Professional contractors know they have to spread the word about their services in order to attract new clients. Websites, phone book ads and recommendations from past clients are a few of the common ways that contractors garner exposure to new clientele. Since clients typically get at least three quotes and shop around for the right contractor for a job, getting your name out is only the first step to closing more deals. Proving to potential clients that you are the person for the job, assuming you are proficient in the skills necessary to complete it, will be much easier if you have a solid portfolio on your side.
If you do not have any examples of your work to show potential clients, now is the time to start building them. Take detailed photos of every job, including before and in-progress shots. While there will always be clients who shop solely by choosing the lowest bid, most want to ensure that they are getting quality work before signing a contract. Demonstrating that you have numerous successful projects under your belt will instill confidence in prospective clients and help you get more contracts, even if your prices are not the lowest in town.
While there is no portfolio blueprint to which you must adhere, the following ideas can help get you on the right track:
* Use quality photos that highlight great workmanship. Include close up shots.
* Provide summaries of the jobs portrayed in the photos. Emphasize how your work satisfied the job requirements.
* Demonstrate different types of projects you have completed, categorized for easy reference.
* Include client testimonials along with the photos of the particular job(s) you completed for that client.
* Have an online portfolio as well as a hard copy to show clients in person.
* Show different types of jobs, but feel free to focus more heavily on the types of jobs you want. This can help position you as a specialist in a certain type of work.
There are countless ways to create a professional portfolio that showcases your work. If you do not have a portfolio, the most important step is get one started, even if it is not a masterpiece at first. Even a few photos presented in a professional manner would better than having no representation of your past work at all. Over time, you will have more projects and find new ideas to make your portfolio more impressive.
Maria Polidoro is the Founder of Ace Tool Online, an authorized distributor for virtually all major brands of hand and power tools. Please visit Ace Tool Online to find the right Festool router, electrician tool pouch or other power tools and accessories.
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