These Houzz Profiles Rock!

Screen Shot 2014-01-21 at 9.11.55 PMTake a look at these profiles –

You will see that they have spent a lot of time developing and building their brands on Houzz.

I don’t know or work with any of these companies…

I thought that we could all benefit by learning how other people are succeeding.

Martha O’Hara Interiors –

An architectural design firm that is killing it on Houzz.  They have almost 10,000 followers, 83 five star reviews, and have commented on over 2000 discussions.  They show up in the top position organically if you search for a kitchen designer, a bathroom designer or an interior decorator.

They are checking in through out the day, answering questions and giving back to their community.   You can see why they have so many followers and reviews.

John Whipple – By Any Design Ltd. –

John is a bathroom specialist that uses Houzz to show his expertise and personality.  His profile features 197 ideabooks – written like articles or blog posts.  Each one has a ton of great information from floating bathtubs to the pros and cons of ceramic tiles.

While reviewing his profile think about how can add this to your playbook.

Crips Architects –

They design new homes, additions and renovations throughout the Northeast and beyond.  Their profile features 79 projects with hundreds of magazine quality photos.  They have commented on over 2100 discussions, have 33 five star reviews and 4500 followers.

After reviewing these three profiles you can see while this may be a free platform it takes an incredible amount of time and dedication to build your profile to this level.

I’ll bet the SEO benefits, social proof and ROI is well worth it for them otherwise why would they put in so much effort?

Already have a profile?  What has your experience been like?

If you have any questions about Houzz or social media don’t hesitate to contact me at richdemarco@optonline.net

The Week in Review –

The Mayor week in Review

Last night while everyone was sleeping and I was watching ESPN highlights –

I thought wouldn’t it be cool if I did a weekly blog post highlighting some of the more interesting discussions, articles or posts across my different social media communities.

Here are a few things that you may have missed –

On Facebook

I typically share content on this platform that you can turn around and share with your communities.  It’s my way to help with your content creation…

The most clicked articles were –

Original use of space under stairs.

25 ways to repurpose those old toys.

Make sure to “Like” the page so that you can see the articles as soon as the come out.

Mayor[POP]art

On Twitter

I usually tweet social media, marketing and business articles.  Of course sprinkling in hardware posts.

My most clicked tweets of the week are –

24 social media tips for the DIY marketer.

Social media checklist for new websites and businesses.

Are we connected on Twitter?  Follow me, I’ll be sure to follow back.

On Linkedin

My Linkedin Group is Hardware Nation.  Many of the members are closet and kitchen people.  Please join and get involved in the discussions, or start one of your own.

Here is what you missed –

Interesting new product or gimmick?

A link to the new ACSP planning guide.

So there you go – my first week in review.

I’m guessing there is enough content here to keep you out of trouble this weekend – and maybe squeeze in a football game.

Enjoy!!

Let me know what you think – How was the first week in review?

Social Proof Could Be The Difference Between You and Your Competitor!

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I know some of you are still skeptical, and don’t think there is any value in Houzz or social media in general…

In this post I am going to show you the potential business opportunities and SEO benefits that you are missing out on.

Yesterday Houzz posted an article – Turn that spare room into a Walk in Closet

Congrats to Angel Martin from Affordable Closets Plus in PA, Patrick Layne from Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets in CA and Joe Lonardo from Bella Systems in NJ all three were featured.

If you haven’t read it yet, take two minutes to check it out…

Angel and Patrick were quoted thru out and if that doesn’t make them look like an expert I don’t know what does….

This is a great example of  “social proof” and the number one reason that you MUST have a profile on this site.

Don’t you think any homeowner reading this article will call Angel or Patrick and ask them to quote on their next job?

I’ll take it a step further – and argue that this article could be the difference between you and your competitor… Not your price.

Isn’t that a nice change?

When was the last time that your yellow page ad, billboard or Val-pack coupon did that for you??

What about the SEO benefits?

Houzz is a beast on Google – Consistently showing up in the top positions.

Denise Butchko posted links on Facebook and created a YouTube video.

All of these back-links and mentions will definitely increase your SEO…

How much is that worth?

Check out Denise’s video – she has a couple of pointers in there that you won’t want to miss.

No matter what industry you’re in – Social Proof is going to help you win more business.

I hope these examples get you excited enough to get involved.

Already using Houzz, Facebook, or Twitter?

Post your links in the comments section – we can all help each other by “Following” and “Liking” each other’s pages.

Not online yet?  Don’t know where to start?

Let me know  – I’m happy to help.

Save Time with Your Social Media Efforts…

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It’s nice to be back… I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, is recharged and gearing up for a big year.

My plan for 2014 is to show up even more and really help you with your marketing efforts –

Today I want to review a website / service that was shared with me during the break – Thanks Denise!

It’s called Buffer and the main function is to make it easier for you to share information on your social media platforms.

I have been using the free version for a week and I love it…

Here’s why –

It’s a real time saver.   Once your profiles are connected you can begin to schedule your posts.

Scheduling is really easy, having the same post on multiple platforms at different times, will only take you a few minutes.

Do you use Twitter?  I have been trying to figure out how to get my photos to show up in the news feed – Buffer does that too.

A great picture will make your tweet standout and is more likely to be read and clicked than one without.

Buffer also gives you analytics for every post on every platform.

You will be able to see when is the best time to post, what topics your network is clicking on and you can create your strategy around that.

Buffer also adds a button to your browser so if you are reading an article at 11:00 at night, which may not be the ideal time for you to share, you can “buffer” it and share later with a quick click.

Anyone managing multiple platforms will really appreciate this site!

Your turn – are you currently using this site?

If yes, are you using the free version or have you upgraded?

I would love to hear your experience.

Happy Holidays!

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I thought today would be a good day to share some of my favorite holiday Pinterest boards.

Those of you that aren’t familiar with Pinterest – It’s an online bulletin board that allows you to create categories and save everything from recipes to website links on your “boards.”

This is an extremely popular platform – over 48 million users and 68% are women – half of them mothers… Could be a good place for you to show up and build some relationships…

Is there a tip hidden in this festive post??  Maybe –

Here are some examples of my favorite holiday boards –

Christmas organization – 

Christmas crafts – 

Christmas recipes – 

This platform is so popular because it is so easy to use and a great way to show your brands’ personality.

Here is a link to my boards

Reach out to me if you have any questions about Pinterest, social media or of course closets.

Have a great holiday!