A lot of people don't talk about it but

Trying to do everything yourself always leaves you one step behind your competition

The reality is, not everyone is good at everything (and that's okay!). Outsourcing and collaboration is an approach six- and seven-figure earners rely on to maximize their success and guard their time for what they're good at.

It works for architects, too. But you should know ... what I'm talking about is not your average architect marketing.

I mean, you *can*  keep doing marketing in-house

(between client meetings + deadlines)...

But if that means compromising billable hours and client relationships, exhausted designers burning the candle at both ends trying to find out HOW to successfully do the work  ... with the end result not being what you hoped for (or need), it’s probably time for help that actually helps (me!).

I've spent 25 years in the AEC perfecting creative, strategic marketing solutions, and today implement them in tailored solutions that meet the needs of your architecture firm. Let's make you more competitive and level the playing field by adding skilled AEC marketing to the team, because ...

You are not going to win ideal projects with hope and DIY

You are not going to win ideal projects with hope and DIY


Here's the thing - you're competing with architects and their marketing staff. To be most competitive you need a strategy as custom as your designs, showing innovation, speaking directly to clients, and positioning you as the go-to expert and obvious choice. You need:












The good news is there's a happy place between DIYing your marketing and investing multiple five figures in a full-time senior marketing staffer. 



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Understanding of what sets you apart and how to communicate that value
Messaging that's clear, compelling, and authentically you
A focus on building genuine connections with your dream clients
The ability to adapt and stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry



Understanding of what sets you apart and how to communicate that value



Messaging that's compelling, clear, and authentically you



Focus on genuine connections with dream clients



Ability to adapt + stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry




Take your architecture firm marketing from a liability to an asset

and make sure that your work gets the attention and recognition it deserves with my tailored support and industry expertise.

Craft messaging that showcases your unique value + resonates with clients

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Develop a consistent, cohesive brand presence

Create proposals that make your firm stand out 



Provide ongoing guidance to keep your marketing efforts fresh and effective




Help you navigate the changing landscape of the AEC industry with confidence and ease





Did you know... potential clients pay attention to everything. According to the Hinge Research Institute

9 out of 10 professional service buyers will rule out a firm before ever meeting them

That means they Google you. They further shared that more than 8 out of 10 will check out a firm’s website to evaluate them as a potential provider.

So... how do you hold up? Not sure where to even start? No worries, we can help ... (keep reading ...)

Introducing
The ADVANTAGE:

Introducing The ADVANTAGE:

Your secret weapon for winning more clients and projects

Your secret weapon for winning more clients and projects

The ADVANTAGE is a flexible, tailored marketing support package designed to give ambitious architecture firms like yours the expert guidance and hands-on help you need to elevate your marketing, stand out from the competition, and attract your ideal clients and projects.

















The ADVANTAGE is for you if you are: 


The ADVANTAGE is a flexible, tailored marketing support package designed to give ambitious architecture firms like yours the expert guidance and hands-on help you need to elevate your marketing, stand out from the competition, and attract your ideal clients and projects.

THE advantage

The marketing advantage you need to:

The marketing ADVANTAGE you need to:





while you keep focused on design.

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Level the playing field
Show up as good as you ARE
Highlight your unique benefits
Become the client's obvious choice
Win more ideal clients and projects 

while you keep focused on design.

The ADVANTAGE is for you if you are: 

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Ready to take your firm's marketing to the next level and win more of your ideal projects

Seeking expert guidance and support, but don't have the budget or need for a full-time in-house marketer


Tired of generic, one-size-fits-all approaches and want marketing that reflects your unique value and vision

Looking for a flexible, cost-effective solution that can adapt to their changing needs and priorities


Ready to take marketing to the next level and win more ideal projects

Seeking expert guidance and support, but don't have the budget or need for a full-time in-house marketer

Tired of generic approaches and want marketing reflecting your unique value and vision



Looking for a flexible, cost-effective solution that can adapt to their changing needs and priorities



Elevate Your Firm's Marketing Now

Elevate Your Firm's Marketing Now

Flexible marketing when you need it

The ADVANTAGE

Not every firm needs a full-time marketer, but every firm needs marketing. That's where The ADVANTAGE comes in. This flexible service allows you to tap into my expertise on an as-needed basis, whether you're looking for help with a specific proposal, ongoing consultation, or anything in between.




With The ADVANTAGE, you get the benefits of an experienced in-house marketer without the overhead. I can jump in at any stage of your project, providing strategic guidance, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring that your materials are always on point. And because I have a deep understanding of the architectural industry, there's no need for lengthy onboarding or explanations – I hit the ground running, saving you time and money.




But perhaps the most valuable aspect of The ADVANTAGE is the peace of mind it provides. With me in your corner, you can focus on what you do best – designing incredible spaces – while knowing that your marketing is in capable hands. That's the Barbara Gates Creative guarantee.





Barb made it easy for customers to understand who we are, what we do - and why they want to work with us.

Barb made it easy for customers to understand who we are, what we do - and why they want to work with us.

- tim dufault, faia, concert

What you can get with The ADVANTAGE:

Here's what you can receive with The ADVANTAGE:























Imagine having a trusted marketing partner who deeply understands the AEC industry, speaks your language, and knows exactly how to showcase your firm's strengths and expertise. That's the power of The ADVANTAGE.

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Customized marketing strategies tailored to your firm's unique goals, challenges, + target audience

Expert guidance on everything from branding and messaging to proposal creation + interview prep

Hands-on support with content creation, including blog posts, case studies, social media, and more

Regular check-ins + progress reports to keep marketing efforts on track + aligned with objectives

Access to my 25+ years of AEC marketing experience, industry knowledge, + proven best practices

There are other ways to get results ... or are there?

Sure, you *could* choose Option A and continue to DIY your marketing, maybe supplementing with an extra conference or two, or hiring part-time entry level marketer, but then you'd be signing up for more guesswork and the same results you have now - marketing not serving your needs, impressing your clients, or showing how talented you are. 

OR ... you could solve your problem with The ADVANTAGE … Option B.

I chose to offer The ADVANTAGE because it offers you a comprehensive, cohesive marketing solution that's tailored specifically to the needs of ambitious architecture firms like yours. It is more effective than DIY - and it makes you look amazing. 

I've spent the last 25 years immersed in the world of architectural marketing, learning what works and what doesn't. I've poured all of that knowledge and experience into creating The ADVANTAGE because I believe every architect deserves to have a marketing partner who truly understands their world and can help them achieve their goals.






All the details

All the details

THE ADVANTAGE

THE ADVANTAGE

what you get

flexibility+ results

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Tailored marketing strategies aligning to firm's unique goals
Expert copy leveraging psychology to engage readers
Engaging, attractive materials that align with your brand
Access to my 25 years + hands-on support 



who it's for

FIRMS READY TO

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Elevate your marketing and stand out from competition
Attract more ideal clients and projects
Get expert guidance + support without overhead of FT hire
Achieve growth goals + build a thriving practice 


investment

what it costs

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Retainer: Three levels, three-month minimum
+ Standard: $2,000
+ Growth: $4,000 *popular*
+ Growth Plus: $6,000
Per project: based on scope and estimated hours
Payment plans: Yes


All this for a fraction of the cost of other less-specialized efforts.




Compare to: 

Get started for: $2,000

+ Entry-level mktg (PT, 2 mo) ($2-4K)
+ High-end AEC conference ($2-4K)
+ Custom website redesign ($10K+)
+ PR - brand awareness ($10k/mo)
+ Rebrand, design agency ($15-30k)
+ Mid-level mktg (FT, yr) ($70-110k)

+  Entry-level marketing (PT, 2 mos) ($2-4,000)
+  High-end AEC conference ($2-4,000)
+  Custom website redesign ($10,000+)
+  PR firm - brand awareness ($10,000/mo)
+  Rebrand - design agency ($15-30,000)
+  Mid-level marketing (FT, yr) ($70-110,000)

"If your story is
difficult to convey or just not getting through… Barb can help solve that problem."

"If your story is difficult to convey or just not getting through… Barb can help solve that problem."

- jon commers, visible city

- jon commers, visible city

I'M READY TO LEVEL UP MY FIRM'S MARKETING →

Behind the scenes you are always interjecting this wisdom about me and my business. Thank you! 

"Behind the scenes you are always interjecting this wisdom about me and my business. Thank you!"

- annette, business owner

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

what kind of projects can we work on?

A variety based on needs, all offering maximum flexibility and results. Within The ADVANTAGE you can tackle a single project like a proposal response or a retainer package for ongoing efforts. We are happy to co-create a package to better respond to your needs. Our approach guarantees the same value and commitment regardless of package.

what if i don't know what i want or need?

Not a problem! The ADVANTAGE is ideal for firms that need ongoing, flexible marketing support without the overhead of a full-time hire. Book a discovery call and we can discuss your specific needs and goals.

CAN'T I JUST DO ALL THIS MYSELF?

You can, but expertise accelerates results and you want to give yourself every advantage you can. Often times you are competing with firms who have marketing help (often who have specialized in this for many years, as I have) - to submit without it is not a fair competition. Marketing, like architecture, has its nuances. While basic strategies can be self-taught, leveraging expertise ensures you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes and capitalize on proven strategies, saving time and resources.

Still have questions?

Check out the general FAQs here.

STILL ON THE FENCE?

"Barb will help capture 'you' in a way you can be proud of. It will change your business!!"

- Tamara Halvorsen, Pigeon Consulting

“Get off the fence! Barb will be a great resource and effectively communicate the value you bring.”

Tim dufault, concert