SEO, Paid, or Organic: Where Should AEC Firms Invest First?
When it comes to marketing your AEC firm, the digital landscape can feel overwhelming. Everyone says you need SEO. Others swear by paid ads. And then there’s organic content, such as LinkedIn posts, blogs, videos, newsletters, that you’re supposed to publish regularly. So where should you start? Here’s the truth: it depends. Let’s break down the […]
The Rise of Video Marketing in AEC: What You Need to Know
Video marketing isn’t new, but in the AEC industry, it’s finally having its moment. More firms are realizing that video is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s now an essential part of your marketing strategy, helping you win work, recruit talent, and communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging format. Whether you’re an architect showing design […]
7 Ways to Build a Healthy Company Culture
At Smartegies, we believe culture is brand and brand is culture. In the AEC industry, your people don’t just design projects, they deliver your brand promise every day. That’s why a healthy culture isn’t just an HR initiative: it’s a marketing and growth strategy. Here are seven brand-driven ways to shape a culture that attracts […]
“Look at Me” Marketing: Finding the Right Balance in AEC Social Media
In the AEC industry, marketing often walks a tightrope between showcasing firm capabilities and engaging the audience in a meaningful way. Too much “Look at Me” content (project photos, award wins, company announcements) can make your feed feel like a highlight reel. But too little, and your firm may seem invisible. So what’s the right […]
You Just Needed to Follow the Directions
Why AEC Firms Overcomplicate Marketing and What Happens When You Finally Trust the Strategy In the AEC industry, we’re wired to solve complex problems. That’s the nature of design and construction. But that same strength can create blind spots when it comes to marketing. We see it all the time: Firms want results but resist […]
Repetition Builds Reputation: How Consistency Fuels Brand Awareness in AEC
In the AEC industry, the firms that win work aren’t always the biggest or the most innovative. They’re the ones who show up consistently with a clear message, recognizable brand, and steady presence in the right places. Repetition builds reputation. And in a business built on relationships and trust, reputation is currency. The Problem: Sporadic […]
Writing Content That Answers “So What?” in AEC Marketing
How to Create Content Your Clients Actually Care About In AEC marketing, it’s easy to default to what we think is impressive, like project awards, technical capabilities, or photos of that recently completed facility. But the real question your audience is asking isn’t “How big is your portfolio?” It’s “So what? Why should this matter […]
Social Media: You’re Not Doing It Right (Yet)
Too many AEC firms are stuck at one of two extremes: They throw time and money at social media hoping for a viral moment without a strategy to convert attention into business. Or they ignore it altogether, convinced it’s just for B2C brands or Gen Z influencers. Both are wrong. The reality is this that […]
If You Don’t Manage Your Professional Brand, Google Will Do It for You
In the AEC industry, your reputation is your currency. You may have decades of project experience, but if your professional brand isn’t visible and credible online, you’re handing control of your story to the internet. Potential clients, teaming partners, recruits, and industry peers are researching you long before they meet you. What they find, or […]
Merging Cultures Through M&A
Many AEC firms have growth strategies that include M&A activity but inking the deal is only part of the journey. Life after the transaction is where the real success occurs and where real growth and market penetration and maturity is realized or fails. Selling staff members on the benefits of the new M&A is an […]