Advertising Markets / Channels / Fields

[SandmanNinja]

I am considering doing some advertising for my fledgling company, and have a few things running through my mind that I'd like to get some feedback from people in this particular industry.

 

The focus of my business is ArchViz, and I know that's a shakey place to be right now, but I have a 2nd home-based business (Arch Photography) that's been going pretty stable and steady for 10+ years. I'm using the surplus from the photo business to start-up the other.

 

Anyway, I'm thinking of advertising and I can think of 3 industries that would be worth targeting:

a) home builders

b) architects (firms and/or small operators)

c) advertising agencies

 

I've done photography work for all three, and I think all three would be good candidates for ArchViz work.

 

a) Home Builders - because they ...er... build houses and I've done a LOT of photography of Display Homes. The pitch would be that it's far cheaper to build a house inside the computer than in the real world.

 

b) Architects - because they have so many plans that they would (hopefully) like to see build, ArchViz would be a great way to virtualise and visualise their plans.

 

c) Ad Agencies - I've done some work with them, but they can be really pedantic and are almost like Middle Men (since my Ultimate client is their client). So, lots of to-ing and fro-ing. But they would have a fairly wide vista of different types of clients that might need some sort of visualisation service.

 

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Another consideration is geography - where is construction least impacted by the current market downturn.

 

More research is required, but the basic plan is to check online resources for things such as new construction loans, new building permits, hiring / firing patterns for construction workers, etc.

 

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I'd be interested in some feedback, thoughts, opinion.

 

While I've been 'networking' with my photography clients, I'd like to try to get more clients at least aware of my existance and hopefully sign them up for some work.

 

Thanks everyone.

[leoA4D]

Caveat: I have no idea if you are in a city, town or village therefore, what follows may not be applicable.

 

Archviz client possibilities:

/ planners (general, urban, city, public transportation; trained similar to architects)

/ landscape architects

/ curtainwall designers (architect specialize in this)

/ historic preservation entities (architects, governmental agencies, community organizations)

/ kitchen designers

/ bathroom designers

/ swimming pool designers

/ property developers (new & renovation)

/ furniture, fixture and equipment manufacturers (a.k.a., F.F.&E.; go for small companies)

/ environmental artists

/ web site designers (we have had one or two show interest)

/ real estate brokers.

 

Networking is good! We are involved with a couple of groups comprised of people from various professions/trades. The best is a non-compete group, i.e., only one from a profession/trade. Real estate brokers and small developers like these groups. Important: do a presentation of your work. This takes time to bear fruit but it is a way to meet people and spread the word. Also, do your network associates favors (give them a referral, point them to a solution, etc.) and they *have to* reciprocate. Networking works.

 

Advertising? I have doubts as to its effectiveness. A better way, write an article for a newspaper or magazine people read in your area. The idea is to cast your net over a larger number of people. Make it entertaining and demonstrate that you are an expert.

 

Leonard

Edited September 19, 2008 by leoA4D