Face it, it's tough to sell architectural services when you've got thousands of other professionals in your line of work to compete with. How do you compare against architects who have many years of work experience, a long list of clients to brag about, and perhaps, some awards they have reaped? And have you also thought about the companies that have a complete team of competent architects, interior designers, and project managers to create magnificent structures?
When you think about all your competitors, it is easy to get overwhelmed and intimidated. But you can be comforted by this fact: most of them started out like you too! The most important thing is taking small but sure steps towards becoming a successful architect. What are these €small steps€? The small steps here are the activities that you can possibly do now to kickstart your career in architecture and gradually grow your client base. You also don't have to compete with everyone. A quicker way to find your own clients is to carve a niche for yourself. This means, you have to know your key strengths as an architect.
Here are ways to get new clients and grow your client base:
1. Promote your services to everyone.
You can start promoting your services to your family, friends and social circle. Use social media to get the word out there. Post your qualifications and your work. If you don't have actual photos of houses or offices you have designed, don't worry! You can use 3D architectural renders to showcase your design prowess. Join professional sites like LinkedIn and community websites dedicated to architecture. On LinkedIn and Google+, you will find professional groups where you can hang out and contribute your ideas and comments. Make your LinkedIn profile attractive. Mention your career goals, your key skills, and have references.
2. Have a website.
The great thing about using the website for promoting your work is that it's an equalizer for all businesses and professionals out there. All businesses have an equal opportunity to attract potential clients and generate sales leads online. Regardless of how big or small a company is, what matters is you have quality content and you can offer something valuable to clients. This called content marketing; you're using content to promote your products or services. This may come in the form of blogs, videos, webinars, and the like. Gain credibility and position yourself as a thought leader by sharing quality content on your website.
3. Invest in your portfolio
Invest your time and efforts in building your portfolio. You don't need actual clients to build your portfolio. You can use presentation tools like 3D renders to make your portfolio attractive for potential clients. Also, your portfolio must be found online. There are websites offering designers a platform with which to create their online portfolios.
4. Be where the industry leaders are.
Look for the experts in the industry. Where can you find them? They may be attending conferences, exercising in the gym, or conducting a lecture. Be where they are. You may even need to work for their companies so you can learn from them. Learn from the veterans and put your learnings into practice.
When you think about all your competitors, it is easy to get overwhelmed and intimidated. But you can be comforted by this fact: most of them started out like you too! The most important thing is taking small but sure steps towards becoming a successful architect. What are these €small steps€? The small steps here are the activities that you can possibly do now to kickstart your career in architecture and gradually grow your client base. You also don't have to compete with everyone. A quicker way to find your own clients is to carve a niche for yourself. This means, you have to know your key strengths as an architect.
Here are ways to get new clients and grow your client base:
1. Promote your services to everyone.
You can start promoting your services to your family, friends and social circle. Use social media to get the word out there. Post your qualifications and your work. If you don't have actual photos of houses or offices you have designed, don't worry! You can use 3D architectural renders to showcase your design prowess. Join professional sites like LinkedIn and community websites dedicated to architecture. On LinkedIn and Google+, you will find professional groups where you can hang out and contribute your ideas and comments. Make your LinkedIn profile attractive. Mention your career goals, your key skills, and have references.
2. Have a website.
The great thing about using the website for promoting your work is that it's an equalizer for all businesses and professionals out there. All businesses have an equal opportunity to attract potential clients and generate sales leads online. Regardless of how big or small a company is, what matters is you have quality content and you can offer something valuable to clients. This called content marketing; you're using content to promote your products or services. This may come in the form of blogs, videos, webinars, and the like. Gain credibility and position yourself as a thought leader by sharing quality content on your website.
3. Invest in your portfolio
Invest your time and efforts in building your portfolio. You don't need actual clients to build your portfolio. You can use presentation tools like 3D renders to make your portfolio attractive for potential clients. Also, your portfolio must be found online. There are websites offering designers a platform with which to create their online portfolios.
4. Be where the industry leaders are.
Look for the experts in the industry. Where can you find them? They may be attending conferences, exercising in the gym, or conducting a lecture. Be where they are. You may even need to work for their companies so you can learn from them. Learn from the veterans and put your learnings into practice.