Things are looking up in Australia as the post-pandemic consumer confidence is boosting the home renovation market. In 2020, one in three Australian homeowners reported an intention to adjust their properties to the “new normal” of remote working, in-house fitness, and cooking more at home. The 2021 economic data shows home renovation spending topping a billion dollars a month. The news made the Sydney Morning Herald proclaim Australia “Renovation Nation”. Blake Riley runs the renovation brokerage company Improva, formally known as Blakes of Sydney, on the motto: “Making renovations effortless.” In recent months, this family business has seen an influx of qualified Houzz Pro leads. Which three Houzz Pro tools help Improva generate more business with a competitive edge?

Reviews are making a big difference with potential clients.

Independent reviews build trust because they help people make informed decisions. In the age of social influence, transparency is crucial for a streamlined pitch-to-sales process. It is important to keep a company’s profile updated with the latest projects and other supporting content. Respectfully responding to feedback from satisfied or concerned customers fosters a relatable and approachable online presence. “I feel that the better-quality leads are coming to me knowing exactly what my business does and they know that they're perfect for us,” says Riley. With over 60% of their projects coming to them through Houzz Pro, Improva aims to reach a hundred reviews on the platform soon. “For clients, trust is a massive thing,” confirms Riley.

Tracking progress anywhere anytime boosts client confidence.

Efficiency is key to winning and retaining clients. Having software that maps and tracks every step of the way puts both the clients and the contractors at ease. “The system is really intuitive and it's easy to use,” says Riley. Every member of his five-person team has access to the platform for uploading photos, posting progress reports, and keeping clients informed and engaged. There is no wondering what’s next and nothing slips through the cracks. Houzz Pro’s all-in-one capabilities make this a convenient platform for communication without juggling multiple messenger services.

Adjustable templates save critical response time to secure leads.

Riley credits predetermined messages and presentation templates created in Houzz Pro with saving time in replying to clients at different stages of the projects from initial enquiries to progress reports to post-completion support. “I've been in the industry long enough to know the questions the clients are going to ask. A quick response shows credibility, that I'm respectful of them.” It also helps the team close more leads faster which means bigger revenue for the company and savings for the clients.

“In the renovation industry, no two days are the same, which is what I really love,” says Riley. Any advice for new Houzz Pro users from a company already seeing considerable return on investment? “You got to put the trust in the platform, but you also do need to do the work.”