When considering digital marketing beyond ads, you’ll probably first think of social media and Houzz. Other than these common platforms are sites like Architizer, Archelllo, and Dwell – all specific to design. Before setting profiles up on all platforms, first decide what your goals are with posting online. Do you want to find manufacturers or clients? Are you looking to alter your brand image? Whatever your goals are, I guarantee there are sites that cater specifically to your needs!
Blogging
Medium & Personal Sites
Blogging offers a transparency and honesty that social media posts don’t allow. Through writing blogs, you can talk about your projects in progress, tell the backstories of the projects you’ve completed, or anything else you desire. From what you’ve been loving to your own tips and tricks, writing allows your potential clients to understand you better. Getting to know your thinking process, beyond simple images of finished designs, you can achieve a level of relatability that people will want to come back to.
If you don’t have a blog on your site, consider using Medium, an online blogging tool. This site is not specific to one niche or industry, but is used by anyone writing about anything from entrepreneurship or culture to fiction and art. Considering the site is not industry-specific, this allows a larger platform and the potential to connect with unlikely people. Through categorization and following, connect with others writing about the same topics. Unlike other sites, the goal of Medium is to share ideas and perspectives, rather than writing on the basis of sponsorships or with clickbait.
Designer Platforms
Archello
A platform to select products, discover stories and showcase work, Archello is a hub for professional collaboration. With a ‘product selection’ tool, users of the platform have the opportunity to create a collection to reference. In addition to the product selection are stories behind projects and specific tools used to create the built environment.
Connect with others, get inspiration and showcase your work on Archello. Feature the best of your portfolio, include members of your team on posts and give all the details you wish to share about projects.
Dwell
A digital and print magazine, Dwell goes beyond inspiration. Catering to professionals and merchants, the site creates a space to both advertise and showcase your work. By becoming a Dwell Professional, market your work specific to your industry and connect with others also registered as a Pro. As a merchant, you can create a direct partnership or affiliate network partnership. Know that the magazine is much more than a place to get inspiration, but a place for YOU!
Architizer
Connecting designers with clients, the site is mainly used as a tool for inspiration for architects and to advertise manufacturers to build teams. They’re currently building their product marketplace to better connect architects with products. Through their digital journal, Architizer stories of architectural projects and manufacturers share advice and news on the latest to happen in the industry.
Join as a firm or as a brand to search through manufacturers, products, and projects. You may also request to publish your work for the opportunity to be featured on the site. Use the site as a tool for finding others to work with, a place for inspiration, or simply to express yourself!
No matter where you decide to share your portfolio and ideas, do it with a purpose. Decide if you want to find more work with clients (existing or potential), manufacturers to work with, or purely wish to express yourself. No matter where you post, know there is a place for exactly what you need to do. Being in the right place and posting strategically, your content online can work for you. Don’t miss out on the opportunities the Internet can bring!
