How Often Are You Reviewing Your Marketing Budget?

Jen Lambert on September 23, 2019

Reviewing your marketing budget is a must when you’re running a business. If you’re not checking for an ROI from your marketing efforts, how much you’re spending each month, and which marketing avenues work the best for your business. Without effective marketing, your business won’t be able to reach new customers or connect with the ones you already have. Whether you’re a tech startup in the heart of Texas or a clothing shop in LA, marketing is one of the most important components of running an effective business. Keep reading to learn more about marketing and how often you should review your budget. 

Why Review Your  Marketing Budget?

As with any other part of your business’s budget, your marketing expenses should be reviewed at least once per month to ensure a few things are happening. For one, your marketing efforts should be creating an ROI or return on investment. This simply means that the amount of money you put into marketing should be creating a return in the form of greater profits, brand awareness, and new leads. 

Reviewing your marketing budget ensures that you’re putting the right amount of money into your efforts and that your preferred avenue of marketing is actually working for your business. Whether you’re marketing yourself or working with a marketing firm, it’s always a good idea to know where your money is going and whether or not the expense is actually helping your business. 

How Much Should You Spend on Marketing? 

How much you spend on marketing each month will determine how many new leads you attract, how many of those leads turn into paying customers, and much more. Marketing is a crucial part of owning a business, and without it, you can’t expect to grow your business or increase your brand awareness. 

According to this article, you should be spending at least 2-5% of your sales revenue on marketing; and this is on the low end of the spectrum. Some experts recommend up to 8% of your revenue if you’re getting a good ROI from your efforts. Even if you’re allocating the correct funds to your marketing budget, they mean nothing if you don’t set marketing goals and a plan on how to reach those goals. 

Creating a successful business financial plan isn’t always easy, and sometimes requires the help of a professional. If you want to ensure your plan is as accurate and effective as possible, try speaking with a financial advisor to get expert financial advice. 

The top financial advisors in the industry will be able to help you craft the perfect plan to balance marketing and other business expenses.

How Should You Spend Your Marketing Budget?

Spending your marketing budget wisely is the best way to ensure you’re getting a return. Set marketing goals first, defining what you wish to achieve with your budget. Are you looking to expand brand awareness and bring in new customers, or make your current customers aware of a special promotion on existing products? 

Secondly, you should ensure that you’re sending a clear and consistent message across all of your platforms. This includes websites, social media accounts, etc. Having a different message on one page can throw off new and existing customers alike; making your marketing efforts unsuccessful. 

Comparing your website and social media pages to those of your competition can help you readjust your marketing campaign for maximum effectiveness. What does your competition do that you don’t? Where can you improve to meet or rather exceed the efforts of the competition and drive customers toward your brand?

Once you’ve analyzed the competition, your marketing goals, and your budget, you’ll have all the information you need to create the best marketing campaigns possible. Don’t forget to ask your customers about your efforts as well. When a customer makes a purchase, feel free to ask them where they saw the ad for your business. This will help you figure which platforms are performing better than others. Whether you are HVAC company or an attorney trying to land a big client using digital marketing is of paramount importance.

Why Marketing Matters 

So why does marketing matter so much? Marketing is essentially education condensed into short, information-rich ads. The purpose of marketing goes well beyond advertising products and services to customers in the hopes that they’ll make a purchase. Educating your customers on who you are as a brand, what your values are, and what you can offer helps create a very human connection; something the customer will appreciate and admire. Enlisting the help of an eCommerce development company can be huge for specialized businesses. Take the time to make sure that the companies you pay to help you have experience and have generated results.

Your business offers a unique set of values and services/products that can change customer’s lives for the better. Customers should understand that you’re more than just a product; you’re a group of people that want to make a positive impact in their lives. 

The Most Successful Companies Market Well

What do all of the most successful companies in the world have in common? Good marketing strategies. Don’t underestimate the power of a good marketing campaign; it can revolutionize your business for the better and bring about much greater brand awareness. 

Companies like Nike, Ford, and Verizon are some of the most profitable in the country, and, incidentally, are also among the highest spenders on marketing. While you likely won’t have a budget anywhere close to the billions these companies spend, you should still be investing a portion of your revenue back into marketing. 

Conclusion

Marketing is an integral part of any business and an expense that shouldn’t be overlooked or underfunded. With the right marketing efforts, your business and your customer base will grow; and with more growth comes more profits. Remember to ensure that your efforts are creating an ROI, and to set clear marketing goals when you’re creating your campaigns. 

Fabulous Fall Fashion Trends for 2019

Jen Lambert on September 16, 2019

After a scorching hot summer, perhaps it shouldn’t come as a surprise that so many people are eager to get back into their fall clothes. But what items will take you into fall this year? Sustainability is a big deal right now, so many fabulous fashionistas want to be sure that they can find items that will last for longer than just one season. Luckily, the following three trends promise to keep everyone gorgeous and glam — while also offering up the type of eternal charm that will last a lifetime. 

Talk a Walk on the Wild Side with Animal Prints That Will Make You Roar

This year, leopard print is bigger than ever. For those clotheshorses who aren’t afraid to go bold, it’s time to rock a faux fur leopard coat or even some slacks. But the great thing about this trend is that you don’t need to fully commit to pay some homage to the animal kingdom. A great pair of leopard flats or pumps will suffice. Those who crave a dash of fashion that can last all year long may want to check out The RealReal for a Gucci silk printed scarf. With amazing little accents, you can completely transform your look from plain to fierce fashionista of the jungle.

Love Up All the Lace

Some of the most dazzling designers have managed to add lace to their creations this season, creating some of the most femininely fabulous pieces seen in years. Anyone who’s been watching the runways has undoubtedly seen McQueen and Jacobs adding luxurious lace to some of their most eye-catching pieces. What’s different about this year, though, is the way in which fashion houses have been combining lace with more hardcore accessories. Whether it’s being paired with combat boots, faux leather or even denim, lace is proving its versatility this year. Like the animal print trend, of course, it’s also easy to add lace to your ensembles with ease. A scarf, a lace choker or even a belt can add that touch of pizzazz that will make all your friends swoon. This fall, there’s no need to commit to an entire lace dress — although that’s certainly encouraged for those who are bold enough to go there. For those who prefer to opt for sustainable styles, a lot of great lace pieces can be found on the secondhand market. Check out The RealReal and your local consignment shop for inspiration. 

Boots, Boots, Boots

Fall’s perennial favorite — a beautiful boot — is back in style more than ever this autumn. Doc Martens are of particular interest to style hounds who want to rock a fierce look that’s also practical. Not only are these boots eye-catching, but they’re also great for long walks. Helping you to stomp all over the city, making your mark, these beguiling boots are available in an amazing array of styles and colors. But they’re not the only kind of boots that are in right now. A charming Chelsea boot — from any designer — is always a great idea, as is a great pair of knee-length boots from Gucci. This year’s boot proves that the sky is the limit. 

The Power Local Reviews Have on Your Revenue

Jen Lambert on September 12, 2019

Online marketing is nothing new. As a business owner, you know what a beneficial asset social media and email campaigns are to your bottom line. Do you know that local reviews can hold just as much if not more power? 

It’s true, and the numbers are there to prove it. Harnessing this marketing tool used to be an impossible task, but recent advancements in consumer relations now allow you add customer ratings to your arsenal of marketing tactics. Here’s how local reviews impact your revenue and how you can make them work in your favor. 

The Facts

There’s a lot of controversy over whether consumer reviews matter. However, studies and surveys show that they are essential to your revenue. Roughly 84% of consumers check online reviews before deciding where to take their business. Out of that majority, 18 to 34-year-olds make up 91%. 

Those are enormous numbers that penetrate nearly every business’ target audience. It isn’t just the fact that they check your ratings, though. What really matters is how vital the opinions of your customers are to potential clientele. 

Today’s consumer treats each review as if it were a recommendation from a friend. This is especially true when the reviews are from local citizens in their area. That means both positive and negative reviews hold the power to control your potential consumer pool. 

Forbes reported that a single negative review could impact that pool by 22%. Two of them increases that number to 44%, while three leads to a 59.2% decrease in possible business. Once a business reaches four or more negative reviews or ratings, they can miss out on up to 70% of potential customers. Even the largest of corporations would fall apart with those loses. 

Turning a Negative into a Positive

You don’t have to let reviews kill your revenue, though. Companies like Bird Eye are helping businesses turn consumer opinions into a powerful marketing tool. Take these Schoenberg Family Law Group reviews into consideration. 

By utilizing marketing companies like Bird Eye, they’re able to maintain a rating above 4.5 stars with over 90% of their reviews falling into the five-star category. How? The answer lies in both increasing the number of views they receive and handling negative feedback faster. 

Allowing these agencies to lend a hand provides a few vital tools. First, you can create custom templates that ask recent customers to leave a review on high-traffic web spaces like Google. Replacing the standard pop-up with something personalized creates a stronger bond between your brand and consumers, leading to an increase in reviews. 

Second, you receive updates on your smart devices when someone leaves a rating or review. This allows you to send a kind thank you as well as respond to negative feedback faster than ever before. Both work to increase your level of customer service, which can turn a one-star review into something positive. At the same time, potential consumers see that you care about their business. 

While you can’t control the mind of the consumer, you can give them more reason to choose your business over your competitors. Increasing your local reviews draws in business, effectively increasing your revenue. If you’re a local business owner, then this is one marketing tool you can’t afford to ignore. 

Jacques Poujade Shares: How to Buy Real Estate Using Bitcoin

Jen Lambert on September 10, 2019

A lot of people are pretty surprised with just how far Bitcoin as a currency has come. In just a few short years, it has gone from mostly under the radar to the mainstream. Most people at least know something about Bitcoin, even if they don’t completely understand it.

Despite the fluctuating value of Bitcoin, it is still somewhat limited on what it can be used for. A few companies are starting to accept Bitcoin as a payment, but other than that, it’s mostly looked at as a type of currency to invest in.

Jacques Poujade and his team at LendPlus is looking to change all of that. They are one of the first companies to accept cryptocurrency for payment, which has allowed new investors to jump into the real estate industry in a new and exciting way.

Why Accept Cryptocurrency?

LendPlus believes that a person should have the opportunity to buy a house with Bitcoin if they want. After all, Bitcoin has actual value, and it is meant to be used as currency. Why shouldn’t it be used for payment, investing and more in the real estate industry?

The company feels that they are providing a service that will be very common in 5-10 years. By getting ahead of everyone else, they feel more people will use LendPlus to help them grow. Bitcoin can be “flipped” into a real estate investment, which is usually a relatively safe investment for a person to get involved in.

Will All Cryptocurrencies be Accepted?

Currently, Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency accepted by LendPlus. The company has plans to add others in the future, making them one of the most versatile companies in their industry. It all comes down to how mainstream new cryptocurrencies become, and if the company feels comfortable accepting those payments.

Cryptocurrencies in general are at a stage right now where there is a lot of quantity, but not necessarily quality. Bitcoin has excelled in a big way, but a lot of others are still trying to find their way as a much as possible. When they do settle in, that is when LendPlus will step in.

What other innovative options are offered from LendPlus?

This is certainly not the first time that LendPlus has decided to be very innovative in the loan business. They understand that more people than ever are trying to invest in real estate, either to purchase their first home, or to start to grow more and more with income.

They offer a number of loan options that range from 30-year fixed rate to reverse mortgages. There is something to cover just about any person’s needs, and that now includes anyone who is heavily invested into cryptocurrency.

Their goal continues to be to not turn anyone down for help. Getting a loan can be a very challenging experience for some people, but it should never feel like it is next to impossible. People want to have confidence when they are applying for a loan, and the best way to do that these days is online.

Top 5 Fertility Misconceptions

Jen Lambert on September 9, 2019

When fertility issues arise, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing misconceptions. For most of their lives, women and men alike hear an alarming amount of false ideas surrounding pregnancy and conception. If you’ve fallen for them, don’t worry. Here are the top five fertility myths debunked. 

1. You’re Still Infertile for a Short Period After Stopping Birth Control

It’s a common misconception that after stopping your birth control regimen or getting of an IUD that the baby-stopping effects linger. Some even believe that these treatments can hinder their attempts at having a baby in the future. The truth is, you can become pregnant the moment you stop using any form of birth control. 

2. Your Eating Habits Affect Fertility

A healthy diet is excellent for your body and a growing fetus, which leads many to believe that one could also increase your chances of conception. This myth is so common that there are actually fertility diets promoted by centers and clinics. 

While food like sweet potato or coconut are healthy, they have zero impact on your fertility levels. You should still limit your processed, sugary, and fatty foods to help increase your libido, though. After all, a healthier diet leads to better sex.

3. Certain Sex Positions Help

There’s a notion that having sex with your legs up in the air can help you get pregnant. One version of this myth even includes hanging upside down to help the sperm make its passage through the fallopian tubes. 

In reality, sperm doesn’t rely on gravity to get around. It travels up into the uterus and fallopian tubes on its own without any help. That’s what the other elements of semen are designed for. The chances of conception have more to do with the strength of the sperm in this scenario. 

4. Your Fertility Drops After Age 35

This myth is only partially true in the sense that your age can impact IVF as well as conception. Reaching 35, however, isn’t the end of line for your chances to have a baby. Your fertility levels do begin to drop around this time, but the risk of infertility only stands at 16% from ages 30 to 34. That number increases to 64% from 40 to 44. 

Keep in mind that your body is entirely different from any other woman’s on the planet, which means those percentages are just rough estimates. Your individual chances will decline as you age, but that doesn’t mean you can’t conceive at 60 or older. 

5. IVF and Freezing Your Eggs Are Guarantees

There’s a lot of discussion around pregnancy discrimination surrounding IVF, but not so much on this particular myth. These options are excellent choices for thousands of women, but it’s important to keep your expectations realistic. 

Freezing and the IVF process can be harsh on the egg, not to mention your body’s ability to welcome the egg back in. For IVF, the chances of conception after 43 when using your own egg are incredibly low. As for freezing, you should do so before you turn 30. Success rates for eggs taken from women 35 and older drop significantly. 

10 Things You Should Know About Getting a 2nd DUI

Jen Lambert on August 31, 2019

Whether you’re facing your second DUI or recovering from your first, there are a few things you need to know. Reaching your second offense comes with serious consequences. Not only are the fines higher and time spent in jail longer, but you could face life-altering repercussions without an excellent DUI attorney. Here’s everything you need to know. 

Penalties

Anytime you are pulled over for a DUI, the officer on the scene does a criminal background check to identify any prior offenses. If you received a DUI in the past ten years, then this will be your second. Keep in mind that the number of years in-between does change from state to state. 

After your arrest, you could face up to a year in county jail. Fines range from a minimum of $390 to over $1,000. Penalty assessments are also levied, typically multiplying the amount of your fine by five. That turns a $390 fine into $1,950. 

The judge may still choose to wave your fine during trial with a second DUI, sentencing you to community labor instead. In some cases, judges have simple extended the jail time for those who cannot pay the fine. 

Losing Your License

Fines are just the beginning of the legal ramifications you stand to face. Nearly every state also revokes your license for a duration of one year. However, a judge can rule that your license be suspended for multiple years if they choose to do so. 

Ignition Interlock Device

Each county decides whether or not to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. These devices require you to pass a breathalyzer before your car can start. Counties also decide how much alcohol is allowed in your system by the device. In some cases, you must be under the legal limit. In others, you must be alcohol-free. 

Classes and AA Meetings

DUI classes are almost always mandatory, according to a car accident attorney. They last anywhere from 12 to 30 months. Upon completion, your driving privileges are renewed. In the meantime, you’ll have to find other ways to work and your obligations. 

AA meetings, on the other hand, are a continuing program that you are required to attend. Mothers Against Drunk Driving is an alternative program you might be able to partake in. These classes are designed to help you make better decisions about drinking in the future. 

Time to Recovery

On average, it takes about seven and a half months for your case to conclude. During that time, you must appear at each court date regardless of work or other responsibilities. You will not be allowed to drive during that time, which adds a considerable length to your license suspension. 

While you can’t avoid the charges altogether, speaking with an attorney that specializes in DUI cases can help you receive the minimum punishments the law in your county allows. They can help you get back on your feet sooner without a severe financial burden hanging over your head.

5 Most Popular Paralympic Sports

Jen Lambert on August 14, 2019

As Japan prepares to host the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo next summer, disabled athletes are preparing for the Paralympics as well, which will also be held in Tokyo from August 25 to September 6. It will be the 16th edition of this significant multi-sports event. 

In 2020, there are 22 Paralympic events, including goalball, sitting volleyball, and wheelchair basketball for both men and women. Men’s football and wheelchair rugby will be held as a mixed sport for both men and women. As in previous Paralympics, athletes will travel to venues in mobility van conversions, which accommodates disabled athletes along with those who require a wheelchair.

The International Paralympic Committee is predicting that 4,400 athletes will compete in the Tokyo games for 537 medal events.

History of Paralympics

The very first Paralympic competition for athletes with disabilities began in 1948 for British World War II veterans who had spinal cord injuries. In 1988, the Paralympic Games competition began In Seoul using Olympic venues. As the years passed, the size and scope of the games increased to include many sports for non-ambulatory athletes. Conversion vans are in use today to shuttle athletes around venues and living quarters. 

Tokyo is working hard to make the city more accessible for both athletes and disabled visitors. At many of the Olympic and Paralympic venues, conversion vans will be used to help transport disabled people requiring wheelchair accessible transportation. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is working to promote barrier-free facilities and remove all obstacles that might impede people with disabilities.

New Paralympic Sporting Events

Six exciting new sporting events will debut in the 2020 Paralympic Program, including amputee football, basketball for intellectually impaired athletes, electric wheelchair hockey, Para-badminton, Para-taekwondo, and Powerchair football. It is hoped that the upcoming 2020 Paralympics will send a key message of inclusiveness throughout Asia, building on previous successful Games in the area.

Top Paralympic Sports of All Time

From archery to wheelchair tennis, there are games for everyone to enjoy and compete in regardless of disabilities. There are both team competitions as well as individual sports where athletes can compete for medals in their respective sports. 

Athletics offers a combination of track and field events for men and women with a wide range of disabilities or impairment. Athletics are played by both individuals and teams and was one of the original games at the beginning back in 1960. Athletes from more than 120 countries participate in athletics, which makes it the most practiced Paralympic sport. 

Swimming is one of the most popular sports and has been around since the first Paralympics – the 1960 games in Rome. More than 500 athletes from over 70 countries compete in swimming events, which are available to athletes who have physical, intellectual, or visual impairments. Several modifications are made for the athletes, depending on their level of disability. 

Wheelchair basketball is another one of the top competitive sports and has been around since the first Paralympic games in 1960. Both men and women play the sport on a court that’s the same size as the one at the Olympics, with the same basket height as well. Scoring is similar to Olympic basketball, including two-point shots, three-point shots and one point for free throws. 

Road Cycling is another favorite sport and features both road events and stadium racing for men and women. The Paralympic athletes compete using the same cycling rules that are in the traditional Olympic games. Road cycling includes time trails, individual and team road races, and sprints.

Wheelchair rugby is another exciting sport that is played during the final weekend of the Paralympics. It’s often referred to as “murderball” because of the level of intensity the Paralympic athlete’s display. It was first played in 1996 in Athens and has grown in popularity since.  

Other top sports include table tennis, archery, shooting, rowing, and many other sports. With a legacy spanning 50 years, the 2020 Paralympic games will provide excitement for all athletes and spectators alike.

6 Common Appliance Problems You Should Know About

Staff on August 13, 2019

Are you having appliance issues but you’re not sure if you should call a repair service? Some problems are more common than others and require a simple fix such as checking your cords or outlets. Filter or cleaning problems are also commonplace, so read on to find out what you can expect to handle on your own, and when you might need to call in extra help. 

Microwave Complications

Components inside a microwave (such as the turntables) can also break. You can try resetting the outlet on your own, but if this does not help, the unit might have blown a fuse. Disconnect the plug from the wall. Ensure the circuit breaker is off before attempting any work on the fuse or the microwave.

Washing Machine Issues

Sometimes, washing machines have issues turning on, draining, cleaning, or agitating the clothes. The owner’s manual can offer specific guidance on the reset process for your model.

If the water doesn’t fill inside, check to ensure nothing is obstructing the door or receiving hole. If the machine doesn’t drain, look at the pump. It’s possible that something is clogging it such as torn clothing or debris. Other times, problems getting clothes all the way clean can occur if the machine is overloaded. Try putting fewer items inside and be sure you’re not adding too much laundry soap.

Dryer Problems

Since dryers use a great deal of electricity, it’s essential to be cautious if you decide to attempt to diagnose or fix one. Turn the circuit breaker off before an attempt at any repairs. 

Dryers sometimes can’t heat enough as much as they should be able to and might not start. Be sure that the lint filter or vent tube is both clear and are not clogged. 

Refrigerator Complications

It can be frustrating to have a refrigerator that leaks water or is noisy but be aware that the issue might be more than that. “If the unit leaks underneath to the subflooring or kitchen floors, these both can get permanently damaged. The door seal that keeps the cold air inside is also an important part of your fridge that should be replaced if it gets broken,” remarked John Stahfest, owner of Top Shelf Appliance.

Dishwasher Difficulties

The typical household utilizes these units often, so it shouldn’t be a surprise if an issue takes place now and then. Ensuring that the dishwasher filter is kept clean can help to prevent water from seeping through the door. 

If the issue is just a leak, you might need to check to see that there isn’t anything in the way of the seal or that could be blocking the door from shutting. A clogged filter or dirty door gasket can also result in dishwasher troubles.

Air Conditioner Problems

Occasionally, an air conditioning unit can have a misaligned slope, especially if it’s the kind that gets placed in a window. These types of coolers can break down because they deal with high quantities of air they deal with and water that gets removed from the air. A simple fix can be to realign the machine so that the slope faces down outside.  

In summary, don’t hesitate to call in a repair service if the complication is more severe than a clogged filter or just some necessary cleaning. Some issues might seem minor, but if there are underlying problems, it could be more trouble than it’s worth without a trained professional.

7 Ways You Can Save Money and Energy This Summer

Staff on August 12, 2019

While the frigid winter is the common culprit for high-energy expenses, people also use a fair share of electricity during the summer. Air conditioners are running almost all day long, electronics seem to be blasting from every corner of the house, and there’s seemingly never-ending summer laundry to do.

Summer fun requires lots of work. Fortunately, if you’re looking to lower your utility bill, there are ways to be smart about how you use household appliances in the summer. 

Don’t let your high summer utility bill make you wish you’d melted away long ago. Keep the following tips in mind if you’re looking to save sanity, money, and energy this summer.

1. Go Easy on Your Thermostat Use

The more you can avoid cranking up your air conditioning, the more energy you can save. If you’re out, don’t have it on at all or set it to go off at a specific time. Or, it might not be a big concern if your home is configured to be adjustable from your device.

2. Use Fans When Possible

Don’t discount the power of a good fan. They are effective and can help maintain similar comfort as air conditioning. Ceiling fans and portable ones are good at covering larger areas.

3. Don’t Let the Cool Air Get Out

Summer is a wonderful time to feel the fresh warm air on your skin, but it can feel like a constant battle when trying to keep the heat out of your house. “You can avoid using air-conditioning altogether if you have adequate insulation and keep the curtains drawn when the sun is at its hottest and open the windows during cooler times,” remarked Steve Lewis, president and CEO of an air conditioning repair service. 

Landscaping can be done strategically to block the sun from streaming right in. Planting vines, trees, and shrubs is a decorative and natural way to help save money on your energy bill.

4. Switch to LED Bulbs

If you want to reduce your inside energy usage, stop using incandescent light bulbs. LED light bulbs don’t produce as much heat as incandescent bulbs and will work for much longer.

5. Cook Outside to Keep It Cooler Inside

It can be difficult to spend an hour cooking in a hot kitchen without airflow. Cooking outside can conserve electricity since you won’t have to cool the house down again afterward. Plus, it allows everyone to get some fresh air. 

6. Make Sure Nothing Is Blocking Any of Your Vents

All vents should be clear to have proper airflow. Air conditioning can’t move through the house if something obstructs the vents, so it’s best to move all of the furniture and rugs away from them. It might also help to point them toward the middle of the room if they aren’t pointed there already. 

7. Try Not to Run Hot Water

A great deal of energy is required to heat water, so even running loads of laundry on warm or cold can conserve electricity. Afterward, save more energy by hanging clothes to dry instead of running the dryer. Your home will also stay cooler without having to run the dryer. 

While the summer months are sure to be hot, you can be proactive so that your energy bill isn’t too high. Hopefully, these reminders can help you stay one step ahead of the heat this summer without costing you an arm and a leg.

Every Single Architecture Student Should Know This

Jen Lambert on August 9, 2019

If you are interested in studying architecture, it is always best to be prepared. You will be faced with quite a long path until you will be able to be a successful architect. Any higher education architect will tell you how difficult everything was. With this in mind, as an aspiring architecture student, here are some things you absolutely need to know about what is in front of you. 

You Need Higher Education

No matter how you see things or what others told you in the past, you need a higher education if you want to be an architect. There are countless experts that are looking for jobs right now. Universities and colleges offer architecture bachelor’s degrees. These need to be considered if you want to get the education that you need. 

The problem is that it is really difficult to be accepted in some of the top architecture programs. The admissions staff is looking for those students that excelled in some studies and the students that already showed clear interest through summer jobs or internships. 

You Will Study Hard

Most people do not realize how important education is for an architect. As you go through courses, get ready to study hard. Also, after you graduate, you still continue learning. Being an architect is actually a true lifetime commitment. You are looking at continued education. This is especially the case in the event that you want to have a true competitive edge. 

Architecture constantly evolves. As an architect, you also need to evolve. It is practically the only way to maintain an active edge and be really good at your job. 

The Truth About Math Skills

Some architects will tell you that you need really strong math skills while others will tell you the exact opposite. No matter the reality, the truth is that you still need really good math scores during high school and you will need to continue this during college. If you are really good at math, your chances are improved. However, a lack of strong math skills is not that detrimental since there are so many programs out there that do help with this. 

Being A Creative Problem Solver

While you do not need to be very good at math and you do not need incredible drawing skills, being a really creative problem solver is a huge advantage. An architect has to design some buildings based on specific indications. This is only possible when you are able to creatively and spatially solve a set of problems. 

You Need To Study The Greatest Architects In History

Way too many architecture students focus on the future and neglect the past. This is a huge mistake. As you learn about the work of some of the greatest architects in history, you learn valuable lessons that are going to be very helpful in the future. 

You Might Want To Quit

In fact, there is a pretty good possibility you will want to quit. After being accepted into the architecture program, it is time to work very hard. Sooner or later, you will want to quit because of the fact that everything will be overwhelming. Hopefully, you will not do that.