CRM For Architects

A comprehensive guide to CRM software for architects.

Introduction: What is CRM software?

CRM stands for customer relationship management. CRM software has become an increasingly important and impactful tool for organisations operating across multiple industries. Using CRM software enables businesses and firms to access a raft of tools designed to enhance customer relationships, boost engagement and increase efficiency.

CRM software for architects offers a wide range of advantages. We often think about the retail, finance, hospitality, property and eCommerce industries when discussing CRM, but more and more architecture and construction and design firms are taking advantage of the benefits and capabilities of CRM. Studies suggest that CRM software is the fastest-growing digital marketing tool (source). Architects can use CRM software to grow their business, implement efficient processes and systems, encourage communication and engagement and elevate marketing strategies and campaigns.

The benefits of CRM software for architects

CRM software provides a broad spectrum of benefits for architects. These include:

1.   Enhanced communication

One of the key advantages of using CRM solutions for architects is enhancing communication between teams and colleagues, core staff and third parties and employees and clients. Architects often work alongside or in partnership with teams or individuals from other businesses or organisations, as well as their colleagues and customers. When there are multiple cogs that have to turn in the same direction, CRM software makes it easy to communicate, keep in touch and track progress. Everybody involved in the project or job will have access to critical data no matter where they are, and they can share information quickly and easily, creating cohesion and minimising the risk of delays and disruptions. Changes and adjustments can also be recorded and information passed on to key players instantly.

Fast, effective communication is not only beneficial for employees, teams and business owners. It’s also important for customers. Statistics show that almost 80% of customers now expect consistent, seamless interactions across different departments (source).

2.   Get to know your customers and build strong relationships

CRM software enables architects to get to know their customers better and build strong, long-lasting relationships. Developing ties is essential for retaining loyal customers, encouraging referrals and positive reviews and being able to adapt to capitalise on new trends or consumer behaviours or desires. Over 90% of people now check online reviews before they contact a company or buy a product. Using CRM tools gives architects a platform to learn more about their customers and get an insight into what they like and dislike and what motivates them when making decisions. Architects can use this information to modify services to cater to the needs of the target client and attract new customers. This is particularly beneficial for small, independent firms that are trying to compete with chains or large corporations.

3.   Boosting lead conversion rates

Converting leads is a significant challenge for architecture firms. Even if you attract a lot of attention from prospective clients or drive traffic to your website, it can be difficult to encourage the customer to take the next step. CRM software helps architects to convert leads by managing marketing activities and tracking customer interactions and relationships. Using CRM tools, you can group clients together, access real-time data related to buyer journeys and lead creation and follow-up expressions of interest. You can also automate marketing actions to improve efficiency, take advantage of opportunities to target new leads and free up time for your core team.

4.   Creating more efficient processes to free up time

CRM solutions enable architects and their teams to work more efficiently and devote more time to priority tasks. Working with cutting-edge software streamlines processes and eliminates time-consuming, repetitive tasks to enable architects to focus on the jobs that matter most. From swift, stress-free invoicing and managing customer data in one place to managing budgets and working schedules, using CRM software enables teams to save time, effort and money. Efficiency is key when providing services to clients and delivering results on time and on budget.

5.   Competing on a level field

Architects face fierce competition. For any given project, an architecture firm may be bidding against several other businesses or talented individuals. There are several factors that influence client decision-making, but employing CRM tools can help architects to compete on a level playing field. Embracing new technologies and software programmes and tools gives architects an edge and enables even the smallest firms and start-ups to compete against established, large organisations. Over 90% of businesses that have more than 11 people in their team use CRM software (source).

6.   Using data to make decisions

Architecture is a field in which paying attention to detail is critical. There is virtually no margin for error and the best architects build reputations based on their ability to deliver incredible results and meet client expectations in terms of budgets and deadlines. For architects, one of the most attractive selling points of CRM is the ability to make decisions based on accurate, precise, real-time data. You can access information, record data and receive automated reports to help you make well-informed decisions. CRM tools offer the best of both worlds. You gain a panoramic overview of each project, but you can also dive down into the detail.

How CRM for architects tackles industry challenges

Purple Potato provides tailored, targeted solutions for businesses and firms operating across industries and sectors. To achieve objectives, it’s essential to adjust and modify strategies in line with goals and targets while recognising industry-specific challenges and pain points. One key issue for architects is being able to communicate openly and coherently with multiple groups, including colleagues and employees, teams from other businesses and firms, contractors, designers, planners and clients. CRM software is designed to streamline communications to bring groups together and facilitate interaction no matter the time or location.

Another major advantage of CRM for architects is building strong relationships. Referrals and reviews are extremely influential in this sector. Using CRM to manage relationships and boost interaction and engagement is a driving factor for optimising customer service and establishing a positive reputation.

Ready to talk about CRM? Contact us now!

If you’d like to learn more about CRM software for architects, or you’re keen to find out how working with Purple Potato could benefit your firm, don’t hesitate to get in touch today and try our free 30-day trial.