Are you wondering why, despite having a beautiful website, you are not attracting your ideal clients?
As interior designers, we often prioritize the visual aspects of our websites, such as design and imagery, while overlooking important functional and strategic elements.
While a stunning website is important, if it doesn’t guide visitors toward taking action, you may be missing out on valuable inquiries and bookings.
In this episode, web design expert Cathleen Barnes shares how interior designers can turn their websites into powerful tools that attract high-end clients and increase conversions.
She reveals the top mistakes designers make—like weak call-to-actions, unclear client processes, and generic testimonials—and explains how to fix them.
She also shares smart strategies like using case studies instead of simple portfolios, streamlining client onboarding, and improving website navigation for a seamless user experience.
By applying these tips, you can create a website that not only looks stunning but also works behind the scenes to grow your business.
Don’t let your website be a missed opportunity. Tune in now and start making simple but powerful changes that will set you apart in the interior design industry!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how to create a strategic website that attracts and converts high-end interior design clients
- Identify common website mistakes designers make and fix them to enhance your online presence
- Transform your portfolio into compelling case studies that showcase your expertise and make potential clients eager to work with you
About the Guest:
Cathleen Barnes is the founder of Cathleen Barnes Consulting, a web design and branding studio focused on creating strategic websites for interior designers.
With over 10 years of experience in e-commerce, Cathleen has recently shifted her focus to the interior design industry. She helps designers recognize the value of their websites, which often serve as the first impression for potential clients.
Her approach goes beyond aesthetics; she understands the unique challenges designers face and how their audience interacts with their sites. By leveraging strategic insights, she ensures that each project aligns with her clients’ business goals.
Cathleen has successfully partnered with numerous interior designers to enhance their online presence and improve conversion rates through strategies centered on brand positioning and streamlined client onboarding. She empowers designers to fully utilize the potential of their websites.
Connect with Cathleen Barnes:
Website: Cathleen Barnes Consulting
Instagram: @cathleenbarnesconsulting
Facebook: @cathleenbarnesconsulting
Check out these episode highlights
02:42 Cathleen Barnes: Background and Motivation
04:44 The Importance of Strategic Website Planning
The misconception among interior designers that a website should only be visually appealing.
The need for both aesthetics and functionality of a website.
A website should attract ideal clients, increase inquiries, guide visitors to take action, and streamline processes.
The importance of clear messaging, call-to-actions (CTAs), and a user-friendly experience.
08:49 Common Mistakes in Website Design That Interior Designers Make
Weak or Unclear or Missing CTAs:
Many designers assume clients will reach out after seeing a portfolio.
Lack of clear CTAs leads to lost inquiries.
Not Outlining the Client Process:
Potential clients need to understand the journey of working with a designer.
Suggested fix: Use a timeline or step-by-step breakdown.
Using Generic Testimonials:
Vague reviews don’t showcase expertise.
Solution: Ask past clients specific questions to create detailed, results-driven testimonials.
12:20 How to Get Better Client Testimonials
Ask targeted questions like:
How did your space feel before and after?
What problems did the redesign solve?
What was the experience like collaborating with me?
Use testimonials strategically: Place them near CTAs to boost conversions.
16:08 Missed Opportunities in Website Strategy
Understanding the Ideal Client:
Websites should be designed with a specific target audience in mind.
Conversion rate benchmarks: 1-3% is average for an interior design website.
Streamlining Onboarding:
Use scheduling tools, intake forms, and automated processes to save time.
Maximizing the Return on Investment (ROI) on Ads:
Sending ad traffic to a low-converting website wastes money.
A well-optimized site ensures ad spend leads to actual inquiries.
20:08 How to Attract High-End Clients Through Your Website
Speak directly to your ideal client’s needs, challenges, and motivations.
Add FAQ sections to your website to address common questions and assist potential clients in making a decision to work with you.
Use case studies instead of just showcasing portfolios to provide a detailed and engaging story of the design process and results.
Communicate benefits over features to show value.
25:30 The Website Design Process at Kathleen Barnes Consulting
Discovery Call: Understanding business goals and challenges.
Web Strategy Phase:
Installing an inspector tool to analyze user behavior.
Creating a strategy map based on insights.
Web Design & Development:
Designing visual mockups.
Implementing SEO and custom coding.
Testing & Launch: Ensuring smooth functionality before going live.
Next Steps
- Join my Launch Your Business Boot Camp!!! I’ll help you launch your design business this spring.
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…