Colorado Springs is NOT one of the 10 best real estate markets right now, but I thank God for our steady and faithful client base in these lean times. However, times are tough and we have to cut the budget and tighten the belt. One of the places we have to show some wisdom is in our advertising budget.

It's my opinion that when things are slow, you have to market better and more...but be careful where you spend your dollar. For instance, in a strong market where there is plenty of steady income flowing in, I may dedicate much of my 30% advertising budget to name recognition sources, such as local radio ads, print ads, grocery cart photos, etc...

In this market, it's more important, in my opinion, to generate actual leads. Some of the places we've been spending more is in internet advertising, (web optimization, relocation capture leads, etc...), and some of the places we've cut back have been local print ads and Open Houses, for instance.

If you're in a "not so great" market area right now, what are some of the things you've been doing to make your ad money pay?

Your advertising dollar is one of the key pieces to the puzzle!!!