Whether you live in a big city or rural town, the real estate market is flooded with competition around almost every corner. This is true for seasoned Realtors, but even more true for those that are just starting out.
You’re not going to get your name out that as a trusted go-to solution without putting together an aggressive marketing campaign. Your first assumption is probably that you can’t afford to market the way you’d like.
The truth is that you’re wrong.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top marketing campaigns you can put together to start promoting your business before your competition takes it away. Let’s check them out.
1. Get Set up on Social Media
This is the absolute first step that you need to make. And don’t take it lightly. A great majority of your clients will find you on your social media pages.
Get dedicated social media accounts set up on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, SnapChat and Instagram. Instagram is especially important because it’ll allow you to take and post pictures of the homes you list and creatively hashtag them into people’s feeds.
Take your social media seriously. Interact with your followers as much as you can. Promote your properties in a fun and inviting way, and share good press you receive from satisfied clients.
When it comes to social media for Realtors, go big or go home.
2. Make Sure All Property Pages Have Social Sharing
People love to browse online for homes that are for sale, even if they’re not currently in the market. Because of this, you want to make sure that all your property pages have social sharing icons that make it easy for people to share your listings with friends or family that may be in the market.
Make sure your social sharing icons include all of the big social media sites, as well as an email share and a simple “copy link” if someone wants to copy your listing into a text message.
When Mom stumbles on that perfect listing for her daughter, it makes it easy for her to share it as quickly as possible.
3. Build Your Word of Mouth Reputation
It’s an age-old concept, but it will never stop working. Word of mouth advertising is the best, and cheapest, advertising that you can have. This holds true for Realtors as well as any other business.
Provide the best possible service to every client you come into contact with. Even if a potential client doesn’t end up a listing or buying with you, you’ll still make a great impression that they may pass on to people they know.
Simple things like keeping a birthday calendar and sending out a card or gift on past clients’ birthdays will go a long way toward building your word of mouth reputation.
Whenever a new client calls or emails you, ask them where they’ve heard about you. If it was from someone that you’ve serviced in the past visit this website, shoot them a quick note to let them know how much you appreciate the recommendation.
4. Get in the Community
One of the most powerful ways you can get your name out there as a new Realtor is by getting involved in your local community. Find a few charities you’re passionate about and start volunteering. Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll be doing something good that’ll make you feel great.
You’ll also want to get involved with your local Chamber of Commerce and other business-focused organizations around town. By getting involved, it should go beyond just showing up to monthly or quarterly meetings. Get your name known by being a go-to when volunteers are needed.
It will pay dividends.
5. Direct Mail Is so Important
Yes, sending out direct mail will cost you a little money. But it’s money very well spent. Did you know that, on average, for every 1,000 pieces of direct mail sent out, the sender will receive 44 responses? Can you imagine how much potential business will be in those 44 replies?
Of course, the design, layout and message of your direct mail pieces have to be spot-on. A company like wisepelican.com could be your best option when you’re ready to dive head-first into direct mail. They are a direct mailing company specifically tailored for Realtors. They also provide customer mailing lists and hundreds of templates for anyone in the real estate industry. And, they have absolutely no minimum buys.
That works out great if you’re just starting out and have a limited marketing budget.
You’re really not a player in the real estate industry until you’ve sent out your first direct mailing. It’s a must.
6. Be Easy to Get in Touch With
Picture this: a buyer comes across one of your property listings and their eyes light on fire. It’s perfect for them, and they want to talk about it now. They call you and it goes straight to voicemail. They impatiently wait an hour or two for a call-back, and still nothing.
What kind of a first impression does this make? There’s a good chance you could lose an easy sale simply because the client ran out of patience.
We live in a fast-paced world. The world of business is no different. No matter how good your marketing campaigns are, if you’re not easy to get in touch with when someone is ready to talk, you’re not going to succeed.
Stay on top of your email, texts, social media messages and phone calls like a hawk. This is really important when you’re new to the industry. Being responsive builds trust and business.
7. Use Local Images
You’re not just selling a home. You’re also selling your area. If you have a listing in Scranton, PA and someone from LaCrosse, WI likes it, they’re also going to want to see what the area is like. Save them the extra Google searches by having listing pictures of all the local hot spots.
You don’t need a professional photographer to do this. Your iPhone will be more than enough. Spend a weekend taking hundreds of pictures of the area, then spread them across every listing you post.
8. Provide Free Content
Online, people are much more likely to give you their personal information if there’s something in it for them. Consider writing a short ebook with a title something like, “10 Things All Homeowners Need to Know Before Making a Buying Decision.” Put it up on your website and promote the heck out of it on social media.
Offer it for free for anybody that provides you their name, email address and zip code. These leads will be gold for your email campaigns (which we’re sure you have!).
9. Local Sponsorships
Chip in a few dollars to sponsor local sports teams, festivities and school events. Consider getting a small billboard on the outfield fence of your local baseball team.
When you sign up as a local sponsor, you’ll often get your Realty business on program pamphlets, t-shirts and flyers. It’s worth the money!
Realty Marketing That’s Fun and Effective
These nine campaigns will definitely get you started. But always keep your eyes open for new marketing opportunities that can push your business to the next level.
Sitting at home or in the office hoping for the phone to ring isn’t going to work. It’s time to get out there and make your name known. Your success depends on it!