Houzz is a social media platform that brings together architects, builders, contractors, designers and the people that are interested in their services... Anyone that works with homeowners MUST have a complete and active profile! Humor me for a second while I bore you with the statistics.

 

According to Houzz:

• They have over 35 million monthly unique users.

• 84% of homeowners hired a pro in 2014.

• 55% of homeowners are planning or continuing a new renovation.

• In the next 6 months 21% of homeowners are planning to purchase a new closet or garage. 

 

Is it just me or can you hear the cash register ringing??

 

Personally I have been using Houzz for the last three years... I sell B2B so you might be wondering why would I waste time with Houzz... 

 

My profile generates 5 - 10 leads per month and I pass those leads along to my customers... 

 

The leads alone score me major brownie points and the response that I receive when one of those leads turns into a job is AWESOME...

 

The customer loyalty it creates is huge!

 

Still not convinced you need a profile?

 

My clients that track their click thru rates and average length of visit, saw increases in both when they were found with Houzz vs a search engine. 

Are you beginning to see the value?  Maybe you’re concerned that you won’t have time for another platform... 

 

The good news is that once your profile is set up - spending as little as an hour per week will generate leads.

 

Setting up your profile is easy.  Fill out as much information as possible, think about searchable content when filing out your bio.  Use industry keywords - storage, walk-in closet, custom closet etc...  If you are a member of the ACSP make sure to include it along with the ACSP badge.  Include links to your website and other social media platforms.  If someone finds you here, you want to give them an opportunity to “hang out” with you in other places - this helps build your relationship!

 

Once your profile is setup now it’s time to upload photos.  Photos can be uploaded to either projects or ideabooks.  

 

Projects are job specific - an example is “Designing Mrs. Smith’s Shoe Closet.”  This project folder might contain before and after photos and obstacles that had to be overcome.

 

Ideabooks on the other hand are more general - “Must Have Accessories for Your Luxury Closet.”  This ideabook might contain photos of belt & tie racks or different types hampers, pants racks etc…

 

After your photos are uploaded and sorted - Houzz gives you the ability to tag your photo.  Tagging is a way for you to highlight items in your picture.  These tags are searchable and can include links back to your site - this is another way to drive traffic...

 

Only two more steps and your profile is complete...

 

Houzz wants you to include a Houzz Badge on your site... I know what you’re thinking... I’m not a computer tech - what’s this going to cost me?  

 

Houzz makes this really easy, especially if you’re using Wordpress.  All you have to do is cut and paste the HTML code, I was shocked that it only took me 5 minutes and I love the way that it looks on my blog...

 

The last step may take you a couple of days to accomplish... Your profile needs three recommendations to be viewed as complete.  I found the easiest way to accomplish this is review a few of your professional partners - most will return the favor.  It’s really easy to do - click on a their profile and click write a review.  You can have three done in 15 minutes.

 

Get started with your profile today and - take advantage of this niche platform... 

 

Are you already on Houzz?  What has your experience been like?

 

Have you seen the Houzz June 2015 report?  Denise Butchko and I review what this new data means for you and your marketing efforts.