You wouldn’t let a client decorate a living room based on Pinterest boards from 2010. So why should you build your business around a website strategy from the same era? The truth is: many interior designers are held back not by lack of talent, but by the outdated assumptions they’ve been told about their online presence.

You might think your website is “fine.” But if it’s not bringing in leads, building trust or showcasing your expertise in a way that delivers clients, that’s a problem. In this blog post, we’re cutting through the noise. These are the 7 myths we hear from talented designers who deserve better.

Once you understand them, you can build a site that works as beautifully as your portfolio looks.

1. “My Work Speaks for Itself. I Don’t Need Much Copy.”

This is probably the biggest myth we hear in interior design marketing. You’ve got the visuals, so why clutter the page with text, right?

Here’s the problem: people don’t hire designers based on photos alone. They want to know your process, your values and what it’s like to work with you. Great copy does that. Without it, you’re expecting your photos to close the sale. And they can’t do that on their own.

What to do instead: Use your website to tell a short, compelling story. Pair your best images with headlines and blurbs that explain the transformation, the challenge you solved or what made the project unique. Help them feel what it’s like to work with you.

For every line of text on your website, ask:

What’s in it for them?

This ensures you focus on what matters: serving your clients.

2. “If My Site Looks Nice, That’s Enough.”

Yes, your website should look great. You’re in design after all. But pretty doesn’t equal profitable. A visually impressive site that lacks clarity, structure or calls to action is like a perfectly styled room without a front door.

Visitors need guidance. They should land on your site and immediately know where they are, what you do, who it’s for and what to do next.

What to do instead: Focus on flow. Create intentional sections that guide users through your process: hero headline, services overview, social proof and a clear next step. Treat your website like a client experience, not a static brochure. Be careful of creative agencies with zero track record of digital marketing results.

3. “People Will Just Reach Out If They’re Interested.”

In a perfect world, maybe. But most people need a nudge. They need a reason to trust you with their space and their money. If your site doesn’t lower the friction and answer their biggest concerns, they’ll leave and keep searching.

What to do instead: Add social proof, clear offers and reassuring language. Use testimonials, real project examples and clear CTAs like “Book Your Free Design Discovery Call.” Make the first step feel small and risk-free. Simplify the booking process. The easier, the better.

4. “My Instagram Is Doing Fine. That’s Where I Get Clients.”

Instagram and social media can be powerful. But you don’t own those platforms. Algorithms change. Engagement drops. One hack and you’re out.

Your website is your digital home. It’s where serious clients go to learn more, confirm their trust in you and take action. If your site looks neglected, outdated, or confusing, that shiny Instagram feed won’t matter.

What to do instead: Think of Instagram as the attention grabber while your website is the closer. Use both, but build your brand on something you own.

5. “I Don’t Need to Worry About SEO. I Get Referrals.”

That’s great, until it’s not. Referrals are powerful but not predictable. Search engines are still where many homeowners start the process, especially when they don’t have a recommendation on hand.

If you’re not showing up for terms like “interior designer near me” or “modern home design in [City],” you’re invisible to a massive audience.

What to do instead: Use simple SEO best practices. Create separate pages for services. Include keywords naturally in your headings. Set up your Google Business Profile. You don’t need to be a SEO expert. You just need to be intentional.

6. “I Don’t Want to Sound Too Salesy.”

Many designers fear adding calls-to-action or offers will make them look pushy. But if your website doesn’t guide visitors, it’s leaving them confused. Being clear isn’t being aggressive. It’s being respectful of their time.

What to do instead: Use confident, friendly language that helps them take the next step. Instead of “Contact Us,” say “Let’s Talk About Your Project” or “Schedule Your Free Consult.” Make it sound like an invitation, not a sales pitch.

7. “Once My Site Is Launched, I’m Done.”

This one trips up so many interior design business owners. A website isn’t a one-time project. It’s a living, evolving tool that should grow with your business.

If you haven’t updated your site in years, it probably no longer reflects your current pricing, style, or ideal client. Plus, Google notices that too, which can hurt your search visibility.

What to do instead: Update your portfolio, testimonials and service offerings at least once a quarter. Add a blog or resource section to build trust and SEO. Even small updates show visitors (and search engines) that your business is active and engaged.

Your Interior Design Website Must Bring You Clients. Or Else.

Interior design is evolving and so are the clients. They’re doing more research, browsing more websites and judging your credibility before you even get the chance to speak to them.

Your website can be your greatest growth tool, but only if it’s built on truth, not outdated myths. At Slamdot, we’ve helped countless interior design pros build functional, lead-generating websites that grow their business.

We combine clean design with a real conversion strategy based on 20 years of working with home service busineses. If you’re looking to update or get a new interior design website, contatc us today!

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