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Social Media for Architects

Social Media for Architects

Sure, most architecture firms already have decent websites, and many even have Facebook pages. But innovative firms take their social media strategy much further.

For example, several thousand architects now connect with others in the field through Architizer <http://www.architizer.com/en_us/>. This free social networking site, built exclusively for architects and related professionals, allows firms to upload their projects and helps them seek new clients.

Blogging is another growing way for A/E/C firms to connect. A firm's blog can focus on the local building industry or some wider niche. The idea is to share your thoughts, ideas, concerns, whatever, with people who are interested--including potential clients. Blogs are easy to set up and inexpensive (many services are free). Check out Wordpress <www.wordpress.com> and Blogger <www.blogger.com>.
Architecture firm Barefoot & Gilles writes about the local property development scene in its blog <http://blog.barefootgilles.com/>. In contrast, JDS Architects blogs
<http://blog.jdsarchitects.com/> about a broad range of cultural issues.

Do blogs help a firm land new work? Read this article < http://blog.resolvedigital.com/2010/01/26/social-media-is-the-new-country-club-an-interview-with-architect-larry-lane/> about how architect Larry Lane got international exposure when he blogged about the collapse of the roof of the Dallas Cowboys practice field.

Many consumer-oriented social media tools can also be applied to architecture. For example, have you considered using Groupon <www.Groupon.com> to promote your firm? In Groupon deals, the business offers some service at a discount--usually half off--to the public. Groupon emails details of the offer to thousands of people who have signed up to get the emails. Those who want it buy the "Groupon," and the business and Groupon split the money. (So basically you end up providing some service for one quarter of your normal fee, but you can limit the deal and it does bring new clients in the door).

Groupon has many competitors, including DealOn <http://www.dealon.com/merchants>, Town Hog <http://townhog.com/business/promotion>, and Bloomspot <http://www.bloomspot.com/partners/>

These are just a few of the social media tools an A/E/C firm can use. We'll feature more in future issues of this newsletter, so stay tuned!