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Internet vs. Print - What Works 4 U !

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Realty NRDS # 146013739

Here is my latest ad for Wednesday's Kudos edition on May 22nd.  It is the last edition before the unofficial start of summer, or more importantly, Memorial Day - a day to remember those who have come before us and have served their country to protect our freedom.  

 

Memorial Day holds a special place in my heart because my son is a Marine, who now works for the Department of Veteran Affairs at Riverside National Cemetery.  I will share one of my husband's blogs about the Real Meaning of Memorial Day as the holiday approaches.  

Kudos Ad for Memorial Day

Getting back to the marketing structure and balance between internet advertising or marketing and print advertising, that I struggle with, I still am not sure what seems to get me more leads. 

Like most of you, I have a lead capture system.  However, I don't think the quality of leads is very high.  I also rank well with my keywords but I don't see the conversion to sales.  I have advertised on Zillow as a Premier Agent but did not see a high conversion rate there as well.  I compare commissions to the actual cost of the advertising, and in the case of Zillow, I spent more on advertising than the amount I received as commission.  To me, that is a no brainer, Zillow...your are fired!  

My print ads have been on Homes and Land, Phoenix Magazine and Kudos.  I got a Luxury Listing off Kudos, when it converts, it will have paid for all my print advertising for 2 years.  My goal was to get name brand recognition.  I have been very successful in that area.  People know who I am in my local market. They recognize my face in the ad. 

So, I am torn between print and internet.  I feel that you need a solid internet presence just to survive in today's market. 

Where do you feel you need to spend your marketing $$s to convert leads to sales?

Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Sheri, in order to be successful I really believe you need a combination of both internet and print.  I recently used a flyer that got great results.... you just have to find what works for you.

May 15, 2013 11:54 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

My husband helps with my marketing and it was a long haul getting him on board for print!  But I agree with you, There has to be a combination of the two.  

I haven't quite figured out whatthe right mix is just yet!  

May 16, 2013 12:26 AM
Andrew Capelli
Troy, MI

Hi Sheri: I agree with Kathy- I think a mix is the best.  The challenege, of course, as you mention, is finding the right mix.  A couple more thoughts: Networking in person is an important component, which is also a great way to promote referrals.  And, the internet isn't just for advertising- It's also a tool potential clients use to authenticate you.  So, it serves a dual purpose.  Good luck, thanks for sharing!  :)

May 16, 2013 04:44 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Sheri, great looking piece, and agree with you a mix of some print and lots of Internet marketing can be effective.

May 16, 2013 10:54 PM
Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

Sheri~ From what I've been reading here on AR, a combination/balance of print and Internet is a MUST. I must admit, I don't think we've been doing either one very well and I plan to change that. We'll probably have to spend some money, but I'm prepared to do that to make the phone ring and reach my goals.

May 22, 2013 11:01 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Sheri, For me it's a matter of cost, value and ROI.  If it works in a particular market ... I say do it.  I'm all about the Internet and saving the trees.  That is a very attractive mailer.

May 23, 2013 08:17 AM