving traffic to your website or landing page
- Booking discovery calls
Once you’ve set your goal, craft a strong, actionable call-to-action that aligns with it. Whether it’s “Follow us for more inspiration,” “Download our free design guide,” or “Book your consultation today,” the CTA should guide your audience toward the desired outcome. Clear goals lead to focused ads—and focused ads deliver better results.
If you’re new to writing calls-to-action, check out this list of 49 examples to help get you started.
Drive ad traffic to a landing page
To maximize the effectiveness of your ads, direct traffic to a tailored landing page designed to align with the specific goal of your campaign. A landing page that mirrors the intent of your ad creates a seamless experience, increasing the likelihood that prospects will take the action you want.
What makes a great landing page? It should:
- Feature a clear and compelling call-to-action (CTA)
- Communicate the unique value of your services or offer
- Showcase curated visuals of your best work
- Include social proof, such as testimonials or client success stories
By focusing your landing page on one objective, you create a targeted, distraction-free environment that guides visitors toward conversion. Whether your goal is building your email list, booking consultations, or highlighting a specific service, a well-crafted landing page ensures your ad clicks turn into meaningful results.
Build an ad-lead email sequence
When your ad encourages leads to join your email list, follow up with a thoughtful sequence of messages that aligns with the tone and purpose of your advertisement. Instead of being overly salesy, focus on building trust by sharing insights about your business, showcasing past projects, and demonstrating how your services address potential clients’ pain points.
Each email should naturally guide readers toward taking the next step, whether that’s scheduling a consultation, exploring your portfolio, or learning more about your process. Include clear but unobtrusive calls-to-action (CTAs) for those ready to work with you right away.
How many emails should you send? Start with a sequence of 3-4 emails. Each one should provide value while giving recipients the option to opt out at any time. This approach keeps your audience engaged without feeling overwhelmed, setting the stage for meaningful connections.
Target your ideal client
Take the time to create a detailed persona for your ideal client. If you’re a full-service designer, your clients may primarily live nearby, making the location setting a key focus when targeting your advertisements. However, many designers work with clients beyond their immediate region, particularly for specialized services or high-end projects. In these cases, location targeting may be less critical, and broader targeting criteria can help you connect with the right audience.
For e-designers or designers working remotely, interests and lifestyle factors often play a larger role in defining your audience. Regardless of your business model, income and net worth targeting can help ensure your ads reach potential clients who can comfortably afford your services, making your efforts more effective.
This guide is filled with tips on discovering who your ideal client is. If you haven’t already, take a moment to dive in and clarify exactly who you want to work with. The better you understand your target audience, the more effective your ads will be—leading to more signed clients and glowing feedback at the end of every project.
Run retargeting ads
Your ad strategy shouldn’t stop when viewers leave your landing page. Platforms like Google and Facebook offer retargeting ads, which are designed to re-engage people who have previously interacted with your content, encouraging them to return and take action.
Research shows it takes an average of 8 touchpoints to convert a lead into a client. Retargeting is a crucial tool for interior designers, ensuring your brand stays top of mind and increasing the likelihood of turning interest into a signed project.
This Designers Today blog post is filled with information on retargeting, its benefits, and how to write ads for people who have already interacted with your content.
Include keywords in your ads
Brainstorm terms your ideal client is likely to search for and use them in your ads. Make sure to deploy the terms in a way that feels organic and doesn’t disrupt the flow of your copy. Implementing strategic keywords can help your ads reach clients who are actively searching for your services. By aligning your keywords with what potential clients are looking for, you increase the chances of connecting with those who are ready to take the next step.
Here’s a list of popular interior design search terms to get you started.
Put your money where your clients are
Advertising budgets can add up fast, so it’s essential to focus your spending on platforms where your ideal clients are most active. Regularly review your campaigns to ensure your investment is delivering results. If your ads aren’t converting leads into clients, it might be time to adjust your strategy or seek guidance from a professional ad service to maximize your return.
5 interior design ad ideas
Here are a few ad ideas to kickstart your strategy. Consider trying a few different ads to find the best style for your business.
#1: Showcase your portfolio
Highlight your expertise with stunning photos of recent projects, engaging walkthrough videos, or carousel posts. Show potential clients what makes your work unique and inspiring.
#2: Solve a pain point for a client
Address common challenges your ideal clients face and offer your services as the solution. For example, “Outdated bathroom? Let us transform yours into a spa.”
#3: Advertise local services
Let nearby clients know you’re available to help. Mention your city and services to attract those who are ready to start a project now.
#4: Share a before-and-after shot
Nothing draws interest like a dramatic reveal. Share impactful before-and-after shots of your work to inspire clients to imagine what’s possible in their own spaces.
#5: Grab the attention
Think outside the box to create an ad that’s impossible to ignore. Whether it’s humor, a bold visual, or an unexpected twist, make it memorable while staying true to your brand. For example, a playful tagline like “Your dream kitchen isn’t going to design itself” could strike the perfect balance.
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