Becoming the Go-To Source for Your Design Clients: How to Make Your Business Indispensable

In the world of interior design, being indispensable to your clients isn’t just about being the best at what you do—it’s about becoming their go-to resource;  the first name they think of when they need something done. Akin to their favorite coffee shop or their favorite pair of jeans—they just can’t imagine going anywhere else and getting the same experience. So, how do you get to that level? Let’s break it down.

Last weekend we had dinner with a client I worked with twelve years ago.  We renovated four bathrooms and the basement and redesigned and decorated a den, a primary bedroom, and a breakfast area.  When the existing entry foyer pendant came crashing down and destroyed the floor, my clients did not blink before realizing that they needed to contact me immediately to ensure that the foyer would align with the other renovations we had completed the previous year.   

Fast forward and she is blissfully happy – having just remarried after losing her husband a few years ago.  She and her new husband are ready to make the home a reflection of their new life together, and we will be working on a kitchen renovation, and redecorating in the living and dining areas as part of the first phase of the design transition.   The bathrooms still look fabulous, which is so wonderful, and that is the stamp of great design and quality craftsmanship from our trusted trades.  

So how do we become indispensable?   Let’s look at a few tried and true tactics from our playbook:

Understand Their Needs Like Your Favorite Song

You know that feeling when your favorite song comes on, and it’s like it was made just for you? That’s the level of understanding you need with your clients. Take the time to really get to know them—what makes them tick, what keeps them up at night, and what they dream about. When you understand their needs and desires on a deep level, you can tailor your services to fit them like a custom-made suit - but for their environment!

Communication is Key, Like a Conversation with your Best Friend

Ever had a friend who always seems to know exactly what you’re thinking, even before you say it? That’s the kind of connection you want with your clients. Keep the lines of communication open and honest, just like you would with your bestie. Always listen to what they have to say, ask questions, and really pay attention to their feedback. The better you understand each other, the smoother the collaboration will be.

Be Their Problem Solver

Did you ever have a friend or neighbor living next door who can fix anything, anytime?  We had that special someone growing up and he was a true miracle worker – always there to help and figure things out. 

That’s the kind of service you want to provide for your clients. Anticipate their needs before they even know they have them, and always be ready with a solution. Whether it’s a last-minute design tweak or a major overhaul, be the one they can rely on to get the job done, no matter what.

Deliver Quality of the Highest Level Possible

Remember how your grandma’s homemade cookies always tasted better than store-bought ones? That’s because she put love and care into every batch. Apply that same level of dedication to your design work. Strive for excellence in everything you do, from the smallest details to the big picture. When your clients see the quality of your work, they’ll know they’re getting something special—and they won’t want to go anywhere else.

Build Trust Like a Rock-Solid Friendship

Trust is the foundation of any good relationship, whether it’s with a friend, a partner, or a client. Be reliable, consistent, and transparent in your dealings. Show them that you have their best interests at heart and that you’ll always go the extra mile to make sure they’re happy. When they trust you implicitly, they’ll be more likely to always come back to you as their trusted advisor and creative guru!  

Be the One They Can’t Live Without

Becoming indispensable to your design clients isn’t rocket science—it’s all about building strong, lasting relationships based on trust, communication, and quality work. By understanding their needs, solving their problems, and delivering top-notch service every time, you can become the go-to for all their design needs. So, go ahead—be the one they can’t imagine living without.

Perhaps you would like someone with thirty years of experience to help guide you to becoming the indispensable resource for your clientele.   Feel free to email info@phyllisharbinger.com and I would be delighted to have someone from my team set up a Discovery Call with you to get you to the next level.