Getting new clients is always a challenge. But what if you’re not just looking for more clients—you’re looking for better ones? You want people who value what you do, trust your process, and are happy to pay for quality. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In places like Manchester, UK, the interior design space is packed with talent. That means standing out to attract premium clients takes more than good taste. It takes a strategy. The good news? You don’t need to change your whole business model. You just need to focus on the things that matter most to the kind of client you want to attract.
Let’s walk through how to do exactly that.
Contents
Make Your Portfolio Look the Part
If you want to land high-end clients, your portfolio needs to reflect high-end quality. That’s not just about the designs themselves—it’s about how they’re presented.
Every image should be clean, well-composed, and professionally edited. No one wants to see dark, blurry phone photos. Even if your designs are beautiful, poor photography can make them look average. This is where it makes sense to bring in a professional. For example, working with an interior photography company in Manchester UK can ensure your work is captured in the best light—literally and visually. These companies understand angles, lighting, and composition, and they’ll help your designs shine the way they deserve to.
Also, don’t just dump a bunch of photos on a page. Select your strongest work. Add a short explanation of the client’s goals, the challenges you solved, and what makes the result unique. That kind of storytelling gives context and helps clients picture you solving their problems, too.
Narrow Down and Own Your Style
Trying to appeal to everyone often ends up appealing to no one. High-end clients usually know what they like. They want to hire someone who has a point of view.
If you have a style—whether it’s minimalist, bold, classic, or cosy—lean into it. Make it a part of your brand. Use the same tone across your website, social channels, and marketing materials. When a client sees that you consistently create a certain kind of look, they feel more confident that you’ll deliver something they’ll love.
This doesn’t mean you can’t experiment. But it does mean having a clear visual identity and staying true to it. The more consistent your work appears, the more memorable your brand becomes.
Build a Clear Client Process
Luxury clients don’t just want great design—they want a smooth experience. If your process feels disorganised, it can be a red flag.
Be clear about how you work. Outline your steps from enquiry to installation. Break it into simple stages, so clients know what to expect. Make it easy to understand. You could even include a short visual roadmap on your site.
When people know your process, they feel at ease. They trust that you’ve done this before. It also saves you time, since you won’t have to explain everything from scratch with each new enquiry.
Show Social Proof Where It Counts
Word of mouth still works—but these days, it often takes the form of testimonials and reviews. Potential clients want to see what others are saying about you.
Go beyond one-liners like “Great service!” Ask clients for feedback about the full experience—what they liked, what stood out, and how the result made them feel. Keep it short and specific. Post it alongside photos of the finished space for more impact.
Where you put these testimonials also matters. Don’t hide them on a separate page. Instead, weave them throughout your site: on your homepage, your service page, or even under portfolio pieces.
Raise Your Prices (Smartly)
There’s nothing wrong with charging what you’re worth. In fact, premium clients often expect higher prices—they associate them with quality and trust.
If your prices are too low, you might be attracting the wrong crowd. So, review your rates. If you’ve improved your skills, invested in your business, or added value to your service, it’s time to reflect that in your pricing.
You don’t have to double your fees overnight. Raise them gradually. Offer more value through detailed planning, better materials, or faster turnaround. Be ready to explain what sets you apart and why the investment is worth it.
Collaborate with the Right People
Referrals are still one of the best ways to attract ideal clients. One smart move is to work with businesses that already serve your target market.
Think of local builders, architects, or luxury real estate agents. These professionals often need interior designers for their projects and they’re usually in touch with clients who want quality work.
Reach out to potential collaborators. Share your portfolio and suggest ways to work together. Even if it doesn’t lead to work straight away, it builds relationships that can pay off down the line.
Don’t Ignore Local SEO
Many premium clients find designers by doing a quick search online. If your site doesn’t show up, they’ll never know you exist.
Make sure your site is set up for local search. Use phrases like “interior designer in Manchester” throughout your pages. Set up a Google Business Profile and make sure your contact info is accurate. Add photos, reviews, and your service area.
You can also write short blog posts or project case studies using location names. These help you rank higher in search results and give visitors more reasons to trust you.
The bottom line? Attracting high-end clients doesn’t mean changing who you are. It means making a few smart shifts—refining your image, improving your presentation, and showing people what you’re capable of.
By focusing on clarity, quality, and consistency, you’ll start to build the kind of brand that serious clients are drawn to. The more you show up as a professional, the more you’ll attract people who are happy to pay for great design.
You don’t need to be everywhere. You just need to be clear, confident, and ready when the right clients come along.
