A couple weeks ago Houzz and CB2 on Robson Street, hosted an evening where they invited local members, designers, architects and contractors to a presentation. Liza Hausman, the VP of Marketing from Houzz was there giving a talk where she mentioned me in her powerpoint presentation, and here's why:
When interviewed earlier that day by their Marketing Manager, Annie Nozawa, I had said that I was truly amazed at how many local inquiries I received just from having my portfolio on the Houzz website.
I have clients all over North America but anytime I get yet another call or email from a potential local client and they tell me (yet again) that they found me from Houzz, In my head I'm thinking "You found me from there and not from my 900 post blog??? How can that be possible?"
And then of course I'm thinking 'Yaay', whatever it takes people, blackmail, whatever, hee hee.
Houzz was started by a couple who bought a mid century modern house and were frustrated at how difficult it was to find images on the web to show their designer and architect the vision they had for their renovation.
So here's why Houzz is so great. The images are all from the portfolios uploaded by designers, architects, contractors, etc. These are not random interiors from around the web.
They tag items that are in the images so it makes it much easier to search for all kinds of very specific photos for sourcing furniture, hardware, specific design details, the list goes on and on.
Here's the piece that's very important. They must be high resolution. I'm not sure what happens to the low res images but they are NOT recommended. So if you haven't had a professional take photos for you yet, this is a good reason to get right on it.
Houzz has 10 million users and it's growing daily. There are some designers who say they get 4-5 calls a week and many will update their portfolio on the Houzz website before their own site because they don't have to pay anyone to do it.
And with that kind of return, I can see why.
So if you don't have your portfolio on Houzz yet, hurry up! Did I mention it's free, I can hardly believe it! This room I designed has been pinned to over 25,000 idea books. WOW.
PS.
Liza Hausman & Maria Killam
Afterwards Liza accepted our invitation to dinner, we went to Cardero's, close to the Westin where Liza was staying. Dillon Brayton, the owner of Pure Painters was with us (he took the picture). We had a great time, I was home late that night!
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What fantastic advice. I have so let my portfolio wither on Houzz. I took some of them off and never have gotten around to getting it updated. Guess it's overdue. I really had no idea that non-industry people actually use it to the extent you describe. I've also been under the wrong impression, perhaps, that Pinterest has dwarfed everything else. Thanks SO MUCH for the enlightment!!
Hi Carol, Yes it's huge, Pinterest is great for beautiful images and so many random articles to learn from, not to mention it's my highest source of traffic to my blog but if you want specific information and inspiration, Houzz owns that category.
Thanks for your comment!
Maria
I'm just a regular person trying to decorate our wonderful rental and I love Houzz! I'm on there every day and I have a huge idea book.
I tried Pinterest, but it's too random and doesn't teach me anything.
I also like to read the problem-solving discussions and I learn a lot. I notice that there are several decorators who are very involved in helping people with their design and color dilemmas. I'd love to see you do that Maria.
More free advertising! I've actually mentioned you several times when people seem to need help with undertones.
That was great. You can look specifically for local people on Houzz and that must be what they do! I love your pink necklace and dress, by the way! I always look forward to your wardrobe almost as much as your posts! Merry Christmas!
I get most of my clients from my blog and a few from Houzz but both are great resources. Your Houzz page looks great Maria, very organized. I need to update my – soon! Merry Christmas!
Your page looks great. I haven't ever had anyone find me through Houzz, but I do love scouring it for inspiration and direct people there often. What a great service it is for all of us! Happy Holidays, Maria.
Houzz is a great way to see what designers have done in the past – most websites only have a few images, but on Houzz designers tend to put tons -in high res, like you said!
I didn't know you were the designer of that room! I saved that photo for inspiration a long time ago, way before I had ever heard of you or Colour Me Happy! It makes total sense! I have been following your blog for about a year, but have never posted a comment. I am not a designer, just a homeowner who finds your advice absolutely invaluable! I also wanted to tell you that I really enjoy your blog and your Ebook! Thank you and happy holidays to you!!!
I look at Houzz all the time and I am not a designer. I just love to look at all the beautiful homes and dream that my house would one day look like one of them (or like yours Maria!). Your advice is awesome because the next house we buy is the home I get to make design decisions so I am happy to have the info at my finger tips once I need it, maybe even you will get a phone call from Texas in about a year or so
! Hope all designers take your advice. Merry Christmas and hope the new year brings you many blessings.
Maria – Your room is beautiful. I noticed that many people asked questions about the room. Is there a reason that you don't respond? I've noticed that some people give paint colors and other sources and some do not. What's your take on that?
Hi Barbie,
I've answered the same question many times I didn't realize there were some that were not answered. It's there! Maria
I found you on Houzz, i found your pictures then googled your name. I looked on houzz to see if i could find local contractors for our kitchen renovation and i couldn't find much on contractors in my city which is too bad and a lose for them.
I should add, my favourite is the Morgan Creek Residence. It gave me the courage to try a green on my walls and i love it.
I think I found your blog from Houzz, it has been a great resource as a new homeowner as well as your ebook. Houzz is one of my favorite sites for inspiration and direction when it comes to decorating.