Johns was telling his clients about Houzz before starting his company profile. “It was a great tool for homeowners to use as an online catalogue,” Johns says. “People prefer to browse Houzz to make selections or envision a remodel over a showroom, which is limited.”

Eventually, Johns realized that he could utilize Houzz to showcase signature projects in a professional way. “I don’t have the time to build a mega portfolio to showcase my work—Houzz allows me to create a portfolio easily and customize it to fit my needs,” he says.

Opportunities

Every time Johns introduces Houzz to a client, he becomes a hero. He says that once they start, they cannot wait to show him what they’ve added to their Ideabooks. The positive response from clients is a true reflection of his professionalism and his ability to provide clients yet another tool to help them realize their dream homes.

He’s expanded his own idea base through networking with other professionals on Houzz. “I have exchanged ideas or products from one firm to another a couple times,” he says. He’s done this with local and national professionals.

Houzz has become a content generator for Johns, linking tips, trends and photos to his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Proven benefits

In the last year, Johns attributes roughly six leads from the Houzz site. He has had success with using the site in sales meetings on his iPad and believes his own bookmarking of Ideabooks helps clients visualize the possibilities during that crucial first phase. “Most people have a hard time visualizing what they want and what can be done—I need a vast array of photos to help them do this,” Johns says.

Johns hooked up with two local media outlets through Houzz, exchanging content and photos, even providing two expert blog posts for statewide interior design and home décor magazine.