Building stuff is cool. But some construction, architecture, and engineering companies struggle to get their cool across on social media. Social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are (mostly) free platforms, but they do take time to manage, strategy to leverage, and creativity to be successful.
So, how do you find time to get creative, be strategic, and create a brand personality that can give you an influential presence online? Below we're offering a few tips to leverage social media to create a community and win more business.
1. Share Photos of Your Projects.
Most AEC companies know that photography matters on social media, yet many still don't take the time to schedule photography to demonstrate progress. Your site managers may not be the most talented picture takers, so in some cases, retaining a photographer to track progress will be worth your time. While social media platforms are free, good content usually isn't. Given the potential reach of social media platforms, a strong investment in creativity offers very favorable returns.
2. Share News and Insights.
Without context, construction news may seem pretty dry to many of your followers. But offering your perspective when there is notable news can help to establish your, or your brand, as a thought leader in the industry. Your higher profile can, in turn, help you to land your dream projects.
3. Celebrate Awards and Accolades.
It seems obvious that you should share your good works, but many AEC companies don't share all their successes. Knowing how to artfully position your successes gives your followers a chance to enjoy your success along with you. And gives potential clients a chance to scroll through your social media and see your good work.
4. Use Content You Already Have
You've already taken the time to create content for your website, case studies, proposals, project features, press releases, print collateral, or other places. All of these content pieces can be borrowed and re-purposed for use on social media. Don't let the work you put into content for other uses go to waste once they've been used elsewhere.
5. Create Your Own #Day
Your company has it's own milestones and internal holidays that are worth sharing. Celebrate anniversaries for the business. For example, you could create your own "What We Do Wednesday" (#WWDW) where you feature a product or service you provide. Think of it as a weekly elevator pitch that shows your value to targets you're directly pursuing.
6. Highlight Positive Client Feedback
Solicit and share the feedback of your clients - and share your best reviews with your social media audience. Cultivating relationships is a big part of business development in the AEC industry. Don't let the good will you have worked to develop go to waste.
7. Share Your Space with Industry Partners
Take time to share your social media space with those who support you. Architects, contractors, engineers, and other partners are doing good work with you. And, when you share your support, others are also more inclined to ssupport you.
8. Celebrate with Clients
You can also share your social space celebrating the spaces you've helped to create. If you design or build commercially in specific markets (Healthcare, Education, Worship, Public spaces, etc.) you can celebrate the days that are important to them. For example, if you worked on a project for a public outdoor pool, share their post of their opening day for summer. You can work in a mention about how what you did for the project in your share.
9. Keep a Social Media Calendar
A content calendar will help you to keep your social media on track, and give you a place to store all your fresh ideas. It will also help you to keep your social media balanced in what you share and how often. Your calendar can include strategies to help highlight specific projects when you are targeting specific projects you are pursuing.
Well, there you have it! We hope our nine AEC social media content ideas list helps you keep your AEC social media content fresh and interesting for your followers - and fun for your marketing team too.
You can also check out our 12 Tips for Better AEC Social Media Engagement post, or download our 2023 AEC Social Media Calendar to get more concrete ideas for your social media efforts.
If you are an AEC marketer who needs an a-la-carte marketing assistance for your company, please consider contacting PFC Creative for your needs. We are an affordable option for virtually any online or offline marketing need, and we have proven success with construction, architecture, and engineering clients.