In an ideal world, an interior designer's schedule would be filled year-round with exciting design projects, satisfying both creativity and income!

However, the interior design industry can be unpredictable. There can be long gaps between projects. While new projects will come, these gaps can lead to financial stress.

Thankfully, there are alternative ways for interior designers to earn money. You can monetize your expertise in new and creative ways to maintain steady revenue for your interior design business year-round. These strategies can help boost your income and reach a wider audience!

This article will explore...

• Highlighting five alternative income streams for interior designers, such as affiliate marketing, writing e-books, coaching, starting a YouTube channel, and setting up a virtual store, to ensure consistent revenue.
• Emphasizing the importance of leveraging existing knowledge and skills in creative ways to generate additional income and reach a broader audience.
• Offering practical advice on maintaining cash flow during slow periods in the interior design business through passive income and varied revenue strategies.

Five alternative income streams for interior designers

Use affiliate links

Affiliate marketing is a low-risk, high-reward revenue stream for interior designers. It leverages the content you already create.

Start by finding affiliate programs that align with your brand and values. Then, add affiliate links to your website, blog, or social media. Highlight products you use and recommend to your audience.

Some brands also accept ambassadors. Keep an eye out for opportunities to represent them!

Write and publish an E-book

E-books let interior designers share their expertise and insights while earning additional income through sales.

You can sell your e-book on your website or platforms like Amazon. Promote it via social media, email marketing, and other channels. You can also offer your writing services to other interior designers.

Writing an e-book takes time and effort, but it can provide a steady stream of passive revenue for years to come.

Coach fellow interior designers

If you're an established interior designer, you have valuable knowledge and expertise that can help aspiring designers succeed.

Offer guidance to help them avoid common pitfalls, develop their skills, and build a successful business. You can provide one-on-one coaching, group coaching programs, or online courses. Sharing your experience can generate additional income and help others grow.

Start a YouTube channel

Interacting with suppliers and clients is crucial for your interior design business, so facing a camera and engaging with an audience might come naturally to you.

Starting a YouTube channel can boost your brand and image as an interior designer. Once you build trust with your viewers, you can monetize your channel and secure brand collaboration deals.

Unsure about content? Start with interior design tips and hacks you know well, then expand from there.

Set up a virtual store

Working on various projects helps you refine your aesthetic and connect with top furniture and decor suppliers. You can recommend their items in your virtual store.

You can also feature your own products, from a handmade welcome mat to an acacia coffee table sourced from Southeast Asia. This can add another income stream to your interior design business.

The takeaway

As an interior designer, steady work isn’t always guaranteed. Balancing your creative passion with commercial demands is a common challenge.

Despite uncertainties, there are ways to maintain a steady income for your interior design business. From establishing a presence on YouTube to exploring affiliate partnerships, numerous avenues can help secure financial stability when work is slow.