Hardwood Floors December 2017/January 2018

By Katrina Olson

Other sites include Yahoo, Facebook, and the newer Porch.com. When possible, o er an incentive like a free consultation or estimate to move the prospect along in their customer journey. How to get started If you don’t already have one, hire or appoint a social media manager. Whether it’s a family member or part-time intern, someone needs to take responsibility for managing your online reputation. Have them build your pro les, provide quality content, counteract negative comments and actively solicit positive reviews. e right person will enjoy the work, and the company will reap the bene ts. Katrina Olson is a freelance writer and principal of Katrina Olson Strategic Communications. Reach her at katrina@katrinaolson.com.

• Angie’s List charges homeowners a yearly membership fee to access the site where they can browse business pro les and search for home service providers. Members also see in-depth reviews by other members. • Yelp features both photos and reviews. Post photos and ask happy customers to post theirs, along with reviews. Build a pro le that stands out from the competition. includes driving directions, hours, etc., and also allows businesses to respond to reviews. It can reveal how customers searched for your business and where they’re coming from, and it integrates with the AdWords Express pay-per-click service. • Google My Business is a free business directory listing that

How to get the most from each platform Each platform has its strengths. Following are some tips for making the most of each one. • Houzz showcases projects and visually engages visitors. Answer questions, share your expertise, and the leads will follow. Catch prospects when they’re in the mood to build, remodel or refurbish. • HomeAdvisor recommends home service professionals in a user’s area, lists professionals who pay for quali ed leads generated by the site, and allows online scheduling directly from the site. Being listed on HomeAdvisor also carries credibility.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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