How to grow an architect business? | PromoSEO lead generation

James Dooley: So if I am looking to grow an architect business, what do you recommend? Kasra Dash: If you’ve got an architectural practice and you’re looking to grow, I would first start by looking at lead generation companies. I’d go to FatRank.com, which provides architect leads that you pay for on the back end. Go through the qualification process; if you get accepted, it’s a strong first step for getting a consistent flow of enquiries. I would also reach out to one or two other lead generation companies and be frugal. Make sure you’re checking your return on investment and ensure the leads you’re buying are converting into paying clients. That would be my first play because you’ll get leads quickly. After that, my next major move would be SEO. I’d do this for branding and also to rank my own website so I’m not relying only on lead generation companies. I want to generate my own leads too. Then I’d move into social media to connect with potential clients. Traditional marketing and PPC are expensive, and I wouldn’t choose them for an architectural practice. James Dooley: Would you do billboard ads, TV ads, radio ads, traditional marketing, or PPC? Kasra Dash: I would avoid traditional ads. PPC can be expensive, and you’ve got issues like click fraud and competitors clicking your ads. You also get what I call “window shoppers” who click multiple ads without enquiring. If it’s £50 or £60 per click, you could easily burn hundreds each day if you don’t know what you’re doing. The pros are that PPC can generate leads instantly. But if you run PPC yourself, you need a strong negative keyword list. If you bid on “architects” and someone searches for “architect jobs,” your listing might appear even though you’re not hiring. PPC is pay-to-win, so I would avoid it. Instead, I’d focus on generating my own enquiries, not just relying on lead generation companies. I’d focus on SEO to build out pages for single-storey extensions, 3D planning, CAD, planning work, and similar services. That’s how you generate architectural work. James Dooley: What about CAD drawings and walkthrough videos? Kasra Dash: I recommend collecting all images and walkthrough videos of what you’ve created. Blur the client details and location, then upload those walkthroughs on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn and other platforms. Try ranking these videos for the relevant keywords. If someone wants a single-storey extension, garage conversion, loft conversion or something similar, they’ll see your walkthrough and enquire. Do the same for architectural drawings. Upload them to Flickr, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Try to rank the images too. Architecture is visual—you can show a before photo, the architectural plan and an after photo, and say “I designed this and this is what got built.” This is where SEO becomes a major play, but social media helps supercharge your SEO efforts. James Dooley: What about social media consistency? Kasra Dash: If you’re using Facebook and Instagram, publish consistently. Don’t expect one post to generate tons of enquiries. It might take 90 posts over three months. Publish a photo, a video or even a quote daily to keep your accounts active. It helps convert enquiries because people often check who you are before hiring you. If you have a social presence, you become more trustworthy. Also optimise your Google Business Profile. Get as many reviews as possible so you rank when people search for “architects near me.” James Dooley: Anything else you’d recommend? Kasra Dash: If an architectural practice wants to grow and get a consistent flow of enquiries, go to FatRank.com. Something important you mentioned is understanding the specific services and niche types of work. There are playground architects who design playgrounds, equipment layouts, surfacing and fencing. If you specialise in playground architecture, tell us. If you specialise in planning permission, extensions, garage conversions, loft conversions or cellar conversions, we need to know that too. It’s also important for your SEO to understand your target audience and niche down. Don’t just say you’re an architect who does everything. Become a master in one or two specific areas so people recognise you as the expert. James Dooley: You’ve also got new builds, bespoke projects, home extensions and more. Kasra Dash: Yes. Pick a sub-industry within architecture and stick with it. Many architects already know what they earn the most from. If you make the most from new-build projects, then aim for those—regardless of location. Once you know that, we can work with you. But if you want a consistent flow of enquiries, make sure you check out FatRank.com.