Original article from Seasonal Source
Holiday lights are a staple in the holiday lighting season. Homes, parks, businesses, and cities are adorned with holiday lighting every year. Households around the country are willing to hire professional installers to light up their homes with festive cheer.
Selling a holiday lighting installation to a homeowner is a visual undertaking. They want to see how their home can spread the holiday spirit and be the gem of the neighborhood. Having a portfolio of your previous jobs can help potential clients see the value in hiring a professional and will help close the sale.
A professional portfolio can also aid the design process and customer experience. Some clients will know exactly what they want, while others might feel overwhelmed when deciding the color coordination and placement of lights. For clients who need a little extra guidance, your lighting portfolio can help them to visualize their own home’s project and help them better communicate their vision to you.
Creating A Portfolio
When putting together your portfolio we recommend including several pictures of installations you’ve done to show variety. Consider labeling the different color schemes or components of the projects. Include a variety of projects to show your range from both municipal to residential jobs. If you have done lighting installations for different holidays like Halloween or Independence Day, showcase those as well to show your competence and ability to create great lighting arrangements.
When it comes to photography for your portfolio, investing in quality professional photos is worth consideration. A quality portfolio will have clients feeling more confident in your ability to provide a quality install. If you are using a physical copy of the portfolio, make sure you print a high-resolution file, so the images look crisp and clear. Other aspects of your portfolio should include any certificates, sketches, forms, and other supporting documents that would help sell to a client.
Use a Look Book
New to holiday lighting? No problem! When building your portfolio, develop a look book. Look books, or a collection of images used to show examples of others’ work, serve as a way for your clients to see a variety of different lighting styles. It can also be a useful tool for detailing the products used in similar installations. This helpful feature makes it easier for you to quote and replicate the look for your client.
Have questions?
SiteOne associates are available to discuss holiday lighting and can walk you through any questions or concerns you have about adding it as a service. For other helpful tips on holiday lighting, visit the lighting section of our Learn page.