How to be your Own Real Estate Marketing Hero
Many agents become their own worst enemy when it comes to marketing. Being organized is the number one rule to help you become your very own real estate marketing hero!
Follow a Process
First and foremost you want to have a process that is the same for all of your listings. The reason for this is that you will get into a sort of rhythm that keeps you on the path to success. If you have a check list of marketing tactics you consistently use for your listings, you will form a pattern that makes it easier for you to get things done right. It becomes second nature, a good habit, a routine. It also allows you to have a track record that helps you sell yourself to new clients, and more importantly gain more referrals and repeat business.
Outline your Process
Your plan should have a solid process that keeps you organized. Here is a starting point:
Set up two folders on your computer, one in email for invoices and to store your email marketing and one in documents for copy and images
Schedule photography and place invoice in your email folder
Type up and proof listing description and save it in your documents folder
When your photos are ready, download them from your account and save them in your documents folder so you can find them to upload to MLS or other sites
Add your pre-written listing description to your virtual tour and complete tour with music and other features, make sure to use syndication and SEO for the most exposure
Prepare eflyer and email to local agents. Save invoice in your email folder
Post your virtual tour and eflyer web version on your social media sites
Download your eflyer PDF and save in your document folder
Print brochures or flyers for open houses
Prepare "Recently Sold" Postcards
Print and hand deliver “Recently Sold” postcards
Keep Calm and Start Early
As soon as you get that listing, start your marketing. Don’t wait until the last minute for your marketing plan to kick in. Leaving things to the last minute makes you look bad and also adds to the stress in your life. That marketing plan is like a mental check list that gets you through your marketing quickly and effectively.
Be Honest and Creative
Professional photos will speak louder than words, but you will still need to write some form of listing description. Provide the details honestly and creatively while avoiding exaggerations that will just lead to disappointment for people who choose to come and view the property.
Proof Everything, Twice
Nothing makes you look worse, or feel worse, than finding a mistake in your marketing materials after they have been sent out or distributed. With a plan and an early start you will have the time to proof read everything. This will help you maintain a professional image and avoid ticking off your clients. Always double check everything using this simple process:
Heading check
Address check
Price check
Typo check in listing description
Contact information check
Head shot check
Logo check
SPAM Alert
Make sure you are following best practices when it comes to avoiding SPAM filters. Avoid sensational claims in your subject line for eflyers and also do not use CAPS. Caps in a subject line is a common tactic used by spammers that could land you in the SPAM folder.
Work Smart
It might seem like an extra step, but by typing your listing description in a Word document you can avoid losing work if you are working on your marketing materials online. If you inadvertently delete your copy you won't have to start all over again. Do things in a logical order so that you don’t have to repeat steps. Use a service that allows you to enter your info once and not have to retype your details for your virtual tour, again for your eflyer and again for your print materials.
Consistent Branding
Remain consistent with your branding by choosing a template that reflects your logo colors, a layout that is easy to read and images that present your homes in a professional, impressive manner. Using cell phone images and too broad a range of layouts and colors in your marketing looks unprofessional and sloppy. A polished, well branded piece will not only present you in the best possible light, but also allow your listings to shine as well.
Realtour has the easy, online marketing suite that can help you become a marketing hero. Save time, money and effort with virtual tours, eflyers and print materials that are affordable, far reaching and professional.
