Clients are the life-blood of architecture firms. If new clients aren't coming in the door, the bills won't get paid.
Unfortunately, as architects it is easy to feel like we are on the ‘client-chasing' hamster wheel: always looking for the next job before the current one winds down. This is a terrible way to live life: preoccupied about finding more work under the constant stress of paying the bills. This worry can easily interfere with the rest of our life, stealing from us valuable time that could be spent with family and friends.
But it doesn't need to be this way. The most successful architecture firms have multiple ‘client-getting' channels. The key to successful marketing for architects is to have several of these channels working for your business. The more you use, the more you can be pro-active about which projects you take, instead of being reactive to the projects that come through the door.
This isn't an exhaustive list, but in case you need some ideas, here are 21 ways to get more clients for your architecture firm:
- referral partners
- previous clients
- networking groups
- speaking/seminars
- industry associations
- join a municipal or community board
- tradeshows
- industry conferences
- write an article for a local/industry publication
- sponsor a local event
- direct mail (letters)
- email marketing
- print ads
- physical newsletters
- do pro-bono work
- search engine optimization
- on-line content marketing
- webinars
- your website
- social media
- Requests for Proposal
These are just a few ideas. There are countless more.
Do you use any of these methods? Which have been most effective for you? Have I left out a ‘client-getting' method that is working for you? Leave your comment below.
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4 Responses
Firstly I dont need these services. But it is one of my interests, I think the service that is missing, is servicing the small planner, who is looking for something small and unique, and wont even consider approaching an archetect, because its a small job, and the cost. Perhaps that would be a good additional service especially for young and inthusiastic arvchetects, there are so many potential clients lookin to add on or or alter thier homes, offices or shops, who dont have a clue how to go about it, to get the best design and value, and cannot afford a professional archetict. Just a suggestion. Jenny
I would like to kmow more about your organization, cources and how can I join.
Regards
Charl Van Deventer
Shame poor hard done by architects.
This applies to every business in SA. From retail to creative!
The only way to handle this is to compete globally – go for it!
Don’t cry
Thank you, articles are interesting. I will to try to understand 21 way to get client, and will to write you. Thank you again, wish you successes.
Sara