• Embed Doc
  • Copy Link
  • Readcast
  • Collections
  • CommentGo Back
Download
 
The 8 Essential Elements of a Landscaping Portfolio
By: Chris Heiler, editor of LandscapeLeadership.com 
For Green Industry professionals, a compelling landscaping portfolio is essential. An impressivelandscaping portfolio builds your credibility, displays your professionalism and gives prospects a sneakpeek at what your landscape business is all about. It's one of the many keys ineffectively marketinglandscape products and services.
So, what should Green Industry pros include as part of their landscaping portfolio?Photography is the most obvious answer, and no doubt it is important, but don't overlook otherelements that should be included in a landscaping portfolio.Here are the 8 essential elements of a compelling landscaping portfolio:
1. Photography
Images of your landscaping work are the most important aspect of your landscaping portfolio. Becauseof this, be sure to follow some basic guidelines.First, organize your photographs in a logical way. You can organize your images by project ("SmithResidence" for example) or by project type ("Patios" for example). Also organize your photographs in alogical sequence and include "before" images as well as images taken during the construction of alandscaping project. This variety of images gives a viewer greater context.Only use your absolute best images in your landscaping portfolio. One extraordinary photographdelivers more impact than a dozen mediocre images. Go for quality over quantity.Be sure to include a variety of images, including photographs of hardscape elements, garden ornamentand detail shots of paving patterns, iron work and plant combinations. Including images from differentseasons of the year as well as night imagery makes for an even more compelling landscaping portfolio.
2. Drawings and landscape plans
People love to look at beautiful drawings. So be sure to include images of your landscape plans in yourlandscaping portfolio. As mentioned above, include images of only your absolute best work.Include perspectives and elevation drawings, plan-view enlargements and even sketches. Includewhatever drawings you think will best showcase your talents.
 
3. Testimonials
Include testimonials from clients as well as other professionals you have worked with. If people aresaying great things about you and your landscape business, you'll want to include this in yourlandscaping portfolio.If you have received Thank You cards, notes or emails with glowing comments, copy them and add themto your landscaping portfolio. Including the original cards and notes as part of your presentation ismuch more powerful than just showing written comments.
4. Special features
If you or your landscape business has been featured in a newspaper or magazine be sure to reproduce itand include it in your landscaping portfolio. Similar to testimonials, these third party endorsements giveyou instant credibility in the eyes of your prospects.
5. Published writing
Many Green Industry professionals write articles and columns for local newspapers and magazines. If you're part of this crowd, be sure to include reprints in your landscaping portfolio.If you've written for Green Industry publications, also include this in your portfolio. Your prospectswon't read the article, but they will consider you to be an expert in your field because of the authorityand credibility that comes with writing for industry publications.
6. Community involvement
If you and your landscape business are active in your community, include these details in yourlandscaping portfolio. Include press clippings, photographs and even testimonials from leaders in theorganization.If you contribute to charitable organizations and community groups then let prospects know about yourgood will.
7. Recognition
Include all awards your company has earned in your landscaping portfolio. You can also includesignificant certifications you and other coworkers have earned.
8. Affiliations
Listing your affiliations in your landscaping portfolio lends credibility to your landscape business.Include affiliations with local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and civic groups like theLion's Club.Also include the landscape industry associations you are actively involved with on a local, state andnational level.
of 00

Leave a Comment

You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...
You must be to leave a comment.
Submit
Characters: ...