Now that you have the perfect website and a marketing plan, you’re ready to start bringing in new clients. As an architecture firm, how do you go about winning new business? How can you set yourself apart from your competitors with many architectural firms vying for the same contracts? Take these five steps to become a top-producing architecture firm.
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Decide on your specialty
It would be best if you determined what you specialize in. This is important because it will be your main selling point. You need to be able to articulate what it is that makes you different and better than the competition. Some firms try to be all things to everyone, but that’s a mistake. It’s better to focus on a smaller niche and do it well than try to be everything to everyone. Take the time to discover how other successful architecture firms have done this. Talk with them about their experience and how they got started. Then find out how you can emulate their success by establishing yourself as an expert in a specific field of architecture.
Define your ideal client
Your ideal client is someone who shares your values, vision, and goals. They are someone who is willing to invest in your services and who you can trust to follow through on their commitments. They are also likely to refer you to other potential clients. It’s essential to think about what your dream client looks like. What does this person have that makes them the perfect candidate for hiring you? The answer might be: they need a large project, they want something very specific done in a certain way, or they have a great relationship with the design firm that referred them to you. Once you’ve identified these attributes, write them down and then ask yourself how many of these characteristics this particular prospective client has. For example, if someone wants something done in a certain way but only has a small budget – it’s not worth pursuing this prospect because there will be too much conflict between the work being done and the funds available.
Ask for referrals before you need them
It’s always best to ask for referrals before you need them. That way, you’re not scrambling to try to get your name out there at the last minute. Plus, if you have a good relationship with your clients, they’ll be more likely to refer you to someone else. Here are five ways to get referrals
- Ask every client how they found you and why.
- Add your contact information on the back of every invoice or contract so clients can easily find it.
- If any of your current clients introduce you to other potential customers, give them a little extra in return (a card with some business cards is perfect).
- Give potential customers free consultations – but only do this after discussing it with your staff and agreeing on an hourly rate.
- When referring people, all their contact information is available and clear in the referral letter or email so that the referred person can reach out immediately!
Choose a Great Architectural Marketing Agency
With a great architectural marketing agency, architects can stay on top of their game by having the right tools at their disposal. An excellent architecture marketing agency will be able to generate leads and opportunities for architects in the market. These include providing creative services that will promote new business opportunities and establishing themselves as a go-to resource for architects in all aspects of their industry. They will also provide clients with design consultations to help them make informed decisions about hiring an architect or consulting with one, which is an essential aspect of their work. Architects must use an experienced architectural marketing agency because it’s so easy for competitors to get ahead if they don’t take advantage of this type of service.
Over-deliver to every client
It’s not enough to just meet expectations. It would be best if you went above and beyond to become a top-producing firm. This means impressing clients with your work, being responsive to their needs, and always being available when they need you. Going the extra mile will set you apart from the competition and show that you’re dedicated to meeting (and exceeding) client expectations. You don’t have to be an expert in everything, but you should stay current on major architectural trends and current events in the architecture world. Staying informed will help you understand what your clients are thinking about today so that you can anticipate their future needs. One of the most essential steps to becoming a top producer is providing better customer service than anyone else in the business!
Conclusion
You might face several challenges establishing a top architectural firm. But with these industry-vetted tips, you’ll enjoy the big bucks in no time!