How to Hit the Ground Running When You’re Ready to Expand

Renovation professionals choose the home improvement field because of a drive for creating or transforming homes into beautiful, functional spaces. Many seek to have ownership of not only their craft, but a successful business as well. While it's possible to start small, at some point, business owners may face the choice or need to grow their business. 

No matter what your specific growth goals are, you’ll need to identify actionable ways to make progress, whether by expanding your capabilities, service area, or team size. But which strategies will scale your business most efficiently? Read on for five different options:

Improve Efficiency with Project Management Software

The right software can speed up your workflow by aiding productivity, enabling you to scale more efficiently. With Houzz Pro business software, home remodeling and design professionals can manage their entire project lifecycle - from attracting and converting new clients, to building estimates and proposals, to collaborating and communicating with clients - all in one place.

“Before Houzz Pro I did everything on paper,” says Danae Longie of Evolve Design. “Now it’s lightning fast to enter client and project information and pull it back up when I need it. It’s all right there."

Generate More Revenue with Newfound Productivity

As a result of increased productivity, many firms notice an increase in revenue after adopting project management software. How? Managing your business in industry-specific software can free up enough time to take on more projects each year and assist you in being more profitable in the jobs you take on - helping you grow your client base and revenue. 

Houzz Pro also includes payment schedules and online payment processing which can speed up cashflow and allow you to provide convenient options to your clients. 

Understand Your Local Market

To grow your business, it’s important to identify what services are in demand in the area you want to work so you can effectively shape your offerings. Research what types of projects local homeowners are doing, popular design styles, and the typical project spend. Consider whether it would be best to specialize in one particular offering or offer a wider range of services, and investigate the major players already in that space. Are you able to offer something different or better than your competition? 

“Look at what the other people in the industry in your local area are doing,” says Tami Smight of Tami Smight Interiors. “Are there businesses doing specialty services like kitchen and bath remodels, or are most pros offering full service? Research and decide if you want to offer your full menu or specialize. If you choose to specialize, consider if the new focus would provide enough income, and make yourself an expert in that field.”

Invest in Great Branding

Branding is essential to growing your business. Branding both overtly and indirectly communicates what differentiates your business, attracts clients, and establishes credibility so potential clients feel confident in hiring you. High-quality photos, videos, copywriting, and a strong, consistent online presence are the complete package to a great brand. Need to work on your branding? Houzz Pro Ultimate customers get premium Houzz Profile features such as a Highlight Video and a mobile-friendly website through Houzz Website Services, making it seamless to improve your brand. Learn more here.

“Don’t shortchange yourself by not opting for professional photography,” says Eugene Sakai of Studio S Squared Architecture. “You may think you’re saving money, but in reality, you’re costing yourself potential clients by not representing your work in its best possible light.”

Geotarget to Attract New Customers

If you’re looking to grow your business in a new location or offer a new type of service and you don’t yet have a strong referral base, promoting your services online can build connections with potential clients. If your growth goals include working in a new part of town, increasing the number of projects you do each year, or winning a type of project you haven’t done before, advertising on Houzz provides a platform for growth; Houzz Pro Ultimate customers can get connected with homeowners who are looking for the services you provide. Click here to learn more.

“When I relocated to Houston, Texas from Lake Tahoe, California, I didn’t know anybody,” says Missy Stewart of Missy Stewart Designs. “I advertised my services online so I could get some very small projects. I would just do a room here and there, then paid to get them professionally photographed. The photos really sell my work, and coupled with keywords and the enhanced exposure on Houzz, I was able to get more leads to expand my business in its new location.”

Develop Industry Relationships 

Most renovation projects involve a whole team of different professionals to plan and execute the transformation. Spending time to strengthen relationships with complementary professionals benefit you by helping to build a referral network for when a client is looking for a variety of professionals. Or, this network can help you scale your business when you’re looking to add people to your team, whether on an employee or subcontractor basis.

Send a periodic email and connect with your business social media to stay in touch with people you’ve met, and consider attending in-person networking or trade events to meet new connections. Professionals can also review one another on Houzz. Write a review for your past collaborators and ask them to return the favor; it’s an easy way to revive a connection. Putting in the effort to stay in touch can pay dividends when someone recommends your company for a project or when you need to quickly expand your team and have someone trusted that you can call.