Real Estate Blog - Home inspection marketing, what to do and does it work?

Home inspection marketing, what to do and does it work?

Hello,

I am relatively new to Active rain. I am a Home Inspector. I am doing a fairly aggressive marketing campaign for 2008. I thought I would do it in stages. Stage 1 was to obtain a dominant presence on the Internet, and I believe I have done that, I am listed pretty high on both Yahoo and Google. Stage 2 was (and still is) aggressive email marketing. Stage 3 is aggressive direct mail marketing, utilizing postcards, flyer's etc. and Stage 4 is to "Hit the streets" and go person to person, introducing myself to every person within a 50 mile radius of Indianapolis.

So there you have it, that's my plan anyway, does anyone out there have any other suggestions or advice? What has worked for you?

Thanks for any feedback!!

Mike

Posted by MC2 Home Inspections Indianapolis Avon Plainfield Brownsburg Indiana on 12/28/2007 12:52 PM

Comments (7)

7 Comments on Home inspection marketing, what to do and does it work?

DEC

2007

Mike,

Welcome to this world. It sounds like you have the right idea. I learned you never stop advertising yourself. Remember, nobody is fully trained and everyone is the best inspector. What is your unique selling point?

People are writing books, web sites and company promoters are all plentiful. Use some of the other information available to us

Keep your face and name out there and good luck to you.

Thanks Jim. I am still working on the unique selling point. I would probably say the one thing that sets me apart from the others is the report software I use. It is very user friendly for me, and extremely easy to read and understand for my clients. No confusing legends for them to try and figure out, no abbreviations, it is very straight forward, and still offers all of the perks as the high dollar software out there.

Thanks again for the encouraging words, and I will keep my name out there!!

Patience and perserverance pay off. It takes awhile to start any new business.

Keep plugging away and put your name everywhere you can think of, including the back of your shirt.

I've gotten several inspections and a lot of conversations from people standing behind me in line somewhere.

I dump about 10,000 business cards a year (about $300 at www.vistaprint.com )everywhere I can find to do so. Typically about 10 at a time, so I have an excuse to come back and see how many are missing.

You might also learn how to unbold your whole post. Bold is emphasis. Not really suitable for the whole post. Detracts from it.

DEC

2007

Mike,

Not to rain on your parade but when I Google "Indianapolis Home Inspection" I didn't see you in the first page. My question would be "what search words are you dominate with?"

Fundamentally you are on the right track however you really need to think about a combined attack with pinpoint accuracy. Realtors get bombarded with tons of email and direct mail pieces. You need to plan your attack to get through the noise. Secondly you cannot hit everyone at once. Narrow your focus to offices that you believe you will have more success with and go after them.

I agree with Jim, have a unique selling proposition. I include a 90 day home warranty with all buyers inspections. Email me for details.

//Rick

Rick Bunzel
Pacific Crest Inspections
Affiliate of the Year 2006-2007
WWW.PacCrestInspections.com
360-588-6956
Fax 360-588-6965
Toll Free 866-618-7764

JAN

2008

Hey Rick,

Yeah Google has changed the way they index websites recently and it dropped me from the first page to the second. No prob there, i'll get back to the first page. I am pretty good with websites as I have ran a few before.

As far as being unique, I did look into the Home warranties with AWC and HWA, and I decided against it, as it simply costs too much, and honestly, it really isnt "unique" anymore as it appears that every home inspector on the block offers those now. According to the realtors I have spoken with, offering the home warranty is really more of a way to cover your butt in the event you make a mistake. I'll still keep that option available for the future though since the trend seems to be going that way. I am still thinking about the unique selling point thing. I know the whole thing about business is to do something totally different than anyone else...still brainstorming

Thanks for the input!

JAN

2008

Hey Mike: Sounds like you are excited about growing your business; your excitement and enthusiasm will carry you but do prepare for a down time every so often. I agree with all of the above; market yourself but most of all always be honest; your honesty and reputation will get you to the finish line. Always think long term and always reach across the isle to help a new comer inspectors. If you are not sure about something don't ever hesitate to ask for help from another inspector.

Good luck and look fwd. to reading your blogs.

Hill Country Inspector

JAN

2008

Hey Carl, thanks for the support!! I appreciate the kind words. I like what you said about helping newer inspectors, I truly wish more in our profession throught like that.

Thanks again, and we'll be seein ya in the rain my friend!

Mike

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