Nicky V's Marketing Update

10 Free Marketing Tips

2008-10-08T21:01:40Z

10 Free Marketing Tips:

#1. Craigslist: Absolutely one of the top websites to make sure you are advertising your properties here. Even if the site has become diluted over the past two years; free is free.

#2. Kijiji: When traveling the free road we don’t complain about where our properties go. Get on there and get going.

#3. Realbird: They have a lot of great ideas in place. This is definitely somewhere you need to be.

#4. vFlyer: Flyer hosting, email campaigns, you name it. They have something for everyone.

#5. Postlets: Create your flyer. Syndicate it. See results.

#6. YouTube: How many of your competitors are doing “video tours”? It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to get done.

#7. Backpage: Maybe not as many leads as Craigslist, but exposure is still good to have.

#8. Facebook, Activerain, Myspace, Linkedin: Be there. Need I explain more?

#9. Blogging is free. Write about something you enjoy. Or write about something you know about. Link back to your website. You could also be active in online communities and forums.

#10. Zillow: Most sites will now syndicate to Zillow. But, it doesn’t hurt to be here as well.

Check out our sites:

http://www.sellvi.com for Vacation and Investment homes in the Virgin Islands.

http://www.sellmyidahoproperty.com for Boise Idaho Real Estate Investments.

Internet Marketing for Beginners

2008-10-06T14:24:05Z

So, you are stuck trying to figure out what next? Well, let me ask you a few things:

#1. What is your niche?

- If you don't have a niche. Find one. If you can't find one, read the book "riches in the niches"

#2. What is your budget?

- Do you have to do all of this yourself or can you afford to pay a consultant. (Either a flat fee or a commission based fee).

#3. When do you want to grow your business?

- Today? Tomorrow? Most people would say yesterday!

#4. How committed are you?

Becoming a specialist does not happen overnight. However, there are a few tips that may help you be on your way. Along with these tips, ask yourself: could I do better?

If you need someone to take a quick FREE look at your website for a preliminary analysis, let me know. Here are a few things I will need to know up front. If you don't know these or how to find them We need to talk!

How many unique visitors are you getting a month?

Where are your visitors coming from?

What are your visitors looking at?

What is your website ROI?

If you need helping taking your business to the next level send me an email or leave a comment. I will do my best to respond to everyone. We also offer online consulting for a fee or a referral fee per lead.

Check out http://www.sellmyidahoproperty.com to see our latest project.

Google Sitemaps and Website SEO?

2008-10-05T08:12:49Z

Does anyone know how Google Sitemaps can affect your SEO? I have been working on helping my website rank in Google. Within 1 year I have been able to move up into the top 5 pages of multiple categories and the top 2 pages within 2 categories. However, I would like to make sure my page is featured all over. Any idea how to do this?

Do I need to always update my google sitemap? Are there other ways to rise in Google?

-- And if anyone really knows, how do I move up in Yahoo as well? Google is by far the best, but I want to try to be number one all over... high standard.

Here is my site: http://www.sellmyidahoproperty.com

Marketing Techniques

2008-10-04T15:28:42Z

You may find it hard to believe, but we don't have any ocean front properties in Idaho. Yes, we do have plenty of potatoes, but that just doesn't cut it. So, when I arrived in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands it was no surpise that my marketing strategy would need to be tweaked.

However, I had always figured that I would need to competely change my entire business model to cater to the "high end luxury homes". So, when I realized that the same strategies I do at home, will work here I was shocked.

So, what are some of the secrets to a successful marketing plan?

#1. Know the market

#2. Know the competition

#3. Know your resources

#4. Learn, learn, learn.

#5. When you think you have it all down. Learn some more.

Honestly, you might find those things "no help at all". THINK ABOUT IT. If you can generate 400 leads, but don't know the market, your conversion ratio will be garbage. If you know that market, but don't have a competitive marketing plan... you won't generate very many leads.

So shoot me a reply if you have questions as to how you are developing your marketing plan.

Nick Vanassche
Internet Marketing Consultant
Sea Glass Properties - Virgin Islands | Century 21 1st Place - Idaho

What does your website do for you? Internet Marketing 101

2008-09-19T07:28:58Z

Welcome to Internet Marketing 101: Riding this Wave we call the internet! My name is Nick, and today we are going to cover the basics. Before we begin... a story you may or may not want to read! :)

As I begin my new venture in the world of online marketing, I have come across new challenges that I did not face when I first began. One reason for this may be that I am in a new market that I am unfamiliar with.

Anyway, I spent about 2 hours in a meeting yesterday as an outside consultant for the real estate company I am working with. The owner, another agent, the website guy, and myself all sat in the conference room discussing what the website would look like... and halfway through it hit me:

Who cares how amazing it looks if no one will come. On the other hand I thought, who cares how much money we spend to get people to it, if it doesn't work then we are in the same boat.

So here are some things to think about when it comes to your website:

1. How many unique visitors are coming to your website a day?

2. Where are they coming from?

3. How many leads do you receive a month? (if the answer is zero... why is it zero?)

4. Finally, what is the purpose of your website?

If you are serious about building a successful internet marketing business for the real estate industry, then tag along for the ride. If you have questions, please fire away!

Internet Marketing: How Flat is the World?

2008-09-15T21:21:08Z

Let's figure this out together: How flat is the world.

Does it really matter where in the world we are located if we can figure out a way to market successfully to our customers?

With all of the websites that are out there... where are the best places to sell real estate in a down market?

Boise, Idaho?

India?

China?

Also, what are the best sites to sell property on in today's ever changing market?

Yahoo?

Google Base?

Kijiji?

Zillow?

What are your thoughts?

Back Online and Moving Forward

2008-08-13T16:52:04Z

After almost 9 months of inactivity on our activerain block, we are finally back online. Over the past nine months we have learned alot about what works and does not work in the world of internet marketing.

Here are a few tips to success:

consistency: you absolutely must find a strategy that works for you and stick to it.
creativity: the market is ever changing. 6 months is too late to discover the newest tools.
complete: don't start on a project and not finish it.

In the past nine months we have been able to build our website up to an acceptable level which includes closing 4 deals from leads generated from our internet market.

We have set up a blog page as well as added team information.

Moving forward I hope to provide podcasts to my clients as well as video casts.

Keep an eye out for our resources as we will begin to provide many new tools that will help in your internet marketing crusade.

visit Http://www.sellmyidahoproperty.com for update information on the best deals in Boise.

I am a problem solver?

2007-11-14T00:32:13Z

I am not sure if I am right or wrong with this thought. Nonetheless I am quite curious as to what other people may think...

Growing up I looked at everything as something that could be solved -- one task at a time.

Let me add something to this as well: I love Legos. My brother and I would build entire cities and then tear them down when we were young.

Anyway, I have faced a problem this past couple of days, weeks, months, or years... not quite sure how long it has been going on.

So you may be asking "what in the world are you talking about?"

As I was watching "HOUSE" tonight and Dr. House looks at everything on a white board as a problem. So how do we solve this problem he asks?

And here is where the connection comes in ---

I work best when I look at everything as a problem - a task. Why not look at my real estate business as a box of legos or a person in a hospital needing help?

My goal is to help my clients sell there homes. I don't feel like I have lived up to my standards. So far I am just another agent, an inexperienced agent. I have tons of good ideas that are good to me. Yet, I haven't spent enough time on anyone of them to make them work.

Not quite sure what I am trying to say -- but that I realized tonight what I needed to do to get back on track!

STARTING WITH MY SPHERE!

Longevity is KEY

2007-11-12T11:17:36Z

Over the past few weeks I have been busy with a new plan: working my sphere of influence.

I have dedicated the time I was spending at the computer to spending it with potential clients and people who may want to buy a home.

My goal is to find a happy medium of time on the internet and time with my sphere.

An important mentor of mine recently told me that the key to success and staying in business is longevity. Now, obviously this is not the only key. However, in a market like ours today survivability is extremely important. I think I am almost at a point where I should be able to make it through the winter without any major worries.

Anyway, to all the newbies out there, if you need help or have questions please let me know!

Thanks,

Nick

You CANT do it and YOU WONT :( the bet is on!

2007-10-15T12:06:08Z

So I was talking to my dad this past weekend about how my business is growing and I feel like I am almost there. (side note: my dad is a builder in Washington state and step-mom is a REALTOR).

Anyway, he kept telling me I need to get a full-time job and realize that it will take me 5-7 years to get on my feet and that I can't do this full time right now.

I told him that I know I can do this: I mentioned how we have one agent who did $2 million in sales in one month this year. He told me there is absolutely NO WAY that I will be able to do that next year.

I was a little offended, I mean after graduating school in 3 years, already working towards my broker's license, teaching, and still have had 3 closings in 6 months, I felt like he had little faith.

So, I bet him that I would be able to do $2 million in sales (that is 10 $200,000 sales in the next 12 months)

Motivation?? Absolutely, oh the shear joy in proving people wrong is the best feeling in the world. I am not in this business for the money, I am here because I love it. But, if I need to set a dollar mark to show someone what I capable of then so be it!

Have a great week!

Progress Report for September: Marketing, Organization, Website, Etc.

2007-10-10T17:10:07Z

Over the past month I have started to see some of the same readers commenting on my blogs: I want to start out by saying:

THANK YOU!

I have been a little down and out lately due to a cold, appendicitis, and lack of financial resources. Thus, I thought I'd give my progress report to make sure I'm on the right track to getting back in the swing of things:

My website is up and running. I have received 200+ hits in the past week: www.NickvRealEstate.com
My marketing packet is almost completed (I have about 5 pages left to go out of 25+ pages)
I have compiled a sphere of influence (a little late and not sure what to do with it)
I have created a log book to track my progress and activities throughout the day.
My listings all have maximum exposure. (however, none seem to be selling)
My desk is more organized.
I got in touch with an appraiser as well as other service people to create a team.
I signed up for point2homes neighborhoods:
Not sure what else to do... it seems like when things are going they are GOING. and when they are not; things are DEAD.

Anyway, here is where I am at. In terms of overall performance I rate the month of September as a "C-" I feel that I did well on long term planning and investing in my business. However, with survival one of my top priorities, I just didn't perform as well as I thought I would.

Marketing Subdivisions: YES or NO

2007-10-10T10:57:09Z

I see a lot of companies out there have at least one or two development projects that they market. We are one of the few "franchise" companies in the area that are not marketing any subdivisions or development projects.

Do you have an experience with the results or effectiveness behind taking on one of these projects?

Would you recommend them?

If so, any tips or advice?

More or Less on my Homepage?

2007-10-08T16:13:16Z

Hey Everyone,

I am trying to make my website be a bigger part of my marketing strategy. I have been teaching students that when it comes to your homepage LESS IS MORE. After looking at some of the top producers websites, I am beginning to think maybe I have been miss informing them. What do you think is LESS MORE?

www.NickvRealEstate.com

Property Management: YES or NO?

2007-10-08T00:08:16Z

I am currently working on offering property management as one of my services. However, while I have carved out a niche for online marketing for real estate, as well as been able to find many real estate resources, I am relatively unfamiliar with Property Management.

So, I come to you!

First and foremost: do you recommend property management?

Second: where can I find tips for running a successful company?

Third: if you have experience, is there any advice you could give me?

Finally, any tips for my property management section of my website? NickvRealEstate.com

Once again, thank you everyone for your valued input.

Time + Focus = Success??

2007-10-07T23:07:14Z

Is it true that IF I have time and can remain focus, THEN success will follow?

This week I plan to come out of the gate full speed ahead! I plan to do everything that I can to stay focused. I will be patient and take time to complete my projects to the fullest.

Finally, I know that success is something that comes over night.

I am really excited for the week to be here. I have a feeling that things are going to start working out for me. My marketing packet is almost complete, my website is up and running! NickvRealEstate.com.

Finally, I have received a large amount of advice in response to my posting about my office and my future. I really appreciate everyone who has been here to help me out. Don't worry, I have many many more questions to come. In the mean time it is your inspiration that I look forward to each day!

Thanks Everyone!

Changing Times: How do I transform an "old time" office?

2007-10-05T00:09:57Z

I want to help my office. I want to help everyone in the office and at least bring us up to the STANDARD technology level.

My broker does not use a computer
Our secretary is using windows2000
We just now got a fax/scanner/copier
Our online marketing costs of.... ME

Is anyone else experiencing this???? What are you doing to solve these problems.... there are many more. I just feel like I am all alone on the move to Standardize our company. Its tough when I have to do it all by myself.

I NEED SOME ADVICE... PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

33 Days and I'm On My Way!!

2007-10-04T15:52:40Z

Ride the Internet Wave!!

I have been on ActiveRain for 33 Days and I am now the 2nd Featured Agent for my County and City.

33 Days and 15,000 points later and I can honestly say I have already seen results!

33 Days and 350+ Comments later; I want to Thank You for supporting me.

33 Days and Years to Come I can truly say:

I am riding the Internet Wave and Loving it!!!

My Neighborhoods

2007-10-04T13:38:25Z

Yesterday I posted a blog about Point2Agent.com's free resources and the benefits of the site:

-- Point 2 Homes Blog

I have purchased a few neighborhoods that I want to focus on:

Towns:

Middleton

Star

Cascade

McCall

Garden City

Neighborhoods:

Kurtz Addition

Yale Park

Fall River Estates

Royal Meadows

Carriage Hill

If you happen to know of anyone who is buying or selling in these areas please let me know. In time my blogs will begin to focus solely on my marketing strategies and neighborhood information.

Also, please check out my website: www.nickvrealestate.com and let me know what you think!

Free Point2 Homes Website

2007-10-04T00:48:39Z

Have any of you had success with being a neighborhood expert on point2homes?

I recently took a really large risk and spent some money to become a neighborhood expert. I figured this would help me ten fold.

I will be forced to take the time to set up each neighborhood information page.
I will be back on track to learning the market in these areas.
Sellers will see me through gained exposure of being in front of them.
In turn more hits on my websites.
Each neighborhood costs $20.00
This lasts for 3 month period which is a good time base for getting exposure.
I invite everyone to check this out.... think about it:

A free website + an $8.00 domain + $20.00 neighborhood + time = Success???

Check out my site and tell me this is not an AMAZING DEAL!!

www.nickvrealestate.com

Neighborhood Specialist or City Specialist???

2007-10-03T19:41:48Z

I have been doing a substantial amount of research on lead generation. Time and time again I come across posts and website indicating that the best way to generate leads is to become a specialist.

Where do I start though? Should I begin with an area or neighborhood? Or do I stand out as my towns specialist and not limit myself to one area?

I feel that maybe I have been spreading myself out too much with discussing many of the towns around mine (however I feel that I need to know how the market is in those areas).

So what do you think? a BROAD FOCUS or A NARROW FOCUS in terms of neighborhood specialist or city specialist?

I think I can, I think I can.... Chooo Chooo

2007-10-03T10:06:10Z

:) Honestly, I really wanted to start off my Tuesday on a positive note. These past couple weeks have been a roller coaster ride and I never know how my day will begin. So, instead of letting whatever happens happens, I decided to say "this is it, I will make today I great day!"

I hope you too have a great day and succeed at whatever goals you have set forth for yourself!!

Nick Vanassche
Windermere Real Estate
www.nickvrealestate.com

How do you get a featured post?

2007-10-02T21:23:57Z

What are people doing to get a featured post?

I see so many people on here getting featured posts, and once upon a time I too had one. However, I had absolutely no idea how or why my post was featured. Are there certain criteria?

Any tips or ideas on how this happens would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Nick

Nick Vanassche
Windermere Real Estate
www.nickvrealestate.com

The Free Resource List

2007-10-02T20:28:18Z

No seriously: this blog was created specifically for naming available free resources from the internet.

What free resources have you found most useful?

As new ones are added I will add them to this list. I guess we could call this a:

Give a free resource / take a free resource.

I will start.

Craigslist.org -- List your properties for sale.
Point2Agent.com -- Free personal Website
Vflyer.com -- Build flyers, widgets, and more!
Animationonline.com/freebanners.html -- Free Banners
Myspace.com -- Online Networking
ActiveRain.com -- um... I'm pretty sure you should know this one already!
backpage.com - list properties for sale
cowboy.com (formerly farmranchhome.com) - used mainly for properties that have acreage, a farm/ranch
facebook.com - another online networking site
yuwie.com - networking site
classifiedads.com - classified ads
usfreeads.com
www.kijiji.com
postlets.com - use this site to syndicate your ads and create html layouts.
backpage.com - advertise your listings
realbird.com - advertise listings/ search syndication

Sell your home

Homegain, HouseValues, or Reply Real Estate for Leads?

2007-10-02T08:24:04Z

Which lead company do you prefer or have you had the best results with? Are there others?

Homegain.com
HouseValues.com
ReplyRealEstate.com

I have heard good and bad things about all of them. Maybe looking to purchase leads is not the best way to go. Anyway, let me know what you think or if you know of another online lead generator!

Nick Vanassche
Windermere Real Estate
www.nickvrealestate.com

Is it bad to accept a 40% referral fee?

2007-10-01T12:12:24Z

Recently I underwent an appendectomy. Since then I have had some problems with my car and my school bills are coming active since it has now been 6 months since I graduated.

So, as I was doing some research on getting leads I asked myself:

Would it be wrong of me to accept 35-45% referral fee's if the leads were hot?

I have the time and could definitely use any extra cash.

So, what do you think?

If you know of anyone looking to move or invest in Idaho please let me know.

Thanks,

Nick Vanassche
Windermere Real Estate
www.nickvrealestate.com