Be sure to check out How Can My Architecture Firm Use Social Media – Part 2, it’s newer.
Or view all blog posts on social media for architecture and engineering firms.
There are scores of companies trying to figure out how they can harness the power of social media. Architecture and engineering firms are no different. So, how can an AEC firm use Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs…and whatever else may come next? Here are three possibilities.
1. Chronicle a high profile project
Use a combination of Twitter and a blog to keep a running record of your project from concept to completion. Regular communications can keep people coming back for more, give potential clients an inside peek at your process and document your project’s lifecycle.
2. Become a neighborhood expert
Create a Facebook group for a local neighborhood and begin gathering and posting information about the history of its planning and architecture. The project will grow over time, develop a local following and establish your firm as the place to turn for design in the area.
3. Recruit
Although hiring might not be on the forefront of everybody’s mind right now, talent is out there and your firm will eventually need it. Try launching a social media campaign to give new recruits some insight into your firm, your people and your projects. How you decide to drive traffic is crucial, but once they get there, videos or a Facebook Page are great venues to show your personality.
I remember reading this last year, and had to look it up again. While in a mid-size architecture firm last week (one which seems to be forward-thinking in many other ways), I asked whether they had a social media plan. The person with whom I was speaking seemed confused, and could only respond with, "What would be the benefit of that?" I answered as best I could, but since there are so many reasons to use Twitter, Facebook and other social media outlets, I didn't have a succinct answer. I want to be better prepared next time!
It's a shame so many architects and architecture firms seem to be clueless when it comes to marketing and new forms of social media.
On the other hand it's an opportunity and competitive advantage for those firms that are willing to embrace new ways of connecting with prospects, potential employees etc.
It says something about them that you might not see on their website's "about" page.
For architects who work internationally, social media’s long reach can be powerful–and cost effective. Building on Markitecture’s great suggestions above, architects working in Dubai, Dublin and Denver could showcase their international projects through social media, thus reaching potential audiences globally. Architects could create multiple blogs or pages on their home websites, each targeting clients in a particular region of the world—and also communicating their overall global expertise. Of course, any global marketing should be tailored to be culturally appropriate.
Thanks so much to everyone for the comments and readership. I very much appreciate it. I also created a new post last month that has some more social media suggestions if you're interested. Bryant, would love to know what firm you were visiting…for obvious reasons. haha.