Building a Strong Online Presence
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Hey đź‘‹,
You know that I always have been passionate about my work and had a portfolio of great projects.
But in the beginning, when I started with my own small firm Bamboo Arquitectura, I really struggled to find new customers who shared my vision and appreciated my design and business approach.
It was the most difficult part for me. Very frustrating.
It seemed like I was constantly competing with countless other architects, and my voice was getting lost in the noise.
I knew I had to find a way to stand out from the crowd and attract clients who truly resonated with my style.
That’s when I turned to the power of digital marketing.
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By making use of social media tools like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and so on, I discovered the key to capturing the attention of my ideal clients and showcasing my distinct architectural style.
In today’s digital age, architects have an incredible opportunity to showcase their work, connect with clients, and build a strong online presence.
Let me guide you through the strategies I learned so that you too can overcome these challenges and thrive in the competitive landscape of architecture.
Let’s go.
Social Media Marketing for Architects
Social media platforms have revolutionized the way we connect and share information. For architects, social media offers a powerful tool to showcase their projects, engage with their audience, and build a community of design enthusiasts.
Here’s how you also can harness the potential of social media marketing:
Choose the right platforms
Picking the right social media platforms is super important for architects.
When I started I barely had any online presence. Nothing. Zero. Nada.
Then I started publishing on all kinds of platforms.
But in both cases, I had the same output, no new customers. Absolute silence.
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What did I learn?
It’s all about reaching your target audience and engaging with them effectively.
So, find out which platforms your potential clients are in. Maybe it’s Instagram for the visual-loving crowd, LinkedIn for the more professional types, or Pinterest for the design enthusiasts.
In our case, we use:
- Instagram for Bamboo Arquitectura
- Linkedin for Global Architect
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One more thing…
Do not shoot to every platform on the first day. It might be overwhelming.
By choosing wisely, you can focus your energy where it counts and connect with the people most likely to dig into your architectural brilliance.
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My tip:
Focus your efforts on one single platform for now to maximize your reach.
🎓 Build your social media presence with the Marketing – Social Media Challenge
Visual storytelling
Architecture is a visually appealing field, and social media provides the perfect canvas for showcasing your work.
Showcase Projects: Share captivating visuals of your completed projects, highlighting the unique design elements, materials used, and overall aesthetic. Use high-quality photographs, architectural renderings, or even immersive virtual tours to transport potential customers into your architectural world.
Before and After Transformations: Present compelling before-and-after visuals that demonstrate the transformative power of your work. Showcasing the progress from an initial concept to the final result can captivate potential customers and spark their imagination.
Customers love stories. Tell your story.
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My tip:
Share high-quality images and videos that capture the essence of your projects, your practice, and your daily activities. Use captions to tell the story behind each design. Instagram Stories might be a good place to start.
🎓 Tell your story with the Marketing – Storytelling Challenge
Engage with your audience
Social media is not just about broadcasting your work; it’s also about fostering conversations and building relationships.
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That’s why you should also respond to comments, answer questions, and actively engage with your audience to create a sense of community and establish yourself as an expert.
Not used to chatting on mobile?
Then participate in local events, workshops, or seminars related to architecture and design. This allows you to meet and engage with people who have an interest in your field.
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What did I learn?
Share your knowledge, offer valuable insights, and network with individuals who may become potential customers or refer you to others.
It’s all about giving first.
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My tip:
Give first. Then the key is to actively listen, respond genuinely, and provide valuable insights.
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Content Creation and Architecture
Creating valuable and engaging content is vital to attracting and retaining an online audience. By sharing your expertise and insights through various content formats, architects can position themselves as thought leaders and build credibility.
🎓 Start creating your own content with the Marketing – Content Challenge
Blogging and writing articles
Start a blog on your website and write informative articles about architectural trends, design tips, or case studies. Share your expertise and provide valuable information to your readers. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also improves your website’s search engine rankings.
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What did I learn?
Writing builds your authority. Like this article, you’re reading right now. It’s a long format text, with some extra work to make it interesting and readable while providing you (hopefully) great value. That usually helps me build my personal and professional brand and makes it easier to offer other products in the long run.
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My tip:
Start writing today. Even if it’s on Linkedin, that’s ok. You will improve your writing skills, and you will write longer format content very soon. Just start with the sort content today. Start easy.
If you’re an avid writer, you can also try writing on Medium or Substack or building your own personal blog.
An architect who thinks and writes is more powerful than one who just thinks.
Video content
Videos are a highly engaging format that can showcase your projects, share design processes, or offer educational content. Consider creating video tours, time-lapse videos, or tutorials that resonate with your audience.
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What did I learn?
Writing text is okay. It’s easier and you can hide behind your texts.
But, the video makes it memorable. And it’s cheaper than you might think. There are multiple digital tools to record, edit and share your videos, without needing a professional studio.
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My tip:
Share high-quality images and videos that capture the essence of your projects, and use captions to tell the story behind each design.
🎓 Publish your first videos with the Marketing – Video Challenge
Podcasts and interviews
Participate in podcasts or conduct interviews with industry experts. This allows you to share your insights, discuss relevant topics, and reach a wider audience interested in architecture and design.
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What did I learn?
I was a very shy person, and I wasn’t used to the camera.
Until I understood that nobody cared about my interviews (it was only in my mind).
Then I got the opportunity to be interviewed by local newspapers and radio. I went all in.
Once I saw and heard myself, listening to my own story, I thought it will deserve to share my viewpoint and connect with a new audience out there.
That’s how I met so many new people, just because I did a few interviews and podcasts.
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My tip:
If you are starting, participate in every opportunity you have. Say yes to every Podcast or Interview.
I guess you will make a ton of mistakes at the beginning. But it’s all about practicing.
Practice until you get comfortable with video and audio. You will enjoy it someday.
And then, suddenly, people will know you and will start talking about you. It’s human nature.
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Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Architects
To ensure that your online presence reaches its full potential, optimizing your website for search engines is crucial. Implementing SEO techniques can help improve your website’s visibility and attract organic traffic. Here are some crucial SEO practices for architects:
Keyword research
Identify relevant keywords and phrases that potential clients might use when searching for architectural services. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website’s content, including page titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
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What did I learn?
Keywords it’s a next-level game for architects. We’re not used to thinking about keywords, but it’s how the internet works. And it’s not so complicated. But there’s a huge difference between the architects who dominate the keyword strategy and those who don’t.
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My tip:
Understand how keywords work, and use them when writing your content, publishing your videos, and sharing your story. It’s a long-term strategy, that’s why you need to start a soon as possible, building your keyword strategy, so your customers can find you online.
🎓 Learn more about the Marketing – SEO Challenge
Optimized website structure
Ensure your website is user-friendly, fast, and mobile-responsive. Organize your content logically, use descriptive URLs, and optimize images for shorter loading times.
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What did I learn?
My first website used to suck. It was made by me and had no clear structure, no original content, no keywords, no descriptions, and the worst images you could possibly imagine.
Maybe that’s why nobody called those first weeks/months.
Then I delegated the design of my website to a professional, who built a modern, and properly designed new website.
It was a very simple website but with a clear strategy. Contact me.
It was the best investment I made because it brought me, my first official big customer.
And then many others.
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My tip:
Please, contact professional website designers that can help you with your initial website setup: domain, hosting, WordPress templates and plugins, updates, UX design, strategy, call to action, Google Analytics… There are so many things to do, and those who really know about it (experts) can help you with it. Just focus on creating more valuable content and engaging with your audience. It will be the best investment.
Local SEO
If you primarily serve a specific location, focus on local SEO. Claim your Google My Business listing, include your address and contact information on your website, and encourage clients to leave reviews.
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What did I learn?
Until my Google My Business account wasn’t set up, very few people knew that I had an architecture business. Just my family and a few friends. Once you show your business on Google Maps everyone will know you exist.
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My tip:
Set up your Google My Business as quickly as possible (make it right, please), and see how many people start searching for your business. They will visit your website, find the direction to your office, and some might even call. Just wait and see.
Backlinks and online directories
Seek opportunities to have your website linked from reputable sources, such as architecture-related websites, design publications, or industry directories. These backlinks can boost your website’s credibility and authority.
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What did I learn?
The Internet is about connecting with others. When you create content but nobody mentions you, it’s like being on page 20 on Google searches. Once local newspapers, specialized blogs, or other influencers started talking about my business and linking to my business website, I started having much more traffic, and so, more customers.
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My tip:
Create and share good amazing content, and provide great value to others. Then, others will use and spread your content, bringing you even more traffic to your website.
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Conclusion
In today’s digital (and competitive) landscape, architects have a golden opportunity to use the power of digital marketing to build a strong online presence.
- Establish a brand that resonates with your target audience.
- By using social media marketing tools, you can showcase your projects, engage with followers, and foster a community of design enthusiasts.
- Create content through blogging, videos, and podcasts. It will allow you to share your expertise and position yourself as a thought leader.
- Implement SEO techniques to ensure your websites are easily discoverable by potential clients.
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By mastering these digital marketing techniques, your architecture business will unlock new avenues for growth, and thrive in the digital era of architecture.
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Don’t tell me that your customers can’t find you anymore…
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Whenever you’re ready, there are 2 ways I can help you with:
1. If you’re still looking for traction in your architecture business, subscribe to the Wisdom for the Modern Architect Newsletter. Every week you will get actionable ideas, mental models and resources to help you build a profitable business.
2. In case you want to level up your business, you can get Full Access to the Global Architect Roadmap, and unlock Challenge & Solutions with all the resources and tools, exclusively reserved for our paid members, by Upgrading your Membership.
Now, go get your clients ✌🏼
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