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Writing for Success on the Web

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Dynamic Page Solutions

As a real estate agent, you are probably aware that one of the most important elements of effective online marketing is the strategic promotion of your services or property listing with the ultimate intention of having the reader take some form of action. Easy as this may sound, copywriting that is geared towards this target is an art that requires practice in order to be successfully mastered. What you may not realize is that your prospects want more from your copy than just a description of what you do and how you do it. Many, in fact, will survey your words in search of a "relationship" of sorts.

A personal, inviting copywriting voice takes effort to project.  Trends in today's marketplace demand innovative copy. Generic wordage, industry jargon or excessively company-focused copy just doesn't cut it when you want to convey understanding and show concern and solutions for potential clients issues. You need to speak to your target customers in a language they will understand and communicate to them the benefit potential of a relationship with you. And it's quite simple, too - just keep in mind that it's not only about what you can do, but what you can do for your customer! 

There are some simple steps that can help you in your quest to engage potential homebuyers and sellers and make them want to choose you over the competition. When writing the copy that will be used on your website or blog post, it is important that you direct your pitch to an individual, rather than to the collective population.

 Since many agents out there think in terms of "what services do I offer?", you can automatically stand out if you just tweak your perspective to focus on "what benefits do I offer to potential clients?" Of course, your site will still include the listings and/or services you provide. Just make sure the descriptions of such integrate the advantages they present as well. For instance, pay close attention to the differences in the following:

With over 30 years of experience, XYZ Company takes pride in being one of the best in the industry.  Each and every one of our clients is entitled to dedication and outstanding service as they search for their dream home.

Here's the new version:

When you want to work with the best, give XYZ Company a call!  You will benefit from more than 30 years of industry experience and be entitled to quality service and detailed attention as we help fulfill your dreams of homeownership.

Of course, anyone can say they deliver benefits, but few can say it persuasively. Once you've identified yours and determined which are the most compelling, it's time to plug them shamelessly on your site!  However, you must also make a point of supporting these claims. You may get some insight on this from your sales team, or perhaps to just think of yourself on the other side of the fence. What do you look for when you are a customer? Convince the reader that you really can deliver these benefits, and keep it short, sweet, and directed towards them.    

In the end, the message is simple: allow potential clients to gain insight on the benefits offered when choosing to work with you. Remember to concentrate on using customer-oriented words rather than company-focused ones. When you put yourself in your customer's shoes, you're more likely to get their attention and connect with them so that they will be more inclined to respond in a way that will be valuable to you both. 

Posted by

Anita Koppens

Beverly Carlson
Carlson Properties 325-721-2429 - Abilene, TX
Abilene's Staging Realtor

Ask not what your customer can do for you, ask instead what you can do for your customer.

Nov 10, 2009 01:13 PM
William James Walton Sr.
WEICHERT, REALTORS® - Briotti Group - Waterbury, CT
Greater Waterbury Real Estate

This was thought-provoking. Your point was well made, but I think I need more than one read, and more than the example you provided, to really wrap my head around the concept, to fully make use of it.

Nov 10, 2009 01:51 PM
Anonymous
Trudy Sarver

Beverly, that is very well put.  The client wants to know what is in it for them.

Nov 10, 2009 01:51 PM
#13
Michael Eisenberg
eXp Realty - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Real Estate Guy

Great points, it has to be customer-cetric wiifm, and your obviosly good at it.

Nov 10, 2009 02:04 PM
Chris Olsen
Olsen Ziegler Realty - Cleveland, OH
Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate

Hi Anita -- Your post here was a topic in a CRS designation class I took on the importance of benefits versus features, WIIFM (the consumer, not us), etc.  You are absolutely right and I would say 90% of marketing ignores these truths.

Nov 10, 2009 02:11 PM
Pacita Dimacali
Alain Pinel - Oakland, CA
Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA

It's always a good reminder that it's not about what your country/client can do for you, but what you can do for your client/country. Not about you, but about them.

Least important word: "I"

Most important words: "Thank you."

Thanks!

Nov 10, 2009 02:50 PM
Mark VanBuskirk
Cassidon Realty - Lehighton, PA
PA REALTOR Specializing in Carbon & Monroe County

Great blog to get us back to the basics...plus one of great importance once said "It is more blessed to give than to receive".

Nov 10, 2009 03:28 PM
David Dee
RMX REALTY - Alhambra, CA
Real Estate - San Gabriel Valley (L.A.) & N. Orang

From the desk of David Dee,

Anita, it goes back to being customer-centric. That is the focal point for success.

 

Nov 10, 2009 05:55 PM
R.E. Renée Hoover, Salesperson
Century 21 Geba Realty, Milford, PA; Licensed in PA & NYS - Milford, PA
Poconos, Pike, Wayne, Monroe Counties, PA; PA/NYS

Thank you for the excellent post and suggestions.  Best part of AR are these great posts that flip the switch and turn on a very bright light bulb!

Nov 10, 2009 09:52 PM
Dave Humphrey, Broker
RE/MAX Marketplace - Celebration, FL
Real Estate Advice You Can TRUST!

Your thought about promoting the customer benefits versus the services offered is a great idea for all of us. Thanks for reducing it to a business thought for me.

Nov 10, 2009 10:49 PM
Joyce Thomas
The Thomas Group Brokered by eXp Realty - San Tan Valley, AZ
Your Home Sold Guaranteed!

Great post and suggestions.  Thank you!

Nov 11, 2009 12:22 AM
Paul McFadden
Responsive Pest Control - Seattle, WA
Pest Control, Seattle, WA.

Anita: Thanks for the tips. I appreciate it! I learned several years ago to incorporate the word "you" in my writing. We should all do this. The old saying "what's in it for me" definitely applies here. Thanks again!

Nov 11, 2009 12:54 AM
Dynamic Page Solutions
Dynamic Page Solutions - Mesa, AZ

Gary - You are right about including a "call to action," it is key, but the soft sell strategy is truly taking over. Slowly building trust with people can lead to customer initiated action.

Jackie - Good common sense never goes out of style.

Russ - Building a relationship with customers keeps them coming back. They trust me and I take that trust seriously...so like you, I approach them the same way I would like to be approached.

Lane - Truth in advertising is becoming the norm. Today, when your customers can write a blog or post on a review board damaging commentary, words and actions have to be well thought out.

Denise - I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way whether delayed or not :)

Laurie - Role playing can really help when trying to figure out how to market your services. What would grab your attention.

Nov 11, 2009 01:03 AM
Dynamic Page Solutions
Dynamic Page Solutions - Mesa, AZ

Aaron - Good, benefit-driven copy not only serves the purpose of converting clients, it can also be beneficial for SEO if longtail keywords are included.

Veryln - I recently had a reminder of that scenario. Keeping up on the needs of your target market is a great way to avoid a trip back to the drawing board.

Beverly - Now that philosophy is likely to always been in style.

William - I promise to write more posts that are centered around benefit driven copy.

Trudy - There are many ways to present services and product. It doesn't necessarily have to be formal or informal, funny or serious, detailed or simple. It just need to speak to the customer's needs.

 

Nov 11, 2009 01:32 AM
Dynamic Page Solutions
Dynamic Page Solutions - Mesa, AZ

Michael - Customer-centric is truly the emerging trend on the Internet. Your potential clients are literally inundated with choices and real estate is already so competitive, those that stand out in one way or the other will be most successful.

Chris - Yep, I think its a difficult transition especially for those in ultra professional spheres to loosen up the collars and present copy that speaks to the customer instead of at them.

Pacita - I like that, especially that you remind us to be grateful and thankful. I know that many real estate agents work tremendously long hours and put much effort into selling many times without any results, but part of building long-term relationships with clients is remembering to simply say "thank you."

Mark - It does feel nice to give to someone, it changes the tone of the entire relationship and it can be the first step to a mutually beneficial relationship.

David - Love your pic.

Renee - There truly are many benefits offered by being a member of ActiveRain. I learn a lot too and get plenty of ideas.

Dave - It's enjoyable to see things from a different perspective, even if you're familiar with the principals.

Joyce - Thanks for stopping by.

Paul - It's been rough for me since I have a BA in English literature. I felt like I was doing something naughty when I first started writing in first person voice. Pronouns were cause for a rewrite or an "F" back then. Thankfully, I have been able to get over academically induced anxieties and expand my vocabulary to include both "you" and "me." :)

Nov 11, 2009 02:00 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Great post, Anita.  Thanks for sharing!

Nov 11, 2009 02:38 AM
Tim Ludemann
Ochopee, FL

Great blog about getting to the roots of blogging...well done!

Nov 11, 2009 05:33 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos

Hi Anita,  I enjoyed reading your well written post.  Perhaps you could do a more detailed post using some specific listings and how your approach would benefit the client ?  Well done !

Nov 11, 2009 06:30 AM
Linda Powers
Resort Realty - Duck - Duck, NC
On the Outer Banks

Anita,

Thanks so much for this post. I had been using 3rd person which is professional but cold. Your way is simply appealing and more direct. Time to rewrite my appeal.

Nov 15, 2009 02:20 AM
Don & Cyndi Shurts
Keller Williams Advisors Realty: Don & Cyndi Shurts - Beavercreek, OH
Your Dreams Are Our Priority!

Thanks Anita!  You always have something good to say to inspire me to improve.

Dec 22, 2009 02:15 PM