Key Takeaways From State of A/E/C Marketing Report

OpenAsset is excited to share The 2024 State of AEC Marketing Report, which includes valuable insights for marketing professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) industry. Based on a survey of over 360 marketers across various firm sizes, the report highlights the challenges, priorities, and tools A/E/C marketers rely on to drive results. Below, we summarize the key insights to provide immediate guidance for teams looking to win more work and achieve their goals in 2024 and beyond.

1. Small Teams Manage Big Responsibilities

One of the most striking findings is that the majority of A/E/C marketing teams are lean—69% of survey respondents reported having fewer than 10 people on their team, regardless of the firm’s size. These small teams are tasked with everything from business development support to brand building and content creation, often leading to burnout and frustration.

2. The Power of Pursuit Prepositioning

Supporting business development is a top priority for A/E/C marketers. This includes creating presentation materials, project sheets, and resumes for business development teams—tasks that 86% of marketers handle regularly. Despite the importance of this work, many teams still rely on manual processes, with 50% using spreadsheets to track opportunities. Resource constraints and the need for better tools were noted as key challenges in this area.

3. Brand Building Takes a Backseat

While brand visibility is critical for long-term success, many A/E/C marketers are forced to focus on immediate needs like pursuit management. The report shows that 35% of respondents spend less than 25% of their time on brand strategy, indicating that marketing efforts are often more reactive than proactive.

4. Traditional Marketing Channels Still Dominate

 
Despite the rise of digital marketing, traditional methods such as industry awards, trade show sponsorships, and social media remain dominant in the A/E/C space. Ninety-four percent of respondents cited social media as a key channel for lead generation, while activities like blogging and webinars ranked lower in importance.

5. Persistent Data and Distribution Challenges

 
Managing internal content requests—such as providing resumes and project sheets—is a major pain point for A/E/C marketers. Thirty-two percent of marketers reported that they handle these requests weekly, often without a formal system in place. Digital asset management (DAM) systems could help streamline this process, reducing inefficiencies.

What’s Next for A/E/C Marketers?

The 2024 State of AEC Marketing Report paints a clear picture: A/E/C marketing teams are under-resourced, stretched thin, and often forced to prioritize short-term goals over long-term strategy. To thrive, firms must invest in better tools, automation, and support to empower their marketers to succeed in both business development and brand building.

By addressing these challenges, A/E/C firms can ensure their marketing teams have the resources to drive growth and build a stronger brand presence in an increasingly competitive market.

For more information, view the full State of AEC Marketing Report or visit OpenAsset.com

Janelle Poisel
Director of Content, OpenAsset

With over ten years of content management experience, Janelle Poisel has a proven track record of crafting compelling narratives and delivering content that resonates with B2B audiences. She is dedicated to helping teams learn how to meet their audience where they are with the right content at the right place and time as they navigate their unique customer journeys. In her role as Director of Content, Janelle oversees a talented team of content creators, working collaboratively to ensure that OpenAsset’s content remains fresh, relevant, and impactful for the AEC audience.

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