Interior design websites have become essential for business growth. As the world continues to become more and more digital-centric – companies and professionals must also learn to become tech-savvy.

A great website lets future clients know they’re working with a professional, experienced and knowledgeable organization. Interior designers know the importance of aesthetics, functionality, and design – the space you’ve reserved for your clients better understand your company should showcase these in a manner befitting your work.

10 things every interior design website should include

1. Functionality

Having a website that looks beautiful is one aspect but having a website that is usable and easy to navigate for your visitors is first priority. You need to know what you want your website to do before you can assess its functionality. Are you using your site as a showroom to attract potential clients – locally or beyond? Is your site meant to attract new hires or partners? Consider these questions as you click through your website. Then decide if it’s serving its true purpose as part of your brand.

2. Have intuitive navigation

When you know what you need to include to have a functional and on-brand website, your navigation should reflect that. Think about your website from your client’s perspective or examine your experiences on other organizations’ websites. Ask yourself, what do you want to see? What bothers you? Where do you want your visitors to end up? Make your website simple so the big important pages: portfolio, about, media and contact – are easily found and accessed.

3. It should look great – consistently

While we’re sure interior designers understand that first impressions matter, consistency is just as important. Once you draw someone onto your site, you want to ensure you’re not sending them away confused. Your website should follow a style guide fluidly and cohesively. Do you have a specialty – office spaces, apartments, homes, store design, etc. Or are you a jack of all trades? Your website needs to be an honest and true reflection of your work – for every first-time visitor and return client. You want your site to speak to your visitors’ needs – whether to show off that you’re the right fit or, help show them that you’re not.

4. It should flaunt your portfolio

Bragging is a good thing. Don’t make your site visitors work to find examples of your work: show it to them right away. Beautiful images should be the hook that drags them deeper into your website. 

5. It should be optimized for mobile

Your website and all the beautiful images on it should be just as easily seen on a phone or tablet, as it is on a laptop or desktop. Is it easy to navigate with a touchscreen? Are the images still showing up beautifully? Your first impression should be impressive, no matter the device.

6. Easily accessible contact information

Now that your potential client is interested, you don’t want them to leave your website because they can’t find a convenient way to contact you. Include a web form at the bottom of the page, ensure your email is visible or have a contact page – or all three. Make it hard for the customer to not contact you instead of vice versa.

7. Call to action:

Hand in hand with making your contact information accessible is giving clients a reason to contact you. Suggesting an action or simply telling potential clients and website visitors what to do can entice them to follow through. Including sentences such as, “Want to learn more? Contact us today!” or “ Have some questions for our team about your renovation? Email us at hello@creativepartner.ca”

8. It should have an about page

Your potential clients want to know more about you and your business before they make any calls or send any emails. An about page gives you a chance to showcase your history, story and motivation.

9. It should have testimonials

Reviews can help make or break a sale. You can talk to past clients and put up some praise. Therefore your potential customers know that you have experience and great results.

10. Update the website regularly

Updating your portfolio, testimonials and about pages with big clients and projects is as important as a good-looking website. You don’t have to remove your project from 2015 but you should make sure your latest and greatest are front and center.

Examine your interior design website today and see if you’re meeting all these requirements. Taking the time to curate a space that properly displays your work and takes your customers into consideration can boost your website views and client base. A good website helps to create a level of trust and confidence for your clients even before they become your clients, you want to ensure every aspect of your website adds to their impression and brings them back. 

This list may seem daunting at first, but it could be the difference between a visitor opting for your company or the competition. Feeling a bit lost? Creative Partner can work with you to design a website that hits all these marks and more.