Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Digital marketing for the construction industry

2016-12-10T05:12:25Z

MofeiBian: Created page with "The construction industry has yet to adopt digital marketing on the scale of other businesses, there’s a lot of room to pull ahead with some creativity. This is especially true..."

The construction industry has yet to adopt digital marketing on the scale of other businesses, there’s a lot of room to pull ahead with some creativity. This is especially true for small and mid-sized companies.

While small margins for error in construction mean word-of-mouth and reputation will always play a large role, data shows business owners are increasingly looking for companies online.

== 1| Writing content ==

One ad agency [http://www.docurated.com/all-things-productivity/biggest-digital-marketing-trends?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 interviewed 76 leading marketers] this in 2016 to find out the most important industry trends. About a quarter of them emphasized the importance of content, with a handful reiterating a phrase that’s become digital marketing’s de facto motto: Content is King.

With more and more companies fighting for the throne, writing exceptional content often requires a specialist. Luckily, construction is an industry with many niches.

There are things you know that others want to find out about.

My niche, for example, is prefab building materials from China. [http://www.prefabmarket.com/blog/ My content] can help those researching what’s a relatively out-of-the-way market despite the fact I’m far from the world’s best writer.

Let’s say you’re in construction rigging, a service which my company often deals with, and you’re in Florida.

I would love to know what problems foreign-based materials vendors might face transporting large freight at a local site. This is just one possible article which you could write using your knowledge of local regulations, the local labor market, and personal industry experience.

Start a blog on your website.

Create a two-month schedule based on objectives and SEO keywords. Distribution is a whole other matter, but publishing and boosting on Facebook is a barebones plan. Here are some resources to learn more:

[http://contentmarketinginstitute.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 The Content Marketing Institute] has resources on everything content-related.

Understand how [http://www.enchantingmarketing.com/writing-for-the-web-vs-print/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 online content is not the same as print].

Read [https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-content-marketing?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 this] beginner’s guide.

== 2| Publish your content on LinkedIn ==

One platform people highly underrate for building leads is LinkedIn. The environment encourages professional engagement and thoughtful comments, while the site allows you to target the audience you want.

LinkedIn complements your website and Facebook page, but remember that articles longer than three paragraphs are best for their publishing platform. For shorter content use the status update — and make it digestible.

Join active industry groups and contribute to conversations on those pages.

Readers won’t come overnight, but members will welcome insightful content that’s not just self-promotion. Don’t neglect the power of commenting on other people’s work, and ask questions too.

== 3| Get ready for Building Information Modelling ==

The UK mandates BIM for all government construction projects. Australia, Germany, and the UAE are likewise planning similar requirements, while the process is [http://www.constructiondive.com/news/report-international-bim-market-to-hit-12b-by-2022/420710/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 growing rapidly around the word]. The question is not if the majority of projects will be made with it eventually.

Companies need to prepare for the time when BIM will be the industry standard.

Right now, developers still see [http://www.cadvantage.co.uk/using-bim-as-a-marketing-tool/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 BIM as a B2B differentiator]. In the future, expect companies to incorporate their BIM working experience, or the process itself, in their marketing.

== 4| Create a social media group ==

In China, we have WeChat, which is ideal for work and social groups. It fosters a golden ratio of purpose (you can only join a group by invite) and casualness (the groups look like chat rooms). For business, they tend to be professional, friendly, and active.

Wanted: More construction industry groups that are professional, friendly and active.

From discussions I’ve had with other professionals, I know I’m not alone in hoping for these. Whoever can start filling the demand using Western platforms will get prime opportunities to network and advertise.

== 5| Develop micro-partnerships with other businesses ==

According to [http://mediakix.com/2016/06/micro-influencers-definition-marketing/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 a recent study], 82% of consumers said they’d follow a micro-influencer’s suggestion. This info has huge implications for digital marketing, but what does it mean?

Influencer marketing is selling your product via an industry or community leader. It’s today’s version of getting Michael Jordan in your commercial, with a number of key differences. Two unique things about influencer marketing are especially relevant for construction professionals.

a) Working with micro-influencers can have a better ROI than seeking out the biggest names.

The widely-accepted definition of a micro-influencer is an individual with 10,000-150,000 followers on Instagram. In the construction industry — as opposed to film or fashion — few people can be considered mega-influencers. That’s not a bad thing because marketers are just starting to discover how people are more likely to trust niche leaders. You can begin using tools like [http://buzzsumo.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 Buzzsumo] to find and contact accounts your consumers follow.

b) Partnerships can lead to long-term earned media relationships.

The [https://www.precisionmarketinggroup.com/blog/10-influencers-to-follow-for-the-best-construction-marketing-tips?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 largest construction accounts] are still associations and publications. By definition, they want to work with individuals and companies. If you’ve already built your online influence through networking or content, you’re in a good position to help outlets and industry groups with their goals.

One idea: Approach them about issues both of you care about, whether that’s social housing costs or building sustainability. Of course, this applies to individual influencers too.

== 6| Catalog on platforms for builders, developers, and architects ==

Sites like [http://www.archiexpo.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 ArchiExpo] and [https://www.architonic.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 Architonic] have changed how architects and builders present their products. They also make marketing and networking much easier around the globe.

== 7| Use virtual reality ==

Filming you own 360-degree content is possible, but you’ll need to do some research first.

People are always surprised when they see that most VR rigs are soccer ball-shaped apparatuses with GoPro cameras attached. While they’re expensive, rental companies make filming on your own possible.

Hiring production might be worth the cost for many businesses.

[https://techcrunch.com/2015/04/06/augmented-and-virtual-reality-to-hit-150-billion-by-2020/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 Digi-Capital predicts] the VR market will reach $30 billion by 2020, and products like Google Cardboard mean VR content is on the verge of mass availability.

Take a look at [http://www.untamedscience.com/filmmaking/advanced-filmmaking/360-degree-video-guide/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 this] and [https://www.theprimacy.com/blog/virtual-reality-360-degree-immersive-video-experience/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 this] page on VR production.

For some inspiration, check out [http://shortyawards.com/category/8th/virtual-reality?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 these projects].

== 8| Find the right specialists ==

Sometimes you have to know when to call the professionals. For example, you can do the basics of SEO on your own with a plugin like Yoast. But if you want a unique web presence, it’ll be the specialists and firms that create leading SEO & content strategies.

Before you hire: Know want you want to accomplish and what questions to ask.

The essentials are portfolio, capabilities, and measuring ROI. Familiarity with construction is also a big bonus, and luckily construction marketing is a growing field with its own pool of consultants and agencies.

Here’s [http://web.figmints.com/blog/15-questions-to-ask-before-you-hire-a-marketing-agency?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 one list that explains] the process of hiring well.

== 9| Track your campaigns ==

All the digital marketing strategies mentioned above take time. Some of them, like content writing, can take a lot of time.

Tracking your digital marketing campaigns is so important.

[https://www.hubspot.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 Hubspot] is one popular platform for marketing — one that I use for my companies. Google Analytics has it’s own [https://analyticsacademy.withgoogle.com/?__hstc=43225914.0a96aeebd408ecba22cf17d69eecac2b.1480607231480.1481283768841.1481345382139.7&__hssc=43225914.4.1481345382139&__hsfp=3436355633 courses for users]. At the end of the day, you’re going to have to figure out which software is best for your business. It might take some trial-and-error, but this one’s the most important digital marketing resolution.

[[Category:Education]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:International]] [[Category:Organisations]] [[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Theory]]

User:MofeiBian

2016-11-28T06:54:22Z

MofeiBian:

My company and I connect developers, builders, and architects with China-based prefab manufacturers. There are more than 7,000 of them in China. Some are world-class, some are not. We help you source from the best ones for your project.

User:MofeiBian

2016-11-28T06:53:59Z

MofeiBian:

My company and I work to connect developers, builders, and architects with China-based prefab manufacturers. There are more than 7,000 of them in China. Some are world-class, some are not. We help you source from the best ones for your project.

Open source architectural plans for modular buildings

2016-11-28T06:44:03Z

MofeiBian:

Architects might be the next vanguard of the open-source revolution. As a result, developers and will get more and more access to free, world-class plans, many of which modular construction. You can build some open-source projects in as little as a month by using prefab. The consequences are significant [http://www.prefabmarket.com/prefab-sustainability-building/ waste reduction] and cost savings.

Prefab manufacturers can re-engineer many conventional architectural plans. Since that’s not true in every case, our company's in-house developers selected the best open-source blueprints and models for prefab construction.

== The Module House, by Tatiana Bilbao ==

[[File:Tb-ext1-web2_1400_900-1280x823.jpg|link=File:Tb-ext1-web2_1400_900-1280x823.jpg]]

[http://paperhouses.co/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Paperhouses] puts free project blueprints from some of the world’s top architects online. Like all the models on the site, users can adjust The Module House on a Github forum as they see fit.

[[File:Tb-ext2-web.jpg|link=File:Tb-ext2-web.jpg]]

The original blueprint is for a 2064ft² house with three bedrooms. Its flexible design allows for wood or structural steel materials. This feature makes it perfect for light steel gauge frame or steel containers.

== Xh system house, by Dekleva Gregori ==

[[File:094_XH_A11.jpg|link=File:094_XH_A11.jpg]]

[[File:094_XH_A01.jpg|link=File:094_XH_A01.jpg]]Slovenian firm [http://dekleva-gregoric.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Dekleva Gregori] designed the Xh system house to be customizable. The plans can just as easily make a simple cottage as a sprawling resort complex. Manufacturers can create individual units in various sizes. They can also be combined, or furnished as complete spaces on their own.

[http://dekleva-gregoric.com/xh_system_house/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Download plans for the Xh system house here.]

== Monterrey, by Elemental ==

[[File:7b56933602cfb357cd618886b142996e.jpg|link=File:7b56933602cfb357cd618886b142996e.jpg]]

[http://www.archdaily.com/785023/elemental-releases-plans-of-4-housing-projects-for-open-source-use?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Elemental] has extensive experience developing social solutions and low-cost housing. The houses in the Monterrey duplex are 40m², but builders can expand them to 59m² or 76,5 m².

Elemental built the original model in 2010 in Monterrey, Mexico. The structure is an affordable solution for developers who need high-occupancy housing quickly.

== The Bolt House, by Panorama Arquitectos ==

[[File:Panorama-ext-1-new-1280x823.jpg|link=File:Panorama-ext-1-new-1280x823.jpg]]

Another blueprint on Paperhouses, [http://www.panoramaarquitectos.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Panorama] [http://www.panoramaarquitectos.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Arquitectos]designed the Bolt House for sloped areas. Because those are much cheaper than flat land, these stylish modular house designs can boost a plot’s value.

They’re also great for those looking to save money on a new home without compromising quality. The design doesn’t even need to be re-engineered for modular construction.

[[File:Panorama-ext-3-1280x823.jpg|link=File:Panorama-ext-3-1280x823.jpg]]

“The house is a modular design to fit the necessities of each family and also give the possibility of building in stages and is presented in a two and three bedroom configuration.”

– Paperhouses.co.

== Villa Verde, by Elemental ==

[[File:VV_SUYIN_CHIA_4.jpg|link=File:VV_SUYIN_CHIA_4.jpg]]

Elemental makes the list again with the Villa Verde, which you can construct wholly or build in parts. An expanded Villa Verde house is 85m² and is higher-end than the Monterrey model. Elemental created the original in Constitución, Chile.

[[File:457380933_1280x720.jpg|link=File:457380933_1280x720.jpg]]

-----
You can download the plans from the websites linked above, or from this [https://www.evernote.com/shard/s74/sh/fdd4c6c0-47c4-4a01-9b49-a147ef7c34b3/1d30ce9b22269a34a509746946359b16?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Evernote page here].

[[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

Open source architectural plans for modular buildings

2016-11-28T06:43:21Z

MofeiBian: Created page with "Architects might be the next vanguard of the open-source revolution. As a result, developers and will get more and more access to free, world-class plans, many of which modular c..."

Architects might be the next vanguard of the open-source revolution. As a result, developers and will get more and more access to free, world-class plans, many of which modular construction. You can build some open-source projects in as little as a month by using prefab. The consequences are significant [http://www.prefabmarket.com/prefab-sustainability-building/ waste reduction] and cost savings.

Prefab manufacturers can re-engineer many conventional architectural plans. Since that’s not true in every case, our company's in-house developers selected the best open-source blueprints and models for prefab construction.

== The Module House, by Tatiana Bilbao ==

[[File:Tb-ext1-web2 1400 900-1280x823.jpg]]

[http://paperhouses.co/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Paperhouses] puts free project blueprints from some of the world’s top architects online. Like all the models on the site, users can adjust The Module House on a Github forum as they see fit.

[[File:Tb-ext2-web.jpg]]

The original blueprint is for a 2064ft² house with three bedrooms. Its flexible design allows for wood or structural steel materials. This feature makes it perfect for light steel gauge frame or steel containers.

== Xh system house, by Dekleva Gregori ==

[[File:094 XH A11.jpg]]

[[File:094 XH A01.jpg]]Slovenian firm [http://dekleva-gregoric.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Dekleva Gregori] designed the Xh system house to be customizable. The plans can just as easily make a simple cottage as a sprawling resort complex. Manufacturers can create individual units in various sizes. They can also be combined, or furnished as complete spaces on their own.

[http://dekleva-gregoric.com/xh_system_house/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Download plans for the Xh system house here.]

== Monterrey, by Elemental ==

[[File:7b56933602cfb357cd618886b142996e.jpg]]

[http://www.archdaily.com/785023/elemental-releases-plans-of-4-housing-projects-for-open-source-use?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Elemental] has extensive experience developing social solutions and low-cost housing. The houses in the Monterrey duplex are 40m², but builders can expand them to 59m² or 76,5 m².

Elemental built the original model in 2010 in Monterrey, Mexico. The structure is an affordable solution for developers who need high-occupancy housing quickly.

== The Bolt House, by Panorama Arquitectos ==

[[File:Panorama-ext-1-new-1280x823.jpg]]

Another blueprint on Paperhouses, [http://www.panoramaarquitectos.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Panorama] [http://www.panoramaarquitectos.com/?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Arquitectos]designed the Bolt House for sloped areas. Because those are much cheaper than flat land, these stylish modular house designs can boost a plot’s value.

They’re also great for those looking to save money on a new home without compromising quality. The design doesn’t even need to be re-engineered for modular construction.

[[File:Panorama-ext-3-1280x823.jpg]]

“The house is a modular design to fit the necessities of each family and also give the possibility of building in stages and is presented in a two and three bedroom configuration.”

– Paperhouses.co.

== Villa Verde, by Elemental ==

[[File:VV SUYIN CHIA 4.jpg]]

Elemental makes the list again with the Villa Verde, which you can construct wholly or build in parts. An expanded Villa Verde house is 85m² and is higher-end than the Monterrey model. Elemental created the original in Constitución, Chile.

[[File:457380933 1280x720.jpg]]

-----
You can download the plans from the websites linked above, or from this [https://www.evernote.com/shard/s74/sh/fdd4c6c0-47c4-4a01-9b49-a147ef7c34b3/1d30ce9b22269a34a509746946359b16?__hstc=43225914.a710c1c5b06414531af646bb7f19285d.1478227721931.1480064095059.1480311615385.29&__hssc=43225914.3.1480311615385&__hsfp=3669294470 Evernote page here].

[[Category:Projects_and_case_studies]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]] [[Category:Theory]] [[Category:Construction_management]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Cost_/_business_planning]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:Property_development]] [[Category:Roles_/_services]]

File:457380933 1280x720.jpg

2016-11-28T06:42:26Z

MofeiBian:

File:VV SUYIN CHIA 4.jpg

2016-11-28T06:41:08Z

MofeiBian:

File:Panorama-ext-3-1280x823.jpg

2016-11-28T06:39:12Z

MofeiBian:

File:Panorama-ext-1-new-1280x823.jpg

2016-11-28T06:38:27Z

MofeiBian:

File:Tb-ext2-web.jpg

2016-11-28T06:35:02Z

MofeiBian:

File:Tb-ext1-web2 1400 900-1280x823.jpg

2016-11-28T06:33:14Z

MofeiBian:

File:094 XH A11.jpg

2016-11-28T06:32:13Z

MofeiBian:

File:094 XH A01.jpg

2016-11-28T06:30:03Z

MofeiBian:

File:7b56933602cfb357cd618886b142996e.jpg

2016-11-28T06:28:59Z

MofeiBian: