The 8 Essential Elements of a Landscaping Portfolio

For Green Industry professionals, a compelling landscaping portfolio is essential. An impressive landscaping portfolio increases your credibility, showcases your professionalism, and gives prospects a sneak peek of what your landscaping business is all about.

So what should green industry professionals include as part of their landscaping portfolio? Photography is the most obvious answer, and it’s certainly important, but don’t overlook other items that should be included in your portfolio.

Here are the 8 essential elements of an attractive landscaping portfolio:

1. Photography

Images of your landscaping work are the most important aspect of your portfolio. Because of this, be sure to follow some basic guidelines. First, organize your photos logically. You can organize your images by project (“Smith Residence”, for example) or by project type (“Courtyards”, for example). Also organize your photos in a logical sequence and include “before” images as well as images taken during the construction of a landscaping project. This variety of images gives the viewer more context.

Only use your absolute best images in your landscaping portfolio. An extraordinary photograph produces more impact than a dozen mediocre images. Opt for quality over quantity. Be sure to include a variety of images, including photographs of landscape elements, garden trim, and detailed shots of paving patterns, hardware, and plant combinations. The inclusion of images from different seasons of the year, as well as night images, makes the landscaping portfolio even more attractive.

2. Landscape drawings and plans

People love to look at beautiful drawings. So be sure to include images of your landscaping plans in your landscaping portfolio. As mentioned above, include images of only your absolute best work. Include perspective and elevation drawings, plan view enlargements, and even sketches. Include the drawings that you think will best show your talents.

3. Testimonials

Include testimonials from clients and other professionals you’ve worked with. If people say good things about you and your landscaping business, you’ll want to include this in your landscaping portfolio. If you’ve received thank you cards, notes, or emails with complimentary comments, copy them and add them to your portfolio. Including the original cards and notes as part of your presentation is much more powerful than just showing written comments.

4.Special features

If you or your landscaping business has been featured in a newspaper or magazine, be sure to reproduce it and include it in your portfolio. Just like testimonials, these third-party endorsements give you 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 are part of this crowd, be sure to include reprints in your landscaping portfolio. If you have written for Green Industry publications, please include that in your portfolio as well. Your prospects won’t read the article, but they will consider you an expert in your field because of the authority and credibility that comes with writing for industry publications.

6. Community participation

If you and your landscaping business are active in your community, include these details in your portfolio. Include news clippings, photos, and even testimonials from organization leaders. If you contribute to charities and community groups, let prospects know about your goodwill.

7. Recognition

Include all the awards your business has won in your landscaping portfolio. You can also include significant certifications that you and other co-workers have earned.

8. Memberships

Listing their affiliations in your landscaping portfolio lends credibility to your landscaping business. Include affiliations with local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and civic groups like the Lions Club. Also include landscape industry associations in which you are active at the local, state, and national levels.

A compelling landscaping portfolio is essential for Green Industry businesses. An impressive portfolio increases your credibility, shows off your professionalism, and gives prospects a sneak peek of what your landscaping business is all about. It is one of the many keys to effective marketing of landscape products and services.

When creating or updating your landscaping portfolio, keep these 8 essentials in mind.