Marketing Your Business One Image at a Time
As a professional deck builder — a team of one or many — marketing your business may be low on the list or something you farm out for someone else to do. Word of mouth and repeat business may keep your project pipeline steady, and that’s great. Or your marketing may be high on the list if you lack a robust project schedule. In that case, there are some easy ways to get you going.
With so many marketing options to consider — updated website, social media posts, Google my business, Google reviews, advertising, blogs, etc. — there’s one essential marketing tactic your customers and prospective customers love to see: project photos.
Build Your Image Portfolio
Building an image portfolio is often overlooked and is easily accomplished with your smartphone, whether you snap a completed project, work in progress, before and after, no matter how big or small the projects. Your customers and potential customers are searching for inspiration, so give it to them.
Building a deck may be an essential part of your project. But also consider the finishing touches like your railings. Are they just there for safety? Or are they an architectural focal point? Is there a view? Was there a before and after transformation? Highlight the obvious and build a visual story.
Maintaining a View
This recent deck and railing project in Northern California showcase panoramic and unobstructed views.
The owners converted a 1970s ranch-style home on a slope perched high in the hills in Carmel, and the view was the highlight of the home. In addition to many windows, the extensive deck off the back overlooks the valley, and by adding cable railing in silver by RailFX, their view is not interrupted. They liked it so much, they added it to the interior staircase.
Before and After
A wraparound deck and railing with panoramic views of the property needed replacing. The customer chose to replace it using composite decking in a vintage hue and cable railings.
The old wood railings needed replacement on the second-story deck, including adding a stairway for accessibility. The customer specified RailFX Aluminum Cable Railing System bronze posts, top rail, mounts, and a 1/8-inch cable railing with a custom bronze gate. The client now enjoys the views of their 28-acres overlooking the valley where they raise their sheep, dogs and practice their green thumbs.
Focal Point
With sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the Oregon coast, the owner and his grandson contractor focused on adding more viewing areas throughout the home for both interior and exterior.
RailFX cable railing was neutral in terms of blending in well with the color of the area, cloud coverage gray, and of course, offering an unobstructed view. With an older home, not everything is level, which posed challenges, but it was worth overcoming with a prized focal point. This impressive view won the RailFX 2020 Photo Contest.
Photos are your signature of a job well done and one of the best marketing tactics that are low in cost and easy to execute. While you can use your smartphone to take pictures, consider hiring a local photographer specializing in real estate, home building, and architectural photography to take the pressure off.
To view more eye-catching projects and images, visit our blog or inspiration page.