5 Pro PR Tips for Interior Designers

Public relations isn’t just for celebrities and major brands, it’s a great opportunity for interior designers and business owners to build a brand, craft a story, and step into the spotlight. 

These PR tips, tailored for interior designers, will help you share your story with the right people in the right places. 

PR Tip #1) Everyone’s Got an Angle… 

What’s yours?! Before you send a single pitch or press release, get clear on your story and define your unique angle. 

What makes your work unique? Do you have a signature process or style? Are you doing something out-of-the-ordinary or fresh in your design business? 

Your “angle” is what sets you apart and makes your work newsworthy. It’s not just what you do, it’s why it matters, and why it matters now. 

PR Tip #2) Prepare Your Assets 

Make it easy for editors, journalists, and bloggers to say “yes” by being ready with all of your media assets in one, convenient, accessible place. 

PR must-haves: 

• High-resolution photos of your work 
• High-resolution photo of you 
• Brief and engaging bio 
• Project summaries or case studies 
• Your logo, brand colors, and relevant links (website, social, etc.) 

Having these assets at the ready will save time and make you look professional and polished right out of the gate. 

PR Tip #3) Pitch with Purpose 

Trust us, they’ve seen enough generic pitches to last them a lifetime. Don’t just blast out a cold pitch email to every lifestyle editor you can find. Tailor your pitch to each outlet and show you understand their unique audience and are there to deliver value. 

Personalize your introduction and create context for your story that fits into their content. Make it as easy for them to say yes as possible by offering yourself as a resource and giving them everything they need to decide. 

PR Tip #4) Leverage Local and Niche Outlets 

You may not feel confident enough to aim for Architectural Digest on day one. Seek out local magazines, design blogs, podcasts, and other creative collaborations that are smaller and more niche. 

There are so many ways to collaborate and spread the word! Smaller circles may blaze the trail for larger opportunities and help you build credibility and confidence along the way. 

Some ideas: 

• Team up with a local real estate agent or home builder for a joint feature 
• Pitch your favorite supplier for a story on designer/vendor relationships 

• Reach out to your local paper with a behind-the-scenes look at a community project 

PR Tip #5) Share Your Features Loud and Proud 

Don’t forget to make sure people see the fruits of your efforts! Sharing your PR features isn’t just for you and your clients; it’s also a great gesture for collaboration and shows that you’re a team player. Give back to those who featured you by sharing features and press mentions. You’ll build valuable credibility with your audience while doing so. 

Places to share: 

• Social media: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. 
• Your newsletter 
• On a “Featured In” section on your website 
• Repurposed into video or shortened blog posts on your website 

Don’t forget to tag the outlet or journalist to keep building that relationship and momentum. Visibility tends to gain you more visibility. 

Let it Be Natural 

Public relations shouldn’t feel forced or flashy; it should feel natural and genuine to you and how you work. When you approach your PR efforts with clarity and creative expression, it becomes a natural extension of your brand and marketing efforts. Start small, stay consistent, and share your unique angle. You never know where it will take you and who will be watching. 

At Vetted By Design, we recommend Allison Hay, Communications Strategist and Writer for Interior Designers. As a former journalism major, Allison is skilled at grabbing attention and pitching your talent! Learn more by checking out connect with Allison.