SEO Strategies for Interior Designers
- Cathleen Hall Creative
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 30
Search engine optimization (SEO) might feel like one of those mysterious marketing concepts that everyone talks about but no one really explains in plain language. Between managing clients, sourcing materials, and designing spaces that leave a lasting impression, the last thing you want is another “task” on your plate.
The reality is, SEO is simply a way to make your work discoverable by the people who are looking for exactly what you offer. It helps your ideal clients find your website, understand your style and expertise, and reach out without you having to chase them down. When approached strategically, it transforms your website from a static gallery into a tool that actually works for your business - attracting clients, sharing your process, and supporting the growth of your interior design brand.
Why Keywords Are So Important
Every search someone types into Google is an opportunity to connect with a potential client. Those search terms are what we call keywords. Choosing the right keywords isn’t about cramming them into every sentence; it’s about understanding how people are actually searching for your services and weaving them naturally into your website.
For example, a client looking for a kitchen remodel in Atlanta might search “modern kitchen renovation Atlanta” or “Atlanta interior designer kitchen remodel.” Someone else might search by style: “organic modern living room design.” These are your opportunities to match their search with your website.
A simple way to start is by typing your service ideas into Google and seeing what autocomplete suggestions appear. Those are real phrases people are searching for. Tools like Ubersuggest or SEMrush can also help you uncover search volume and competition for these terms, so you can prioritize the ones that will make the most impact. Layering these keywords thoughtfully throughout your pages, portfolio descriptions, and blog content gives Google the context it needs to show your work to the right audience.
Google Business Profile: Your Local Visibility Booster
Many interior designers overlook Google Business Profile, assuming it’s just a directory. But a fully filled-out profile can be a powerful way to increase local visibility and credibility. Adding your location, services, hours, website, and project images immediately communicates professionalism.
Reviews are one of the most valuable parts of this tool. After completing a project, sending your client a short, friendly email with a direct link to leave a review makes it easy for them to share their experience. Positive reviews not only improve your visibility in local searches but also act as social proof, showing prospective clients why they should work with you. Updating your photos regularly, whether it’s finished projects or behind-the-scenes shots, keeps your profile current and visually appealing.
User Experience Matters
Your website should do more than display your work; it should guide visitors, generate leads, and make running your business easier. User experience encompasses everything from navigation and mobile responsiveness to page speed and call-to-action placement.
Imagine a potential client lands on your site but struggles to find your portfolio or contact form. Frustrated, they click away — and that’s a lost opportunity. A site that’s easy to navigate, visually clear, and responsive on mobile devices keeps visitors engaged. Embedded scheduling tools, client questionnaires, and contact forms help turn that visitor into a real lead. Tools like Dubsado or HoneyBook can help you manage projects and client intake seamlessly, while Calendly, Zoom, or Google Meet work well for scheduling calls. Platforms like Wix or Shopify make it simple to integrate these tools directly into your website without needing extra software, allowing your site to function as a seamless extension of your business.
Optimizing Your Images for Search and Speed
Your images are central to your brand. But images do more than just look pretty- they’re a key part of SEO and user experience. Every image you use should have a descriptive file name and alt text that naturally includes relevant keywords. For example, “modern-scandinavian-living-room-renovation.jpg” paired with alt text like “Modern Scandinavian living room with layered textures and natural wood finishes” is much more effective than a generic file name like IMG_1234.
Compression is also critical. Large image files can slow down your website, frustrating visitors and hurting your SEO. Tools like Photoshop, TinyPNG, free online tools, or certain website platforms have built-in compression features (Wix) can reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality. Faster websites keep visitors engaged, and Google rewards sites that load quickly, giving you better visibility in search results.
Your Portfolio Can Be More Than Pretty Pictures
A portfolio isn’t just a showcase - it’s a storytelling opportunity. Case studies detail the client’s challenge, your approach, and the final result, offering potential clients a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work with you.
Take the example of a “Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Renovation in Atlanta.” Including the location, style, client goals, and your design process allows you to naturally incorporate keywords while also demonstrating your expertise. Case studies can also include snippets of client reviews, creating an authentic narrative that resonates with visitors.
These stories aren’t limited to your website. Repurposing them for social media, Pinterest, or other platforms can generate backlinks - links from other websites that boost your credibility in Google’s eyes - and further increase your visibility. Each project becomes more than just a visual; it’s content that works for you.
Blogging as a Long-Term Strategy
Blogging remains one of the most effective ways to build visibility over time. Thoughtful blog posts answer client questions, share insights, and create fresh content that Google loves. Posts like “5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Small Living Room” or “How to Style an Organic Modern Home” address real client concerns while naturally incorporating keywords.
Beyond SEO, blogs reinforce your authority, provide content to share on social media, and create internal linking opportunities that guide visitors toward your portfolio and services. Over time, consistent blogging positions you as an expert and attracts clients who align with your design philosophy.
SEO Is a Long Game, But Worth the Investment
Remember, SEO isn’t a quick fix - it’s a marathon. Most strategies take six months or more to show significant results. But when you focus on Google Business Profile, user experience, image optimization, portfolio storytelling, and blogging, you’re creating a foundation for sustainable visibility. Your website can transform from a static portfolio into a lead-generating, client-attracting tool.
If SEO feels overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Cathleen Hall Creative, we specialize in building websites for interior designers that are both beautiful and strategic, designed to attract the right clients while simplifying your business operations. When you’re ready to stop leaving your website to chance and start using it to grow your business, apply to work with us here.
