Websites
When creating or redesigning the company’s website, look to see what others are doing and gauge the effect their website would have on a potential client. If it is felt the client would not hire them, do not refer to their habits.
Further, many websites are available that allow companies to post images freely (e.g. Pinterest.com and Houzz.com); however, sole use of these websites can be detrimental if a company does not have its own website where potential clients can find more information about the company and what products and services it offers. Trust is the ultimate buy in.
Even in this web-induced era, the goal of small- to medium-sized business owners remains the same: retaining business and gaining new clientele. The methods of gaining loyal, repeat customers via the Internet takes a bold understanding of the new ways everyone is learning to communicate online. The use of photography and graphic communication has never been as prevalent as it is today.
Fortunately, for those in the swimming pool and landscape design/build industry, the best way to intrigue prospective clients is to take advantage of this trend and show them a digital portfolio of the company’s work. When published correctly, pictures are truly worth a thousand words—especially when used online in the most professional manner.
Gary van Eijk is a Ryerson graduate of landscape architectural technology. He owns and is the principal designer at Uncommon Ground Design Group Inc., in Mississauga, Ont. Van Eijk has been working with homeowners, contractors, builders, and architects in the GTA since 1996, and has been designing residential landscape projects in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Ancaster, Muskoka, and Collingwood. He can be reached via e-mail at gary@uncommonground.ca.
