top of page

Simple 3-Step Instagram Story Strategy for Interior Designers



Instagram Stories have become an essential tool for interior designers looking to showcase their work, connect with their audience, and maintain a dynamic presence on social media. With over 500 million users engaging with Stories daily, this feature provides a fantastic opportunity to share real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal moments that help build stronger relationships with your followers. However, consistently coming up with fresh and engaging content can sometimes feel daunting.


That's why I’m sharing a simple yet effective 3-step Instagram Story strategy tailored specifically for interior designers. By sharing three types of content each day—something you’re working on, something personal, and something that inspired you or made you laugh—you can keep your audience engaged and showcase both your professional expertise and personal flair.

Additionally, I’ll cover how to boost engagement further using interactive Story features like polls, question boxes, and quizzes. These tools can make your Stories more engaging and provide valuable insights into what resonates with your audience. Let’s dive in and explore how this straightforward strategy can elevate your Instagram game!


Flat lay image of a deskwith green, white and blackk paper.

1. Share Something You Are Working On


One of the most effective ways to use Instagram Stories as an interior designer is to showcase your current projects. Sharing what you're actively working on not only highlights your expertise but also provides your audience with a behind-the-scenes look into your design process. This type of content is both engaging and informative, allowing potential clients to see your skills in action and understand the value you bring to their projects.


Why It’s Important


When you share updates on what you’re working on, you’re doing more than just showing off your skills—you’re building anticipation and interest. People love seeing a project unfold in real time, from the initial sketches to the final reveal. This transparency creates a narrative that keeps your audience invested in your work. It also demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, which are critical factors in choosing an interior designer.


Examples to Share


There are many creative ways to share what you’re working on through Instagram Stories:


  • Sneak Peeks of Current Projects: Give your followers a glimpse of a space you’re currently designing. This could be a quick video walkthrough or a series of photos highlighting different areas or features of the project.


  • Material and Mood Board Highlights: Share snippets of your design boards, fabric swatches, or color palettes. Explain why you’ve chosen certain materials or how a particular color scheme ties into the overall design concept.


  • Day-in-the-Life Clips: Document your day as you visit showrooms, meet with clients, or work on-site. These candid moments help to humanize your brand and give followers a taste of what it’s like to work with you.


By consistently sharing updates on your ongoing projects, you not only showcase your design talents but also build trust and credibility with your audience. This approach helps potential clients visualize the results they can expect if they choose to work with you. Plus, it keeps your content fresh and engaging, encouraging followers to come back for more to see the latest updates and final reveals.


Image of a woman holding a mug of coffee while sitting on a sofa

2. Share Something Personal


Sharing personal content on Instagram Stories is a powerful way to humanize your brand and build deeper connections with your audience. As an interior designer, your work reflects your personality, style, and unique approach. Letting your followers see a bit of who you are beyond your professional role makes your brand more relatable and approachable. It helps potential clients feel like they know you, which can be a deciding factor when choosing a designer to invite into their home.


Why It’s Important


Personal content allows you to connect with your audience on a more authentic level. It shows that you are not just a designer but a real person with interests, hobbies, and a life outside of work. By sharing these personal moments, you make your brand more memorable and build trust with your followers. This transparency can lead to stronger client relationships and increased loyalty over time.


Examples to Share


There are many simple ways to incorporate personal content into your Instagram Stories:


  • Places You Visit: Share a snapshot of a favorite coffee shop, a restaurant where you had lunch, or a boutique you love to visit. Tag the location to encourage local engagement and give a shout-out to other small businesses. This can also help establish connections with local businesses that might become future collaborators.


  • Hobbies and Interests: Whether it’s a sport you enjoy, a book you’re reading, or a weekend getaway, sharing your hobbies and interests helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. This kind of content adds a personal touch and can spark conversations with followers who share similar interests.


  • Daily Routines or Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Documenting everyday moments, like preparing your morning coffee or setting up for a design consultation, gives your audience a peek into your daily life. It’s these small, relatable moments that often resonate the most with followers and help them feel connected to you.


By sharing personal content, you create a more well-rounded and engaging Instagram presence. This type of content helps break down barriers, making potential clients feel more comfortable reaching out and starting a conversation. It also adds a dynamic element to your Stories, balancing professional updates with personal insights, and keeping your audience interested in all aspects of your brand.


Image of a woman sitting at her desk looking at her cell phone

3. Share Something That Inspired You or Made You Laugh


Sharing content that inspired you or made you laugh is a fantastic way to keep your Instagram Stories fresh, engaging, and relatable. As an interior designer, inspiration is at the heart of what you do. By sharing the things that spark your creativity or bring a smile to your face, you invite your audience into your world of inspiration and creativity. This type of content not only adds variety to your Stories but also encourages engagement and shares, helping to expand your reach.


Why It’s Important


Inspirational and funny content helps to create a positive and engaging atmosphere on your Instagram profile. It shows your audience that you have a sense of humor and an eye for creativity, which are both attractive qualities in a designer. This content also makes your brand more memorable and encourages followers to interact with your posts, whether by sharing, commenting, or reacting. When you share what inspires or entertains you, you provide value to your audience beyond just showcasing your services—you create an emotional connection.


Examples to Share


Incorporating inspirational or funny content into your Stories can be easy and fun. Here are some ideas:


  • Inspirational Quotes: Share quotes that resonate with you, especially those related to design, creativity, or the artistic process. Pair them with a beautiful image from your portfolio or a calming background to make them visually appealing.


  • Funny Memes or Light-Hearted Content: Post memes or humorous content related to the interior design world or common design dilemmas. This can lighten the mood and make your brand feel more approachable. A good laugh can go a long way in building a connection with your followers.


  • Design Ideas or Stunning Spaces: Share a piece of design that caught your eye—a beautiful room, an innovative piece of furniture, or a unique decor element. Explain what you love about it and how it inspires your own work. This not only showcases your taste but also positions you as a source of inspiration for others.


By consistently sharing content that inspires or amuses, you create a more engaging and well-rounded Instagram presence. This approach encourages your followers to engage with your Stories and share them with their own networks, which can help to expand your reach and attract new followers. Additionally, it reinforces your brand personality, showing that while you are a professional designer, you are also someone who appreciates the lighter side of life and values creativity.


Image of a woman sitting in a chair scrolling on an IPad

4. Boost Engagement with Interactive Story Features


Instagram Stories aren’t just for sharing updates—they’re also a powerful tool for engaging with your audience. Using interactive features like polls, question boxes, quizzes, and emoji sliders, you can encourage more interaction, learn more about your followers’ preferences, and create a sense of community around your brand. For interior designers, these interactive elements are a great way to make your Stories more dynamic and keep your audience engaged.


Why It’s Important


Interactive Story features increase engagement by inviting your followers to participate in a conversation rather than passively viewing your content. They help foster a deeper connection with your audience by making them feel valued and heard. Moreover, these features provide valuable insights into what your audience likes and wants to see more of, allowing you to tailor your content strategy accordingly.


Interactive Features to Use


Incorporating interactive features into your Instagram Stories can be simple yet highly effective. Here are some of the best options to consider:


  • Polls: Polls are a quick and easy way to get feedback from your audience. You can use them to ask for opinions on design choices, such as "Which wallpaper do you prefer?" or "Do you prefer bold colors or neutrals in the living room?" Polls encourage immediate interaction and give you a better understanding of your followers' tastes.

  

  • Question Boxes: Question boxes are perfect for starting conversations and gathering insights. Invite your audience to ask you anything about interior design or share their own home decor challenges. This feature can help establish you as a helpful expert while also providing you with content ideas based on the questions people are asking.


  • Quizzes: Quizzes are a fun way to engage your audience while educating them about interior design. Create a quiz related to design trends, styles, or historical facts about interior decor. For example, "Which interior design style are you?" or "Can you guess which era this decor is from?" Quizzes are entertaining and encourage your followers to interact with your content.


  • Emoji Sliders: Emoji sliders allow your followers to express how much they like or dislike something. Use this feature to gauge reactions to different design elements, such as "How much do you love this color palette?" or "Rate this kitchen design." It's a fun and visual way to engage your audience and get instant feedback.


How to Use These Features Effectively


To make the most out of these interactive features, keep your questions and prompts relevant to your audience’s interests and your brand’s focus. Ensure your interactive Stories are visually appealing and easy to understand. Use them regularly to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more. Also, be responsive—share the results, answer questions, or follow up with related content to show your followers that you value their input.


By incorporating these interactive features into your Instagram Stories, you can significantly boost engagement, create a more dynamic online presence, and build stronger relationships with your followers. It turns your Stories from a one-way broadcast into a two-way conversation, making your audience feel more connected and involved with your brand.


Creating a strong presence on Instagram doesn't have to be complicated. By using this simple 3-step Instagram Story strategy—sharing something you're working on, something personal, and something that inspired you or made you laugh—you can consistently engage your audience and showcase the full range of your interior design brand. Additionally, incorporating interactive features like polls, question boxes, quizzes, and emoji sliders can take your Stories to the next level by fostering engagement and building a sense of community.


This approach not only helps keep your content fresh and dynamic but also ensures you are connecting with your audience on multiple levels—professionally, personally, and emotionally. The result is a more engaged and loyal following that feels invested in your brand and excited to see what you share next.


Start implementing this simple Instagram Story strategy today and watch your engagement grow, your follower count rise, and your brand become a go-to source of inspiration and expertise in the interior design community. Remember, the key to success on social media is consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.


Happy posting!

Signature Image for Lezlie Swink, the founder and CEO of Swink Social Co

Comments


bottom of page