As 2009 approaches, I'm starting to review my marketing plan for the year. Since I have been in the business for over a year and half, I have tried almost every marketing method. What I have learned that has worked for me was of course referrals, followed by advertising in a popular monthly real estate magazine, then the good old fashion door-knocking.
I was never big on advertising in print media, for some reason it never worked out for me, even when I was an event planner. But the particular magazine that I am advertising in now has great publicity and it also gives agents free websites, which I thought was great. Homes and Land advertises in several different regions and when I started receiving phone calls from people that were viewing my ads in other cities a light went off. I immediately thought I have to keep this advertising campaign going.
I would have never thought to advertise in some areas where this book is delivered to, simply because they were not areas that I served, but this definitely increases my reach to potential buyers and sellers. So the Homes and Land ad stays.
As far as referrals go, you can never get enough referrals from friends and family. A week ago, I hosted an appetizer and cocktails happy hour for our little league football moms. I have gotten several referrals from the moms and I try to stay in contact with them even during the off season. There are a wealth of contacts to be gained from these moms and I look forward to building these relationships.
Finally, the good old fashion door-knocking will be put back into my plan, especially since gas prices have dropped to a more managable level. I can easily go out and approach expired and FSBO sellers and just make a day of it. I have compiled great packages for both of these sellers and have gotten a listing from an expired and a potential listing from a FSBO, so I'll keep at this.
I know a lot of agents frown on advertising in print or on door knocking, but since I'm fairly new and have had the opportunity to see what works, I think I will stick to what has brought me results.
Tell me what works for you. I'm open to different strategies and plans.
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