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3 Marketing Myths You Can Throw Out

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Magnets USA®

By Kristen German

We all have some preconceived notions about marketing, and many times they aren’t very positive. Here are three marketing myths you can throw out the window for good. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to creating a solid marketing plan.

These myths are ready for the trash!

  1. I can get by with only digital marketing.

    With the digital age in full swing, it's easy to believe that marketing can be accomplished solely online - and for little to no cash to boot. While having some form of digital marketing is all but necessary, it is not the only method you should be using. Sure, your Facebook page and website are integral to your business plan. They should be; but how are people finding you in the digital world?

    Sometimes search traffic isn't enough. According to a 2013 study by the UK Direct Marketing Association, 44% of consumers visit a company's website after receiving a mail piece. Additionally, 34% search online for more information about a company. Flyers, business cards, and promotional products can - and should  - lead people to the avenues you have created online. After all, what's the point of having an online presence if no one can find you? Hit them from all angles for the best results.

  2. Referrals and reviews are automatic with a job well done.

    This is a myth we would all love to believe; that you don’t need to ask for referrals or reviews if you provide excellent service. This isn’t always the case. Even if people are willing to review and refer, they might not know where to start. You’ll get a much better return if you let clients know specific ways they can help. They’ll appreciate the initiative.

    Order extra business cards and ask clients to give them to friends and family who might someday need your services. Let them know which websites you prefer to use for reviews. Believe it or not, there are still people who don’t know what Yelp is. If you want to take it a step further, create a section for reviews on your own website. Not only does this make your website look professional, it also saves clients the trouble of searching for testimonials on the multitude of other sites. Remember to remind clients how much reviews and referrals mean to your business - a little encouragement can go a long way.

  3. It’s always best to market to as many people as possible.

    In some cases, mass marketing is the best way to go. However, most real estate agents will find better results using target marketing. Especially when your budget is limited, it’s ideal to have your marketing reach only those who are likely to need your services. It’s okay to start small if you do your research and target the right people. Save more costly marketing ventures, such as direct mail and promotional gifts, for smaller groups that meet certain criteria. If you don’t have a mailing list, but know you want to target a local audience or specific neighborhood, check out the USPS’ Every Door Direct Mail® service. This service allows you to have your mail piece delivered to all recipients in a specific postal route. Then you can use email and social media to reach out to larger groups. It’s all about balance.

It’s easy to let marketing myths trick you into believing that you don’t need a comprehensive marketing plan. This simply isn’t the case. These are only a few common marketing myths that belong in the trash bin. What myths have you heard and how did you bust them?

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