There is such a sense of relief when you've completed an interior design project, especially one that has taken so many months (or years!). But really, you know the job isn't over, right?! You may have finished the punch list, but you still have some tasks to check off. And they're SO important that they will actually impact your future business! Here are 4 critical steps to take once you've come to the end of a design project - don't skip any of them!

1. Ask for Referrals

I know that so many of you feel like asking for a referral is incredibly "cringe." But you have GOT to put yourself out there. There are definitely ways to do it so it doesn't feel like you're begging or desperate. First, you need to set the stage at the beginning of the project. I like to do this by saying to my clients that they're going to be so happy with the results of the project that they'll want to refer me to all of their friends. See how easy and breezy that is? But it's also very serious - I've set an expectation. And now all I have to do is remind them at the end of the project that I would love a referral. You can also make that very light and natural by just saying that you're thrilled that your clients are happy and that you would appreciate it if they talk to friends and family about you. Also consider giving them some extra business cards so they have a way to spread the word!

2. Get that Review

This is similar to asking for a referral. Those Google reviews definitely make a BIG difference. Not only do they build trust among potential clients, but good reviews can boost your website on Google searches. The one thing that you want to do for reviews is make it VERY simple for your clients. Prepare an email template that's ready to go as soon as you've wrapped up your project. That email should say how thrilled you were to work with the client and to deliver a gorgeous home that they love. Then you explain how important Google reviews are to your business and you hope they will give you a great review. And - this is the MOST important part - you include a link directly to the review page for your business. Make it easy! And don't worry if the client doesn't create a review right away - people get busy. It's your job to ask AGAIN in a few weeks, so be sure to schedule that.

3. Stay in Touch

If you've had a great client and a great experience, you do NOT want to lose touch with that person! There are a lot of ways to stay in touch, and I like to use several of them. First, I create a newsletter of tips and ideas that I can send out to former clients. You can do this monthly or quarterly, but it's a great way to stay top-of-mind with clients. You never know when they may have another project in the works, or if someone they know has asked them if they can recommend a good designer. Second, I always always remember my clients' birthdays and anniversaries! You should gather that info on your intake questionnaire so you have it ready to go, and then add the info to your company calendar. And finally, I like to gift former clients at the holidays, for summer vacations, or other special times. You don't have to spend a lot to make a BIG impression, but they will so appreciate your thoughtfulness!

4. Throw a Party

The fun thing about the end of a project is that your client is JUST as excited as you are! One smart idea is to offer to throw a party to unveil the gorgeous results. For the cost of catering and flowers, you can get in front of a LOT of your clients' family and friends. It's a great marketing tactic! Of course you want to have takeaways at the event that includes info about your company, so consider small gift bags for attendees, too. Celebrate and have fun with your clients!

Use these ideas to not only keep your name in front of your former clients, but to also remind them of how important they are to your business! And speaking of reminders, it's so much easier if you have a system in place to communicate with those clients. I developed my Client Communication Templates to give you the tools you need - and a system - to stay on top of that all-important outreach. Find out more by clicking here! 

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