Honestly, I wasn’t looking to join another social media site. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, this blog and my email have provided me with so much content that I ignore one or the other for days at a time. Oh, and Pinterest. And LinkedIn. I really need to update that profile. So when this week’s assignment to find a niche social media site came along, I wasn’t entirely thrilled. I have enough Schmidt going on, how could I possibly find time to be an active member of another site? 
Then I found GardenWeb in a quick google search.
Perfect! I keep unintentionally killing each basil plant I try to nurture and love and eventually cook with, so I could use a supportive, knowledgeable community. However, when I tried to get to the root of GardenWeb, I got caught in the weeds. Gardenweb.com had this “Houzz” logo on the top. What was once a site for gardeners, has been absorbed into Houzz.com. I now have the app on both my iPhone and my iPad. (Yes they link, but that’s besides the point.) Now I am trying to hold back on clicking, since I do not currently have a large house to redecorate.
GardenWeb, in comparison to what I am learning about Houzz, is a niche forum on gardening. Houzz, though I had never heard of it before, is quickly growing into an extremely profitable location for home and garden professionals to exchange ideas with one another, and find customers. Users can see projects and learn who designed and executed the design space. Within the site, you can see prices, construction companies, photos, people who also liked the photo, as well as suggestions of other pieces you might like, based on your likes.
Houzz is off to a great start with its integrated marketing communications plans. Houzz has mobile apps, a website and has even started television advertising. They are quickly reaching the homeowner with a passion for making their living space better.
Proximity Marketing Ideas
While there is plenty of clickable information on their app and website to help you find out who made that chair or designed that backyard, I haven’t yet seen any ads pop up while walking around. Incorporating proximity marketing could work for businesses that sell items on the website. While walking past the store that sell the lamp you favorited, a window could pop up, letting you know that it’s on sale inside!
Another way Houzz could use proximity marketing, would be with exterior projects. If the homeowner allowed the contractor, the contractor could set up a push notification to those walking by about their name and number and the work they did. These internet notifications could be tailored to the income bracket that might be looking for their type of renovations. Having a digital pop up leaves less of an environmental footprint that creating a wood or metal sign. The use of a digital advertisement is also less annoying for neighbors who would have to look at it everyday. If you are annoyed by the add, a simple swipe will whisk it away from view.
Social Media Buttons
Houzz, in addition to having Facebook, Twitter and Google+ accounts, has created their own buttons, much like Pinterest.
Professionals can add the Houzz button to their website, for easy saving by their viewers, as well as adding a button to the toolbar, to easily save items to Ideabooks.
This platform is already doing well, no thanks to my lack of participation. By integrating with Facebook, they are connecting to the largest social media platform in their current location of North America. According to CNN, 15 million people are using Houzz to search through images and projects each month, and they don’t look to be slowing down.
So far, my Houzz is pretty empty. I have not made any purchases, written anyone a message, asked a question, or really expanded an Ideabook. 
But this is another social media platform I could use, as I figure out how to best brand myself. As long as I keep the content up to date, and with a consistent look to my other platforms, Houzz could help me make connections with other Houzz members in my neighborhood. With how well Houzz can connect individuals, it may take over Pinterest as a project planning board for home renovations. Pinterest can keep their recipes and disconnected links to at home workouts, while Houzz actually lets you get Schmidt done.
Once I move into my nesting life phase, out of this apartment, I will certainly turn to Houzz to help me build a cohesive plan for decorating and renovating my new abode. If I start to communicate with local businesses now, maybe I can even build a relationship or two, to ensure a quality finished product.
With the help of Houzz.com, everyone can take pride in their piece of the world, one meaningful connection at a time.
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