Designers, don't waste your time (or money) on letterbox drops
When was the last time you pulled a flyer out of your letterbox and thought, “Wow, I must call this person right away!”
Exactly.
If you’re anything like me, those spammy leaflets go straight into the recycling bin without a second thought. And that’s why flyer drops are NOT the marketing strategy you should be investing in.
Here’s why letterbox drops don’t work
1. You’re competing with noise
Your beautifully designed flyer will sit alongside supermarket catalogues, fast-food menus and bills. Even if someone glances at it, they’re unlikely to stop and think, “This is exactly what I need!” Hiring an interior designer is not an impulse decision made between a pizza menu and an electricity bill.
2. The wrong fit for high-value clients
Think about your ideal clients - busy professionals or families looking to invest in their homes. Are they really going to trust a random flyer in their mailbox for such an important decision? Unlikely. High-end clients don’t find their designers through junk mail.
3. No connection, no trust
Interior design is personal. Your clients want to feel like you understand them and their vision. Letterbox drops are the opposite of personal - they’re one-size-fits-all marketing that doesn’t foster trust or build relationships.
4. Terrible return on investment
Printing and distributing flyers isn’t cheap. And for what? A handful of people might read it and even fewer might reach out. That same budget could be better spent on targeted Meta ads, networking with the right people or hosting a small event to showcase your expertise (read below for ideas!).
5. It sends the wrong message
Your marketing reflects your brand. A glossy flyer stuffed into mailboxes doesn’t scream “high-end designer.” If you’re positioning yourself as a premium service, your marketing should align with that level of professionalism.
Here’s what to do instead
If you want marketing strategies that actually work, here are five alternatives that will help you attract high-value clients and build a strong reputation:
✅ Partner with local businesses – Team up with real estate agents, high-end builders, trades on your other building sites or boutique homeware stores. Their clients are your clients. Cross-promote, build partnerships and collaborate. This strategy takes time to develop .You need to build your network and your relationships.
✅ Host a free workshop or event – A live styling demo or design Q&A at a local showroom can position you as the expert. It also lets potential clients experience your knowledge and approach firsthand.
✅ Build an engaging online presence – Your clients are scrolling Instagram, not their letterbox. Post valuable content, showcase past projects and share your expertise through reels and carousels that attract the right audience.
✅ Leverage referrals – Encourage past clients to spread the word. A simple follow-up message asking if they know someone who needs help with their home can be incredibly effective.
✅ Run targeted local ads – Invest in hyper-targeted Instagram and Facebook ads. You can reach homeowners in specific suburbs, filter by income level and even target people interested in home renovations.
The bottom line
Letterbox drops are outdated, ineffective and don’t align with how high-value clients make decisions. Instead, focus on strategies that build trust and position you as the go-to designer in your area.
I hope this helps give you some fresh marketing ideas for your interior design business! 🚀
Thanks for reading and catch you in my next post :)
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
