Behind-the-Scenes Content Ideas Your Followers Will Love

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If you struggle with content ideas while waiting on those final pro shots from a completed project, you’re not alone! Reveal photos are incredibly satisfying, but there’s so much you can share along the way to bring your followers (and future clients!) into the experience without loads of extra work. People love the journey just as much as the finished product. So, add some of these ideas to your content calendar, grab a few in-the-moment snaps, and let everyone in on the behind-the-scenes moments that make each project unique!

1. Before and After (the Real Way)

To make this fresh, focus on in-the-moment shots from various stages. Start with a quick walkthrough of the blank room and capture updates at each milestone—like after demo day, mid-installation, or when new paint goes up. Don’t shy away from the messy phases, with paint cans scattered, dust in the air, and tools all around. These raw, real glimpses let followers appreciate the journey as well as the small choices that lead to big results.

2. Micro-Moments

Whether it’s the perfect trim, layered textures, or unique hardware selections, zoom in to show what makes a room feel cohesive and curated. Talk about why you chose these elements or how they tie into the overall look. These kinds of “micro” moments will be a hit with fellow designers who love the art of thoughtful details—and clients who may not have noticed all the extra touches before.

3. Mood Board Mondays (or Whatever Day Works for You)

Sharing mood boards is a simple way to let followers see where your design ideas come from. Show your favorite color palettes, unique pattern combos, or fabric swatches—and add a quick note on why you think they’ll work for a particular project. Feeling brave? Ask for feedback! Inviting your followers to chime in on your creative process can make them feel a little more invested in the outcome.

4. Tools of the Trade

Giving a quick tour of your favorite tools, gadgets, or go-to apps can be surprisingly fun to share! Whether it’s a peek at your design software, tablet and stylus, that trusty sketchbook, or your well-loved color fan deck, let your followers in on how these essentials help you bring your designs to life. It’s a great way to demystify the process and show what really keeps your workday moving.

5. Meet the Makers

Have a go-to craftsperson, furniture maker, or fabric expert? Introduce them! A quick interview or a photo together gives your followers a peek into your network of talented people. It’s a great way to show off the collaborative side of design, and it gives credit to those whose work makes your projects truly special.

6. Your Work Station Setup

Our workspaces often aren’t picture-perfect. Sometimes, they look more like “organized chaos” than anything. Maybe there are mid-project samples scattered around or a half-finished coffee beside your redline sketches. Snap a shot of your real work zone, or, if you just did a quick tidy-up, capture that rare calm before the creative storm. And if music’s your thing, why not share the playlist that’s been fueling your latest projects? It’s these real-life touches that make your workspace feel relatable.

7. A Day in the Life

Take your followers along for a day in your life! Whether it’s starting off with coffee and emails, an afternoon of sample sourcing, or an evening client meeting, a “day in the life” series gives a fun, personal peek into your routine. This kind of content can be light and candid, showing the balance between the creative and practical sides of your work.

8. Design Tips & Pro Lessons

Share some of your go-to design tricks or lessons in action! Whether it’s a clever way to hide cords, make a small room feel bigger, or choose the right rug size, these practical tips give followers insight into your expertise. For example, show the correct way to install a light fixture or explain why a particular color or material works perfectly for a space as you’re setting it up. These pro tips let your followers see the thought and skill behind your designs.

If you’re looking to connect with your followers—whether they’re future clients, fans, or fellow designers, remember that “picture-perfect” isn’t everything. The most relatable content often makes the biggest impact. And we get it—you’re busy! If getting your photos and videos ready for posting feels like a lot, consider bringing in a social media assistant to help. That way, your online presence keeps growing while you stay focused on the work you love. Reach out to us to get matched with a specialized VDA (Virtual Design Assistant) who can keep you on track with a social media strategy that truly works for you!

xx, Danae

P.S. Get ready for the holiday event of the season. RSVP for Sandra Funk's virtual Holiday Workshop, "All I Want for Christmas is Wealthy Clients, Joy... and a Design Empire" on December 4th at 3 PM EST to be entered to win a massive giveaway that CEOs dream about.

Planning Like a Pro: 6 Effective Tips for Organizing Your Editorial Calendar

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If you're reading this, chances are you can understand the struggle all too well. It's the middle of the week, and you haven't managed to share anything on Instagram yet. On top of that, you have a backlog of content from site visits that you haven't had the chance to sift through. As an interior designer, “social media manager” can feel like yet another hat you have to wear.. But fear not! By implementing a well-designed editorial calendar, you can bring order to the chaos and find your rhythm in no time. Let’s dive in.

An editorial calendar can be described as a comprehensive plan outlining specific themes, determining the content you'll post on designated days, and scheduling it well in advance, often spanning weeks or even months. This includes photos and videos for social media, newsletters, blog content, and anything else you share online. So, how can you make the most of it?

1. Use an effective platform.

You may already be using project management software or programs that you could also use for creating your editorial calendar. Incorporate your content into your workspace scope. Asana, Trello, and Monday.com are just a few popular options.

2. Keep your files together.

Even if you don’t have time to sort through all your photos and videos the same day, take 3 minutes to do a content dump to a sub-folder, within your master content folder. Name it in a way that allows you to find it easily in the future (e.g. Paint Sample Site Visit).

3. Block out your planning time.

Instead of scrambling to create content in short, stressful bursts, schedule regular time, such as once every two weeks, to sit down and consider your current marketing strategy along with your firm's latest highlights. Map out a plan for the next month and generate ideas for the following months.

4. Set notifications and reminders.

Having a plan is great, but it can easily slip your mind. Set scheduled reminders to post your content. Some project management platforms integrate with social media management tools, enabling you to schedule and publish posts directly from the platform. Aim to post during high-traffic hours, and keep an eye on the times that tend to be most successful for you.

5. Alternate types of content.

To keep things fresh and interesting, alternate between different types of content. Include behind-the-scenes progress photos, day-in-the-life reels, images related to your blog posts, seasonal posts, and high-quality portfolio shots. Ensure that everything aligns with your brand identity and aesthetic. Maintain a master timeline of content topics to have a quick overview of your posting history.

6. Outsource.

You actually don’t have to do all of this on your own. Conceiving all the ideas behind your content can be time-consuming, yet maintaining an online presence is crucial. Consider meeting with a Virtual Design Assistant to brief them on your brand identity and voice. They can take a lot of the work off your plate, so you can spend more time actually designing!

By calmly curating your content themes and setting a realistic posting frequency, you can ensure a steady flow of captivating posts that resonate with your target audience. Don't be afraid to collaborate with guest contributors and align your content with key events to further enhance your online presence. And remember, a content bank is your best friend for storing and organizing ideas. So, get planning and watch your interior design brand flourish in the online realm!

xx, Danae

DIGITAL TEMPLATES?

We love helping busy interior designers like you! So, in an effort to provide the best resources possible, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU about what templates you’d like to see from us. Browse our current collection of templates here for any you might need or want, and email us at danae@elitedesignassistants.com to let us know what other templates you’d like us to make and have available for instant download!