Why Community is Your Secret Weapon for Getting Clients
Build your brand by actively engaging with the online community. Here's how to do it
Houzz AU
25 July 2018
When you want to know something, chances are you turn to the internet. Well, this goes for homeowners too, who will research companies online, join advice forums, read articles and check out what others are saying about professionals. If you want to build up trust with a potential group of clients, it makes sense to take part.
1. Acknowledge good reviews
Positive client reviews are a great way to show off your work and customer service while engaging with the homeowner community. Responding to reviews from happy clients helps to maintain the relationship, as they will appreciate your acknowledgement.
You can also leave reviews on other professional profiles. James Davies of Paper House Project says, “I like to review people we’ve worked with and link profiles where possible with project collaborations.”
Get started by requesting a review now.
Positive client reviews are a great way to show off your work and customer service while engaging with the homeowner community. Responding to reviews from happy clients helps to maintain the relationship, as they will appreciate your acknowledgement.
You can also leave reviews on other professional profiles. James Davies of Paper House Project says, “I like to review people we’ve worked with and link profiles where possible with project collaborations.”
Get started by requesting a review now.
2. Learn from the discussions
Online forums are an excellent place to find out what homeowners are talking about. At Houzz, more than two million homeowners and professionals are constantly asking and answering questions about renovation projects, so it pays to dive in. By reading discussions you can find out what kind of projects are most popular, which aspects of the home they care about most, and the type of challenges they find most problematic. The information you gather could be invaluable.
Join in by starting a discussion.
Online forums are an excellent place to find out what homeowners are talking about. At Houzz, more than two million homeowners and professionals are constantly asking and answering questions about renovation projects, so it pays to dive in. By reading discussions you can find out what kind of projects are most popular, which aspects of the home they care about most, and the type of challenges they find most problematic. The information you gather could be invaluable.
Join in by starting a discussion.
3. Share your expertise
Online forums offer the perfect opportunity to directly engage by answering questions, responding to comments and building trust in your brand. Even if the person asking the question isn’t a potential client, you can use the opportunity to attract positive attention. Every time you comment in a Houzz forum, it will show up on your profile and highlight your brand to other users who are actively engaged in the home renovation process.
Olga Alexandru of Sustainable Kitchens says, “Don’t be afraid to use your expertise! You might think something is obvious because, as an expert or professional, you deal with it on a daily basis, but that’s the insight people are looking for. Use your experience and share how you’ve solved a similar problem in the past, or offer a different perspective on the situation.”
Discover more ways to attract new clients
Online forums offer the perfect opportunity to directly engage by answering questions, responding to comments and building trust in your brand. Even if the person asking the question isn’t a potential client, you can use the opportunity to attract positive attention. Every time you comment in a Houzz forum, it will show up on your profile and highlight your brand to other users who are actively engaged in the home renovation process.
Olga Alexandru of Sustainable Kitchens says, “Don’t be afraid to use your expertise! You might think something is obvious because, as an expert or professional, you deal with it on a daily basis, but that’s the insight people are looking for. Use your experience and share how you’ve solved a similar problem in the past, or offer a different perspective on the situation.”
Discover more ways to attract new clients
4. Comment on articles
Add your voice to the Comments section at the bottom of editorial pieces in our Stories section. A positive response to a query will add value to your brand and help build trust with the community.
Alexandru advises, “Comment on articles that pique your interest and that you think you can offer insight into. Read the articles with the aim to learn, not with the aim of how to promote your business. It’s very apparent when someone is commenting just to promote themselves. Pick out a couple of things that really stood out and discuss why you found them interesting. This can range from design tips to colour choices.”
Take a look at the latest articles on Houzz
Add your voice to the Comments section at the bottom of editorial pieces in our Stories section. A positive response to a query will add value to your brand and help build trust with the community.
Alexandru advises, “Comment on articles that pique your interest and that you think you can offer insight into. Read the articles with the aim to learn, not with the aim of how to promote your business. It’s very apparent when someone is commenting just to promote themselves. Pick out a couple of things that really stood out and discuss why you found them interesting. This can range from design tips to colour choices.”
Take a look at the latest articles on Houzz
5. Respond to bad reviews (yes, really)
You might be tempted to ignore bad reviews, but you should do the opposite. Tell your side of the story, and even use the review to highlight good business practice. For example, sometimes clients ask for things that are unreasonable or conflict with your ethics. By responding to negative feedback with a calm answer you could attract a level-headed client who will take the time to read your answer and understand the reasons behind it.
“Always respond to reviews, even the bad ones,” says Alexandru. “Thank your clients for taking the time out to review you and let them know that you value their feedback. If the review is less than favourable, be polite in your response, but try to explain your side of the story.”
You might be tempted to ignore bad reviews, but you should do the opposite. Tell your side of the story, and even use the review to highlight good business practice. For example, sometimes clients ask for things that are unreasonable or conflict with your ethics. By responding to negative feedback with a calm answer you could attract a level-headed client who will take the time to read your answer and understand the reasons behind it.
“Always respond to reviews, even the bad ones,” says Alexandru. “Thank your clients for taking the time out to review you and let them know that you value their feedback. If the review is less than favourable, be polite in your response, but try to explain your side of the story.”
6. Show your personality
By engaging with the online community, you’ll be able to demonstrate what you are like to work with. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Potential clients can build up a picture of you – whether you’re friendly, professional, methodical or creative – or all of the above!
Tell us
How do you contribute to the online community? Has it helped your business? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
By engaging with the online community, you’ll be able to demonstrate what you are like to work with. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. Potential clients can build up a picture of you – whether you’re friendly, professional, methodical or creative – or all of the above!
Tell us
How do you contribute to the online community? Has it helped your business? Share your experiences in the Comments below.
What are you working on?
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I surely agree with Lopes da Silva Architects, More than once my clients said they started to write a review but they stopped for all the questions they had to answer to.
That been said, Those suggestions are pure gold, I will keep on follow them!
More than that, the new resolutions for 2018 includes building a strong professional network with other architects outside my country (Italy).
Good luck to all the pros!
MD
Thanks for the tips. They have been working for us.
A very useful insight into marketing and building brand awareness