Real estate marketing starts with great services and often small ideas that can be made into big ideas. The "tools" you use are just a way to communicate those services and ideas to your audience.
Have you had this thought before? "I need a website or tool that will generate leads for me." Websites and tools don't generate leads. Great services, useful information and big ideas generate leads. The website or online tool is just where it takes place. All of these real estate marketing tools are only going to be a good tool if the person behind then is bringing it good information, otherwise it's useless.
So here are the 5 Real Estate Marketing Tools that every real estate agent should have:
1. So in my opinion, YOU are the #1 Real Estate Marketing Tool. When you think of having Success - remember "U" is a part of that word.
2. Imagination - Without imagination, you are like any other real estate agent. Challenge yourself to create a marketing strategy that is uniquely you - something that is different from all the other real estate agents in your area. Your imagination can help you find the next big idea in real estate marketing. And big ideas can produce big results. Don't be afraid to try something new. When I think of imagination and being unique it makes me think of Elizabeth Nieves - go visit her blog and see how she is uniquely different from what she blogs about to howshe blogs.
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3. Persistence - Repetition is a big part of real estate marketing. You try a certain strategy, see how it works, modify it as needed, and repeat. This requires patience and persistence. Don't be lured into using tools that you know nothing about, but they look good, until you master the basics. This is important advice for newbies - start small, master the tool and determine what is working (tracking results) and then try the next one. For those more established agents, this is a perfect opportunity to look at the tools you are using, determine what is still working for you and try some new ones out.
4. Enthusiasm - Whether you realize it or not, communicating with potential clients, current clients and fellow agents is a big part of your marketing program. When you communicate with professionalism and enthusiasm, your message becomes contagious. When I think of enthusiasm it makes me think of Liz Moras - she is excited about everything from what is going on in the real estate market to the great places to see in her area. There's always something to be gained by visiting her blog. Remember, people will help you spread your message without even being asked because they will see and feel your excitement.
5. Adaptability -The Internet has opened up a whole new world of possibilities - look at AR - we have 112,835 subscribers as of this date, all communicating about real estate. You must be able to adapt to new mediums and methods while maintaining your unique style. So make sure adaptability is part of your real estate marketing toolkit. If something is no longer working for you, adapt, change and try something else.
What do all of these real estate marketing tools have in common?
For one thing, they can't be bought. You're either have them from the start or you work hard to acquire them along the way. So I will say it again, you have the most powerful marketing tool right from the start..you have yourself. Everything else can be learned, so don't get discouraged.
There's no doubt that marketing books, software, websites, blogs, and even virtual assistants can help you grow your business. But all these things are only a medium between you and your audience. These things can move your marketing program along, but the program and the success of it has to start with you.
You are and always will be your best tool for real estate marketing success. Create your own success for marketing and think "YIPEA"
What will YOU consider doing differently?
What tool will you focus on to improve your marketing strategy?
Anne Marie Malfi, Owner/Virtual Assistant, Bucks County,PA
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This is a great post and I could not agree more. here in Pinellas County Florida we had over 10500 active Realtors in the summer of 2005, now we are down to less than 6000. These numbers speak for themselves. All the books in the world will not help you if you do not have the basics as you tapiocadescribed them.