Guide

Table of Contents

Intro

What is Porch

Benefits of Porch

Different subscriptions

Vetted ← How it works

How to pause lead delivery

Setting up your account

Logging in

Setting the mobile web on the homepage of the phone

Setting up your Service Area

Setting up your Service Type

Setting up Notifications

Unsubscribe from lead Notification

Setting up your Profile

Leads

Data leads

Verified Leads

Requesting a credit

What qualifies for credit

How to pause lead delivery

Technical Issues

Unable to purchase a lead

Not receiving notifications

Resetting the password

Pro Success Tips

Porch Pro’s Best Practice

Free Benefits for being a Porch Pro!

Your Porch Pro Badges

Guardian

Free Leads

Glossary

FAQs

Paygo FAQs

Subscription FAQs

Contact us

     Image L2: log in credentials

Image SA:3 Setting up your Service Area

Setting Up Your Service Type

 

You’ll want to set up and verify your service types because all leads you receive are based on the service types you select. Having an updated list of services will ensure that we only send you the leads you want.

You can specify the types of jobs you want by following the steps below.

1. Go to Porch.com and log in

2. Go to your Profile Settings

• You can access your settings through your Dashboard or clicking on your profile icon

Image CL:1 Setting up your Service Types

 

3. Under Services and Service Area click on ‘Modify Trades & Services’

Image CL:2 Setting up your Service Type

4. Use the search bar to find the specific service you are searching for and click ‘Add’

Image CL:3 Setting up your Service Types

 

5. Be sure to click ‘Save’ before exiting the page

Image CL:4 Setting up your Service Types

Setting Up Your Notifications

You will receive lead notifications via text and/or email. You can modify your lead notifications settings byManaging your notification preferences. The notifications will provide links to the details of the lead. Opting in to both email and text notifications generally increases your chance of landing the job because you can respond faster.

Changing notification Email address and Phone number

1. Go to Porch.com and log in

2. Go to your Profile Settings

• You can access your settings through your Dashboard or clicking on your profile icon

Image CN:1 Changing notifications Email address and Phone number

 

3. Under Services and Service Area click on ‘Update User Information’

Image CN:2 Changing notifications Email address and Phone number

4. You will be able to modify your email address and phone number for where you want to receive your lead notifications under the Contact Information

Image CN:3 Changing notifications Email address and Phone number

 

5. Be sure to click ‘Save’ before exiting the page

Image CN:4 Changing notifications Email address and Phone number

Modifying lead notification preferences

 

1. Go to Porch.com and log in

2. Go to your Profile Settings

• You can access your settings through your Dashboard or clicking on your profile icon

Image ULN:1 How to unsubscribe from getting lead notifications

 

3. Under User Settings click on ‘Change Notifications’

Image ULN:2 How to unsubscribe from getting lead notifications

 

4. Mark all of the checkboxes listed except for ‘Plain text lead receipt email notifications’. Make sure to select ‘Pay as You Go email notifications’ and ‘Pay as You Go SMS notifications’.

Image ULN:3 How to unsubscribe from getting lead notifications

 

5. Once you’re finished make sure to click “Save”

Image ULN:4 How to unsubscribe from getting lead notifications

Setting Up Your Porch Profile

 

Your Porch profile gives prospective clients one of the first impressions of you and your business. It also acts as an online advertisement, project history, and memoir all in one.

In this article, we will talk about the importance of keeping a current and captivating profile that is more likely to bring you success with new customers.

Your entire profile should be set up to the type of customers you want. You can show off your latest projects and reviews through your profile. It’s important to have fresh content so when clients come, they can tell you’re actively working with new clients.

Image SYP: 1 Setting up your Profile

Personalize your Profile

Your profile photo on Porch is important because it is a visual representation of your company and using your photo, instead of a logo or graphic, helps prospective clients connect with you more personally. People want to connect with people. Letting homeowners see who they are talking to helps create personal connections. You can flaunt your entire team, or if there’s more than one owner, with a friendly snap. Using a picture rather than a logo allows customers to feel they are dealing with people just like them. Plus, a picture shows that you will be standing behind the services and products that you offer.

Image SYP: 2 Setting up your Profile

Boost your Reputation

When deciding which professional to go with, most homeowners focus on reviews. Aside from cost and experience with the project scope. The more reviews you have, the more there is to read about your past customer experiences and the way you work. Continuing the profile reviews will show that you have happy clients and that your business is active. 

 

Standing Out

If you’re interested in a certain style or type of project, post-work near that specific scope first within your projects so it can be seen first. You can do a short competitive inquiry to see the pages of local professionals who receive a high demand of work. Identify some of the things that they are doing that are working very well for them and think about what you can incorporate into your own profile. It’s your own content, of course, but it will help you boost your demand for work.

Image SYP: 3 Setting up your Profile

 

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Pro Success Tips:

• Sending the link to your profile to prospective clients, even those outside of Porch, can give you a higher chance of scheduling since they are able to see your project scope, pricing, areas, established date, professional information, and many more details to your business all in one place.
• When you finish a project, always ask if they would mind doing a review. Most homeowners agree. You can do it by just sending them the link to your profile. If they forget, we suggest doing a very polite reminder as you want to get those new and recent reviews.

 

 

About Porch Leads

Data leads:

Are project requests that have not been verified yet, meaning you must work the lead to gather more details on the project.

How they are received: These leads are received if in options 1 and 2

How they are worked:These can be purchased on the dashboard suggested to you based on trade & services and radius

What number to use: Number provided through lead to reach the homeowner as shown below.

Image DL:1 Data Leads

How to purchase: Data leads can be purchased on your Pro Dashboard. Go to the ‘New’ tab where you may purchase the leads shown on display by selecting the ‘Buy’ shopping cart icon.

Image DL:2 Data Leads

Image DL:3 Dashboard Icons

Envelope icon:Data leads are indicated with the envelope icon.

Clock Icon:This icon indicates you reached out to this customer in the first hour.

Phone Icon:The phone icon lets you know the total number of calls you’ve made to the customer. It will turn blue when you’ve reached the homeowner within the first 72 hours.

Message Icon:This lets you know the total number of messages you’ve sent to the customer. It will turn blue when you’ve reached the homeowner within the first 72 hours.

Closed: This means the lead has been credited or the pro has closed the lead. Closing the lead will stop all communication between the customer and the pro.

Connected:Communication has been established between the customer and the pro either via message or phone call.

Note: Porch defines a successful connection as calls that last longer than 60 seconds (beginning when the call is answered) or when a customer responds to a message. 

Checkmark:Verified leads are indicated by this icon.

 Image DL Dashboard Icons

Unresponsive Policy for Data Leads:

Customer did not respond: A customer is considered unresponsive when they do not respond to any of the Pro’s that attempted to make contact with them within seven days of submitting their project request. If the homeowner responds to at least one Pro, either through a message or a phone call within the 7 days, the lead does not qualify as an Unresponsive Lead. To qualify for automated credits due to a customer being unresponsive, the lead must be open for seven (7) days. During the first three (3) days, you should message and call at least two times, respectively. If you are still unable to connect* with the customer, you may receive an automated credit for this lead.

*Quick Reply messages do not count towards the outreach requirements outlined above.

Verified Leads

Based on the feedback we’ve collected from Pros, we know that a “good” lead includes the following:

– The customer’s request contains accurate details about the project

– The project fits within the Pro’s scope of work & service area

– The customer actually wants to get help with the project

– It’s easy to connect with the customer

To help send more of these types of leads to our Pros, we’ve created some new ways of verifying projects. Our verified leads are only available to Pros in our subscription network, and because they are qualified opportunities, they will have slightly different pricing than regular leads.

How Verified Leads are received:

These leads are received through a live phone call and text message. When on subscriptions 1 and 2.

How Verified Leads are worked:

If you have phone leads turned on, and a homeowner calls you directly after we send them your contact information, this is a signal that they are serious about getting their project completed by you specifically.

What number is used for Verified Leads:

We recommend that you save this number on your phone: 855-244-0900. All verified leads coming via phone call will come from this number.

Notification sent: Via email and text

Where Verified Leads are sent: You will be contacted to your number listed on the view profile section, not the number listed for text notification. 

Make sure someone is going to work verified leads: You want to make sure they are available for the incoming calls.

How to listen to the recording: 

You may listen to the call of the live transfer as a reference through the lead info. You must go to your dashboard and select ‘View Lead Details’.

Image VL:1 Verified Leads

This will take you to the lead and allow you to listen to the recording as shown below.

Image VL:2 Verified Leads

Unresponsive Policy for Verified Leads:

This policy is not applicable for Verified Leads. 

Unresponsive homeowner: If a rep calls a pro and leaves a voicemail about the project that needs to be done, but the customer doesn’t answer when the pro calls back, it is still considered a valid lead, as there was a valid project opportunity. Make sure you provide a reliable phone number to avoid missing customer calls. 

We do not give credit for an unresponsive lead for phone leads or verified leads, since the Porch rep reached the customer, spoke to them, and confirmed the project before the transfer.

This also applies if a customer´s call is dropped before the transfer to the pro.

Pro Success Tips:

• We recommend you have a designated person or team to work and attend your leads to optimize your success rate
• Having a clear voicemail is important to ensure your success with your leads. This will confirm that you don’t miss any of your leads and guarantee your unlimited success!

https://porch.com/pro/resources/account-settings/pro_posts/verified-leads

How to request a lead credit

As is listed in our Terms & Conditions, we allow lead credits only in limited cases. If your credit request meets Porch’s return criteria, then the purchase price for the applicable project request will be credited to your account. No refunds to your credit card will be given.

To request credit for an invalid lead, follow these steps:

• 1. log in to your Porch account

• 2. Go to your dashboard

3.Click on “All”

Image RAC:1 Requesting a Credit

4. Select ‘Actions’ next to the lead you want credited.

Image RAC:2 Requesting a Credit

5. Select ‘Request Credit’ from the dropdown menu.

Image RAC:3 Requesting a Credit

6. Click ‘Next’

Image RAC:4 Requesting a Credit

7. Answer the questions on the ‘Credit Request’ page

Image RAC:5 Requesting a Credit

8.Make sure to leave a very detailed message of why you are requesting the credit for that particular lead and then select ‘Next’.

• Your message needs to have 50 characters or it won’t allow you to continue to the next page.

Image RAC:6 Requesting a Credit

 

9. Select ‘OK, Got It’ our support team will investigate your request. Most claim requests are resolved within 48 hours, however holidays and weekends are subject to delay.

Image RAC:7 Requesting a Credit

What qualifies for credit

 

Be sure to review the Lead Credits Policy to learn more about what scenarios may qualify for a lead credit. You can also find the Lead Credit Policy on your dashboard.

Image WQC:1 What Qualifies for Credit

 

How to pause your leads

Block out a period of time if you’re not taking on work, too busy, out of season, sick, injured, on vacation, or other. We won’t send you leads during this time, but homeowners will still be able to contact you through your profile. 

 

To pause your leads, follow these steps:

Note: pausing leads will not pause your billing; your budget will continue to be topped up if your balance falls below your monthly budget amount set and if the billing date is during your unavailable period.

• 1. Go to Porch.com and log in2. Go to your Profile Settings
  • You can access your settings through your Dashboard or clicking on your profile icon

Image HPYL:1 How to Pause Your leads

3. Under notifications and alerts click on ‘Pause Lead Delivery’

Image HPYL:2 How to Pause Your leads

4. Click on ‘Schedule New Unavailability Period’

Image HPYL:3 How to Pause Your leads

5. Two calendars will appear. On the calendar to your left, you will choose the start date and the one to your right the end date. In this example we are going to pause the lead delivery from May 24th to June 22nd. Select May 24th on the calendar to the left and move the mouse cursor to the June 22nd to the calendar to the right and select it. The total days to pause are then highlighted in red.

 Image HPYL:4 How to Pause Your leads

6. Under reason for unavailability, you’ll choose the reason why you are requesting your pause. You’ll click on the drop-down arrow and you will get a list of several options, choose the one that best accommodates your requirement to pause your leads.

Image HPYL:5 How to Pause Your leads

7. You have the option of leaving a brief message to your homeowners to let them know that you will be absent during this period. Select the box under ‘Additional information shown to the homeowner during this period’ and start typing your message.

Image HPYL:6 How to Pause Your leads

• • 8. When done, please make sure to click ‘Save’ before exiting the page

Image RYP:1 Resetting Your Password

2. Then select the ‘Click here’ link next to ‘Forgot Your Password?’

Image RYP:2 Resetting Your Password

3. Enter your email address and then select ‘Send email.’ You will then be sent an email with instructions on how to reset your password. If you’re still having trouble logging in, double-check that the email address you’re using is the one you originally used to sign up with Porch.

Image RYP:3 Resetting Your Password

• If the problem persists and you can’t reset your password please contact our Support Team at (206) 960 – 4337 or fill out a Support Form. 

Top 5 Pro Success Tips

No matter which Porch product you’ve decided will best help grow your business, these top tips will help you get the most value from Porch.

1. Access more leads, wherever you are, by logging into Porch on all of your devices

• Log in to Porch.com with the email address on your Porch account (you can always change it in ‘Account Settings’).
• Forgot your password? No worries! Select ‘Forgot password’ and we’ll send an email to the address on your Porch account to reset it.
• If you no longer have access to that email account, give us a call and we’ll help you out. (You can find the necessary contact information in the Contact Us section)

2. Get notified of leads ASAP via text message

• To opt in to receive SMS notifications, go to your ‘Change Notifications’ Setting as previously shown or text YES to 414141 from your phone.
• For the best chance of winning jobs, try to respond to customers within an hour.

3. Get the leads you want: set your service area

• Edit your service area by going to your ‘Update Service Area’ setting as previously shown
• We’ll only send you project requests from customers within your set service area.

4. Do what you love: set your service types

• Edit your service types by going to your ‘Modify Trades and Services’ setting as previously shown
• No more bad leads, we’ll only send you project requests for the types of work you do

5. Get reviews from your customers

• Customers use reviews to decide who to hire. Request reviews from your past customers by providing them with your Porch profile link for them to leave a review on.

Porch Pros Best Practice

Once your Porch Profile is all set up, here are a few extra things you can do to make sure you’re getting the most out of Porch.

Keep your profile updated

Frequently update your projects to optimize your opportunities. By showing off your projects on your profile, you show potential clients an idea of what you’re capable of. And since you’re always working on new projects as an active pro, show off your work by posting new photos every time you complete a project. Take advantage of getting more exposure by adding multiple photos. This also shows you’re in demand, allows you to show off different types of work you can do, and feeds the Porch algorithm to make you stand out even more on the Porch website. To reinforce that you are the go-to pro in your city or neighborhood, be sure to also add locations to your projects and pictures.

Direct traffic to your Porch profile

Who doesn’t like a great deal, we know Porch Professionals do! As a valued member of the Porch Pro Network, you can earn your Porch Pro Badge. This will allow potential new customers and existing customers to know you’re part of the Porch family. We recommend placing the badges on your website. The badge links to your Porch profile allowing you to showcase your rating, reviews and potentially get new reviews. The badge will also help increment the organic SEO traffic onto your Porch profile, or website.

Image PST:3 Pro Success Tip

• Social media: To avoid any confusion from potential clients, make sure your branding is consistent between your other social media platforms and your Porch profile (if you’re active on social media, that is).
• Website: By taking advantage of this perk and loading or embedding a Porch Pro badge to your website, this will lend you credibility as a pro while also directing traffic back to your profile so customers can see your entire portfolio and read all of your reviews, all in one place.
• Management and business growth: To further strengthen your online presence, sign up to be a Vetted Pro. To help win even more customers, manage your projects efficiently, and profitably, in an all-in-one solution that empowers all professionals to stand out. This can all be accomplished through Porch’s pro business software called Guardian.

When you activate your merchant account with Guardian, we will provide you with FREE access to the 123 Smart Pro software that provides you with the following benefits: A simple and convenient way to store your customer records in one place. Ditch the whiteboard, now you can manage your jobs and communicate with your customers the Smart way. Track your expenses and receipts for a job easily and make accounting easier with all your expense information in one place. Provide your customers with the best purchase options. Send estimates to your customers for review at their leisure and turn them into invoices upon approval and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pay as you go FAQs 

How can I reset my password?

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you a step by step guide in this guide on how to reset your password. 

How will I receive lead notifications?

You will receive lead notifications via text and/or email. You can modify your lead notification settings by following the previously mentioned steps within this success guide. The notifications will provide links to the details of the lead. Opting into both email and text notifications generally increases your chance of landing the job because you can respond faster.

If I click on the link in the lead notification, will I be charged?

No. When you click on the link in the email or text, you will be able to see more details about the lead. You will only be charged if you decide to purchase a lead by clicking “Purchase Now.” If you don’t have a credit card on file, you will need to add your payment information by logging in to your Porch account.

Do I pay for every lead notification that I receive?

No. You can review the details of every lead for free. Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in the project, you can buy the lead. You will then be directed to the homeowner connection platform and can work with the homeowner directly.

Why am I not getting lead notifications? 

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you a step by step guide in this guide on how to enable your lead notifications.

Is there an annual or monthly fee?

No. You are in control and only pay for the leads you buy. 

Can I choose which kinds of leads I’ll receive?

Absolutely. You can specify the types of jobs you want by adding or removing services you offer from your settings under ‘Modify Trades & Services’. We will only send you leads for those types of jobs. 

Can I choose what areas I’ll receive leads from?

Yes. You can specify the service areas you want by adding or removing zip codes on your Service area map. We will only send you leads that are submitted within those areas you chose.

What if I get an invalid lead?

As is listed in our Porch Lead Credit Policy we allow lead credits only in limited cases.  If your return request meets Porch’s return criteria, then the purchase price for the applicable project request will be credited to your account. No refunds to your credit card will be given. To understand how you can request a credit for an invalid lead please follow the steps previously provided in this Success Guide.

What kind of support will I receive?

You will receive dedicated support throughout your entire time with Porch. If you have any questions or need clarification at any point, please contact our Support Team at (206) 960-4337 or by filling out a Support Form they answer most requests within 48 hours. Holidays and weekends are subject to delay. 

How is pricing determined for leads?

When determining lead prices, we incorporate several factors such as service type, job location, project size, and potential scope of work. This creates a pricing structure that is competitive with all other services. 

How many pros receive each lead?

We will notify every professional in our network that is qualified to take on the project, but we will never allow more than four professionals to buy a single lead. Responding quickly to a notification is the best way to ensure that the lead is still available and that you win the job.

Where do these leads come from?

Leads come from homeowners in your area. There are many ways homeowners find out about Porch: word of mouth, our high rankings in search engines, or through one of our partnerships. They all come to Porch to get their job done.

Do I have to buy leads to be on Porch?

No. Having a profile on Porch is free, and it’s a great opportunity to promote your business. Customers can and do contact professionals directly through these profiles. We won’t prevent homeowners from reaching out to you directly. When they do, it’s 100% free.

Why can’t I purchase a lead?

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you some examples and solutions to the most common technical problems within this Success Guide. 

How can I pause my Leads?

Block out a period of time if you’re not taking on work, too busy, out of season, sick, injured, on vacation, or other. We won’t send you leads during this time, but homeowners will still be able to contact you through your profile. You can pause your leads through your ‘Pause Lead Delivery’ setting, as previously shown.

Subscription FAQs

How can I reset my password?

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you a step by step guide in this guide on how to reset your password. 

How will I receive lead notifications?

You will receive lead notifications via text and/or email. You can modify your lead notification settings by following the previously mentioned steps within this success guide. The notifications will provide links to the details of the lead. Opting into both email and text notifications generally increases your chance of landing the job because you can respond faster.

If I click on the link in the lead notification, will I be charged?

No. When you click on the link in the email or text, you will be able to see more details about the lead. You will only be charged if you decide to purchase a lead by clicking “Purchase Now.” If you don’t have a credit card on file, you will need to add your payment information by logging in to your Porch account.

Do I pay for every lead notification that I receive?

Yes for plan option 1 pros. Each lead is priced individually and will be deducted from your budget. You’ll receive leads until your monthly budget is reached.

No for plan option 2 pros. You can review the lead details prior to purchasing the data leads. Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in the project, you can buy the lead. You will then be directed to the homeowner connection platform and can work with the homeowner directly. Kindly note that Verified Lead are automatically charged, as previously explained.

Why am I not getting lead notifications? 

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you a step by step guide in this guide on how to enable your lead notifications

Can I choose which kinds of leads I’ll receive?

Absolutely. You can specify the types of jobs you want by adding or removing services you offer from your settings under ‘Modify Trades & Services’. We will only send you leads for those types of jobs. 

Can I choose what areas I’ll receive leads from?

Yes. You can specify the service areas you want by adding or removing zip codes on your Service area map. We will only send you leads that are submitted within those areas you chose.

How is pricing determined for leads?

When determining lead prices, we incorporate several factors such as service type, job location, project size, and potential scope of work. This creates a pricing structure that is competitive with all other services. 

How will I be charged?

We will continue to bill the same card you have on file, on a monthly basis. You can update your payment method from your Porch account, anytime. 

Why can’t I purchase a lead?

We know that at times you may experience technical inquiries. Which for us is extremely important that this does not happen. That is why we give you some examples and solutions to the most common technical problems within this Success Guide. 

What if I get an invalid lead?

As is listed in our Porch Lead Credit Policy we allow lead credits only in limited cases.  If your return request meets Porch’s return criteria, then the purchase price for the applicable project request will be credited to your account. No refunds to your credit card will be given. To understand how you can request a credit for an invalid lead please follow the steps previously provided in this Success Guide.

What kind of support will I receive?

You will receive dedicated support throughout your entire time with Porch. If you have any questions or need clarification at any point, please contact our Support Team at (206) 960-4337 or by filling out a Support Form they answer most requests within 48 hours. Holidays and weekends are subject to delay. 

How many pros receive each lead?

We will notify every professional in our network that is qualified to take on the project, but we will never allow more than four professionals to buy a single lead. Responding quickly to a notification is the best way to ensure that the lead is still available and that you win the job.

Is there a contract? What is your cancellation policy?

We are looking for professionals who see working with Porch as a partnership for a very long time. We are confident that you will see value in Porch from the very first day. When signing up to a subscription you verbally agree to keeping your subscription active for at least 90 days. If you wish to make any changes to your Porch subscription, please make sure to advise of it at least 15 days prior to your established billing date. 

How can I pause my Leads?

Block out a period of time if you’re not taking on work, too busy, out of season, sick, injured, on vacation, or other. We won’t send you leads during this time, but homeowners will still be able to contact you through your profile. You can pause your leads through your ‘Pause Lead Delivery’ setting, as previously shown.

Contact Us

• Support Email:
  If you have any questions or need help with your Porch account at any point, please contact our Support Team via Email at:
  Support@Porch.com

Image CU:1 Contact Us