Real estate marketing can consume up to 70 percent of an agent's working time.
Since marketing in real estate is crucial to setting agents apart from the competition, having a strategy to target a preferred market is only half of the battle. Real estate marketing is all about having the right tools at your disposal, and knowing use those tools in the most effective manner. The National Association of Realtors claims over 70 percent of an agent's time is spent marketing. Using that time wisely is the key to success.
Print Advertising
Print advertising can come in many different formats. Agents can choose from items such as postcards, letters, fliers, newspaper or magazine ads and door hangers. All come in a vast array of colors and formats, making them customizable and user-friendly. Many printing services will even provide mailing services and lists for agents, making mail advertisements a very simple process.
However, it's the effectiveness of this print advertising that counts. A simple ad or postcard with a photo and a name is not going to entice consumers to contact you. Print items must have a call to action in order for them to be successful. They need to have a phrase that will make buyers and sellers interested in obtaining more information. For example: "Find out about foreclosures in your area" is more effective than "Call me for real estate information." The key to being successful in print advertising is to be specific.
The best tools for print advertising will often come from a real estate brokerage or websites such as Express Copy or the Merrill Corporation.
Online Advertising
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) claims that over 70 percent of all home buyers begin their search for a home on line. This makes on line marketing another important marketing tool.
As with print advertising, the objective is to set the agent apart from other agents. Agents need to have a personal website showcasing their skills, testimonials from happy customers and their certifications and areas of expertise. All on line ads should include this information.
As with print ads, the on line ads need to have a call to action. For example, if the objective is to target buyers, an agent could say "Call me for the best deal on your new home." Or if an agent wishes to target sellers, the wording could be "Find out what your home is worth. Call me today."
Among websites that are heavily used by agents for marketing are Realtor.com, Zillow.com, Trulia.com and Homes.com.
Social Media
Social media is the newest and hottest tool available to real estate agents. Social media allows agents to connect with potential clients, network with other agents to gain referrals and showcase listings.
With over 500 million users, the most widely-used social media platform for buyers and sellers is Facebook.com. The second most widely-used is Twitter.com. Having these social networking tools at your disposal can undoubtedly boost business.
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