n e h w o d o t T O n N o i t t a c u r t Wh s n o c g n i t s . po s e t a upd
The importance of high-quality updates: ● Remember, this is likely the most expensive purchase your customers have ever made, and it’s very personal to them. ● These photos can make or break your customer experience by establishing trust in the quality of work you do. ● For most customers, these updates are the most exciting part of the entire experience -even more than moving in! ● You don’t need to be a pro photographer, just follow some best practices and take pride in the quality of updates you send. Each update you send is brightening someone’s day.
What to Avoid The following examples break down some problematic photography, and explain solutions on how to take better photos for your homebuyers.
Avoid clutter (and make sure you show safety concerns!)
Problems: ●
Not the best vantage point to showcase this home.
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View of home is blocked by multiple objects.
Avoid Porta Potties Solution: Stand at a different angle so the PortaPotties are not in the frame. Yes, we all have to answer nature’s call. However, there’s no need for this reminder in your photos.
Avoid a messy space, especially trash Solution: Tidy up some trash, boxes, and equipment laying around before taking your photo. The homebuyer will appreciate seeing their home nice and organized rather than with trash and equipment lying around.
Let’s Practice Question: How would you retake this photo to make it look better?
Avoid that clutter! Solution: Stand in front of the dumpster to take photo. Make the house the hero of the shot.
Think how much better this photo would have been just 5 feet closer, without the clutter in the foreground.
Use the best lighting you can. Problems: ● Kitchen is dimly lit. ● The lights are off. Solution: ● Turn on that light switch!
Let’s Practice Question: Between these two photos, which should you choose to post, and why?
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Let’s Practice Solution: Photo 2. The lights are on, which makes the restroom look more brightly lit.
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Don’t Go Dark When You Feel There is Nothing to Say NOT posting an update can often send a signal that something is wrong. Instead, be proactive.
When there is no construction activity, it’s not the time to be silent. Look for the chance to share a photo with your home buyer. Make it fun, be creative. e.g. Entry monument, community pool, community park, Coffee Shop, etc.
Share events in the area/community Other ideas: Farmers Market, Flea Market, Community Garage Sale, Concert in the Park, Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Parade, etc.
Use memes or funny stock photos
Update for Pre-Drywall Orientation
Give updates on community activities/progress
“Just released - Conceptual drawings of Sports Park”
“Completed Entry Monument”
Post a photo of the homebuyers to start off your updates
A nice picture to start your Builder Signal updates The happy buyers at their Purchase Agreement signing
Notify your buyers about your changing hours, when applicable
Greet your homebuyers a good morning with a photo of clear skies
What TO do: Builder Signal Best Practices
Post multiple photos and include personalization in your update
Great example of using multiple photos, using the buyers name in the updates and consistent delivery, every week, same day
Have the focus of the photo directly in frame, with no clutter around
Educate your homebuyers
More educating opportunities Pikes Peak
Take your photos from different, creative angles
Who doesn’t like drone shots?
Use wide angle to capture more in your frame
Demonstrate safety!
Take progress photos from the same vantage point
Same house, different stage
Show yourself protecting your buyer’s investment…
Post a finishing Congratulations / Thank You update!
Post the happy homebuyers in front/inside of their home. Time to celebrate!
“The Happy Homeowners (with Mom)” “……..Shoes Off ; - )”
5 things you can do to deliver a great experience for your home buyers: 1)
Be Consistent - pick a day and time of the week and do your best to send updates at the same time (later in the week is best)
2)
Personalize Your Message - Use your buyers name in your message.
3)
Send Multiple Photos - Buyers love multiple photos - Tell a story
4)
Educate your Buyers - Look for opportunities to educate your buyer on your building process - Share your expertise
5)
Compliment your Buyers - Look for opportunities to share a compliment be sincere