Do Referralas matter

Referrals Still Reign Supreme

In architecture, trust has always been built through relationships. A recommendation from a past client or a respected colleague carries enormous weight, often opening doors that no advertisement ever could. The data supports this: 92% of people trust recommendations from friends and family over any form of advertising (Firework)

In B2B contexts, that trust is even stronger, with 93% of buyers saying word-of-mouth is the most trusted source. It’s no surprise then that architecture firms consistently report that 65% of their new business comes from referrals (ReferReach).

The Step Everyone Takes After a Referral

The reality is that even when someone is referred to your firm, their next move is almost always the same: they check your website. A name and a kind word get you noticed, but validation happens online. One professional summed it up perfectly: “Referrals… are likely used by those prospects to confirm and validate the company/services. Because not having one is a red flag”

For architecture clients, who are investing not just in design but in a vision of their future space, the website is where they test whether the promise of the referral matches the reality of your work. They want to see your portfolio, your process, your perspective, and whether your ethos resonates with theirs. If that proof is missing, even the strongest referral can collapse under doubt.

Why Referrals Alone Don’t Close the Deal

Modern clients rarely make decisions based on a single source of information. Research shows that 98% of consumers read online reviews before committing (SmallBizBulletin), and that 84% of people now rely on a mix of offline referrals and online research when evaluating providers (JobsInMarketing). This blended behavior means referrals and websites aren’t competing forces—they’re partners in the client journey.

The referral sparks trust, but the website solidifies it. Together, they create confidence that pushes a prospect to pick up the phone or send that first email. Without a strong digital presence, the story feels incomplete, and referrals lose their power to convert.

The Website as the Modern Trust Checkpoint

In architecture, design is proof. Your website is more than an online brochure—it’s the handshake before the meeting, the reassurance that the recommendation was justified. A well-designed website shows not only what you’ve built but how you think, how you manage projects, and how you deliver for clients. It takes the goodwill of a referral and turns it into conviction.

At Siorb, we help architecture firms build websites that don’t replace referrals but amplify them. We create digital spaces that reflect your design philosophy, showcase projects with care, and share client stories with authenticity. When your website supports your reputation, every referral has the credibility it needs to become a client relationship.

The New Answer to “Do Referrals Matter?”

The short answer is yes—referrals matter more than ever. But they don’t matter in isolation. In a world where every decision is verified online, referrals and websites must work together. One opens the door, the other makes sure your prospect feels confident stepping inside. For architecture firms, embracing both tradition and technology is no longer optional—it’s the only way to build trust that lasts.

Key Stats Recap

• 92% of people trust personal recommendations — Nielsen

• 93% of B2B buyers value word-of-mouth most highly — Firework

• 65% of new business comes from referrals — ReferReach

• Referral leads convert 30% better and have 16% higher lifetime value — Invesp

• 98% of consumers read online reviews before deciding — SmallBizBulletin

• 84% of buyers blend online and offline research — JobsInMarketing