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Marketing Tip #1 (Using Craigslist to Generate Business)

By
Real Estate Agent with Sea Glass Properties

Are you having trouble finding new ways to market your property?

Out of all the tips that I teach and share please remember one thing: These are small golden nuggets; while one nugget may not be worth a whole lot, many nuggets together will help your business grow and separate you from the rest of the pack. 

Craigslist.org

So what is so special about craigslist.org? (side note--if you type in craiglist.com I will not be held responsible for what comes up!)

Anyway, I assume that most of you have heard of this site. Few of you probably actually use this site to its fullest.

I highly recommend it. This site is a free site that has a high traffic count and allow consumers to search for homes.

Always remember... it only takes one person to see your home listed somewhere; whether they buy your home or another from you its DEFINITELY worth it!

Here is what you need to do:

1. Create an account on the "my account" link on the left hand side of the page.

2. Post your ad in the classifieds section.

3. DO NOT SPAM

4. DO NOT POST EVERY MLS LISTING ON THE INTERNET 

5. FOLLOW YOUR STATE LAWS AND EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY LAWS

6. Be descriptive enough to grab their attention, yet leave out enough that they will email you.

7. Add pictures.

You can post your pocket listings here, your MLS listings here, and if you don't have any listings at all, ask to use someone in your offices.

Just to reiterate; I won't be held responsible for anything that you write on there (this is not meant to scare you off, but advertising rules still follow.)

Here are a few facts courtesy of Craigslist.org from the Craigslist fact sheet which you can view here: http://www.craigslist.org/about/factsheet.html

Q: How much traffic does craigslist get?
A: More than 8 billion page views per month

Q: How does that compare with other companies?
A: craigslist is #7 in terms of english-language page views

Q: How many people use craigslist?
A: More than 25 million each month

Q: How many classified ads does craigslist receive?
A: craigslist users self-publish more than 20 million new classified ads each month

Next... I have another site or two that you can use to create an ad layout for craigslist.org; it will be professional and I will explain how to use it and the benefits of it... so stay tuned!!

 

One last thing... you can sign up for classes at http://www.idahocareerinstitute.com

I also offer consulting services to real estate companies on training for new agents as well as new internet marketing techniques and how to set yourself apart. Inquire for more information! 

Posted by

Nick Vanassche
Sea Glass Properties 

David L. Britt
Platinum Realty, LLC - Olathe, KS
MBA
Nick, just tip and explanation.  Question, do you have direct credit to listings you have posted on craigslist.org or just a feeling that it helps.  Please don't mistake my question for lack of interest, I have a great deal of interest, but I also like to track my results so I can determine where to put my time.  Much appreciated!
Sep 01, 2007 04:36 PM
Rob Baldwin
US ECO-GREEN REAL ESTATE INC. - Santa Clarita, CA
REALTOR, Santa Clarita
Nick, great info there. An agent in my office posted a listing the other day on Craigs List for the first time. He told me later, that an hour after the post, he received a phone call. It did'nt lead to anything, but it just goes to show you that, you never know what will happen in the next minute. I love that about life.
Sep 01, 2007 04:37 PM
Nick Van Assche
Sea Glass Properties - Charlotte Amalie, VI
Owner/Broker of Sea Glass Properties

David,

I do have direct credit. I started out doing pocket listings so that I had something to advertise. While I was in school and for one month after graduation I did most of my advertising on Craigslist. I needed something to get the ball rolling. I have one deal pending; I have met many people on here and it is a great lead generation technique. On top of this, the next site I will be talking about with the professional ad will allow you to basically copy and paste very easily. 

Also, I'm still trying to figure out how I want to go about the tips and explanations. I teach a class on this and so I want my students to actually be able to go back and refresh what I taught them. Therefore I want to make this as user friendly as possible.

Anyway, I do greatly appreciate the advice. I will see if I can find a way to narrow it down a bit. 

 

Nick 

Sep 01, 2007 04:43 PM
Bob & Carolin Benjamin
Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ
East Phoenix Arizona Homes

Will be interested in following the information you get about this.

Sep 01, 2007 05:33 PM
Anonymous
Tammy Henriks
Do you really find that Craig's list works?  How many hits do you get and is it difficult and time consuming?  
Oct 14, 2007 10:03 AM
#5
Max Douge
Exit Realty Enterprises - Frederick, MD
Nick... I'm also a big fan of Craigslist.  I like the statistics you provide here.  Check out and join the group, Marketing Using Craigslist, and share this great information with others in the group.  Thanks.
Mar 05, 2008 01:45 AM
Russ Ravary ~ Metro Detroit Realtor call (248) 310-6239
Real Estate One - Commerce, MI
Michigan homes for sale ~ yesmyrealtor@gmail.com
Thanks for the tips on craigslist.  I have to take the time to do it this week.  Have a great day.
Mar 05, 2008 03:21 AM
Steven Odierno
Mahwah, NJ
NJ Mortgage & Marketing Professional

Hi Nick - Thank you very much for the information on Craigslist.  I was just discussing with my partner (who is also my father) looking for such pages for SEO.  We are both quite new to this, and any information that we receive is extremely helpful.  Much appreciation . ..

Mar 05, 2008 03:34 AM
Anonymous
David F

Real Estate Magic Words, Good Ad Copy and frequency always lead to success on craigslist.

Let us take the mundane boring steps of posting and do it for you...and then some..

www.mycraigslistpost.com for more info

Sep 09, 2008 04:50 PM
#9