Why Building Authority in Your Interiors Business Is a Game-Changer
Let’s talk about something I see making a massive difference for interior stylists and designers: authority. If you’re looking to grow your interiors business, being recognized as an authority in your niche is an absolute must. Authority isn’t just a buzzword—it’s what helps you stand out, attract clients, and grow your income in a way that feels aligned.
So, what does “authority” actually mean? I asked ChatGPT (as you do!) to define it, and it came back with this gem: “Authority is the recognition of your expertise and credibility within your field. It means being trusted and respected as a go-to source for knowledge, insights, or solutions in your area.” So, essentially, building authority is like setting yourself up as the trusted expert in a crowded room, and your audience will naturally gravitate towards you.
For me, it was a complete game-changer. When I committed to stepping into my authority—sharing my knowledge, showing up online, and owning my expertise—everything shifted. Suddenly, I wasn’t just another interior designer; I was the go-to for coastal interiors. My posts got more engagement, my confidence soared, and, yes, my pricing increased because clients saw me as the expert. It even led to my first sold-out course on coastal interiors! This shift didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t without a little fear, but it showed me the power of showing up as myself.
So, Why Does Authority Matter So Much?
The interiors space is saturated. Yes, there are designers who succeed without showing their faces on social media, but if you’re just starting or struggling to stand out, you need to be visible in more than just your finished spaces. You want your dream clients to see you as the expert, not just another pretty feed. Plus, stepping into your authority can help you overcome that annoying imposter syndrome! Showing up regularly builds confidence and makes it easier to push through fears of judgment. It’s all about connecting with your audience, and that’s way easier when you show them the person behind the brand.
How to Build Authority in Your Interiors Business
Here are some ways you can start building authority today:
Be Consistent on Social Media: Post regularly, share behind-the-scenes of your work, and mix in reels where you’re talking directly to the camera. Let people see you in action—it makes you more memorable and relatable.
Collaborate: Work with other brands and experts. Going live with a local tile company, for example, to talk about designing a dream bathroom creates great content and expands your reach.
Create Valuable, Educational Content: Show your audience how to achieve a certain look or style, offer quick styling tips, or share “how-to’s.” Valuable content showcases your expertise and gives your followers a reason to keep coming back.
Leverage Testimonials and Client Stories: Don’t just post a review; tell the client’s journey and the transformation you helped create. This storytelling approach adds a relatable, personal touch and shows you as the expert who can deliver results.
Host Workshops or Live Events: This is a big authority builder. I started by hosting free workshops, which led to more leads and new clients, and then moved on to paid ones. Whether online or in-person, workshops are a fantastic way to deepen your connection with potential clients.
The Difference Between Being Visible and Being In-Demand
Just showing up doesn’t make you in demand—it’s about creating genuine, high-quality connections and value. With authority, you’re not just “visible”; you’re seen as someone who can actually help your clients achieve their dreams, which makes it easier for them to trust you with their projects.
So if you’re ready to go from simply visible to in demand, start by consistently sharing what you know, collaborating, and just being you. Show your followers why they need you as their designer, and you’ll naturally start attracting those dream clients you’re meant to work with!
Ready for support? Reach out and let’s chat about how I can help you stand out in your interiors business.
Katrina xx
