GUEST ARTICLE: Things you can do now to strengthen your business

Houzz, the leading platform for home renovation and design, spoke with its community of professionals to share advice on how they plan to sustain their businesses during this uncertain time of COVID-19 being front and centre in the news.

Keep clients up to date

It is important now more than ever to keep your clients up to date on the status of a project.

Nate, of Nate Fischer Interiors, an interior designer on Houzz, commented: “Keep your clients in the loop. They are probably as concerned about the status and future of their project as you are about the future of your business.”

Display your work

With people in their homes more, many are turning to the internet. In fact, time spent on digital media is predicted to see an increase of 9.3% in 2020, according to eMarketer.

So it pays to make the most of any increased internet traffic by ensuring your online presence looks its best.

Architect on Houzz, Angus, of Fiftypointeight Architecture + Interiors, said: “It’s important to communicate our recently completed projects, but also to reflect on past projects, as well as use our marketing to be very clear about the services we offer and the process we go through with each homeowner.”

Invest in marketing now

You may have been fortunate in the past to get projects through word of mouth – a fantastic way to build a reputation – and that channel may well continue. But to guard against the possibility that clients could be hesitant to get started on projects, you’ll want to broaden your reach. 

Susan of Savvy Interiors, a professional on Houzz, commented: “Don’t assume they’ll find you. Invest in marketing ads toward your demographic.”

Think long-term

During any uncertain time, it is easy to focus on the here and now, rather than taking in the bigger picture. Professionals on Houzz advise taking a step back and thinking long-term.

Angus commented: “As much as possible, we’re trying to remain positive and make the best of the current situation. It’s allowed us to reflect on where we are and where we want to go in the future. We can then shape our marketing strategy to try to achieve this.”

Find ways to be helpful

It is understandably a time of anxiety. One positive way to channel that anxious energy is to redirect it toward helping others – whether they are your local healthcare providers, homeowners looking to renovate, or your fellow design pros.

Susan said: “Don’t give away your services, but give away advice in your communities. Create ways to problem-solve for them now, so they feel connected to you in six months and remember how you helped.”

Clean up internal processes

If your business pipeline is slow, one way to stay calm and productive is to focus on the internal processes and tasks you never have time for when busy.

Jenni, of Jenni Leasia Interior Design, commented.”I’m going to dive into refining our process and communication flow internally and externally from first contact to project archive, and all the threads in-between.”

Header image: Mia Mortensen © 2017 Houzz

Image within article: Mia Mortensen © Houzz 2016