The design industry is subject to trends and quick changes, so it’s important that we all have a handle on the evolving business tools at our disposal. There are many, many social networking platforms to choose from – it’s a dizzying array – so we’ve compiled a quick overview of sites that you should be aware of and working with if you’re looking to bump up exposure to colleagues, clients, and customers:
As anyone will tell you, Facebook and Twitter are the bread and butter of social media strategy for any sort of business, and design is certainly no exception. Every blog and magazine, from Design Milk to Inhabitat to Elle Decor, has a following on these sites. Both Facebook and Twitter are great resources for reaching out to consumers and understanding who your consumers are. First-and-foremost it’s important to keep these sites regularly updated before you even begin to worry about other platforms.
Hashtag-based Twitterchats have become popular as they offer a great way to network and exchange information. 
There are broad topic chats such as #DesignChat which each Wednesday is hosted by a different design professional. There are chats specific to trade shows such as this year’s popular #DwellCookOff at the Dwell on Design 2012 conference, and there are chats that orient themselves to highly specific groups such as #KBTribeChat which brings people together every week to discuss kitchen and bath design. The quarterly #LuxChat brings in big names such as this Spring’s chat which was hosted by Geoffrey Ken, founder of Abercrombie & Fitch. Follow us @Styleture to learn of twitter chats as they come up.
Pinterest has taken the design world by storm, wildly popular with design professionals and enthusiasts who can collect, organize, and share pictures of products with a click. A popular feature of the flourishing site is the ability to easily share through Facebook and Twitter. A decorator can “pin” a photo of a dining room they just furnished on Pinterest, garnering “repins” from followers who may also tweet that same picture to their Twitter followers, potentially spreading the image exponentially. Follow our pin boards at Pinterest.com/Styleture for the latest designs and styles as the pics hit the net.
Houzz, the name says it all. If your work takes you into other peoples’ homes then you need to have your own Houzz to invite people to. This website has been very popular with architects, decorators, designers, manufacturers, and the assortment of accompanying businesses. Put your work up for the world to see and respond to product questions from your target market. Interior designers in particular have found this to be an invaluable site for generating leads and exposure. In addition to the networking opportunities, there are lots of inspiring photos and insightful articles that you may find interesting. Follow us at Houzz.com/pro/Styleture and show us your best stuff.
The design industry has never shied from innovation or change, so not surprisingly it is adapting quite well. Those who fear they haven’t the time, knowledge, or resources to keep up with the demands of social media are increasingly turning to consultants and public relations agencies to stay relevant. Design professionals of every sort have much to gain from increased exposure and we expect to see even more people take advantage of the increasing number of online networking opportunities of the internet.
Had success or failure with any of these sites? Tweet us @Styleture or write on our wall at Facebook.com/Styleture and share your story.
