If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video can be a veritable encyclopedia for a builder or remodeler. If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you know that some of your clients simply don’t “get it” when you show them plans for a home or for a remodeling project. They need to see the finished product—or at least something that’s a close approximation of what they want the end result to be.
Not every client wants to read long explanations about what it is you do, either (even if you’ve got really nice photos). So how can you put more “show” in your building and remodeling “show and tell”?
You no longer have to rely solely on your verbal or written skills to tell clients what you can do for them. And you don’t even have to rely exclusively on still photos, either. One of the beautiful things about the Internet is that you can easily (and inexpensively) reach your audience with short, impactful video messages. According to a recent report from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, more than 68 percent of Americans have high-speed broadband access. People are used to viewing videos on their computers. As a matter of fact—they expect it.
How could you use video effectively on your website? Here are a few examples:
- Testimonials: You could string together three 30-second testimonials from satisfied customers talking about the great job you did for them.
- Tours: You can use a two or three minute video to take potential clients on a tour of a model home that shows off your craftsmanship.
- Jobs in progress: Some people love to see the job as it’s happening. You could shoot a simple time-lapse video that shows the progress on a home you’re building.
Don’t let the thought of video scare you. We’re not talking full-length motion pictures or even commercials. These are simple, informational videos that are easy to shoot and post. You still need to think through what you want to show and what you want viewers to take away—but don’t feel like you have to create an Oscar-worthy piece (We’ll talk about how to pull this off another time).
How can you take advantage of the power of video to promote your building or remodeling business? What would you like to show?
