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Postlets.com - vs. - VFlyer.com

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Update post on vFlyer: vFlyer.com Co-Founder Aaron Sperling Responds

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There has been quite alot of talk about VFlyer lately with their new release of services specifically tailored to real estate.

I thought it would be useful for the AR community to do a full rundown and comparison of the two different free services and let you decide which one to use. One thing is for certain, if you aren't using one of these services already to promote you're listings... you're missing out big time.

Here is a comparison Chart:

Postlets.com	VFlyer.com
Submits to: Backpage (must copy and paste html and submit separately), Craigslist, Edgeio, Vast, Google Base, Hotpads (rentals only), Livedeal, Oodle, Propsmart (may already pull content from sources like Google Base)	Submits to: Vast, Oodle, Edgeio, Google Base, Vast, PropSmart (may already pull content from sources like Google Base), Trulia (requires broker name, mls number, and exact location), Craigslist (must copy and paste html and submit separately)
Pictures: Allows 12 photos (only 6 at a time)	Pictures: Allows 2 photos
Flyer Design: Currently limited with no customization possible. They claim that this will be changing in the near future.	Flyer Design: 13 templates to choose from, or create your own with the customization tool.
Flyer Usability: Here is a sample, Very professional looking, , includes great google map integration, school information, and calculators (all from within the flyer itself), also includes integrated contact form and all contact information. All features work well within craigslist.	Flyer Usability: Here is a sample, professional, different template choices and customization make for the possibility of unique flyers. Includes contact form, forward to a friend, and ability to write description with contact information.
Extra Features: will pull data on property automatically using address (sq. footage, lot size, bd, ba, etc.) will also pull zestimate if requested. Allows virtual tour within flyer. Easy posting to craigslist if you already have a sign in name.	Extra Features: Once your flyer is published, they give you the option of emailing, printing, converting to pdf. Full tracking of your flyer with hit stats and contact requests. Browser plugin that allows you to post a flyer directly from your browser. Use the same profile to create other flyers for vehicles, employment, personal ads, etc.
Plus Service: (currently free when you refer a friend, but will be a paid only service soon) embed video tour within flyer, extra large pictures, external links

Let me know if there is anything I missed.

Bottom line, I feel very strongly that postlets.com is the best of the two. With the extra usability within the flyers, data from Zillow, embedded video and virtual tours, ability to upload 12 photos, and advance craigslist support, they are clearly the winner of this battle.

Some might argue that the lack of customization within postlets is a problem, but to be honest, I don't think most customers will care. They just want useful information: descriptions, photos, videos, etc. If they can get all that in one place, they will be happy.

The only thing that would be nice with postlets would be trulia support. But it will probably be coming shortly...

If there is a particular reason you use one or the other, please share!

Posted by Justin Smith | SEO, SMO & Blogging Consultant on 11/27/2006 01:35 AM

Comments (83)

postlets, vflyer, marketing, real estate, flyers

Post is included in group: Rainmaking - Internet Marketing Strategies
Post is included in group: Online Marketing Help Center
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You

83 Comments on Postlets.com - vs. - VFlyer.com

NOV

2006

Never heard of either before.

Thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

Lucky

Super, Justin. I just digged (dugg??) this. I had asked about the same thing on the tomato blog. I don't know if you saw my question there. Looks like I will stick with postlets. Thanks!

As a home stager I cannot use postlets because I'm not actually selling. Do you think that vflyer would work for home stagers? We would really be interested in posting before and after photos and info on staging.

Good comparison. I've been using Postlets and like them. Guess I continue on that path.

Thanks,

Interesting. I'll have to look into postlets.com, sounds like a good tool for real estate professionals.

Postlets.com just made our list...will add that to the ever growing list of places to webvertise! Far better than print and killing trees.

Hi Maureen H,

As a home stager, I'd consider using VFlyer. It will let you customize your flyer, and then you can post a continuous ad on craigslist for your services.

Thanks for the breakdown of the two.

Thanks - I am going to try it.

Postlets.com is without a doubt the hands down provider of the two. We ahve been using it for a few months now, and can't believe we lived without it. There is a postin my blog in regards to point2agent and postlets together, as well as a craigslist post. These tools are a must for any e-marketing real estate agent.

To Maureen, post your ad in the Craigslist Services section, or find a client that uses your service, ask them to add a link at the bottom of their ads for your staging service - maybe you can offer them a discount for doing that for you - or some sort of incentive.

I use postlets. I had never heard of vFlyer, but I'll be checking them out. Even if not that great, it's still another something to add to listing presentations.

Pierre thanks for the idea.

woooo. great chart! THANKS SO MUCH! I definitely like the appearance of postlet better. But frankly their referral program needs revamping. I have referred 3 people and have not yet received any credits for it! Quite annoying!

cheers,

cindy

i stage & redeisgn to sell, live and work in san francisco bay area!
cindy@staged4more.com
www.staged4more.com
http://stagingtipsandmore.blog.com/

You can actually modify the content of the postlets ad, if you have HTML skills. I do this all the time. I just drop the code it creates into Microsoft Frontpage, add a few extra links to my website, etc., then paste this into backpage.com, Craigslist, etc.

I love postlets, been using it from the first day it came on the market. I had never heard of the other product until just now, thanks!

I will try postlets, haven't had the chance to so far. Liked the V-flyer. Nice post and I appreciate you taking the time to show the differences.

Thanks for the information. Must have been sleeping as I missed both of these. Will check them out and see what it can do for me.

Thanks for the great information!

Toby

OK I did the vflyer thing. It was really easy! I made a great looking flyer. I was able to copy the flyer to craigslist but I'm not sure how to "post a continuous ad on craigslist for your services" It says the ad will expire in 7 days. Thanks for your help!

Hi Maureen,

I believe there is a renew feature on craigslist. And if not, you'll just need to renew your vFlyer, then re-post the html to craigslist as a new listing.

I will look into the renew feature. Here is a link to my vflyer on craigslist. I'm so psyched I think I may have to blog about this also. Can't thank you enough for your help!!!

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/rts/240645627.html

Just an FYI to others, I just created a vFlyer and tried to post it on Craigslist and I received a blocking code error. I did use the appropriate form to dispute the blocking code, but I'm wondering why they would block it at all.

Anyone else get this issue when posting to craigslist?

Aaron, I see that you took my suggestions seriously about making vflyer more REALTOR friendly. Thanks

I have used postlets and have been pleased with it so far. Thanks for the info on vflyer! I look forward to trying it!

Craigslist has an account feature, this feature allows you to edit/delete/repost ads with just a few clicks. The account is free and it is a simple e-mail confirmation. You will want to log-in before pasting the HTML into Craigslist (CL) so that you can track your ads. It is a great tool. I highly recommend making the account. You will see the link for it towards the top right corner, first click on "post" then a new apge will open, on this page at the top right corner it will say "apply for an account" - again it is just a few blank lines and an e-mail confirmation.

RE: Blocking: if you have an ad on CL already, it will block a duplicate post. You need to rewrite the HTML, or main info. Other than that I have not seen another reason for blocking other than: Some HTML practices like embedded video do not function on CL, also some language fonts, photos are okay, but not flash or other technologies.

Thought we'd share another Free posting tool for you...

http://agents.realivent.com

Enter your listing once, get Free Listing Designer tools (unlimited pictures), Free Virtual Tours, Free Blogs (with your featured listings)...

Let is know what you think ?

Pierre, was that directed to me? I can't tell. I would like to say no because it has nothing to do with my issue, but then I thought maybe you completely misunderstood what my issue was and didn't want to seem rude by not responding.

Has anyone had any issues with posting vFlyer in Craigslist while their logged into their account as why would anyone post something without an account to track their posts anyway?

I have been using Postlets but was unaware of VFlyer. Thanks for sharing. Not sure of the success of Postlets on my most recent listing (yet) but sure liked the ease of using it and the ability to add a bunch of photos. Using Craigslist is a given - have been doing so for years.

Using Postlets...thanks to you. Read this post and did some homework today. Thanks for the insight.

As a Virtual Assistant who is assigned to plugging in Listings everywhere possible...I like Postlets. One cool feature I like that's not mentioned is the Gallery of Postlets. Not only can I view one listing, but I can see all of the listings that I have in gallery form, and send the link to anyone to view. Its also great for Seller Reports~

NOV

2006

Donna: LOL, I don't see how that could seem like a "completely misunderstood" response. I posed a direct answer to "blocking" and supplied a few reasons why ads get blocked on CL. None of those things may apply to your post, that's fine, but they are reasons for ads getting blocked on CL (flash, video, some sort of embedded file, or non-conforming HTML). good luck!

Many agents do not know about the "account" feature, it was only added early last year...some people are scared to "sign-up" for things (spam) and don't realize how easy it is. (working with 500 agents, several times a month, for over 3 years, training on e-marketing has proven this fact to be true).

Actually, Pierre, you edited your comment as I received both emails showing the original response and your updated response. Your updated response came about 10 minutes or so after I entered my response. Your initial response did not acknowlegde my question in any form or fashion. And actually, my question still is not answered because I have violated none of Craigslist's rules with posting from vFlyer, and I'm awaiting a response from them for why it was blocked.

yes, of course I edited the comment, the first comment was a response to an earlier post. When I posted it I saw your post and then edited it to add the bolded text in regards to "blocking" - the initial response WAS NOT for you. We just got our wires crossed, i wish these were time stamped. The 2nd edit in bold was..... so let's start over "hi :)"

CL is a consumer monitored site, people can flag anything they like, some unethical brokers (competing brokers) have been known to "flag" listings or e-mail accounts and get them blocked... eventually CL should get back to you. If you did nothing wrong in the html, and no one is flagging you, try posting under a different e-mail address as a test. Hope this helps, I can only offer what experience I have from posting 100's of CL ads over the last 4 years, you can also check the CL message board at the bottom of the page - it is interactive like AR and someone may get back to you sooner that way. GL (p.s. just use postlets forget vflyer)

I love postlets... especially great for posting rentals on Craigslist. I have not used vflyer but will definitely check them out also.

I used postlets to advertise my mother's home in Hawaii.. added the flyer everywhere I could.

With the HTML you can use just about anyplace that takes HTML formatting..

NOV

2006

I think it would be easier and more objective if you updated the chart to reflect the most accurate information between the two companies versus having readers have to toggle between incorrections made in the original chart.

NOV

2006

I use Postlets for my clients and have been playing with Vflyer over the last week. I haven't made up my mind yet abour recommending it. Being able to customize Vflyer with the agent photo, logo and Realtor logo is a nice touch.

I'm not to sure about all the links (5) back to the Vflyer website. I realize it's free but my agents want people to go to their website, not to go investigate how they made this cool flyer. And they really don't want their competition to figure out how easy it is to use these tools. Yet the very top of the flyer says, "Created with VFlyer Posting Made Easy Find Out How".

DEC

2006

Also check out http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/

Over 70 different template designs to choose from or create your own using a word style editor. See <a href="http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/realtor_flyer_templates.php"> http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/realtor_flyer_templates.php</a> for samples
Upload up to 15 photos per flyer
Submits to: Craigslist, Backpage, Lycos, Google Base, Trulia, LiveDeal, Propsmart, Oodle, Edgeio, RealPropDeals.com, Syndic8, Yahoo's feed, realtyfeedsearch.com and more
Flyer Usability: Includes great google map integration, calculators, slideshow, other listings link that shows other listings you have created, Send to a friend, features, integrated contact form and all contact information. All features work well within craigslist.
Extra Features: Add Full tracking of your flyer with hit stats, email your flyer to homebuyer lists, drip posting feature that automatically reposts in 7 days.
No big banner stuff on the top of the flyers like vflyer has and no ads within your flyer pages
Full web page of your flyer with top menu options

Cost: FREE

DEC

2006

Both good free services if you have time to paste the html code.

Post Your Listings interacts directly with craigslist for over 3 years, we also send to over 16 other web sites automatically.

View other agents in and around www.postyourlistings.com

Gary

DEC

2006

http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/ also gives you an option to have your ad automatically posted to Craigslist and the other directories. If you choose that option, you don't need to copy/paste html, they will do it for you. Does post your listings provide you with different template designs you can choose from? Do you also get a free full color web page of your listing? How many photos can you upload? This isn't obvious from looking at the site. The nice thing about http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/ , vflyer and postlets is that along with your full color flyer being posted to these directories, you also get a free full color web page of your listing which often shows up in web searches.

DEC

2006

I think choice is good, Post Your Listings gives a whole marketing package plus an agent web site is included or links to the existing web page of agents or brokers.

We give several listing flyer templates and lising flyers can be printed automatically in several formats from the web displays.

JUN

2007

You have to love AR. I had heard an agent talking about vflyer and I had also heard about postlets a while back. I just thought I would google the two and of course....a link to a post on AR about the two. This is just what I was looking for. Thanks for the info.

JUL

2007

Has anyone found the landing page statistics from VFlyer to be of value? Does anyone have a way of generating statistics from Postlets?

Thanks,

John Graham

SEP

2007

I think they're both pretty slick!

Mortgage Calculators

DEC

2007

I'm seeking the same answer as John Graham. I would prefer to use Postlets but is there a way to generate statistics yet like Vflyer? Does anyone know?

Thanks,

Gina LaBarbera

http://www.SunshineStateSales.com

JAN

2008

I absolutely love postlets! We've been using their services for over a year now, and have had great results from their awesome layout. Their flyers really make our listings stand out on CraigsList, with lots of photos & an appealing background.

Who ever said great things aren't free?

great comparison. I use postlets.

JAN

2008

It it crazy to use both? I use v flyer and have has some results. Never heard of postlets. Please let me know...Sharon Harris

JAN

2008

Wow. We were just discussing this on the phone the other day. And I go searching for some help and find your post. Thanks Justin. Always just where I need help the most.

Postlets.com is a wonderful tool.

JAN

2008

Vflyer lets you post more than just 2 photos !!

From Vflyer-

Uploading Photographs

Most flyers contain one or more photographs of the item you are trying to sell or rent.

vFlyer supports as many as 25 individual photographs in the photo gallery.

To upload a photography, simply click the Add Main Photo or Setup Photo Gallery buttons.

You will be taken to a new page that allows you to upload your photos.

I have used Postlets before and it is a great service. I have had to copy/paste the code to Craigslist as well as Backpage though.

JAN

2008

I have used all three before Postlets, Vflyer, and Classifiedflyerads. Extremely useful tools. I appreciate Craig Bartel extra tips. Thanks for the post.

I have both:) The Vflyer, I paid for because I have many listings and the free runs out at 5:) I have many photos and love the widget that it offers. Postlets, also, is a good product and Free. Thank you for your advice, I find it helpful.

It's a Good Life!

Fran

JAN

2008

I use postlets exclusively! its easy to use...great access...and I can place the listings everywhere

I very much enjoy using Postlets. Ease of use, attractive listings... I use it consistently. I have seen some vflyer listings that just don't look as professional, in my opinion.

FEB

2008

I have been using Postlets but checked out Vflyer because of this post. I noticed a statistics tab which is not on Postlets. Have you used that and if so what do you think?? Just thought it might be useful for those weekly updates! Thanks.

FEB

2008

Postlets do look ok to me.

Michael Asgian
photographer

PS. Take a look at our new service
www.homexposure.com

MAR

2008

I will have to check this out!!!

APR

2008

After reading this blog the first time I signed up on postlets and I love it!! I will have to check out vflyers but I am really satisfied with Postlets! Thank you for bringing my attention to it!

APR

2008

Ive been using Poslets & have been happy...I"ll definitely look into the http://www.classifiedflyerads.com/ site though

great post... I signed up for both to see which one was the best, I actually am still using both

APR

2008

Nice post. I am also been using both. Response has been good.

Jay Skinner
Skinner & Associates Realty

Thanks for sharing. Very useful information. I loved being able to compare the two services side by side.

APR

2008

I also recommend http://www.addmorephotos.com/

It free and no need to register or create a login.

Upload up to 25 photos. Then just copy your gallery's link into your classified ads.

You also have a body section of your gallery to include your contact information. : )

MAY

2008

I'm a big fan of epropertysites.com - I like their layout, similar to postlets. They do not have a very large syndication base - but for the price you get a lot of great features like aerial images, street view, virtual tour, upload documents, unlimited photos, education stats, custom menus and custom links. Plus -they have a great support forum. I always get an answer to questions pretty quickly! It seems like no one can beat classifedflyerads.com when it comes to syndication

JUN

2008

I've been using Single Property Sites. It's not free but has a minimal cost and I've seen some SEO advantages to using it. Just curious, has anyone seen SEO perks using the other two mentioned here? I'm always open to a better idea.

JUL

2008

I have used Postlets but not vflyer. Postlets still requires lots of work even after the post. Lately we have been using post1ad for rentals and getting a very good response. They are not free but in Orange County they seem to know the market better than any other service.

Micahel

JUL

2008

This is an excellent post showing the comparison and various syndication benefits. I wonder how realbird stacks up. Has anyone had experience with that product?

Vflyer offers widgets whereas Postlets does not (as of yet)

JUL

2008

I've been using Postlets for some time now and have also recently started using classifiedflyerads.com (which I learned about on AR). I really like them both.

JUL

2008

I've used vflyer but never postlets. I think I'll check it out. Thanks for the information, All of us on active rain are able to learn for great teachers.

JUL

2008

Thanks for breaking down a comparison between the two that is great!

Another site you can copy and paste your Postlets and Vflyers to is http://www.waldospost.com.

Ads are gettting indexed high on the search engines.

SEP

2008

Thanks for blogging on this Justin... I needed a way to create a flyer in my blog. I was hoping to keep from uploading to yet another site, in addition to my many websites and Realtor.com

SEP

2008

I think both of them are great but this get point2agents into this mix too!

SEP

2008

Justin,

Thank you so much for this post. I have been struggling with this and just started to use Postlets. The other question I have is that one of my sites is with #1Expert and they provide a listing widget on my site -- www.TeamJodi.com. I have put this widget on my personal blog www.chapelhillncrealestaterealtor.com. Number1Expert also replicated our listings across many more platforms than VFlyer. Because of this I have been unclear of the benefits of Vflyer and whether it made sense to take on another expense. We recently found Postlets and thought it seemed like a great tool. Do you think it is ok to include a Postlet for each listing on Active Rain? Should I remove my listing widget from my personal blog and just upload my Postlets? Any help you can give me on this would be most appreciated.

Jodi Bakst, Chapel Hill, NC, www.TeamJodi.com, Jodi@TeamJodi.com

This post is two years old yet still relevant. I had not heard of waldospost dot com for real estate listings so I will check that out. Nice that there is always new information here.

SEP

2008

Thanks, Thanks & More Thanks for this well written post. As stated, it contains some very valuable information and is still relevant today. I was wondering specifically about the listing limit for V-Flyer for the FREE Service. This helped alot!

I love the information that you provide on Tomatoe Coach. Thanks!

NOV

2008

I just discovered Postlets after trying a few other flyer type sites. I LOVE POSTLETS! I am hooked.

I love postlets as well. Use it for every listing!

NOV

2008

I just looked into postlets wow this looks great.

DEC

FEB

As mentioned prior, two years later and still relevant.......This posts has such valuable information. I just started using poslets and love it! I have heard of Vflyer and have been too chicken to look into. You have inspired me and i will look into. Very well written posts. Thank you......Happy & Healthy 2009.

FEB

I have been using Postlets for a while. I am a little confused because I did not thing v-flyer was free. I also highly recommend looking at Classified Flyer Ads. They have the best syndication and a number of excellent tools including good widgets, an SEO package, virtual tour, a texting feature (click to talk) and more. I will be putting up a post about them soon.

MAY

Postlets is still free - it only costs money to "upgrade" to add more photos

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