Why Reviews Matter More for Interior Designers Than You Think

“Your brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room.” - Jeff Bezos

In the world of interior design, creativity and vision are everything. You spend countless hours bringing beauty, functionality, and comfort into people’s homes, creating spaces that inspire and delight. But here’s the thing: no matter how stunning your designs are, no matter how many years of experience you have under your belt, potential clients are probably making their hiring decisions based on something completely different. What is it, you ask? Reviews. Yep, those little stars and a few lines of text can make or break your business in the eyes of someone who’s just Googled “best interior designer near me.”

If you think that’s a bit frustrating, you’re not alone. Why should a brief blurb from a past client carry more weight than your portfolio of gorgeously styled rooms? The truth is, we humans are hardwired to seek out social proof before we make decisions. And for interior designers, this need for validation from others is even more pronounced. So, buckle up, because we’re about to dive into why reviews matter more than you think—and how they can help take your business to the next level.

The Psychology of Reviews: Why Do People Care So Much?

To understand why reviews are crucial, let’s take a quick trip into the fascinating world of psychology. You see, humans are inherently social creatures. From an evolutionary perspective, we survived by relying on the opinions and experiences of others. Thousands of years later, that instinct is still going strong. In fact, studies show that over 90% of people read reviews before making a purchase or hiring a service provider. And it doesn’t stop there—84% of people trust online reviews just as much as they trust recommendations from friends.

Now, you might be wondering, “Okay, but why does this matter for interior designers?” The answer is simple: designing someone’s home is a deeply personal experience. Clients aren’t just hiring you to create a pretty room; they’re trusting you with their most intimate spaces, their family’s comfort, and their hard-earned money. And that’s a big deal. Potential clients want reassurance that you’ll deliver on your promises, and what better way to find that reassurance than by reading the experiences of other people who have already been in their shoes?

Problem #1: Clients Are Looking for Trust—Not Just Talent

Here’s where the magic of reviews comes in. As much as people love beautiful design, what they love even more is the feeling that they can trust the person they’re hiring. In a world where you can find hundreds of interior designers with just a quick Google search, reviews act as a filter. They help potential clients sift through the noise and zero in on designers who aren’t just talented, but also trustworthy, reliable, and easy to work with.

Think about it: how often do you look at reviews for restaurants, hotels, or even Amazon products? Do you scroll through, looking for specific details that speak to what you care about most? Whether it’s customer service, timeliness, or quality, reviews give clients insight into what it’s really like to work with you—and that’s worth its weight in gold.

Problem #2: Potential Clients Are Comparing You to Everyone Else

Let’s say someone is searching for an interior designer in your area. They type it into Google, and bam—up pops a list of designers, including you. Awesome, right? Not so fast. Right next to your name and business is another designer. And another one. And maybe even five or a hundred more. What makes someone click on your business instead of your competitor’s? You guessed it—reviews.

Google’s local search rankings heavily favor businesses with a strong review presence. A designer with more positive reviews is more likely to show up in those coveted top spots. Plus, the higher your star rating, the more likely people are to click on your business first. It’s no longer just about having the most stunning portfolio; it’s about proving you have a consistent track record of happy clients who will vouch for you.

The Stats Don’t Lie: Reviews Drive Conversions

We’ve touched on the psychological aspects of why reviews are important, but let’s throw in some hard data for good measure. According to a study by BrightLocal, customers are 31% more likely to spend money on a business with excellent reviews. And when it comes to interior design, where clients are often making significant financial investments, the importance of positive reviews can’t be overstated.

Moreover, having a steady stream of reviews can increase your visibility. Google’s algorithm prioritizes businesses that are not only well-reviewed but consistently receiving new reviews. That means if you’ve only got a handful of reviews from a year ago, it’s time to get the ball rolling again.

How to Start Getting More Reviews (Without Being Pushy)

Alright, now that we’ve established how crucial reviews are, let’s talk about how to get more of them—without feeling like you’re pestering your clients. Trust me, the last thing you want is to be that person, constantly asking for feedback in a way that feels forced or awkward.

Here’s the good news: there are automated tools (like the ones I help set up!) that make the review request process seamless and friendly. With a little setup, you can have a system in place that automatically reaches out to clients once a project wraps up, asking them for a quick review. You can even use Review AI to send personalized follow-ups that feel genuine but don’t take hours of your time.

A few tips to encourage reviews:

1. Ask at the right time – Right after a project is completed and the client is thrilled with the results is the perfect moment to ask.

2. Make it easy – Include a direct link to your Google My Business page or wherever you want the review to go. The fewer steps they have to take, the better. It can also be beneficial to mention that it will only take 10 or 30 seconds.

3. Be specific – If a client loved a particular aspect of your service (like your communication or attention to detail), kindly ask them to mention it in their review. Specifics help future clients know exactly what to expect. This may also allow you to carefully construct your image online.

The Power of Responding to Reviews

Once those reviews start rolling in, don’t forget the final (and often overlooked) step—responding to them! Whether a review is glowing or a little less-than-perfect, taking the time to reply shows potential clients that you care. Even a simple “Thank you so much for your kind words!” can make a huge difference.

If you get a not-so-great review (it happens to the best of us), use it as an opportunity to show professionalism and grace. Respond thoughtfully, offering to make things right or explaining how you’ve taken steps to improve. Future clients will see this and be reassured that even when things don’t go perfectly, you handle it like a pro.

Problem #3: A Lack of Reviews Can Be a Red Flag

On the flip side, not having enough reviews can actually harm your business. Imagine you’re a potential client scrolling through a list of designers, and you see that one business has 50 glowing reviews while another has… none. Which one are you more likely to trust?

Even if you’ve been in business for years and have a stellar portfolio, a lack of reviews can give the impression that you’re not as established or that you don’t have satisfied clients. It’s not fair, but it’s the reality of today’s digital landscape. The good news? It’s an easy fix—just start asking your clients for reviews (remember those tips above!).

Wrapping It Up: Reviews Aren’t Just Stars—They’re a Reflection of Your Brand

At the end of the day, reviews are more than just stars on a screen. They’re a reflection of your brand, your professionalism, and the experience clients can expect when they work with you.

For interior designers, reviews act as a critical bridge between your talent and the trust needed to win new business.

So, if you haven’t paid much attention to your online reviews lately, now’s the time to start. With the right approach, they can become one of your most powerful marketing tools—helping you stand out from the crowd and win the trust of new clients before you’ve even had a conversation.

And hey, if you ever need help setting up automated systems to get more reviews (without lifting a finger), you know where to find me! Here's my website