![Exterior Designer: how to post engaging content [content idea list]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-marketing-plan-6_6b7ca848-c49c-4778-9dd7-19908e34854c.png?v=1715865660&width=1100)
Facebook and Instagram are not just for likes and fun—they're powerful tools that the best exterior designers in the world use strategically to attract clients.
We know you're busy transforming outdoor spaces and the thought of managing social media might feel like another burden.
But here's the deal: you don't need to be a marketing expert or spend a fortune to make it work. Just a few minutes a day can bring a couple of new clients to your portfolio.
To help you out, we have built a free list of content ideas - also, for a full action plan, please check our strategy pack for exterior designers.
Get the content idea list made for exterior designers
A lot of exterior designers manage to post engaging content on social media. Here is a free tool to to get you started.
Content that always work well for an exterior designer
We have analyzed numerous exterior design portfolios and social media accounts to create our strategy pack for exterior designers - here is what consistently proves effective.
| Content Type | Why It Works to Attract New Clients to Your Exterior Design Business |
|---|---|
| High-Quality Project Photos | Visually stunning images of completed projects can captivate potential clients, showcasing your design skills and encouraging them to hire you. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Videos | Showing the design process, from initial sketches to final touches, builds trust and creates a connection with your audience. |
| Client Testimonials | Positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied clients provide social proof and encourage others to choose your services. |
| Special Offers and Promotions | Announcing limited-time offers, discounts, or free consultations can attract new clients looking for deals. |
| User-Generated Content | Sharing content created by clients (photos, reviews) engages the community and adds authenticity to your brand. |
| Local Collaborations | Partnering with local businesses or influencers can introduce your services to a broader, local audience. |
| Event Announcements | Promoting upcoming workshops, open houses, or design showcases can attract new clients interested in unique experiences. |
| Seasonal and Holiday Posts | Highlighting seasonal design trends or holiday-themed projects can attract clients looking for special design options during those times. |
| Interactive Content | Polls, quizzes, and Q&A sessions engage followers and create a sense of community, encouraging them to consider your services. |
| Design Tips and Tricks | Sharing design tips and tricks can engage followers who are home improvement enthusiasts and inspire them to hire you for their projects. |
| Project Updates | Regularly updating followers with ongoing project progress keeps your business top-of-mind and showcases your work ethic and attention to detail. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Team Stories | Featuring stories about your team members creates a personal connection and humanizes your brand. |
| Sustainability Initiatives | Highlighting sustainable practices or eco-friendly materials appeals to environmentally conscious clients. |
| Client Spotlights | Featuring regular clients creates a sense of community and makes others want to be part of that group. |
| Contests and Giveaways | Running contests and giveaways can increase engagement and attract new followers, many of whom may convert into clients. |
Some exterior designers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best exterior designers in the world. Replicate them now!
How can exterior designers make great content on social media?
What to Prioritise
You probably know it already, but high-quality photos and videos of your exterior design projects are essential.
People are drawn to visuals first. Make sure the lighting is good, the designs look fresh, and the presentation is inviting.
Also, post regularly to keep your audience engaged. It doesn’t have to be daily, but find a schedule that works for you and stick to it. We have prepared a free social media planner for you.
Of course, respond to comments and messages quickly. People appreciate interaction and it makes them feel valued. Don’t just be another “bland” account.
Show the real side of your design process. Behind-the-scenes photos, team stories, and client shoutouts can create a personal connection with your audience.
If you want to keep your potential clients excited, highlight any special projects, events, or seasonal designs. Make sure your followers know what’s new and exciting.
Finally, share positive reviews and testimonials. Social proof is powerful and can help attract new clients.
What Doesn’t Matter as Much
Overly polished content does not really matter. Your posts don’t need to be perfect. Authenticity can be more engaging than highly produced content.
Also, don’t feel pressured to jump on every social media trend. Focus on what fits your exterior design “image” and what your audience likes.
If you have a low budget to conduct marketing for your design business, don’t immediately go for paid Ads. Organic reach can still be effective with good content and engagement. You will find tons of tactics and strategies in our strategy pack for exterior designers.
How to Do It Fast and Efficient
First, spend a few hours once a week taking photos, recording videos, and drafting posts. This way, you’re not scrambling daily.
Use Scheduling Tools - tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can schedule posts in advance, saving you time.
Repurpose and use the same content across different platforms. A photo on Instagram can be a post on Facebook or a tweet on Twitter.
Encourage clients to share their own photos and tag your design business. This is what we call “User-Generated Content”. Reposting these can save you time and build community.
Use apps like Canva for quick and easy graphic design, or Lightroom for photo editing. These tools can make your content look professional with minimal effort.
Low-budget content ideas for exterior designers on social media
Our team has curated a list of highly specific, budget-friendly content ideas tailored for exterior designers, complete with practical tips to keep costs low and maximize social media impact.
You might want to incorporate some of these ideas in the marketing plan of your exterior design business.
| Content Type | Tips to Make It More Affordable |
|---|---|
| Smartphone Project Photos | Utilize natural light by photographing projects during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon). Enhance photos with free apps like Snapseed or VSCO. |
| Client Testimonials | Ask satisfied clients to record a quick video testimonial on their phone. Offer a small discount on future services as a thank-you. |
| User-Generated Content | Encourage clients to share photos of their newly designed exteriors by offering a monthly raffle for those who tag your business on Instagram. |
| DIY Project Videos | Film short, simple DIY landscaping or exterior design tips using a smartphone and a basic tripod. Use free editing software like iMovie or OpenShot. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Stories | Use Instagram Stories or Facebook Live to give a real-time look at your design process or introduce the team during project breaks. |
| Design Tip Posts | Create simple, eye-catching graphics for design tips using free tools like Canva. Include a brief description and a visually appealing photo. |
| Team Spotlights | Feature team members with a casual photo and fun facts about them. Use your smartphone and a natural setting at a project site. |
| Simple Polls and Questions | Engage followers with free Instagram or Facebook polls about their favorite design styles or suggestions for new services. |
| Local Event Promotions | Collaborate with local events by offering a small discount or coupon. Cross-promote each other's content to reach a wider audience. |
| Community Involvement Posts | Post photos and short stories about your participation in local charity events or partnerships with community organizations. |
| Client Spotlights | Highlight loyal clients with their favorite design projects. Take a quick photo and share a short story about their experience with your services. |
| Project Before-and-Afters | Create compelling before-and-after photos of your projects using inexpensive props and natural settings. Use free editing tools to enhance the visuals. |
| Sustainability Tips | Share eco-friendly practices such as using native plants or sustainable materials. Create simple infographics with free tools like Canva. |
| Behind-the-Scenes Prep | Record short clips of the design prep work, such as sketching plans or selecting materials. Compile them into a quick video using free tools. |
| Simple Contests and Giveaways | Run social media contests where participants like, share, or tag friends to win a free consultation. Use prizes that are cost-effective like a free design plan. |
| Seasonal Design Posts | Highlight seasonal design ideas and projects using natural light and your smartphone camera. Share the story behind the design to add interest. |
Copy the tactics of the best exterior designers in the world!
There are exterior designers that make way more money than you do. We have studied their tactics. Get them now!
Exceptionally creative and innovative content ideas specifically for exterior designers
Investing in high-quality social media content for your exterior design business can be a game-changer. Many competitors might overlook this, giving you a unique opportunity to stand out, capture attention, and build a loyal client base.
| Content Type | Why It Could Bring a LOT of Clients |
|---|---|
| Virtual Design Consultations | Offering live or recorded virtual design consultations where you provide tips and advice can create a sense of community and attract a global audience. |
| Interactive 360° Project Tours | Providing virtual 360° tours of your completed projects can offer a unique behind-the-scenes experience and entice potential clients to hire you. |
| Seasonal Design Tips | Creating buzz with seasonal design tips and trends can generate excitement and urgency, attracting new and repeat clients. |
| Exclusive Design Workshops | Hosting exclusive workshops where clients can learn about the latest design trends and techniques can create a memorable experience and word-of-mouth referrals. |
| AR Design Previews | Implementing augmented reality (AR) technology to show clients a 3D representation of their future exterior design can enhance the planning experience and attract tech-savvy clients. |
| Themed Design Events | Hosting themed design events, such as garden parties or outdoor living showcases, can provide a unique and immersive experience, attracting groups and special occasions. |
| Design Challenge Contests | Organizing design challenge contests (e.g., best backyard transformation) can create viral moments, attracting competitive designers and spectators. |
| Collaborative Pop-Up Installations | Partnering with other local designers or businesses to host pop-up installations can introduce your services to new audiences and create a buzz in the community. |
| Story-Driven Social Media Posts | Sharing in-depth stories about the origins of your design concepts, the materials you use, or the personal journey of your designers can create an emotional connection with clients. |
| Interactive Design Polls | Allowing clients to choose design elements via social media polls can make them feel involved and eager to see the final results they helped influence. |
| Eco-Friendly Initiatives | Launching and promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as sustainable landscaping or energy-efficient designs, can attract environmentally conscious clients and media attention. |
| Mobile Design Consultations | Operating a mobile design consultation service in different locations or at local events can expand your reach and attract new clients who may hire you for larger projects later. |
| Design Subscription Service | Offering a subscription service where clients receive monthly design tips and material samples can create a loyal client base. |
| Immersive Design Workshops | Hosting workshops where clients can learn advanced design techniques from your experts can attract design enthusiasts and create a sense of exclusivity. |
| Flash Mob Design Installations | Organizing flash mob design installations in unexpected locations can create viral content and attract adventurous clients looking for unique experiences. |
Content that never works well for exterior designers on social media
Don't waste your time and resources on these ideas. We've seen many exterior designers make these mistakes, and they won't help you stand out from the crowd or attract new clients for your business.
| Content Type | Why It Never Works for Exterior Designers | Do This Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Generic Stock Photos | They lack authenticity and can make your designs appear unoriginal or untrustworthy. | Use real photos of your projects, team, and work process to create a genuine connection with your audience. |
| Overly Promotional Posts | Constantly pushing promotions can feel spammy and turn off followers. | Mix in engaging content like behind-the-scenes stories, client testimonials, and interactive posts to keep your audience interested. |
| Unrelated Content | Posting content that has nothing to do with exterior design confuses followers and dilutes your brand. | Keep your content focused on your projects, design tips, events, and related topics to maintain relevance and interest. |
| Low-Quality Videos | Poorly shot or edited videos can reflect badly on your design quality and professionalism. | Invest in basic video equipment or hire a local videographer to produce high-quality videos that showcase your work positively. |
| Political or Controversial Posts | These can alienate parts of your audience and lead to negative backlash. | Stick to neutral, positive content that focuses on design, community, and your unique offerings. |
| Too Many Hashtags | Overusing hashtags can look desperate and reduce engagement by making posts look cluttered. | Use a few relevant, targeted hashtags to increase visibility without overwhelming your audience. |
| Automated Replies and Messages | They can come off as impersonal and frustrate clients looking for genuine interaction. | Respond personally to comments and messages to show that you care about your clients and value their feedback. |
| Overly Staged Photos | Photos that look too perfect can seem inauthentic and less relatable. | Use natural lighting and casual settings to make your photos feel more genuine and inviting. |
| Constant Self-Promotion | Only talking about your services can bore followers and reduce engagement. | Share user-generated content, collaborate with local businesses, and highlight community involvement to diversify your content. |
| Negative or Defensive Responses | Responding poorly to criticism can damage your reputation and discourage potential clients. | Address negative feedback calmly and constructively, showing that you are willing to improve and value client input. |
| Ignoring Social Media Trends | Being out of touch with current trends can make your business seem outdated and unappealing. | Stay updated with social media trends and incorporate them creatively into your content strategy to keep your audience engaged and excited. |
| Excessive Posting | Posting too frequently can overwhelm your followers and lead to unfollows. | Maintain a consistent but moderate posting schedule, ensuring each post adds value and keeps your audience looking forward to your updates. |
| Complex or Confusing Promotions | Promotions that are hard to understand can frustrate clients and deter participation. | Offer simple, clear, and straightforward promotions that are easy for clients to grasp and engage with. |
| Ignoring Comments and Messages | Not engaging with your audience can make them feel undervalued and reduce their loyalty. | Regularly respond to comments and messages to build a strong, interactive community around your business. |
Make your exterior design service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best exterior designers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
Why social media can be a big pay-off for your exterior design service
We understand that as an exterior designer, you might feel hesitant about diving into social media marketing.
The world of social media can seem foreign and filled with confusing jargon. You might believe that it's more suited for big corporations rather than small businesses like yours.
The day-to-day demands of running an exterior design business are already overwhelming, leaving little time for additional tasks like social media.
It's common to think that social media marketing is an expensive endeavor, one that your tight profit margins can't support. Plus, the sheer number of social media platforms can lead to indecision and skepticism, especially if previous efforts haven't yielded the results you hoped for.
That's why we've created a "marketing pack" specifically tailored for exterior designers like you.
Our pack addresses all the issues you might face, offering simple, cost-effective strategies that don't require a marketing expert or a big budget for your exterior design business. These documents are straightforward and easy to understand, cutting through the jargon and focusing on what really works for small exterior design businesses on social media.
We provide clear, actionable steps for creating engaging posts, building a loyal following, and boosting your business's visibility online.
With our marketing pack, you can invest in your exterior design business's growth without feeling overwhelmed or uncertain.
Your exterior design service could make more money!
Most exterior designers don't know how to grow their business. Let us teach you the right strategies.
