There are so many ways to farm an area – that is, to build up your brand and credibility in specific neighborhoods. At Printerbees, we often advocate using farming postcards and other in-the-mail outreach.
Postal mail is far less crowded than email marketing, so it can be a great way to stand out about above the crowd. But you know what’s even less crowded than direct mail?
In-person communication.
In this age of email and social media, very few people take the time to make personal connections anymore. As a Realtor®, you can have a big impact if you take some time to nurture your farm on foot. Here are some ideas on how to do it.
Walk a Dog (Or Cat, Or Lizard, Or…)
If you have a pet, take it to your target neighborhood and go for a walk. Pets make a great conversation starter, and you can introduce yourself and get to know residents of the area.
If you have an unusual pet, you can do even better. While I wouldn’t recommend a snake, almost any other animal would help you catch people’s attention and build relationships even faster.
Don’t have a pet? No problem! Folks with pets are almost always looking for a break, so offer to walk someone’s puppy, cat, or other leash-trained animal. You can tell the local residents you meet that you’re helping a friend by taking his or her pet for a walk in your favorite neighborhood!
Of course, be a good neighbor – pick up after any pets that you take walking, and dispose of any waste properly. No leaving it in a yard or dumping it in a home’s trash bin!
Door Knock and Drop Off Goodies
Creating some kind of goodie bag gives you a perfect reason to knock on people’s door and introduce yourself. It doesn’t have to be food, either. You can create something seasonal or even go door to door giving each resident a single carnation.
No matter what you choose, you should have a business card and a door hanger to leave with your goodie bag in case no one answers.
Handing out fun gifts door to door is a great way to build goodwill and help the local residents get to know you and your business.
Take a Walk
Even without a pet, being present in the neighborhood is a good way to meet people and learn about their needs. You can take simple walk through the area, offer to help people where you can, and introduce yourself.
Weekends are the best time to walk through, of course, and evenings can be good as well. Choose days with good weather – not only is it more comfortable for you, but people are more likely to be out and about as well.
Attend Community Events
Community events, such as garage sales, neighborhood fairs, or other local activities is another great way to make in-person connections in your farm area. When you’re at a social gathering, people are already looking to chat so it’s easy to make connections.
When you meet someone, don’t immediately launch into a real estate sales pitch. Instead, focus on common interests and ask a lot of questions. You don’t want to push people away before you’ve even met them!
Get Out There!
These ideas are just a starting point, of course. You can come up with a variety of creative ways to make in-person connections. The basic thought is that when you get out of your office and meet people personally, they’ll remember you. You’ll create a great first impression, and be able to build your relationship from there.
Do you need new business cards or door hangers to get you started on your in-person marketing? We’d love to help. Contact us today!
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