Microsoft Office

Would you be surprised to hear that a new industry related to real estate, of all things, is taking off right now? I know I was when I read this Washington Post article about e-decorating:

Web-based interior design services are growing in popularity, even though the designer never steps foot in the room.

These services are faster and less expensive than the usual terms of a designer-client relationship, and they are largely conducted online. Clients typically e-mail photos of their rooms, fill out a questionnaire and pay a flat fee. Weeks later, sometimes sooner, they receive a customized design plan that can be implemented with pieces from retail stores and Web sites.

Cost-effective and convenient, Web consulting is just another example of the democratization of interior design, a luxury once afforded only by the wealthy. Fueled by an increasing number of cable TV shows, shelter magazines and design blogs, homeowners and renters of every income level have been inspired to put a personal stamp on their interiors. Web-based services not only encourage design, they make it easier to accomplish and allow clients more-affordable access to designers outside their geographical area.

“People now are design savvy. They want a designer, they want a designed house, but they can’t always afford one,” says Los Angeles designer Betsy Burnham. “Sometimes all they need is that master plan.”

In this case, customers can save on design expenses so they can put more of their money toward buying actual furnishings. For designer business owners, the service offers a way to reach new markets — customers with small projects or limited budgets — and to hang on to customers who may once have used full-on design services, but now are wary of spending that much in today’s economy.

So what can you take away from this? If you provide a personal or business service, such as organizing, personal training, or consulting, that normally requires meeting with clients one-on-one, think about creating an alternative, online-only version of your service that would offer scaled-back services at a scaled-back cost.

Consider the benefits: Instead of being limited to meeting with clients face-to-face during, say, 9 to 5 work hours, you can work on your online clients’ projects at any time. You save on gas and travel costs. And you enhance your online presence, which helps boost customers’ awareness of your business.

Is there a way you’ve used the Internet to transform how you offer your service? I’m curious to know.