A good description and photos: how to present your earlier work

A photo of your work convinces more than a paragraph of advertising text. Good work samples help both in a quote and in your own marketing.

1. Take the photos straight away

Photograph before, during and after. "After" alone shows the end result, but "before" shows what you did. Take the photos in daylight and tidy the area first.

2. Photograph properly

• Hold the phone level and straight.
• One photo of the whole, a few of the details.
• Clean the lens.
• Avoid shooting into the light.

3. Ask permission

Always ask the customer's permission to use the photos. Do not publish photos where people, a home address, a number plate or other identifiable details appear without permission. A business owner who respects data protection inspires trust.

4. Write a short description

Two or three sentences are enough for each job: what was done, how long it took and what was challenging. Example:

Tiling, waterproofing and a new floor drain in a 1960s bathroom. The job took five days.

5. Use photos in the quote

If the request is for a job you have done before, mention it in the quote. It helps the customer picture the result.

6. Do not use other people's photos

Use only your own photos, or photos you have the right to use. Presenting another company's work as your own is misleading and may be illegal.

7. Update regularly

New photos show that the business is active. Add new work samples as you finish jobs.