Amy Leenders, Leenders Cottier Architects
Photograph supplied
ARCHITECTURE MARKETING 360: CASE STUDY #13
Amy Leenders, Leenders Cottier Architects
Amy Leenders of Leenders Cottier Architects in Sydney, Australia, completed Architecture Marketing 360 in September 2021, in Cohort 3.
Overall, Amy rated the course 5 out of 5 stars, saying that it helped her go from not actively focusing on marketing - because she’d been lucky to get enough work from word-of-mouth - to having a prioritised plan to implement - split into 'do now' quick bites and 'do later'.
You can find more details about her experience of completing the Architecture Marketing 360 CPD course below, including an update about how she asked for and received new testimonials from her past clients, and visit the Leenders Cottier Architects website here.
The format was very well done. The course was split into manageable bites that could be tackled at my own pace. The portal was well set up and easy to follow.
Since the course finished, I managed to obtain 4/4 testimonials and now I just need to arrange photography for 3 of the projects. The testimonials were definitely confidence boosts - I’m not sure why I was so nervous about asking for them!”
— Amy Leenders, Leenders Cottier Architects, Australia, 2021
1. How were you feeling about your practice marketing before and after taking the AM360 course?
Before: I'd not actively focused on marketing. I'd discussed with colleagues their approaches to marketing, but I've always been lucky to get enough work from word-of-mouth, so hadn't invested in paid marketing.
After: Good. I have a prioritised plan to implement - split into 'do now' quick bites and 'do later'. And I’m confident with the learnt knowledge for the large tasks (ie. website upgrade - SEO - analytics tracking)
2. Did you have any initial hesitations about committing to the AM360 course? If yes, please describe them.
I was hesitant about the time commitment - but mainly due to the current Sydney lockdown and work load increase with home schooling.
3. What helped you to overcome those concerns and decide to enrol?
The reality is it would be an extra time commitment whenever I did the course. And I wanted to gain the knowledge the course offered to make sure that once things started moving back to normal, I could strategise about the type of work/clients I take on.
4. How satisfied were you overall with the AM360 course?
5 out of 5 stars.
5. In relation to the course delivery, were you happy with the 3-week duration?
Yes, the 3-week course duration worked well for my learning needs
6. In relation to the course content, what were the main marketing topics or problems you wanted to learn more about in the course?
I wanted to understand how much focus my website really needs, and whether social media is worth the time commitment. However the most beneficial content was actually paying attention to my USP and framing who my ICA is.
7. Did the course address those topics or concerns in sufficient detail for you?
Yes.
8. Did you find the suite of materials suited your learning needs? Please provide details, including any suggestions for improvements in future iterations.
Yes, the format was very well done. The course was split into manageable bites that could be tackled at my own pace. The portal was well set up and easy to follow.
9. Did you find the Facebook group and live Zoom sessions useful to gain additional support?
I'm not sure what your ideal group size is, but I thought this group was too small to make the FB group useful. I'd probably prefer a short Zoom at the start of the course as a good 'moral boost' - just so the participates can put a face to the names, eg, this is who is doing the course, you're in it together, a quick summary of the type of work we each do etc.
10. In relation to Rachael's presentation style, do you have any suggestions or recommendations for future improvements?
No. All really clear and concise. Enviable skills!
11. Which of the 9 course topics did you find most beneficial?
Before we begin - set up your metrics
ICA (Ideal Client Avatar) and Marketing Budgets
USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
Channel 1 - Referrals
Channel 2 - Email
Channel 3 - Social Media
Channel 4 - Publishing
Channel 5 - Awards
Channel 6 - Website
Implementation plan
12. Were the Website Review sessions helpful - including an overview of website metrics and performance, and reviews of other participants’ websites?
Yes, content was helpful but also liked just seeing the other participants.
13. Which architecture marketing topics would you like to learn more about in future?
How to create a lead magnet and the automated emails to deliver it
How to improve my website's visibility and appeal to future customers
How to improve my awards entries, and repurpose them as marketing materials
How to create a media kit and pitch my projects to publications
How to create a referral feedback loop to appeal to future clients and use testimonials in my marketing
How to enhance my social media presence and use social media attract new customers to visit my website
How to set up a pre-paid initial consultation on my website
14. Have you already implemented - or do you plan to implement - some of the marketing ideas and concepts from AM360 in your practice?
Yes, I have already implemented some ideas and concepts
Yes, I plan to start implementation soon
Yes, I plan to implement, but not straight away
No, I need more time to digest the materials before I think about implementation
No, I didn't find any of the ideas useful, so I won't be implementing them
15. Would you recommend the AM360 course to other architects and designers? Why or why not?
Yes, I would. I really enjoyed the DIY tips and approach you have used, and found the content really useful for my small practice. I felt the pace of the course was just right - spread over the 3 weeks. I thought my business was at the ideal stage to tackle the course - I have a simple website, review analytics, do make semi regular changes to the website, engage in social media, have a portfolio of work, get the work professionally photographed etc. I expect it would be overwhelming for an establishing business to take all the information on board.
16. Did you think the course was good value for money?
Yes.
17. Do you think the allocation of 6 Formal CPD points is commensurate with the training? If not, should the course be worth more or fewer CPD points?
Yes.
18. Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience, the course delivery, materials, the presenter, or suggestions for future iterations?
I thought the FB group wasn't necessary and would have liked an introductory zoom with the other participants on day 1.
Update: Since the course finished, I managed to obtain 4/4 testimonials and now I just need to arrange photography for 3 of the projects. The testimonials were definitely confidence boosts - I’m not sure why I was so nervous about asking for them!
“I recommend the AM360 course to other architects and designers. I really enjoyed the DIY tips and approach you have used, and found the content really useful for my small practice.
I felt the pace of the course was just right - spread over the 3 weeks. I thought my business was at the ideal stage to tackle the course - I have a simple website, review analytics, make semi regular changes to the website, engage in social media, have a portfolio of work, get the work professionally photographed etc.”
— Amy Leenders, Leenders Cottier Architects, Australia, 2020