So You're On The Rain? Activerain, And How Our Customers Think

We were out to dinner with college last weekend, when the conversation turned to real estate. I mentioned to the husband, that I recently made a contact, from the internet. More specifically, I went on the explain that I have a blog on a national real estate site.

"So, you're on The Rain" his wife asked.

The fact that she didn't remember the exact name, was of no importance to me. She had visited Activerain numerous times, and really liked it. Although she is a teacher, she is, as she puts it; addicted to real estate. We went on from there, and I actually mentioned that several of the best agents I knew were former teachers. But I also made an effort, to find out which sites she liked the best. 

We often ask other agents which services they use.  This is a referral business, and that makes sense. Why try something, when you can ask a trusted colleague before you spend your time and money. I agree with that, but why not inquire with the public as well. After all, we want to know how they look at things.

Agents think about acquiring designations. We purchase vanity web addresses. But companies that have high marketing budgets do focus groups, to actually ask the consumer they are targeting. I don't know about you, but I don't have a million dollars sitting around, to give to a Madison Avenue firm. So I've began to ask on my own. And the results have surprised me.

More folks know about Activerain than I thought. I get good feedback about the effectiveness of Zillow, Realtor.com, direct mail, you name it. However, my theory that HGTV is taking over the world has only been reinforced. Does every human being watch that network, or is just my sphere?

On Saturday, I was one of the national, megabanks, speaking with the manager on duty. While discussing investment properties, I learned he used the local tax records, two real estate websites and mortgage software. We spoke about which part of each website he liked best, and what he didn't like. We had a good conversation, even exchanged cards. I'm not sure that would have happened without the questions that led to the back and forth.

The good thing about engaging your friends and the public with industry questions is twofold. You are talking about the business. But the more effective result, is that people love to be asked questions, and it means you value their opinion. Well, I guess there is a third- you actually see what works, and most important, how it works.