How to Secure a Higher Quality of Clients
Pushing your business' boundaries can take it to the next level of success
Houzz AU
22 February 2019
Is your business in need of some momentum to elevate it to the next level of success? Then attracting high-end clients with more spending power and leverage could be your answer. But how should you go about securing this different set of valuable clients?
The key is to remain true to your business’ principles and outlook, but adapt your business strategies and perspective with creative ideas and a new sense of initiative. There’s also a certain amount of patience and faith that must be adopted, as your new clients won’t arrive overnight. “The real answer is many, many years of consistent customer satisfaction,” says Mike Turner of Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms.
Take a look at these handy steps that will help you raise the bar in attracting clients and improving your own services.
The key is to remain true to your business’ principles and outlook, but adapt your business strategies and perspective with creative ideas and a new sense of initiative. There’s also a certain amount of patience and faith that must be adopted, as your new clients won’t arrive overnight. “The real answer is many, many years of consistent customer satisfaction,” says Mike Turner of Nouvelle Kitchens & Bathrooms.
Take a look at these handy steps that will help you raise the bar in attracting clients and improving your own services.
Understand and identify your target market
It’s likely that your high-end, quality clients are going to be successful in their own field of business or leaders in their industry, and will therefore expect a certain standard and quality of product and service. You’ll need to be prepared to meet them at their level by showing them they can expect this higher standard from you.
It’s also guaranteed that your high-end clients will have done some extensive research into similar businesses or products, so you need to show them the value and worth of your services and, ultimately, how they will benefit from choosing you.
From the outset, you will need to show your top clients that you are prepared to go above and beyond to meet their needs, so a free one-on-one consultation or FaceTime call will demonstrate your initiative and willingness. Offering a sense of exclusivity will also make them feel extra special and add value to your business.
Here’s What You Should be Saying in Your First Client Phone Call
It’s likely that your high-end, quality clients are going to be successful in their own field of business or leaders in their industry, and will therefore expect a certain standard and quality of product and service. You’ll need to be prepared to meet them at their level by showing them they can expect this higher standard from you.
It’s also guaranteed that your high-end clients will have done some extensive research into similar businesses or products, so you need to show them the value and worth of your services and, ultimately, how they will benefit from choosing you.
From the outset, you will need to show your top clients that you are prepared to go above and beyond to meet their needs, so a free one-on-one consultation or FaceTime call will demonstrate your initiative and willingness. Offering a sense of exclusivity will also make them feel extra special and add value to your business.
Here’s What You Should be Saying in Your First Client Phone Call
Revisit your marketing strategy
Ask yourself if the language of your website or marketing material promotes your business with a high-quality outlook and tone, otherwise high-end clients will be put off by the lack of professionalism and sophistication. Readjust the information so you provide precise descriptions of your services, as well as testaments to your results and expertise.
Offer your clients added value with a weekly blog or online newsletter that establishes you as a source of knowledge, and in turn, offers them new information.
You could also earn your clients’ trust and respect by serving as a guest blogger on another website that you know your target audience frequents, so they take notice of your presence.
Ask yourself if the language of your website or marketing material promotes your business with a high-quality outlook and tone, otherwise high-end clients will be put off by the lack of professionalism and sophistication. Readjust the information so you provide precise descriptions of your services, as well as testaments to your results and expertise.
Offer your clients added value with a weekly blog or online newsletter that establishes you as a source of knowledge, and in turn, offers them new information.
You could also earn your clients’ trust and respect by serving as a guest blogger on another website that you know your target audience frequents, so they take notice of your presence.
![Modern Home Office by thirdstone inc. [^]](https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/home-offices/lg-house-interior-workstation-thirdstone-inc-img~e8f125dd0f0c7a09_8266-1-94dba0b-w400-h534-b0-p0.jpg)
Improve the quality of your presence on social media
You may already be promoting your business on social media and benefitting from the incredible amount of exposure it can offer for a small amount of effort. However, to get the very best from your promotional efforts, you need to consider the quality of what you’re posting. Is each image aspirational and inspiring? Are you offering informative tips or useful suggestions on sourcing products?
Peter Knights, from Taylor Knights architecture and design studio, shares this valuable insight. “I think it comes down to how you portray yourself on all social platforms; that is, Instagram, Facebook, Houzz, and so on. If you are posting amateur photos taken on your phone it is unlikely to grab the attention of high-quality clients,” says Knights.
“On the other hand, if you use an exceptional photographer and take the time to curate the imagery then not only will you come across as professional and high-end, you may also have the added benefit of capturing other media attention, such as national magazines.”
Why Community Is Your Secret Weapon for Getting Clients
You may already be promoting your business on social media and benefitting from the incredible amount of exposure it can offer for a small amount of effort. However, to get the very best from your promotional efforts, you need to consider the quality of what you’re posting. Is each image aspirational and inspiring? Are you offering informative tips or useful suggestions on sourcing products?
Peter Knights, from Taylor Knights architecture and design studio, shares this valuable insight. “I think it comes down to how you portray yourself on all social platforms; that is, Instagram, Facebook, Houzz, and so on. If you are posting amateur photos taken on your phone it is unlikely to grab the attention of high-quality clients,” says Knights.
“On the other hand, if you use an exceptional photographer and take the time to curate the imagery then not only will you come across as professional and high-end, you may also have the added benefit of capturing other media attention, such as national magazines.”
Why Community Is Your Secret Weapon for Getting Clients
Build up testimonials and endorsements
Developing strong, genuine relationships with any of your clients will help your business grow, as word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ensure you always get feedback after a successful project and share it on all your social platforms to attract potential clients.
Michael Woodham of Spaceworks cabinetry designers believes: “Proactively asking clients for reviews and initiating contact will build strong relationships with clients who may then share with their network and so on.”
How to Encourage Your Client to Write A Positive Review
Developing strong, genuine relationships with any of your clients will help your business grow, as word of mouth is a powerful tool. Ensure you always get feedback after a successful project and share it on all your social platforms to attract potential clients.
Michael Woodham of Spaceworks cabinetry designers believes: “Proactively asking clients for reviews and initiating contact will build strong relationships with clients who may then share with their network and so on.”
How to Encourage Your Client to Write A Positive Review
Polish up your Houzz profile
Houzz offers you an incredibly simple and efficient platform to present your work and keep potential clients up to date with your latest projects. The foundation of any successful Houzz profile is beautiful, eye-catching photos and great customer reviews.
So, if you feel your profile needs a refresh, heed this advice from Alexa Hodgson, CSM Sales Manager for Houzz AU. “Building up good reviews and a portfolio of great photos does take some time and organisation, but they really make an impact when it comes to presenting the best version of your business online. Houzz is a visual platform and you need to show your work in the best way to stand out.”
Tell us
Do you have any other nifty business tips on securing a higher quality of clients? Share in the comments below.
More
Need more tips on running your company? Read business advice for professionals in the industry here
Houzz offers you an incredibly simple and efficient platform to present your work and keep potential clients up to date with your latest projects. The foundation of any successful Houzz profile is beautiful, eye-catching photos and great customer reviews.
So, if you feel your profile needs a refresh, heed this advice from Alexa Hodgson, CSM Sales Manager for Houzz AU. “Building up good reviews and a portfolio of great photos does take some time and organisation, but they really make an impact when it comes to presenting the best version of your business online. Houzz is a visual platform and you need to show your work in the best way to stand out.”
Tell us
Do you have any other nifty business tips on securing a higher quality of clients? Share in the comments below.
More
Need more tips on running your company? Read business advice for professionals in the industry here
Related Stories
Trade Shows
Trade Shows: Why They're Important Events You Don't Want to Miss
From networking to insights into new and emerging trends, here's why trade shows should be a firm 'yes' in your calendar
Full Story
Interior Design
What's Next in Homes? 4 Design Experts Reveal
Do you know which colours, shapes and styles we'll be coveting in the year ahead? Four design pros give the inside scoop
Full Story
For Pros
5 Simple Strategies to Help Your Clients Stick to Project Plans
Avoid the pitfalls of indecision and shifting plans with UK pros' easy solutions to inspire confidence in your clients
Full Story
Sustainable Ideas
8 Steps to Becoming a Truly Sustainable Interior Designer
What key things can you do to reduce the carbon footprint of your projects and business, long-term? Find out here
Full Story
Trends
6 Trends From Salone de Mobile: The Stories Behind the Designs
See how the design industry is moving forward with one foot in tradition and the other in experimentation and innovation
Full Story
For Pros
Given the Economy, Why Are Professionals Positive About Growth?
The Houzz Australia State of the Industry report uncovers optimism and reveals pros' strategies for growth in 2023
Full Story
Colour
Paintbrushes Poised! 2023 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Are In
Looking for interesting ways to add colour at home? Check out these shortlisted projects in the 2023 Dulux Colour Awards
Full Story
Renovating
What's the Outlook for Renovations in 2023? Experts Weigh In
There's light at the end of the tunnel for renovators and builders this year, but patience and flexibility are key
Full Story
Awards
Sir David Alan Chipperfield Wins the 2023 Pritzker Prize
The English architect is known for honouring history and culture while creating timeless modern design
Full Story
Trade Shows
6 Surface Materials Your Clients Will Crave in 2023 and Beyond
Discover the top six innovative materials that were on display at this year’s Surface Design Show in London, UK
Full Story
Great article for discussion, thank you Houzz! As a mentor to interior designers imagery is often a huge topic for discussion, especially on social media. We are in a visual industry and that seems the obvious way to market yourself on social platforms but sharing inspiring images on social media isn't going to get you high-quality clients (high-quality being the keywords), but once you get to the stage of trying to attract a better quality project I have found it's two things that work consistently for my own business as well as for my mentees - 1) high-quality photography from a photographer with an exceptional eye for editing, light and styling and 2) reviews, reviews, reviews! (and maybe the odd badge or two from Houzz, thanks Houzz!)
Why high end clients mean moving your business to next level? In what aspect?