SEO for Interior Designers: 7 Expert Tips to Boost Visibility
Ever poured hours into designing a stunning portfolio, only to realize… nobody can find it on Google? Well, you’re not alone.
As a Squarespace SEO expert, I’ve worked with dozens of creative business owners (including interior designers) who’ve faced the same struggle. The good news? With a few tweaks, your website can start attracting dream clients—without all those tech headaches.
Let’s take a look into 7 expert tips to boost your visibility and turn your website into a client magnet.
1. Why Most Interior Designers Struggle with SEO (And How to Fix It)
Let’s be honest: SEO can feel like a maze, especially when all you want is for potential clients to find and fall in love with your work. And while keywords are a solid starting point (because, yes, they help Google figure out how relevant your site is to someone’s search), there’s more to SEO than just sprinkling in a few buzzwords.
For interior designers, SEO is about presenting your creativity and unique style in a way that search engines—and clients—can’t ignore.
So, where do most designers hit a wall? Here’s what I see:
The Mistake: Using vague keywords like “modern interior designer” (too competitive!).
The Fix: Target local long-tail phrases like “luxury kitchen remodel Chicago” or “eco-friendly home staging NYC.”
Pro Tip: Tools like Keywords Everywhere can uncover hidden gems your competitors miss.
Need proof this works? Many of my clients see an increase in their rankings (with and without a blog) within weeks of working together because they tweaked their keyword strategy for local, targeted phrases.
2. The #1 Local SEO Mistake Designers Make (And How to Avoid It)
Let’s talk about a game-changing tool that often gets overlooked: Google Business Profile (yep, it used to be called Google My Business). If you’re an interior designer offering local services, this little corner of the internet can do wonders for getting you noticed.
Imagine this: someone in your area is searching for an interior designer on Google Maps. Your profile pops up, showcasing beautiful photos of your work, glowing client reviews, and all the key details they need to get in touch.
Sounds like a dream, right? Plus, every bit of information you add helps potential clients learn more about you, but it also gives Google more context to rank your business higher in local searches.
Here’s the problem though. Most interior designers completely forget to optimize their Google Business Profile. If you’re working locally, this isn’t just important, it’s non-negotiable.
So, what should you do instead?
Use high-quality images of your projects (Google loves visuals!).
Add service areas like “residential interior design” or “office space remodeling.”
3. How to Turn Your Portfolio into an SEO Powerhouse
Your portfolio isn’t just eye candy. It’s SEO gold.
Here’s how to optimize it:
Image File names and Alt Text: Describe images like you’re explaining them to a friend (“Mid-century modern living room design with walnut accents”).
Project Descriptions: Weave in keywords naturally.
Weak: “Living room redesign for a client in Austin.”
Strong: “Modern open-concept living room redesign in Austin, TX—featuring sustainable materials and smart home integration.”
Don’t forget to include the details of the project, almost like a blog post. 800 words is much stronger for SEO compared to a 1-2 sentence snippet. The images tell the story, but additional context can be super helpful for potential clients (and Google) to read.
Squarespace Hack: Use my Squarespace SEO Guide to learn how to edit alt text in 20 seconds!
4. Blogging for Interior Designers: Your Secret Weapon
Let’s be real: most people won’t hire you the moment they land on your website. They need to feel a connection, trust your expertise, and see your design philosophy in action.
That’s where blogging comes in. It isn’t just for writers. It’s a game-changer for interior designers too. It’s your space to share your passion, showcase your latest projects, and establish yourself as an authority in the industry. When readers see your ideas, design tips, and problem-solving skills in action, they’re far more likely to remember you when they’re ready to revamp their space.
But it’s not just about storytelling. Blogging is an SEO powerhouse.
Well-written, keyword-rich blog posts help your website rank for more than just service-based search terms. Instead of only targeting “interior designer in [your city],” you can also rank for broader searches like “best paint colors for small bedrooms” or “how to style a coffee table like a pro.”
This expands your reach and attracts more visitors to your site, potentially turning them into future clients.
Of course, not all content is created equal. Google rewards high-quality, valuable content, not keyword-stuffed fluff. The key is to write blog posts that are insightful, engaging, and genuinely useful to your audience.
Here’s how you can do that:
Showcase Your Expertise: Share your take on trends like “2024 Color Palettes for Modern Homes” or “How to Maximize Small Spaces.”
Target Long-Tail Keywords: Blog posts allow you to rank for specific phrases like “best lighting for minimalist interiors.”
Stay Organized: Use Squarespace Categories and Tags to structure your blog and help Google index it more efficiently.
5. Mobile Optimization: Don’t Lose Clients on the Go
Did you know 60% of Google searches happen on mobile? If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing clients.
Quick Fixes:
Test your site on mobile using Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
Use Squarespace’s built-in mobile optimization tools to make sure your portfolio looks stunning on every device.
6. Metadata: The Behind-the-Scenes SEO Hero
Metadata (titles, descriptions, and tags) might sound technical, but it’s crucial for SEO. Here’s how to nail it:
Meta Titles/Title Tags: Include your primary keyword (“Eco-Friendly Interior Design Services in Austin”).
Meta Descriptions: Write compelling snippets that encourage clicks.
Learn More: Check out my guides on Squarespace Title Tags and Meta Descriptions for step-by-step instructions.
7. When to Hire an SEO Pro vs. DIY
SEO can feel like a whole other world when you’re already knee-deep in design projects, client meetings, and endless mood boards.
So, how do you know whether to tackle it yourself or bring in a pro?
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
DIY SEO: If you’re a bit tech-savvy and have the time (and patience!) to learn the ropes, starting with something like my Squarespace SEO Course is a great way to go. You’ll get hands-on with optimizing your site while staying in full control of your brand’s online presence.
Hire an SEO Pro: If the thought of diving into meta tags, keywords, and site audits makes you want to run for the hills—or if you simply want to focus on what you do best (designing beautiful spaces!)—then it’s time to call in an expert.
I’ve seen first-hand how powerful the right SEO strategy can be. One of my clients ranked on page 1 for local interior design services for years after we worked together, which allowed her to spend less time stressing about SEO and more time doing what she truly loves—bringing stunning interiors to life.
Feeling overwhelmed? I get it—SEO can feel like a full-time job on top of your design work. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Ready to transform your website into a client-magnet? Let’s chat about your goals!
Looking for more blogging and SEO tips? Check out these blog posts: