If you are an architect who is just starting out, you might be wondering how to get your first clients. You have the skills, the passion, and the vision, but you don't have the portfolio, the referrals, or the reputation. How can you convince potential clients to trust you with their projects?
In this article, I will share with you a proven system that can help you get your first clients as an architect, even if you have no experience or connections. This system is based on the principles of Alex Hormozi, a successful entrepreneur and author who has helped thousands of businesses grow and scale.
The system consists of four steps: attract, qualify, close, and deliver. Let's go over each one in detail.
Table of contents
Attract: getting in front of your ideal audience
The first step is to attract potential clients to your services. You need to get in front of your ideal audience and show them that you can solve their problems. There are many ways to do this, such as:
Creating a website that showcases your work and your value proposition
Posting valuable content on social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or Houzz
Networking with other professionals in your industry or niche
Asking for referrals from your existing contacts or clients
Offering free consultations or audits to prospects
Running ads on Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn
The key is to be consistent and strategic with your marketing efforts. You want to build awareness, credibility, and trust with your target market.
Qualify your leads
The second step is to qualify your leads and filter out the ones who are not a good fit for your services. You don't want to waste time and energy on people who are not ready, willing, or able to work with you. You want to focus on the ones who are most likely to become your clients.
To qualify your leads, you need to ask them some questions that will help you determine their needs, goals, budget, timeline, and expectations. For example:
What is the scope of your project?
What is your vision for the final result?
What is your budget range?
When do you want to start and finish the project?
What are some of the challenges or frustrations you are facing right now?
How did you hear about me?
The answers to these questions will help you understand if the lead is a good match for your services and if you can provide them with a solution that meets their requirements.
Close: how to turn qualified leads into paying clients
The third step is to close the deal and turn your qualified leads into paying clients. This is where you need to present your proposal, overcome objections, and ask for the sale.
Your proposal should include:
A summary of the project and its objectives
A breakdown of the services and deliverables you will provide
A timeline and milestones for the project
A clear pricing and payment structure
A contract and terms and conditions
Your proposal should be clear, concise, and professional. It should highlight the benefits and value of working with you and how you will help them achieve their desired outcome.
To overcome objections, you need to address any concerns or questions that your prospects might have. For example:
If they say they need more time to think about it, ask them what specific information they need to make a decision.
If they say they need to talk to someone else, ask them who that person is and when they will talk to them.
If they say they are not sure if they can afford it, ask them how important this project is for them and what it would cost them if they don't do it.
The key is to listen actively, empathize with their situation, and provide solutions that will help them overcome their challenges.
To ask for the sale, you need to be confident and assertive. You need to assume that they want to work with you and give them a clear call to action. For example:
"Are you ready to get started on this project?"
"Do you have any questions before we sign the contract?"
"Can I send you an invoice for the deposit?"
The key is to be direct and specific. Don't leave room for ambiguity or hesitation. Make it easy for them to say yes.
Deliver and provide an exceptional service
The fourth and final step is to deliver on your promise and provide an exceptional service that exceeds your client's expectations. This is where you need to show your skills, creativity, and professionalism.
To deliver a great service, you need to:
Communicate regularly with your client and keep them updated on the progress of the project
Follow the agreed-upon scope, timeline, and budget
Handle any issues or changes that might arise during the project
Ask for feedback and testimonials from your client
Deliver the final product on time and with quality
The key is to be reliable, responsive, and respectful. You want to create a positive experience for your client that will make them happy and satisfied.
By following these four steps, you can get your first clients as an architect and start building your reputation and portfolio. Remember, it's not about how much experience or connections you have, it's about how much value and solutions you can provide. If you can do that, you will attract, qualify, close, and deliver your way to success.
In Render4tomorrow, we help architects, designers and realtors sell their projects, win competitions and attract new clients through 3D images. Ready to bring your vision to life? Start your project today.