About two thirds of businesses in the architecture and design industry are using social media, according to a recent survey.

The survey of 1,126 businesses was conducted by online directory Infolink.com.au - sister website to Architecture & Design.

It found one third of building, construction, architecture and design businesses are not on social media, while 61 per cent of the businesses believe social media is now a crucial part of the marketing mix.

The survey revealed 36 percent of businesses are not sure how to use social media to engage their market.

The survey revealed 72 percent of businesses know having a strategy for social media is important but they are unsure how to create this strategy to engage their followers.

Additionally, nearly all businesses surveyed agreed having a website is important for businesses in their industry, yet one fifth still don’t have a website.

Image source: BlastMedia

When asked about what social media channels they use 38 per cent said they have a Facebook page and 37 percent have a LinkedIn account.

The survey also revealed 40 percent of businesses see tangible results from social media.

Account Manager for Infolink.com.au, Chris Mottershead said:

“These businesses need to be on social media because that’s where their customers are.”

“Businesses can engage with their customers on social media by starting conversations with them, posting information of value to them and providing great customer service,” said Mr Mottershead.

Business and non-business owners in the architecture, building, construction and design industries were surveyed about the effects of major issues in their industry including the economy, environmental issues and cost of resources.

KEY FINDINGS FROM THE SURVEY

Building and construction

  • 28 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey have a Facebook page.
  • 25 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey have a LinkedIn profile.
  • 28 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey believe social media is now a crucial part of the marketing mix.
  • 18 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey are not sure how to use social media to engage their market.
  • 17 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey have seen tangible results from social media.
  • 26 percent of building and construction businesses that took part in the survey said more training would help with their social media execution.

Architecture

  • 21 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey have a Facebook page.
  • 30 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey have a LinkedIn profile.
  • 23 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey believe social media is now a crucial part of the marketing mix.
  • 18 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey are not sure how to use social media to engage their market.
  • 14 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey have seen tangible results from social media.
  • 24 percent of architecture businesses that took part in the survey said more training would help with their social media execution.

Design

  • 44 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey have a Facebook page.
  • 43 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey have a LinkedIn profile.
  • 42 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey believe social media is now a crucial part of the marketing mix.
  • 11 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey are not sure how to use social media to engage their market.
  • 29 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey have seen tangible results from social media.
  • 37 percent of design businesses that took part in the survey said more training would help with their social media execution.