How to Use Before and After Photos to Market Your Services

The best way to showcase your carpet cleaning business is to demonstrate your skills. If you're struggling to find content for your website or social media, taking some before and after photos can impress prospective customers. Read on to find out more about before and after photos and how to take them.

Why do before and after photos matter?

Posting pictures of clean carpets is fine, but it becomes more impressive when customers see how dirty the carpet was before. Images are far more powerful online than text-only content.

Many platforms have algorithms that favour visual content, and image-based platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are growing the fastest. Images are also far more reshareable – Twitter (X) posts are 150% more frequently reposted if they have an image. Photo posts receive 39% more interaction than those without images, and images have been proven to improve recall of marketing materials by 65%. 

You can make the most of this lean towards visual content by showing off your skills.

Tips for snapping the perfect shots 

High-quality photography is more accessible than ever. However, there is more to a high-standard image than just resolution. Here is some advice on getting stunning, consistent photos. 

Camera

These days, many phones have a suitable camera. You could also go the extra mile and invest in a digital SLR. Whatever device you choose, make sure to use the same one for both before and after shots, to keep them as consistent as possible. 

Lighting 

Lighting is one challenge when it comes to carpet photography. Natural light looks the best in photos, but not every home has enough of it – especially in winter or on gloomy days. It's hard to predict how well-lit a customer's home will be. If you need to use flash in one photo, make sure that you also use it in the other. 

Angles

Taking photos of carpet can be challenging – in big rooms, it's not easy to capture the whole floor. Try standing with your back to any windows, and prioritise taking a photo of the same area over getting a wider view. It's more important to see the change from your cleaning than it is to see the whole carpet. 

#nofilter

In the era of airbrushed, AI-improved images, it can be tempting to use the wealth of tools available to enhance your images. Do not fall into this trap! Many customers will spot your tweaks and lose trust in your business. Let your cleaning speak for itself.  

Ask first 

Make sure that clients are happy with their home being photographed. You could include a tick box on your booking form as a quick and easy way to get customer approval for photographs. 

Don’t forget videos

With great cameras on practically every phone nowadays, it’s just as easy to take videos while you’re snapping your before and after shots. Videos get lots of interaction on social media and allow you to show more by panning around a room. They’re also easy to upload directly from your phone, with plenty of video editing apps available if you want to get more creative.

Join the NCCA for more marketing tips

Want to grow your carpet cleaning business? The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) can help you increase your reach. All members appear in our directory, allowing potential customers to find you. We also offer training courses and sage advice to make marketing easier.

Become an NCCA member to start growing today.