Small Project Design

Have people found Houzz Pro+ to be a cost effective tool to get new work?

Any advice? Just starting with the platform and am not sure which way to go.

Thank you

I am not sure it is cost effective but i think it is more important these days to be part of the program for exposure.  I have been on it for 2 years and have had probably 6 leads.  Not much, but it helps.  Everyone is on it like Facebook.  If you can spare the cost, then go for it.  But you have to do your due diligence by investing time in making sure you are uploading current projects and answering user inquiries.  Lots of tools, just need to do your part in using them.  I hope this helps.

Not on it because with Houzz you are grouped with "building designers" who are not registered architects and who typically provide limited services ("builder sets") and cut-rate fees. I don't want my clients (or potential clients) to think they are my peers in terms of qualifications or services. When the Houzz sales people hit me up at the national AIA convention I told them the same thing. They said they get that a lot from architects, but I'm sure they don't want to lose business by differentiating licensed professionals from so called designers. My experience is that clients troll Houzz for images to help them organize their thoughts and then call the architect they already know, or or one recommended via word of mouth. 

Hi Kathy:

I was approached by a sales rep from Houzz offering a $1,000 discount a few months back. I decided not to take the offer.

As I read the reply’s, I have to agree with the overall tone of the group that the cost of the services provided by Houzz does not equate to actual jobs. I’ve tried Service Magic (before it was sold and renamed as Home Advisor) Construction Deal, Yodel (mainly an SEO) and others. The companies promise results. But, in the end, the promises fall short of actual checks being cashed. I did receive leads from the various companies, but they all result in “tire kicking”.

Think of how you actually  use Houzz. I use it as a tool for my clients so they can build their own portfolio of an “idea book”  (part of Houzz) so that they can better convey the concept they are considering. I use it the same way. Yes, I am an Architect and not looking for one. But, I could easily work with a local interior designer, a  local contractor or maybe a supplier of product. I actually have not hired or recommended anyone or firm from Houzz because I’ve built relationships in my area with local builders, realtors, bankers, attorney’s, etc. over my 30 years in practice. That’s how you build a business – relationships. Doing one two one’s, keeping in contact with those you have relationship’s with AND referring work to them. That’s what’s important, referring work to others because what you give to others will be returned to you.

Regarding Houzz and others similar to Houzz, my vote is no. Only take and maximize the free services they offer.

All the success to you in your practice!

Frank Joseph Bell, Architect, PP, LEED AP

Pittstown,New Jersey 08867

We looked into it but chose not to for the significant cost--it seems that most their audience is for very small projects (decorating, bathroom, cabinetry, etc), not full renovations or new homes. And it seemed that with frequent engagement (updating profile, answering user questions, etc), you could get a lot of views without having to pay for it.

Kathleen

I was part of Houzz Pro for one year. It cost me $200/month. I was already getting decent exposure on my free site, but I did notice a few more people seeing it. However, at the time, I could only choose one location (I chose the East side of Pittsburgh). Now they've opened that requirement up a bit, but I didn't feel that that investment was worth it for a one-person office.

The cost was the same regardless of how many people were in an office. To me $200/month for a solo-practitioner was a fortune compared to that same cost for a firm of several if not many people. They didn't see my logic as the agent kept saying "if you get a project from it, it pays for itself." That's faulty logic and they didn't seem to follow my explanation of why that thinking is inaccurate or illogical.

Whether it's fair or not doesn't really matter, but I cancelled after a year. I still get plenty of people noticing, but I can't say that many of those lead to actual signed contracts. Houzz is a great site for what it is, so if you're going to invest in something like this, this is the place to do it. One has to think through the cost/benefit of it based on their overall marketing budget or what percent of their overall revenue is the cost.

I'm in Denver and I do mostly high end residential work.  I've been with Houzz for a little over a year and am paying to be promoted in about 4 different markets around the Denver metro area.  So far I've had just one job lead, but the Houzz rep. tells me to hang in because it takes a while for things to kick in.  I don't know if that's just a sales pitch but I'm hopeful. The logic is that prospective customers may see photos of my work they like and will remember them later on when they are ready to start a new project - sort of like when people clip photos out of magazines.   If nothing else it's a great electronic portfolio and gives me a little more credibility.  I think a lot of people use Houzz just for getting "inspiration" from other people's design work. I also get the impression many people are not aware of Houzz, and most of the ones who are aware of it think of it only in terms of "Interior Design".   Houzz is just now starting to advertise on TV so perhaps things will improve.  Meanwhile I'm "hanging in"!    I'll be interested to see what other architects have experienced with Houzz.

I am a sole proprietor residential and light commercial practice in my second year with Houzz.  I did see an increase in inquiries over the course of the first year, that specifically referenced finding me on Houzz. Only one lead of about four inquiries turned into a real project which was a small addition & alteration project.  I was on the fence about renewing for the second year when they offered to give me a second coverage area for the same price, which is $200 per month.  So I am still evaluating over this current year. Being a small firm the cost is a large proportion of my marketing budget so if I don't see a measurable increase in work due to this I will probably convert back to the free site.  I do like the format of the site and clients seem to think highly of it as well.  FYI I have also used Home Advisor for a number of years with mixed results.  On that I pay $55 for each lead that I wish to follow up on .....after receiving some basic project information including the location.  Most of my work still comes the old fashioned way, from contractor associates or past client referrals. Anyway from reading the other comments it seems as if the jury is still out on Houzz.

I completely agree with Frank Bell's comments. In my commercial-custom residential practice in the NY-NJ area since 1978, my professional relationships with builders, realtors, subcontractors, and building officials on both the commercial and residential side have been key to finding reliable repeat clients and successful projects. Often people I had worked with on commercial projects asked me to work on their personal residential projects or do work for other members of their families. 

I too am a pro sponsor on Houzz and I have won their service and Best of Houzz for a couple of years.  Unfortunately I cannot say I have seen anything from it in terms of actual commissions, not to mention very few if any leads.  Honestly mostly inquiries about where to buy stuff or what color something might be or selling me windows and office equipment.  

Also, the professional Architects are categorically lumped together with a whole host of other designers, plan factories, landscape installers, etc. . which I think is a real disservice to those of us who are Architects and practice the profession.  

In terms of exposure it is hard to say.  Some of my competition in our area are listed and sponsors so I have felt compelled to stay out there with them and see if it has made any difference.   Also, oddly enough, my free listing usually pops up with, and sometimes in front of, my sponsored listing.  So I am inclined to save the dough next year.  

I have used it in the past and did not find it effective.  It requires effort on your part in maintaining and updating the website which I did not have time to do.  I have received more inquires from just my basic HOUZZ profile.

Kathleen,

I have been on the Pro program for a couple of years. I live and work in a resort area so the majority of our clients live somewhere else when they hire us, therefore many of them find us on the internet. Houzz helps them find us. We also have gotten two jobs this year because we won "Best of Houzz" in both design and service. I sent a press release to the local newspaper and got some nice coverage. We have found that wherever we advertise someone will respond to it years afterwards. People says they have loved our work for years but they didn't have a project until now. We have also gotten project in Florida, Mississippi and North Carolina from people who found us on Houzz. 

I agree with the other answers that you need to add projects and answer questions. Also ask people who call you on the phone how they found you. Most of our best leads from Houzz made direct phone calls to us and did not send an email from the Houzz platform. The emailers tend to be the tire kickers with unrealistic expectations.

I have used it in the past and didn't see a significant increase in leads that turned into clients.  I was a sole practioner and it was expensive for me, also I didn't have a vast body of photographed work which added to the stagnation.  I think if you are well established, have a lot of great projects photographed you will see an increase in business to justify your membership at the pro level.

Thank you everyone for your thoughtful responses. I appreciate your time and expertise.

All the best,

Kathy Sullivan