A real estate agent’s basic toolbox consists of business cards, postcards, mailers and marketing materials. Most real estate agents will market themselves with advertisements, networking, and referrals.
But once you’ve gotten the real estate basics down, it’s time to stretch your skills from the fundamental skills into out-of-the-box marketing techniques.
Out-of-the-box marketing techniques go beyond what’s expected. These types of ideas stretch beyond the traditional ways of outreach into something that may not be familiar. For some, out-of-the-box marketing techniques takes you out of your comfort zone. But by using these new techniques, you just may be introducing yourself to a whole new audience of homebuyers and sellers.
Talented Techies
Use technology to your advantage. Build your audience with facebook, LinkedIn and twitter. Fill your website with videos and send out e-newsletter blasts to your mailing list. Another out-of-the box marketing technique is to offer a free app so that customers can search for real estate on their smart phones—and contact you for more information.
Research
When times are slow, it’s especially important to experiment out-of-the-box marketing techniques. One way to begin is by doing a little research. Many savvy real estate agents comb local business news to find out about new companies that are moving to the area, or new developments being planned. New businesses=new employees; and new employees always need a place to live.
Relocation Specialist
Moving above and beyond traditional real estate marketing techniques, you can create your own niche by becoming a relocation specialist. When an organization is about to move into your region, find out who is in charge of employee relocation. Large corporations usually have someone from the human resources departments help new employees settle into the region. Introduce yourself to that HR professional and offer your real estate services to their organization.
Cold Calls
Not everybody is comfortable with the idea of cold calls. A cold call is when you contact someone you don’t know and who is not expecting your call. For some, cold calling can feel awkward and intimidating. While most real estate agents are used to working with a variety of different people in different situations, many are unwilling to make a cold call.
So what do you do when you’ve got to call someone who doesn’t want to be called? You treat it like a conversation. The objective of cold calling is to get information and ultimately begin to build a relationship. Approach the call with confidence in your voice. Be persistent; you are likely to encounter voice mail, so leave a message and be sure to follow up.
Networking, Networking, Networking
It can’t be stressed enough: networking leads to referrals and referrals lead to sales. While networking is not an out-of-the-box marketing technique, you can approach it in creative ways. Get to know the area’s local mortgage lenders, insurance agents, electricians, and contractors. Buy the carpenter a cup of coffee. Find new ways to expand your network. Ask for a face-to-face meeting, and make connections. Make it a goal to have an extensive list of professionals connected to the real estate industry. This will make you a valuable resource for both real estate customers and colleagues.
Brainstorming and Learning
An essential part of networking and active involvement in industry association meetings is the valuable brainstorming and learning that happens between colleagues. By connecting with other real estate agents, you are constantly getting ideas about out-of-the-box marketing techniques that will help grow your business.
In order for you to be successful at out-of-the-box marketing, you have to be willing to take a few risks. You’ve got to be persistant be able to ounce back quickly from rejection. Treat these new techniques ideas as challenges and approach them with a positive attitude.
Are there some techniques that you can adapt to grow your real estate business? How can you apply some of these ideas to expand your reach as a real estate agent?
BestPrintBuy.com provides print and marketing solutions for real estate agents and their franchises. We offer online design and print solutions for business cards, postcards, postcard mailing and marketing, folded note cards, door hangers, note pads, bookmarks and several other products to real estate agents.