The Handy Guide for Architects to use Pinterest
What's in this post?
Pinterest for Architecture
What’s in this Blog?
- 5 reasons for architects to use Pinterest
- 7 best tips for architects on Pinterest
- Architecture Pinterest accounts we love to follow
The Handy Guide for Architects to Use Pinterest
So, Pinterest has created a lot of interest among interior designers and architects
From spaces and lighting to staircases and materials;
architects are getting inspired from all the angles
Build your portfolio and share it with your client;
promote yourself to make a strong statement
Like it, pin it and add concept boards;
you can go on and on, never getting bored
Architects often ask ‘How do I promote myself as an architect?’ and one social media channel that has been creating a lot of value for them is definitely Pinterest. Architects are using Pinterest to showcase their design thinking, build their portfolio, advertise their work and discuss new visual ideas with clients.
If you’re an architect who hasn’t explored Pinterest yet, here are 5 reasons why you should get on board (pun intended).
#1. It’s Visual, It’s Inspiring: Well, so is Instagram but Pinterest is a discovery platform while Instagram is a content sharing platform. Pinterest fits seamlessly in architects’ lives as it lets them search and collect fresh visual ideas, setting off their thinking in new directions. Pinterest also helps architects and interior designers understand emerging trends globally and find inspiration for their new projects.
#2. Easy for Client Collaboration: Clients can easily find reference images on Pinterest to better explain what they have in mind, instead of the old-school way of sharing magazine references. Architects and interior designers can connect effortlessly with their clients using boards in Pinterest, uploading plans and design ideas to get the creative discussion flowing. It also helps set realistic expectations and budget allocation as per the kind of design the client is referring to in the image. Also, features like Secret Boards ensure that the boards stay only between you and your client.
#3 Fuels the Concept Design Stage: There are ‘n’ number of ‘related pins’ that one search will throw up. For example, if an architect searches for ‘butterfly roof’, s/he will end up collecting hundreds of images, right from modern butterfly roofs, sketches of butterfly roofs to mid-century butterfly roof designs, that can spark your creativity during the initial design phase. Some pins are so well described that they can even educate you on the history of butterfly roofs and give tips on designing.
Take a look at some of the images below from a Pinterest search for ‘butterfly roofs’.
#4 Syncs with Other Channels: Unlike Instagram, Pinterest has two distinct advantages. One is that it is fully functional on both, desktop and mobile whereas Instagram doesn’t let you add new posts on desktop.
Second, not only does Pinterest allow you to post images but also lets you add links to posts whereas Instagram does not let you put links in posts. So, on Pinterest, you can link the posts to your website, blog, or other social media accounts like Instagram and Twitter, driving traffic to these channels.
#5 Images don’t eat up Device Space: All your image references can be stored and organized as separate boards online on Pinterest, freeing up your laptop and hard drive space. This freed up space can be utilized in much more effective ways and also gives your hardware a breather.
Here are some stats on Pinterest that might interest you.
From 2018 to Q3 2019, Pinterest’s international base of monthly active users grew 38%, from 171 million to 235 million.*
43% women on Pinterest plan on getting their ideal home within the next five years.*
So, once you sign up for Pinterest, what next?
Here are 7 best tips for architects to make the most of Pinterest
#1 Create a Business Account (for free): Access in-depth Analytics and also get an option to use Pinterest Ads with a business account. A Pinterest business account also gives you an option to add video content.
#2 Use Boards Strategically: Instead of too many standalone pins, you can create well thought-through boards so that clients get an idea of what you can deliver e.g. one for roofs, one for staircases, another for materials, one for your Award Winning work and so on. Create separate boards to showcase the work you have done and separate ones to curate your inspiration. Explore the option of ‘Group boards’ where you can either submit your pins to existing groups for better visibility or invite contributors to a group board to form a mini community. Using free tools like Pingroupie, it’s easy to find the kind of group boards that interest you.
A simple search for ‘architects’ on Pingroupie displays multiple group board options
#3 Don’t Be Content: Don’t settle for just pinning and adding boards of inspiration. Use this channel to create engaging content. Educational content and infographics work really well on Pinterest and you could get creative there. e.g. An infographic showcasing how much energy your latest structure saves because of design innovation or 5 tips on getting office architecture right.
The average time spent on Pinterest is 14.2 minutes**, so make sure your content is worth your consumer’s time.
Free educational content like the below ‘Ideas for Architectural Concepts’ by First in Architecture attract a lot of architects.
Educational content on Pinterest.
#4 Set Context. Tell a Story.: Describe your projects by adding beautiful descriptions. It gives more context to users and gives the right impression to prospective clients. Try to incorporate storytelling wherever possible as Pinterest is not a platform for selling, but for telling.
#5 Protect Client Confidentiality: Creating Secret boards will ensure secure collaboration that can help you win your client’s trust, earning you more clients.
#6 Tap Into Visual Search: Pinterest is the only social media platform that offers visual search. The visual search option helps your clients express their requirements much better and supports you in sharing what’s possible practically. This means that if your client uploads a photo in the Pinterest search bar, which they might have seen in any magazine or online, then the images closest to that photo will pop up. To do a visual search without uploading an image, one can click on the search icon at the bottom right of any Pinterest image, and it will show multiple, similar looking images.
Visual search of a 3D drawing made on Snaptrude, shows similar results on Pinterest
#7 Consider Pinterest Ads: If you’re serious about getting more brand awareness and business out of Pinterest, you can explore Pinterest Ads (currently available in select countries). Set a goal before using Pinterest ads so that you are clear about what you want to achieve out of it – brand awareness, improved website traffic or search engine optimization. You can run your ads so that they are shown to a particular age group, location or to people searching for specific keywords. You can also advertise to people who are similar to your clients. Pinterest Analytics helps you understand how many people saw your ads, how many clicked on them, how many repinned them and a lot more information.
These are some of the Architecture related Pinterest accounts that we love to follow:
The popular magazine for architects and interior designers has a comprehensive set of boards that attracts over 10 million monthly viewers and 1 million followers. Whether you are looking for coloured glass inspiration or want to take a look at award winning projects, you can get the right dose of inspiration here.
A personal account of an architect, information designer and entrepreneur – Sha Hwang’s boards can help open up new possibilities in your concept design stage. Elements of art, architecture, fashion, graphic design, photography, music and travel (phew… there is a lot more to discover on his Pinterest account) converge to set your creative cells ticking. 5 million followers look forward to his interesting mix of content regularly.
If you’re looking for handy guides, quick information and tips on all things architecture, you know who to follow. First in Architecture’s Pinterest page is a buzzing repository of idea-generating posts, infographics and free templates.
When you want to cut the clutter and discover contemporary, minimalistic ideas, head to architect Alvaro’s Pinterest page. It is a visual treat for those seeking inspiration for simple lines and clean finishes in the architecture space.
There’s something for every art and architectural enthusiast on Thom Ortiz’s Pinterest. A beautiful repository of images inspired by Thom’s fine art and architecture background, it is all about elegant spaces and ideas. His boards reflect his finesse and love for details. A must-follow, we say!
Get Pinspired
Pinterest, as a visual social media channel works as an ideal marketing and collaboration tool for architects, for all the reasons stated above and more. We recommend architects to tap into the power of Pinterest to expand their possibilities, especially during the concept design stage.
If you’re an architect reading this and are active on Pinterest, do let us know in the comments below what strategy works for you.
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