Is Your Instagram Profile Turning Clients Away? 8 Mistakes to Avoid
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Let's start by acknowledging that you probably didn’t set out to be a social media influencer–you’re an interior designer! It’s perfectly normal (and incredibly common) to feel a bit out of sync with today’s ever-changing social media standards. Luckily, managing your Instagram doesn’t have to become a full-time job; a social media manager can take the wheel if needed. But a little self-reflection never hurts, and you can see how your profile stacks up. If any of these cheeky descriptions hit home, read on for our pro tips to boost your Insta game!
1. The Beige Wall
All neutrals, all the time. It’s a palette you could meditate to, but it might also make followers snooze. While a consistent look is great, too much beige can flatten your profile and make your work blend into everyone else’s.
Pro Tip: Break up the neutrals with the occasional pop of color or a bold design choice to give followers a focal point. A bold or colorful vignette can go a long way in adding dimension to your profile and keeping followers scrolling.
2. The Mix-and-Unmatch
A little chaotic, a little all over the place. This profile is like a closet full of patterns but no clear style. Each post is beautiful on its own, but there’s no cohesive aesthetic tying it all together, which makes it hard for followers to “get” your brand.
Pro Tip: Create a simple visual theme with consistent photo presets and fonts that match your branding and signature style. When your posts use the same tones and branded elements, your grid will feel curated without stifling creativity. The goal is to give clients a clear sense of who you are and the vibe you bring.
3. The Perfectly Posed
Your grid looks like a magazine shoot, with each post more polished than the last. While that’s definitely impressive, the overly staged look can make your profile feel cold and untouchable. People love seeing the process and real life behind the perfection.
Pro Tip: Balance the glam with some more candid, relatable posts. Share a messy desk, a peek at your design process, or even a snippet of a challenging install day. These posts remind followers there’s a real person behind the perfection—and that you’re approachable and authentic.
4. The Selfie Shrine
It’s great that you’re showing up, but when most of your posts feature just you, clients might wonder where the portfolio is hiding. While clients love knowing the designer behind the work, showcasing your spaces is just as important.
Pro Tip: For every selfie, post a “shelfie” (or a gorgeous room shot) to balance the personal with the professional. Use your selfies to tell a story, like posing on-site at a project or sharing a design tip. This way, followers get to know you while also seeing your design expertise in action.
5. The Hashtag Hoarder
Nothing wrong with a few hashtags, but if you’re dropping 30 ultra-broad ones like #InteriorDesign and #HomeDecor, your posts are getting lost out there. Hashtags are most effective when they’re a mix of broad, niche, and unique tags.
Pro Tip: Use 5-10 focused hashtags that are relevant and specific to your style, location, or niche, like #ModernFarmhouseLA or #UrbanEclectic. Try creating a branded hashtag for each project, like #ProjectNashvilleNook, so clients can easily follow the journey of each design.
6. The Vanilla Voice
Your posts look great, but the captions feel copy-pasted from a real estate listing. If your followers are nodding off mid-caption, it’s time to spice it up. Captions are your chance to show personality, humor, or share something real.
Pro Tip: Think of captions as a chance to share a story or insight behind each post. Give a quick backstory on a design decision, share a challenge you overcame, or ask followers what they think about a bold color choice. Keep it real and relatable—you don’t need to be Shakespeare; just be you.
7. The All-or-Nothing
You’re either posting a storm or radio silence for weeks. When you flood the feed, it can be overwhelming, but disappearing doesn’t do much for building client trust. Consistency is key in social media, so try to keep a steady flow.
Pro Tip: Plan your posts ahead with a simple content calendar, and consider scheduling and automating posts to keep up with a regular rhythm. Aim for one or two posts a week—having a plan helps keep your profile active, which shows potential clients you’re engaged and committed.
8. The Ghost Stories
Your grid is all polished posts, but your Stories? Crickets. Stories give followers a more personal, up-to-date look into your world and let them connect with you on a daily basis. If you’re only posting to the grid, you’re missing out on that personal touch.
Pro Tip: Use Stories to give sneak peeks, share your favorite finds, or post quick tips. Even a morning coffee shot or “mood of the day” can make your profile feel more alive and engaging. Add Story Highlights to keep your best Stories accessible, like “Portfolio,” “Our Process,” or “Design Tips.”
Do I need to delete my old posts and start over?
Not at all! Instead of scrapping your past posts, think of them as part of your growth journey. A well-curated Instagram doesn’t mean you need to erase everything; instead, start by implementing these tweaks moving forward. If there are a few older posts that really don’t reflect your brand, you can always archive them. But ultimately, your profile should feel authentic and show your evolution—clients will appreciate seeing both where you started and where you’re headed.
With a bit of reflection and maybe a bit of help, you can make sure your profile is a place where clients feel excited to follow along and—hopefully—hire you! Happy posting!
Looking to outsource social media management? Reach out and we’ll match you with an expert.
xx, Danae
