Where does your business come from?

Kelly, just got doing a 8 year evaluation of my business and despite websites, social media, farming postcards, etc, 75% of my business over this time period came from repeat or referral business.   Guess "Doing the Right Thing" with my clients has paid off.

Finding what works for you is always the best thing to do. Yes, WE should do the Right Thing always. I spend more time with working sphere of friends, past clients, family, and the intranet with social media.

Love this upbeat Saturday morning post! Repeat and referral business, like many have mentioned, and getting (and keeping) that business by being very visible in this small market!

I agree with you on print advertising being old fashioned, similar to broker opens, open houses, caravan meetings etc too !

Predominantly word of mouth and blogging works for me ...simple as that.

There is no "magic bullet" in marketing.  What works here, might not work some place else.  Try different things, keep track of your results (as best you can) and spend money accordingly.

LOL. Your title reminds of some of my peers. They always seem to want to know how I got that listing or buyer and ask in a very suspicious tone. To which I calmly reply that I performed some lewd sexual act on the client.

I disagree with you about print advertising. When I go to a new area I pick up the "free" magazines to  check out the prices and then I may go on line to see other homes. I don't go on line first. That may change has I become more dependent upon the smart phone. 

HI Kelly...so it's nice to see where another Santa Rosa is... I'm in the northern California wine country!  Great post.  I know most of my business is from referrals, but I have to admit I am having a blast doing blogging, videos and social media.  Gotta get with the program here so am learning it pretty quickly.

I also don't think print is as effective anymore and it is so doggone expensive!  However, there are plenty of people who still like to pick up the magazines and look that way.  So, as in anything, you just need to test, test, test, then adapt to survive!

Happy Halloween!

Mine is mostly referral and repeat, then the rest is through internet marketing, agent referrals and post card mailings.  

Kelly - there was a time when most of my business was repeat and referral ..... the Internet changed all that and now an increasing percentage is directly from the Internet.

A healthy mix is always a winning combination. I use postcards, doorhangers, and most importantly REPEAT BUSINESS!

Great blog, most of my business comes from referrals.

Most of my business comes from referrals by past clients or through networking.  CRS membership has been a big boost to my referral business.

We can see there are a variety of ways to attract business. Just be consistent at whatever you do and it will pay off.

Hello Kelly,

Doing the right thing is a valid and great suggestion.  Thanks for the reminder.

Setting up Google Alerts is a great way to find potential business opportunities.  Google Alerts can also be useful for simply finding keyword specific information and having it delivered to your email inbox for free!

Kelly:

I try to let everyone I talk with know I am a Realtor.  I may drop a comment or two about the current condition of the market or about a recent sale I had, but I am not pushy.  I don't want them to forget I am a Realtor.

Hi Kelly. Social media is certainly the wave of the future. That being said, I still send out short sale postcards and will have a combo email/mail newsletter going out at the first of the year.

Hi Kelly,
Thanks for sharing.
Tracking and knowing where our business is coming from is essential.
I do work closely with my sphere, past clients and the internet.
Have a fabulous weekend!

Great post and wonderful reminders. Thanks for the helpful advice!