What is the best way to promote an interior design business that would not cost a lot of money?

I have been in business for almost one year. I have a small store where I sell home accessories and I also have interior design business. Both are not doing well. I'm out of money however really want to make this business work. Any suggestion?

What is the best way to promote an interior design business that would not cost a lot of money?
A friend of mine had an idea that worked for her. She offered a free one room "re-design" party. The basic concept was that she would re-design one room in your house using only stuff you have around your house. She would take out all the furniture and start from scratch. She would go all over your house picking out items that would look great in the re-design. And then she would put the room back together using stuff you already owned.





She made it into a party by having me send out invitations to friends of mine (sort of like the candle, pampered chef, etc parties). They came sometime in the morning (between 8 and 9 AM) for just a few minutes to see the "before" of the room (my living room) being redesigned. Then they would go on their way (or they could come the night before if it suited them better). My friend set a certain time for her to be done and my friends came back at any time between 5 and 6 to see my redesigned living room and have some refreshments. It was open house style - they didn't have to stay very long it they couldn't. It generated some business for her - I know my MIL and at least a couple of my friends hired her for their homes after seeing how she redesigned my living room.





For my friend, at least, it was a great way for her to get her name out there to lots of different people with very little expense (I think the most expense was creating the invitations). I mailed the invites and handled the refreshments. She did all the work - had her hubby help with the heavy lifting stuff.





She also teamed up with the local newspaper to do a local version of "trading spaces" where she did the interior design of both places.
Reply:Get into to local home decor shows (bigger convention styles, they will require an upfront investment as a vendor fee) but you will get a lot of exposure.





Set up a nice booth, and have lots of pics of work you have done.
Reply:Apply for an advertising liscence and post flyers throughout town. Cheap but time consuming.