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There May Not Be Safety In Numbers.....Following The Crowd May Not Work!!

By Barbara Todaro

Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

August 07, 2011 08:21 AM

Following the crowd may not be the best decision, when it comes to marketing.If everyone is blogging, as an example, what will separate you from the rest?Those with the most knowledge about SEO should be the leaders.When few participate, the world is yours!!

If everyone does print advertising, the one who has the largest ad will probably receive the most calls.When few are using this source, your ad does not have to be large.You’ll have no competition.

Do you analyze the use of the various methods of marketing in your marketplace?It’s important to observe what others are doing and document their success within your area.One should track the variety of marketing used by the competition.You may find that the most successful methods are not used by many agents.

"Success can be achieved by anyone, if the right methods are used."Selection of those methods is another task that deserved time and much thought.No one said real estate was easy, butIt sure is fun!!

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Joan Whitebook

BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH

Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

You make a lot of good points. I still see a lot of those postcards and newsletters with recipies. I am not sure how successful those things are. I have started a "from the desk" of campaign with a real estate update and then somehting of interest to the homeowner... it has been a success.. It is difficult to get an handle on what is working.

Aug 07, 2011 08:26 AM

Lora "Leah" Stern 914-772-4528

Coldwell Banker, 170 N Main Street, New City NY 10956 - New City, NY

Real Estate Salesperson

Barbara, you make a good case for not going with the flow. Here's a case of where standing out from the crowd should be our goal.

Aug 07, 2011 08:30 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Joan....marketing has always been a series of tests.....every area is different and every agent has a different niche....marketing is not an easy task....it's always a test and change or adjustments are necessary.

Leah....never go with the flow....unless you've tested it and it works well for you....you marketing of that same method may be VERY DIFFERENT from what the gang uses.....

Aug 07, 2011 08:46 AM

Christine Smith

Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA

Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

Barbara...it amazes me still how few agents in my area are blogging consistently & effectively. We need to stay a step or two ahead of everyone else.

Aug 07, 2011 10:02 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Christine....there are few agents blogging and doing direct mail marketing.....I'm not sure what they do....probably not print....I truly believe that many agents rely SOLELY ON MLS FOR MARKETING.

Aug 07, 2011 10:11 AM

Debbie Gartner

The Flooring Girl - White Plains, NY

The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers

Excelletn pt. In the land of the blind, the one eyed Jack is King.

Anyway, I'm glad that aren't many in my industry blogging. But, there are definitely some national competitors doing pay per click and SEO. thankfully, I'm doing pretty well and I think order of entrance is important so hopefully, this will serve me well in the long run.

Aug 07, 2011 10:36 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Debbie....maybe that will serve us all well.....

Aug 07, 2011 10:43 AM

Gary Berset

RE/MAX Executive Realty, Medway, MA 02053 - Medway, MA

My marketing methods are in place and I'll continue to use them until they stop working.

Aug 07, 2011 11:46 AM

Jane Peters

Home Jane Realty - Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles real estate concierge services

I am so bad at looking at the stats. It is so important so that you can see what is working and what isn't.

Aug 07, 2011 11:49 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Gary,.....if it works, keep using it....

Jane....we need to know what works and what doesn't....it'll save you money in the long run....

Aug 07, 2011 11:52 AM

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX

Selling Homes Changing Lives

Nice post Barbara and a good time to re-evaluate what's working and what's not! We all have to be more frugal when it comes to marketing, but we still have to decide the most effective way to advertise so that we get our messages across.

I know that when I get the same marketing piece of material from different peopel, I just toss it out or shred it (save the landfills). There's nothing unique about it so I don't even bother. I think we all have to be creative and find some way to market ourselves with uniqueness.

Aug 07, 2011 09:36 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Patricia....deciding what's most effective is very important...

Aug 07, 2011 10:34 PM

Ginny Gorman

RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate - North Kingstown, RI

Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond

Barbara, I'm watching one team that seems to be listing well from pay for clicks & large billboard ads..it is costing a small fortune and i wonder if the net is worth it?!

Aug 07, 2011 11:33 PM

Conrad Allen

Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA

Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Barbara - The 20/80 rule still works with advertising.

Aug 07, 2011 11:35 PM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Ginny....I can relate to that....I seem to be spending more to maintain a certain level of production..... ugh

Hi Conrad....yes, it does....

Aug 07, 2011 11:38 PM

Susan Morrison

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Franklin, MA

My marketing is planned for the year. I'll make changes if it stops working.

Aug 08, 2011 12:32 AM

Brenda Mullen

RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX

Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Always need to relook what is working and what isn't and try to think outside of the box :). Sometimes it can be hard not to follow the crowd of some tried and true methods, but these days, blogging and online marketing are the way to go :)!

Aug 08, 2011 01:46 AM

Barbara Todaro

RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA

Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Susan....that's a good plan....

Brenda.....blogging is a win-win.....

Aug 08, 2011 02:00 AM