Real estate marketing strategies are the backbone of your business—they’re the steps you need to take to make sure your target audience knows about your company and what you have to offer them. But, when it comes to marketing yourself and your business, it can be difficult to figure out where to start and how to do it effectively.
We live in a digital age where business technology and software tools become more advanced constantly. Despite the ever-advancing world in which we live, there are still some 'old-school', tried and true marketing tools that cannot be denied. The bottom line is, if you're only using online marketing, you're missing out on some of the reach that offline marketing can accomplish, and vice versa. The most successful agents know that by blending old-school and new-school real estate marketing ideas they are best able to build their brands and market their listings. If you're looking for the "W" in the real estate game, read on!
Your Online Presence
Yes, real estate agents are still vital when it comes to the home buying process. But a recent study from the National Association of Realtors revealed that 92% of potential buyers use the internet to begin their homes search. People are increasingly doing more of their own leg work in their house hunt, prior to contacting agents. The bottom line is, if you don't have an active and engaging online presence, you are missing out.
Here are just a few of the basic online must-do's for realtors who want to stand out from the crowd:
Website
This one seems like a no-brainer right? After all, who doesn't already have a website? Studies show that approximately 75% of internet users say they judge the credibility of the business by the quality of its website. Your homepage could very well be the first impression that potential clients have of your business and what you have to offer. This means that you've got to make it impressive with vibrant and colorful photos, a prominent and effective call to action, and an intuitive menu.
Make sure your listings are full of amazing content like gorgeous photos inside and out, information about the home, neighborhood information, proximity to schools, and be sure to mention any hot spots nearby (local coffee shops are always a winner!).
Social Media
Some of the most popular social media platforms for realtors are Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. When you're creating your business account, be sure to complete every available field, to be found by more users. Make sure to post new listings that include brief home tours and property previews that include just enough information to keep the viewers curious for more information, and drive them to take action, such as contacting you directly or attending your open house. Additionally, the following social media tools are essential for your online marketing:
1. Social Share Buttons - Make sure you add share buttons to your listings. We all have family and friends who at some point or another are looking for homes in certain areas, with particular features, within a certain price range, etc...social share buttons makes it really easy to get your listings in front of some potential buyers that wouldn't have seen them otherwise.
2. Reels & Stories - Instagram and Facebook's algorithms now prioritizes short form video content like Stories and Reels. So if you’re just posting pictures, your followers may never even see your content. If you want your posts to be seen, you have to give the platforms what they want. Right now that is engagement, and that means short videos!
Email
Start an email newsletter by collecting email signups on your website and at events. You can email out your helpful newsletters chock full of information about your new listings, open houses coming up, local events and happenings, and homeowners tips.
Make sure the content is geared towards the communities you're sending them to, so the content you're providing is relevant to the audience.
Another idea is to send out email equivalents of greeting cards, such personalized emails at holidays, or even on your client's birthdays or anniversaries. These simple gestures can go a very long way, and clients who feel these personal touches from you are much more likely to remember you when they are in the market to buy or sell, or when it comes time to refer you to others who may be in need of your services.
Offline Marketing Strategies
With all this digital marketing and techno talk, we can't forget about the physical world! Here are some good old offline real estate marketing ideas that have stood the test of time and are as effective as ever.
Mailers
It may seem like the web is where it’s at, but that’s not to say old school advertising doesn’t have its advantages, especially when you're reaching out to a target audience. Consider mailing postcards or brochures to qualified leads or potential buyers in the specific zip codes that fall within your service areas.
Care Packages
The most beneficial client relationships are long-term and you certainly don't want them to end when you close on a home. If you want your clients to come back to you in the future, refer you to their friends and family, and leave you stellar online reviews, you've got to add extra personal touches that will solidify your relationship. Local care packages after closing are a great way to show your clients that you truly care about the experience that they had with you, and going forward, in their new home and neighborhood. Include local movie or theater tickets, nearby restaurant gift cards, and anything that helps them feel welcome and introduces them to their new area.
Killer Real Estate Signs
Business branding is your best friend when it comes to marketing, and nothing does that better than attractive real estate signs made from the highest-quality materials. Just as your website homepage is the online first impression, yard signs are often the first impression point out in the physical world. You get one chance at that first impression so you want to put your best foot forward.
You certainly want your listings to be kept in amazing, show-worthy condition, so it only makes sense that your yard signs should meet the same standards. The signs you post are an extension of you, your brand, and what you have to offer. If your signs aren't promoting you or your listings in the best possible light, you are doing yourself and your sellers a disservice. Choose the best quality signs from an established and reputable sign manufacturer, such as Lowen Sign Company.
Look to Lowen Sign For The 'W'!
Lowen Sign Company is the leading manufacturer of professional signage for the real estate and home building markets in the USA. They supply thousands of independent real estate companies, major real estate franchise brokerages, home improvement companies, and home builders. Made from the highest-quality materials, Lowen Sign Company signs are durable and made to stand up to harsh weather, so you can count on them to look great and showcase your business.
Visit Lowen Sign Company to see our many sign options and for fast and easy ordering. You can also call our customer service team at 1-800-545-5505 if you would like to speak to one of our friendly and experienced sign professionals who can assist you with designs and ordering. With these marketing strategies and superior signage from Lowen Sign Company, you're on the way to a long winning streak in the real estate game!