As social media becomes more and more important for internet marketing, we need to start looking beyond the traditional Facebook and Twitter gateposts. Not to say they’re not still important (they are) but because they’re no longer the be all and end all of home builder social media. We’ve talked about Pinterest and Instagram; have you thought about Houzz?

Houzz is a collaborative platform for home remodeling design, created for both home owners and home builders. It brings them together “in a uniquely visual community”, as they say. There are more than 500,000 photos up and hundreds of users, tons of articles, and an active discussion platform. And important to you, there’s a listing of home builders by area. Think about how great this is for you: people already looking to remodel or buy a home, searching for ideas, can find your profile and site right there. Along with a listing on a site like Custom Builders, a Houzz profile could really benefit you. Although it does lean more toward design and remodeling, they also take home design blogs – yours could be a great addition.

Not only should you post a profile, but be involved! The site is created for idea-sharing, mainly through the venue of photography. So those photos you’re taking of your interior designs and special features? Post them! (You’re already taking them and sharing them on your site, Pinterest, Twitter, et al, right?) It’s a fantastic way to share your work with the world, prove what’s possible, and attract lots of interested attention. Posting a beautiful kitchen on Facebook is good, right, and is going to attract some eyeballs. But most people checking on Facebook aren’t there to buy a home that day. Now Houzz? Houzz is for people interested in the home market. So you’ve already targeted who you need to reach, and the quick proliferation of photos mean that hundreds of people will see your work – on Houzz and as it gets passed on from the site. (A lot of Houzz shots end up on Pinterest, for instance.)

Remember, too, that while beneficial to sales, Houzz – and other social media sites – aren’t really about marketing. They’re about sharing, a conversation that takes place between home buyer and home builder. Put some nice photographs and ideas out there, and see what you hear back. Expect to hear more from us on home builder social media in the coming days. We know it’s important now, but the next phase of social media and internet marketing we’re reaching? It’s going to change all that’s come before.