Here Are Proven Income Ideas for Interior Design in 2023

In the exciting world of interior design, there are many ways for designers to make money beyond traditional projects. In 2023, interior designers can explore different income ideas beyond working with clients. From creating digital products to partnering with brands, this blog will explore simple and intelligent ways for interior designers to earn money. 

Let’s discover new opportunities that combine a love for design with clever business strategies, making financial success accessible in the ever-changing field of interior design.

What Is an Interior Design?

Interior design is the skilled and holistic approach to crafting an indoor space that caters to, safeguards, and adapts to human requirements. It involves the artistic, scientific, and business planning aspects of creating a creative, technical, sustainable, and practical interior solution. 

This solution aligns with the architecture of a space, integrating processes and strategies with a focus on well-being, safety, and health. Informed decisions about style and aesthetics play a crucial role in the overall practice of interior design.

Income Ideas for Interior Design

Product Licensing for Interior Design Products

Creating an income stream as an interior designer can be achieved through product licensing. If you’ve crafted custom furnishings, floor coverings, decor, or other design elements that garnered attention, licensing allows you to share your creations with a broader audience. 

Consider hiring a licensing agent who can guide you through the process. While it might feel like launching a new business, not just a new avenue, it involves tasks like building design libraries, establishing a brand identity, and more. Working closely with your licensing agent and potential partners, you can market your designs effectively, leveraging your brand’s impact to boost sales.

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Affiliate Marketing

Most interior designers are active online. Regardless of the social platform or website, designers can now monetize their projects by joining an individual brand’s affiliate program or a social commerce platform like Chirpyest. You can create affiliate links to earn a commission when a client or follower purchases. 

You can even track and analyze clients’ shopping by studying which link gets the most clicks and converts the most sales. Studies show that posting the same item 7 times can take before it becomes a sale. Interior designers can earn hundreds or thousands of dollars monthly by linking high-ticket things, including furniture, appliances, and art.

Blog Advertising for Interior Design

Leveraging blog advertising can be a highly effective income stream, especially if you already have a well-established and regularly updated blog. While blogging requires dedication and effort, it can be rewarding if you enjoy writing, curating engaging images, and implementing strategic plugins to enhance SEO for each post. 

If you maintain a consistent schedule of publishing high-quality content and have built a decent readership (which you can further grow), blog advertising becomes a viable passive income option. The key is to explore reputable ad resources that seamlessly integrate with your blog, offering visually appealing and relevant ads for your audience.

Interior Design E-commerce

eCommerce’s interior design focuses on reselling products rather than manufacturing them. You can collaborate with suppliers of home goods or antiques to source your products, or you may embark on treasure hunts during trips, at auction houses, flea markets, or antique shows to discover unique pieces that can be refinished.

Establishing an eCommerce site demands time and financial investment, and creating it does not guarantee success. Instead, active marketing and strategic promotion are crucial to attracting traffic to your online marketplace. Leveraging social media platforms can be a valuable tool to enhance visibility and engagement.

Digital Products & E-Books

Creating a captivating interior design eBook can be a fantastic way to showcase your favorite projects and spotlight featured items. Use this platform to educate clients and followers on decorating tips for different rooms and essential do’s and don’ts for renovations. 

Embrace the opportunity to generate new eBook ideas each holiday season, inspiring your audience. Designing eBooks is made easier with the availability of online creative tools like Canva.

Consumer Teaching

Providing consumer education in design and decorating offers a unique income avenue. While a plethora of free information is accessible, you can create exclusive design training and inspirational teachings for a fee. To deliver your expertise, utilize various content styles such as videos, webinars, slideshows, PDFs, and infographics. 

Consider implementing a subscription service, guiding subscribers through each significant room in their homes for a year with your valuable tips and training. 

Although a quick consult may add a personal touch, it’s essential to note that while not entirely passive, it can conveniently supplement your income stream. You can offer it as an add-on, providing both a steady income and the option to make it less intensive.

Write a Book

Authoring an interior design book is a progressive move beyond teaching, allowing you to impart your knowledge to design enthusiasts worldwide. Share your industry hardships, challenges, and significant learnings, emphasizing that the journey is not all smooth sailing. Include practical tips on creating mood boards, selecting color patterns, and managing space. 

The more relatable you make it by weaving in your real-life experiences, the greater the potential for your book to sell well, provided you have a reputable publisher and effectively market your book.

Optimizing Consultations 

Improve client consultations by integrating digital downloads into your business website and social media channels. Interior designers can provide online courses, pre-recorded tips, mood boards, and exclusive digital content accessible only through payment. 

Consultations can open doors to new opportunities with clients. If a client faces budget constraints, recommend your digital courses, mood boards, or other personalized assets at a more affordable rate. Incorporating digital downloads into your business website can generate an additional income stream.

Tip Videos with Ads

Create a YouTube channel for interior design featuring quick tips, full-blown makeovers, and behind-the-scenes project insights. The success of this passive income stream depends on the quality and personality of your original video content, attracting viewers to your channel. 

By enabling YouTube ads, you can earn revenue when viewers click through and make purchases. While Google, the owner of YouTube, has faced issues with inappropriate ad placements, steps are being taken to rectify the situation. If you find ads unsuitable for your content, you can flag Google for a review and response.

Conclusion

In conclusion, interior design in 2023 offers a spectrum of income avenues that extend far beyond conventional client projects. Designers can diversify their revenue streams from digital products to affiliate marketing and showcase their creativity to a broader audience. 

Embracing these innovative opportunities brings financial rewards and opens new dimensions in the intersection of design and entrepreneurship. As designers remain adaptable and explore these possibilities, they can embark on a journey of prosperity and creative fulfillment in the dynamic world of interior design. Cheers to a thriving future for interior designers!