Why Digital Marketing Is Important for a Design Firm
In today's highly digitised world, a strong online foothold could mean more business and credibility
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
21 November 2018
Blogger, dog mom
Today, even a casual conversation ends with exchanging of social media handles, websites and blog addresses. After all, as the world steadily moves towards a parallel virtual reality, a strong, well-recognised online presence is a must – it says a lot about you and your business. You probably have your own website, which tells customers about your firm, your work, and so on. There may or may not be a further online presence. What happens when you do an online search with your firm’s name? Are the results what you would like your potential clients to see?
Then there are some worst-case scenarios, where there might be few or no reviews, or a broken website. Imagine if a search were run by a potential customer, possibly unknown to you, maybe sitting in a city far away. Not the best scenario, is it? As more and more people look for professionals and services online, firms that do not have a strong, updated online presence easily get drowned by others who do.
Jinanda Sheth, Founder of Hustlebird Digital Marketing Consultancy spoke to us, offering insights and digital analytics on why going online is the right move for companies.
Then there are some worst-case scenarios, where there might be few or no reviews, or a broken website. Imagine if a search were run by a potential customer, possibly unknown to you, maybe sitting in a city far away. Not the best scenario, is it? As more and more people look for professionals and services online, firms that do not have a strong, updated online presence easily get drowned by others who do.
Jinanda Sheth, Founder of Hustlebird Digital Marketing Consultancy spoke to us, offering insights and digital analytics on why going online is the right move for companies.
1. The numbers of active internet users are burgeoning
Gone are the days of simple word-of-mouth marketing. In today’s globalised world, where the spread of customers spans continents, the quickest and easiest way to reach them is through a digital platform.
For instance, on Houzz, the listed designers, architects and even photographers can be easily identified, contacted and engaged for business. Each professional’s profile reflects their work and the awards they have won on Houzz. “India has 462 million active internet users and over 430 million mobile internet users as of 2018. Given that the average Indian adult spends over three hours a day on their smartphones, it would be irresponsible to ignore a channel as important as the internet to target new customers,” says Sheth.
Gone are the days of simple word-of-mouth marketing. In today’s globalised world, where the spread of customers spans continents, the quickest and easiest way to reach them is through a digital platform.
For instance, on Houzz, the listed designers, architects and even photographers can be easily identified, contacted and engaged for business. Each professional’s profile reflects their work and the awards they have won on Houzz. “India has 462 million active internet users and over 430 million mobile internet users as of 2018. Given that the average Indian adult spends over three hours a day on their smartphones, it would be irresponsible to ignore a channel as important as the internet to target new customers,” says Sheth.
2. Social media can boost your brand’s popularity
Social media is a part of our daily lives. For visual products such as design, having a social media platform is imperative – it’s a wonderful way to showcase your designs, renderings, photographs and so on, in a quick and succinct manner. “Between 2017 and 2018, India had the second highest growth in social media users at 31 per cent annual growth, with 250 million social media users in the country today. Social media offers hyper targeting options and cost-effective advertising on platforms, with the ability to track and measure the performance of all activity, unlike traditional media [print, outdoor advertising or television],” Sheth says.
On Houzz, the photos section opens up a wide library of images uploaded to the platform by architects, designers, stylists and photographers. These can be saved onto ideabooks and shared on social media.
Here’s how to create an ideabook and share it
Social media is a part of our daily lives. For visual products such as design, having a social media platform is imperative – it’s a wonderful way to showcase your designs, renderings, photographs and so on, in a quick and succinct manner. “Between 2017 and 2018, India had the second highest growth in social media users at 31 per cent annual growth, with 250 million social media users in the country today. Social media offers hyper targeting options and cost-effective advertising on platforms, with the ability to track and measure the performance of all activity, unlike traditional media [print, outdoor advertising or television],” Sheth says.
On Houzz, the photos section opens up a wide library of images uploaded to the platform by architects, designers, stylists and photographers. These can be saved onto ideabooks and shared on social media.
Here’s how to create an ideabook and share it
3. Search ranking and reviews make a huge difference
Online, the world’s your oyster. The internet allows you to reach people organically or target potential clients through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Another added advantage is of reviews that give credibility to your firm. “Being unaware of your online footprint or not having one is not an option today. What shows up about your business on search results could mean the difference between a new customer and a lost opportunity. These days over 80 per cent customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and having a presence on Google Business listing and social media can provide a platform for customer reviews,” Sheth says.
On Houzz, too, client reviews are displayed prominently on professionals profiles, which give homeowners confidence when they’re looking to work with a competent expert.
Learn how to move up on Houzz through reviews
Online, the world’s your oyster. The internet allows you to reach people organically or target potential clients through Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Another added advantage is of reviews that give credibility to your firm. “Being unaware of your online footprint or not having one is not an option today. What shows up about your business on search results could mean the difference between a new customer and a lost opportunity. These days over 80 per cent customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and having a presence on Google Business listing and social media can provide a platform for customer reviews,” Sheth says.
On Houzz, too, client reviews are displayed prominently on professionals profiles, which give homeowners confidence when they’re looking to work with a competent expert.
Learn how to move up on Houzz through reviews
4. Digital editorials further the credibility and likability of your firm
“Content marketing, when done correctly, is an invaluable tool to expand your reach to potential customers looking for products or services similar to yours online. In 2017 KPMG reported that consumers in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries are 25 to 50 percent more likely than the global average to trust companies that educate consumers about their product,” says Sheth.
On Houzz, editorials help draw focus on the work of architects, designers or photographers. They also help explain the idea and motive behind a particular project or product and help spread awareness about firms that are doing noteworthy work. Digital content can go a long way in building a brand’s reputation.
Read more:
Pro to Pro: How to Make Your Company Stand Out From the Competition
Tell us:
We want to hear from you – what’s your take on digital marketing? Tell us in Comments below.
“Content marketing, when done correctly, is an invaluable tool to expand your reach to potential customers looking for products or services similar to yours online. In 2017 KPMG reported that consumers in BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries are 25 to 50 percent more likely than the global average to trust companies that educate consumers about their product,” says Sheth.
On Houzz, editorials help draw focus on the work of architects, designers or photographers. They also help explain the idea and motive behind a particular project or product and help spread awareness about firms that are doing noteworthy work. Digital content can go a long way in building a brand’s reputation.
Read more:
Pro to Pro: How to Make Your Company Stand Out From the Competition
Tell us:
We want to hear from you – what’s your take on digital marketing? Tell us in Comments below.
Related Stories
Inside Houzz
Professional's Corner: How Ideabooks Can Benefit You
Use this crucial Houzz tool to your advantage. Learn how to collaborate and share your ideabooks with homeowners and potential clients
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
Pro to Pro: How to Deal With Clients Who Keep Asking for Changes
If you are an architect or an interior designer, find ways to professionally handle revision requests by the client
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
4 Simple Ways to Differentiate Your Firm from the Competition
Find the right leads and convert them into clients with these easy tips for helping your firm stand out from the rest
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
Pro to Pro: How to Stay On Budget
If you have just started your design practice, these tips will help you handle the budget on your initial projects
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
Pro to Pro: How to Build a Long-Term Relationship With Clients
Top Indian designers share insights on why nurturing your existing client base is as important as finding new business
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
How to Stay in Control of Your Business as it Grows
Find out how to take on more clients and bigger projects while maintaining an organised business
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
How to Get Noticed On Houzz
By HouzzIN
Already have a profile on Houzz and want to climb up on the popularity and visibility front? We tell you how
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
Pro to Pro: 4 Ways to Be a Good Mentor
Learn how to create a successful mentorship experience that can benefit your business and the careers of your trainees
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
Pro to Pro: How to Work Within a Budget
Architect Shami Goregaoker gives tips that will go a long way in helping you design within finances big or small
Full Story
Tips for Professionals
What a Best of Houzz Badge Means on a Pro’s Profile
By HouzzIN
Here’s a guide to the Best of Houzz awards and how you can connect with winning pros near you
Full Story
There are some key elements everyone should use.
1. Own web portfolio
2. Social media like Facebook Instagram
3. YouTube video
4. ID website like Houzz, Homily