You should be the go to person when it comes to local real estate information. 


 
Have you considered being the go to person for your clients when it comes to navigating the internet waters for useful information? 

If you aren't you are missing an opportunity to become even more valuable in your client's eyes.

 
Think about it.  How much time out of your day do you spend learning about new technology and communication tools that allows you to market, streamline and run your business more effectively.  How much money do you invest in a coach or consultant to turn you unto even more tools that you weren't aware of.  Multiply those hours by 7 days.  How about 30 days.  How about a calendar year?
 
That's an awful lot of time and money invested in internet marketing tools and resource education.  Don't you think your clients would like to save time and make money too?  Wouldn't it be great for your brand to be associated with a way for your clients to save time and money and communicate more effectively?
 
Go on and shout me a HECK YES.  Okay let's talk about the guts of a strategy that makes sense,
 
 


1.  Provide new sources of savings
Provide a valuable savings
 

Designate a section in your printed and mailed or electronically distributed newsletters that point your newsletter recipients to a local website that provide useful information like tips on gardening, finances, and finding local savings on household goods. 


Do you know that many grocery stores publish online flyers and also highlight deals and include coupons on their site. 
Have you ever missed a circular and wished you hadn't gotten rid of the recycling so soon?








 
 
Solve a problem2.  Bring Awareness to Local Services and Resources
 

Highlight a service that your local library provides online.  At my local library you can check in from home, reserve books, check your account to see what you have due and sometimes read local events.  Your local library might even have more services. 

All it takes is a call to your local library and a chat with a librarian.  I find librarians to be some of the most helpful friendly people here on earth- no joke.  I am sure they would be happy to help and greatful for the visibility. 

Ask the librarin if she would like a button that links from the library's .org homepage to your post.  See if you can become the local blogger that posts updates on the library's newest technology related offerings. 
 






3.  Solve a problem

 
Publish a tech post on a communication tool that simplifies your life.  Ahhhh, can you just feel the air that just left your clients mouths as they read your post and it clicked with them.  Relief is such a wonderful relationship building tool.
 
 
Here are 2 Examples,
 
  • GMAIL- Better than outlook because it is web based accessible from anywhere, even a distant relatives from out of town.
  Create a home buying checklist using Google Docs
  • Google Docs-  Home buyers can make the process of home buying simpler by listing their findings after each home finding trip and sharing the results with their real estate agent.  Here's a form sample.  The key to getting the word out is in #1...back to offline marketing again to your SOI and farm area in direct marketing on your business cards and newsletters.  Through your e-newsletter publications.  Spotlight on your home page that links to your blog.  When you are talking to people mention it in conversation and watch their ears perk up.  Everyone wants to make their lives a little simpler.  You get the picture.
 
 


4.  "Get People Tuned in, Taped In and Turned On"
(Source:  Abraham-Hicks)

Lead the way and make the introductions

 
People want to know when they visit a town, laptop in hand, where they can find the Wi-Fi and what it will cost them. 

My post on Wi-Fi in Lake Geneva got good google juice and still picks up activity and because I can easily update it this post becomes a useful handy printable archive that can be cross-purposed into many of my local Internet marketing efforts as a free resource.

 
Are you attending Meetups and Tweetups?  Tune your SOI into these meet and greet activities, show them how to use them, and invite them along.  Now more than ever people want to talk to each other.  These are frustrating times and it helps to get together.
 
If there aren't any in your area...than think about starting one up yourself.
 
 
 




5.   Partner with an "unusual suspect"
 
 
Two heads are better than one.  Turn to the best overlooked places,Local Partnerships make sense your local computer store or local Internet service. It has been my local experience that neither of these service based businesses in my area are participating in social networks nor are they blogging. 

Check on your local tech businesses.  Just because they're into IT doesn't mean they're socially connected.

Why not invite them to join you? 

In exchange for a little reciprocal website link love and content by way of interview that you can use for blog posts on,

  • Virus prevention
  • Computer maintenance
  • Shopping for a new laptop or home computer
  • What not to buy (Insert Mac vs. PC joke here)
You know those funny little useful things that every consumer can use.

 
 

Building your community is key to increasing your profitability.
 
Remember,
  • You are Local.
  • You are an Internet Marketer
  • You are relevant
  • You do care.
You are ALREADY spending the money and the time to be less technologically challenged, socially hooked-up and blog worthy. REPURPOSE your efforts in a meaningful direction.  The research has already been done.
 
Enjoy these five ways to grow your community through Internet Education.
 
Crush the box Someone's going to do it and it should be you.

 

**************************************************************************************

Real Estate Brokers:  Building a solid community is the game  changer for a Sphere of Influence Business Model. Do you want to learn more about building a community through solid and creative internet and offline marketing efforts?  Call #262-203-5231 or email rebecca@realestateskillz.com and ask about the Real Skillz Community Equals Profitablility Seminar.

 
This post has been included in Wisconsin Information Walworth County, WI Information
Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Social Media Marketing
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Real Estate Rookie
Post is included in group: e-PRO Internet Technology

22 Comments on 5 Ways to Grow Your Community through Internet Education

FEB
18

Very nice.  I sometimes forget what we really do have out there as markeing tools.

4:05pm • #1
105,867 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Awesome- Sometimes we (I) get caught inside a box and end up too comfortable. I need to expand my thinking and this post has done just that for me.  THANK YOU

4:20pm • #3

This is great advice! I am often the go to prson in my office and other groups when it comes to computer & technology questions. Why not put that experience to use for my clients! How easy it is to recognize the obvious when someone else points it out! Thank you for your insight!!

4:46pm • #4
146,353 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Great advice. I always think of this but never got the time to do it. You have listed such great detailed stuff to get started. Thank you.

7:37pm • #5
226,326 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Thanks for sharing! I got a couple ideas from this!

10:38pm • #6
FEB
19
179,585 Points 1 Featured Post

Rebecca:  Thank you for the powerful information!

9:04am • #8
Localism Sponsor

Very useful information.  I have added #4 abd #2 to my implimentation list for the next 60 days.  Thanks.

4:08pm • #9
FEB
21
220,250 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router

Rebecca, My goodness --- so much information.  Thank -- I will work at absorbing all of it.  By the way, you have taught me so much.  Thanks for introducing me to Active Rain.

Mama Liz's Signature

1:27pm • #10
FEB
22
336,478 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great thoughts...as usual....places to WI-FI....now you can even do it at George Webb...who'd have thunk... a Big George and the Internet....the 50's meet technology ! Thank you !

8:02am • #11
Localism Sponsor

This is such great information!  Agree with you ~ if you don't give them the information, they are going to get it elsewhere! I'm working on it!

10:11am • #12
138,214 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Normally it doesn't take me this long to comment back, but I was sick with stomache flu and then I have been giving myself some recovery time...so thanks for bearing patience.

Martha and Chuck- Then it has achieved what I wanted it to.  Thank you.

Nance- We all have our own blindspots when it comes to business.  That's why it is helpful to get outside opinions.

Huiting- You are very welcome.  Next time you have a thought start collecting them by writing them down.

Tony- You are very welcome:-)

10:20am • #13
138,214 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Wealth Builder's Network- Hah, I had to go back through my post to see what those were.  Awesome, glad to hear you have made a plan for some action around these items.

Liz- You are so welcome.  It has been a pleasure to see you and some of your Agent Owned Associates embracing Social Networking and Blogging:-)

10:22am • #14
138,214 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Sally and David- It's spreading because of consumer demand.  That audience aka "consumers" keep us on our toes as we should be.

Kelly- Exactly and why shouldn't you be one to provide it?

10:24am • #15
161,766 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Hi Rebecca - great post, I'll bookmark this for when I'm struggling with a blog topic. Nice suggestions on how to solve problems with your blog - and gain local readers.

11:53am • #16
FEB
23
411,194 Points 21 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Rebecca, As usual some great information.  Now can you figure out how to get more hours in the day so I can do more of this. 

10:38pm • #17
FEB
26
138,214 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Kevin and Monica- As service providers we should be problem solvers:-)  Man I like it when someone offers a solution.

Marchel-You don't need more hours because these will work nicely into a successful strategic marketing strategy.

1:36pm • #18
113,338 Points 7 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor

Thisis great, Rebecca!  Even though I am not a real estate agent, this still gives me lots of topics to blog about as well as ways to make myself more useful to my local community.  Thanks!

~Renae

2:54pm • #19

note to self...start w Wealth Builder Network

9:45pm • #21
MAR
01
138,214 Points 29 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Jaime- Thanks for the correspondence.  Good I am glad the universe gave you a signal so I would say start that Wealth Builder Network.

7:47pm • #22

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Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant

Lake Geneva, WI

More about me…

Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision

Address: Lake Geneva, WI, 53147

Office Phone: (262) 203-5231

Email Me

Real estate marketing blog chock full of real estate marketing tips, strategy, advice and inspiration to enhance your real estate marketing skills.

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