Client Testimonials and Case Studies: The Secret to Building Trust on Your Website

Cathleen Barnes
Apr 21
3 min read

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves on interior design websites—client testimonials and case studies.

You might be thinking, “Yeah yeah, I’ve got a few reviews sprinkled on my site, isn’t that enough?”

Honestly? Probably not. 😬

If you want a website that does the heavy lifting for you—as in, warms up leads, builds trust, and nudges people closer to that “let’s book a call” moment—then testimonials and case studies are your secret sauce.

Farmhouse-style bathroom featuring a blue vanity with white countertops, wood-framed mirror, and shiplap walls—an example of a completed design project that could be featured in a client case study.

Why They Matter So Dang Much

When a potential client lands on your site, they’re thinking one thing: Can I trust her with my home and my money?

It’s a vulnerable decision. They’re not just hiring you for your taste—they’re trusting you with their space, their budget, their life behind closed doors.

And nothing builds trust faster than social proof.

Client testimonials say: “This designer gets results. She listens. She delivers.”

Case studies say: “Here’s the exact transformation I created for someone just like you.”

How to Collect Standout Testimonials

Let’s stop with the generic “She was great to work with!” reviews, okay? They’re sweet—but they don’t do much to convert. Here’s what to do instead:

1. Ask Better Questions

Instead of just, “Can you write me a testimonial?”, guide them! Most clients want to say something nice—they just need a little nudge.

Try asking:

What made you decide to hire me?
What was your home or design situation like before we started?
How did the process feel?
What’s changed since the project wrapped up?

Their answers will give you gold you can shape into a compelling quote.

Pro tip: Make this process effortless by creating a simple testimonial form page on your website. Pop these questions into a short form and send it over after a project wraps. It saves you time, makes things easier for your client, and ensures you get thoughtful, detailed responses instead of a generic “She’s amazing!” (even though we know you are)

2. Show the Before-and-After

Pair a testimonial with visuals. A quote next to a before/after image? Now you're telling a story, not just dropping a nice word.

What Makes a Great Case Study

Think of a case study like a mini storybook for your design project. But instead of fluff, you’re giving real, behind-the-scenes insights.

Here’s what to include:

• The Client’s Challenge: Paint a picture. What were they struggling with? What wasn’t working in their space?

• Your Creative Solution: How did you approach it? What design choices did you make, and why?

• The Transformation: Share the final result. Show off the impact—not just visually, but how the space now supports their life.

• A Client Quote: Sprinkle in a testimonial right at the end to seal the deal. That emotional payoff? That’s what future clients will remember.

Pro tip: You can format this as a blog post, a section on your portfolio page, or even as a downloadable PDF if you're feeling extra polished.

Make It Easy to Find

Don’t bury your testimonials or case studies on a random page. We want them front and center, friend.

Some ideas:

Highlight a testimonial on your homepage with a photo.
Add short quotes throughout your service pages to build credibility.
Create a “Results” or “Client Wins” section to showcase full case studies.

Make it feel like your happy clients are cheering you on throughout your site.

The Bottom Line

Your potential clients want to see proof—not just pretty pictures, but real experiences from people who’ve walked the path before them. By using testimonials and case studies strategically, you’re not just telling them you're good at what you do…You're showing them.

And that is how you turn casual browsers into booked-out dream clients.

Need a website that puts all of this into action and actually converts visitors into clients?Apply to work with me here—because your site deserves more than just a gallery of pretty photos.

WANT TO BOOK HIGH-END INTERIOR DESIGN CLIENTS THROUGH YOUR WEBSITE?

Luxury kitchen design on a tablet screen, showing how a website can help attract and book premium clients—download the free guide to learn how to create a website that converts.

Tired of relying on referrals to book high-end interior design clients? Your website can do more than showcase your work—it can attract and convert ideal clients.

Download our free guide, What Your Website Needs to Book High-End Interior Design Clients (Without Relying on Referrals), and learn the key elements your website needs to book more clients and grow your business.