How to start a decorating business

To start a decorating business, learn core skills, build a portfolio, and develop and refine your process. Starting a decorating business requires determination and dedication, but many decorators can easily make great salaries and work when they choose, so it is worthwhile.

1. Learn core skills. A huge part of a decorating business is ensuring that you are an expert in your services. You must ensure that you have a niche and can do that well.

   You also should be sure to have basic business management skills, such as understanding how to pay taxes as a business owner.

2. Build a portfolio. Once you have learned these core skills, you can start taking on your first clients and building a portfolio.

   Most likely, your first clients do not pay super well, but this is an essential practice for you to gain experience. Your first jobs are more about the experience and building a portfolio rather than making lots of money.

3. Refine your process. Generally, you are ready to begin taking on larger clients after 3 to 6 months of taking these small, entry-level jobs. To do this, it is important to streamline your entire process.

   This includes mapping out how you find leads, close sales, collect payments and work with your clients. Having a set plan makes it easier to work with many different clients.

4. Market your business. A great way to market your decorating business is to track previous client work and post the photos on social media platforms like Instagram. A decorating business provides wonderful social media content, which can be a great way for people who fit your style to connect with you.