Do you want to elevate your business to the next level of success? Attracting high-end clients with larger budgets and spending power could be your answer, but how do you secure these valuable clients?
Houzz.co.uk, home renovation and design platform , spoke to its community of professionals to share their experience and advice, providing handy steps that will help you raise the bar and start attracting the right clients.
Have confidence
It is key to stay true to your business’s principles but think creatively about how you can adapt your strategies and have the confidence to challenge yourself.
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“Adopting a ‘yes, we can’ attitude and being confident will make you push yourself to accept new ventures and bigger projects,” says Amit Malhotra of Aflux Designs, an interior design practice.
However, it is important to remember that new clients won’t arrive overnight, so have faith and be patient.
Identify target market
High-end, quality clients are likely to be successful leaders and professionals in their fields and will expect a certain level of service and standard of quality.
Be prepared to meet them at their level and show them that they can expect these high standards from you.
These clients will have extensively researched similar businesses, so you will need to demonstrate the value of your services and 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 offering a free one-to-one consultation will demonstrate your initiative and willingness.
Using Houzz Pro software will allow you to move projects forward faster. By integrating your calendar you’ll be able to schedule video meetings to virtually meet your prospective clients.
Tailor marketing strategy
Review your website and marketing material to ensure it promotes your business with a high-quality tone and sophistication otherwise, high-end clients are likely to be put off by the lack of professionalism.
Ensure websites are fast loading and easily accessible, as prospective clients will want to find the information they need as quickly as possible.
If your website is out of date, Houzz offers professional website building and hosting services as part of the Houzz Pro package.
The language used on your website and marketing materials is key, is it an accurate representation of the high-quality level of service and finish you are able to deliver?
Ensure you are highlighting your service, results and expertise. And, lastly, what are you doing to attract these higher-quality clients?
To stand out in this market it may be worth investing in advertising which will promote your business to this new audience.
Houzz’s local advertising programme will allow you to target the geographic locations of your choice and with a dedicated account manager, you’ll be able to brand your business effectively.
Photography is key
Photos of your past projects work as your CV for future prospective clients, so it is important to consider the quality of the images you’re showcasing. Are the images inspiring and aspirational?
We find that the most successful professionals on Houzz are those who hire professional photographers to shoot staged photos of their projects for their portfolio.
Josh Delane, from The Wood Works, a carpentry business on Houzz, shares this valuable insight: “I think it comes down to how you portray yourself on all social platforms. If you are posting amateur photos taken on your phone it’s unlikely to grab the attention of high-quality clients.
“On the other hand, if you find a photographer who styles the shoot and takes high-quality images for you, it means that 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!”
Build up testimonials
Reviews are an important reference point for prospective clients, and they will expect to find them on your website and Houzz profile.
The best way to prompt a client to leave a review is to ask, and it’s best to do it as soon as possible so the experience is fresh in their mind.
Furniture maker on Houzz, William Jones of Clermont Carpentry says, “I make sure I maintain a warm relationship with my clients. If I’ve done a good job, I feel comfortable asking them for a review afterwards.”
When a project is wrapping up, send a polite message asking them if they could let others know about your service by writing a quick review on your website or Houzz profile.
Make it easy for them by including a link that will take them directly there!
For further reading on improving sales, see 6 top tips on how to improve conversions.