When buying or selling a property, a competent Real Estate agent can be highly valuable, but it's essential to perform due diligence since some agents may require assistance in completing the task. Therefore, it's crucial to conduct thorough background checks. When marketing for real estate properties, there are a number of strategies, ideas and tips that you can implement to give you that edge.
Here are our top real estate marketing suggestions for those looking to get ahead.
STRATEGIES
Strategies don't have to be one long plan that takes way too long to see results. Real Estate is a fast-paced environment, so strategies for marketing real Estate should be quickly achievable, with an impact that can easily be identified.
1. WEBSITE, WHAT WEBSITE?
These are not the words you want to hear about your website. In many cases, the Real Estate website is going to be the first point of contact for your prospective buyers. As a Real Estate Agent, you know that first impressions matter, and this certainly includes first impressions of your website. To make that first meeting count, make sure your website reflects the following:
2. HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT …
Before a client can be directed to your website, first they must know about you. And what better way to connect with the local community than by giving them something? You may choose to give knowledge. Work with your local newspaper with a reoccurring column, or an occasional feature. Share advice and perspectives that will assist homeowners in increasing their property value. Tell the local community how the rising values of property indicate that the area is prospering.
You may choose to give your name through local businesses. Swap referrals with moving companies, negotiate cheaper rates with local conveyancers, have a burger named after you at the local restaurant.
3. EVERYBODY LOVES SOMETHING FREE
It's no secret that everyone is happy to accept something for free. Take the opportunity to get your name out there with little effort. Throw your name on a magnet, a stubby holder, water bottle or whatever you like.
4. WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING?
Ring ring… that's the phone. There are several places that a client may get your number, and you want to make sure that you're investing in the right places. Combine call tracking with your Pay-Per-Click to track which of your ads and keywords are driving traffic and calls to your door.
5. COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE
Let's talk digital advertising. How are your conversion rates this week? Are they better than last week? Do you want to advertise through Google Ads but need help figuring out where to start or how much to spend? It's time to look at benchmarks for your area. Compare to see what other Real Estate Agents are spending on their digital media marketing.
IDEAS
When marketing for real Estate, you must remember to always keep your ideas fresh and frequent. What better way to make your impact.
1. …AND WE'RE WALKING
What better way to draw your clients in than to give them a tease of what could be theirs? Film a walk-through of the property, showing all the features. Post these clips alongside your listing to add credibility, or add them to your social media pages to help grow more followers and interest.
2. GO TEAM!
Make your name a staple in the community. Sponsor a local festival, sports club, or school event. Becoming a sponsor will often mean having your name on t-shirts, programs or flyers.
3. AND HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?
Emotions drive behaviour. You could sell a house, or you could sell a dream.
"Wake up living your dream." – "Arrive home to happiness."
Use words and phrases to trigger emotions in your clients that will make them connect with you and the property.
4. WHO DO YOU APPEAL TO?
If you are one among several real estate agents in your area, it is important to pinpoint your strengths and promote them. Specialise in finding pet-friendly homes or properties with spacious backyards for children to play in, and establish a reputation as the go-to agent for those specific needs. Focus on a unique niche within your locality to effectively market your real estate services.
5. CONGRATULATIONS!
Your relationship with a client doesn't end on settlement. You want them to keep you in mind for their future purchases, and you also want them to recommend you to their family, friends, and acquaintances. Upon closing, send a package of congratulations to your clients. A bottle of wine, gift cards to local restaurants or entertainment.
TIPS
While not absolutely necessary, it would be a disservice to your real estate marketing plans if you chose to ignore the following.
1. GIVE SOCIAL MEDIA A BIG HUG
Social media is the be-all and end-all of marketing these days, and it's to our own detriment if we ignore them.
2. STAY IN THE LOOP
Connect with your clients by sliding into their inboxes. Collect emails from potential clients by having a signup area on your website. Keep emails brief and to the point, sharing information such as new listings, local events, tips for increasing property value, upcoming webinars and more. Separate your email lists into different locations and communities, so that you can provide relevant information to your potential clients.
3. KEEP AN EYE ON THE COMPETITION
Unless you operate in a small country town with just one real estate office, you'll have to face competition. This competition will include optimising for local listings, social media visibility, and bidding on top advertising space. To gain a competitive advantage, it's crucial to keep track of what other agents are doing. Evaluate their website design and functionality, observe their social media tactics, and take note of their marketing strategies. Then, either avoid or improve upon what you see others doing, and make it your own unique approach.
4. TELL ME MORE, TELL ME MORE
The best person to convince your future client's that you're the best choice are your previous clients. They will be the ones to talk you up, to confirm that you will do what you say you will do, and to reassure the person of your professionalism. When a sale or purchase goes well, talk with your clients and ask them to provide you with a blurb about how helpful and professional you were during the transaction. Once received, with your client's permission, post it on your website, share it on your social media, and get the word out about how awesome you are.
5. FREEBIES!
As demonstrated with Swag, everyone loves free things, especially those that offer practical benefits. Attract potential property sellers and buyers by providing complimentary home valuations. This act of generosity will help establish a positive rapport and make a lasting impression, increasing the likelihood that they'll consider your services when they're ready to sell.
CONCLUSION
In the competitive world of Real Estate, it's imperative to stay ahead of the game, particularly regarding marketing strategies. Develop a clear game plan and identify the steps required to execute it. Utilise the following tips and recommendations to enhance your real estate marketing approach and increase property sales.
