How to Turn Instagram DMs into Interior Design Clients (Without Feeling Salesy!)
Ever opened your Instagram DMs, seen a message from a potential client, and instantly felt that weird pressure to sell? 😬
You’re not alone! But what if I told you that the key to turning those DMs into real opportunities isn’t about selling at all?
In this post, we’re getting rid of the old-school sales approach and replacing it with something way more natural (and effective). By the end, you’ll know exactly how to turn casual chats into real client bookings—without ever feeling like a pushy salesperson.
Why Traditional Sales Tactics Don’t Work in DMs
A lot of interior designers tell me:
“Kate, I get messages from people asking about my services, but the minute I reply, they ghost me.”
“I don’t even know what to say without sounding salesy.”
And I get it! The moment we think about converting a DM, our brain goes straight into sales mode. But here’s the reality: The second you start selling, you start losing them.
People have a kind of built-in radar for detecting when someone is trying to sell to them. And the moment they sense it? They shut down. So, how do we keep that from happening?
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
🚀 Your DMs are a conversation, not a conversion.
Instead of seeing every message as a potential sale, think of it as the start of a relationship. Because when people feel like they’re being sold to, they back away. But when they feel heard and understood? That’s when trust builds—and trust leads to bookings.
The Three-Step Approach to DM Success
Now, let’s break this down into three simple steps that will make your DMs feel effortless and natural while still leading to bookings.
- Match Their Energy
If someone messages you with:
“Hey, I love your work! Do you do consultations?”
Don’t respond with a formal, salesy pitch. Instead, mirror their tone:
✅ “Ahh, thank you! Yes, I do! Are you thinking about a specific space?”
Keeping it light makes the conversation feel natural—not like you’re waiting to pounce with an offer.
- Lead with Curiosity
Instead of jumping straight into pricing or packages, ask an open-ended question to get them talking about their project:
👉 “Tell me a little more about what you’re looking for!”👉 “What’s the biggest challenge with your space right now?”
When they share their struggles, they feel heard—and suddenly, you’re not just another designer, you’re the designer who gets them.
- Offer Value Before the ‘Ask’
Once they’ve opened up, drop a little helpful insight before mentioning your service. Something like:
✅ “Ooh, if lighting’s the issue, you might want to layer a mix of table and wall lighting—it makes a huge difference. If you’d like, I can go over this properly in a consultation!”
See how that flows? You’re showing expertise, helping them first, and then naturally offering the next step—no hard sell needed.
It’s About Connection, Not Conversion
So, next time you get a DM, remember: It’s not about converting—it’s about connecting. Treat it like a conversation, ask the right questions, and let the opportunity naturally unfold.
If you want to learn more about how to attract, and secure clients as an interior designer, check out this blog post! 👇
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