Today, there are countless magazines and advertising platforms catering to interior designers.
It’s important to understand that 90% of publications focus on providing valuable content to their readers—which means high-quality visuals and compelling narratives are essential.
What many people may not realize is that most “editorial publications” typically feature businesses that advertise in the magazine.
Many magazines offer the option to purchase an editorial article about your business. However, depending on the magazine’s size and distribution, the cost can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a single feature.
Regardless of whether you pay for placement or earn a spot organically, one thing remains crucial—the quality of your visuals.
Magazines maintain a high standard for the images they accept, and your photography can be the ultimate deciding factor in whether your work gets published.
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Here are a few tips on how to get published:
The first step is to professionally document every project—big or small, significant or not.
There’s no second chance at making a first impression, and you won’t always have the opportunity to go back and re-capture a project. That’s why choosing the right interior design photographer is crucial.
Different people have different tastes and budgets, so your portfolio should reflect diversity while staying aligned with your future aspirations.
Remember, the work you put out today isn’t just about attracting clients now—it’s about shaping the career and opportunities you want to have in the years ahead.
Establish Relationships with Editors and Journalists
Build connections with industry professionals before your project begins—don’t wait until the last minute. Go beyond just interior design magazines and explore real estate, kitchen and bath, construction, smart home publications, and more.
You can reach out through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn or directly email editors via the magazine’s website. Believe it or not, if you offer value, they’ll be more than happy to collaborate with you.
Do the Work, Be Exclusive
Magazines value exclusivity—at the very least, they want to publish first.
Consider whether waiting for publication is worth it or if you’d rather start marketing the project yourself. Some magazines take four to five months to publish, and in some cases, your project could fall through the cracks.
Publications have a lot on their plate, so increase your chances by writing a structured summary for your project. A 400-word synopsis with stunning images can do half the work for them—making it easier to get featured while saving them time and resources.
Theme Photoshoots
Plan ahead! Is Christmas a few months away? Maybe Easter or summer is approaching?
Create themed photoshoots that align with upcoming seasons to help magazines offer valuable content to their readers. For example, stage a Christmas shoot by adding decorations and tree ornaments, then capture a living room setup that embraces the festive vibe.
Photoshoot Collaborations with Vendors
Work with major vendors in your photoshoots! Countertops, kitchens, and large architecture firms have strong media connections—collaborating with them can elevate your exposure.
Big corporations often run paid advertising, so if you bring high-end photos, you can leverage this partnership to benefit both you and them. They gain real project promotion, while you increase visibility.
Getting on the Cover of an Interior Design Magazine
Dream of landing the cover? That’s great! But cover images must be portrait-oriented, not landscape.
Surprisingly, many designers don’t request a portrait shot for their hero image—a missed opportunity!
When planning your shoot, remember to leave “negative space” at the top and sides, allowing room for titles and logos.
Publish Your Own Work
If traditional publications aren’t an option, publish your work yourself! Reach out to bloggers, small magazines, or even international platforms—many foreign publications love content collaborations.
As always, focus on writing original content. Avoid sending the same article to multiple outlets, as duplicated content can negatively impact your brand. Allow smaller publications the opportunity to feature unique stories tailored to their audience.
Blog Collaboration for Interior Designers
Consider in-house collaborations—your vendors can be a valuable source of exposure.
If you work with an upscale interior design photographer or a kitchen company with hundreds of thousands of website visitors each month, partner with them to host a blog post on your site.
Hosting vendor-written blog articles helps both parties. When they promote their projects, they’ll also bring visibility to your business, expanding your reach and potential client base.
Believe it or not, the advertising value from vendor collaborations can sometimes surpass big magazines because you maintain control over the article—and search engines favor genuine industry content.
Think Like a Reader, Not Just a Writer
Getting published isn’t just about showcasing how great your design is—it’s about providing value, information, and engagement for the audience.
Approach your content with the reader’s perspective in mind, ensuring it’s compelling, insightful, and worth their time.
