Is it just me???

By
Real Estate Agent with Royal Shell Real Estate Inc BK3025297

Somewhere, someone must have "written the book" on how to engage and convert on line marketing leads to sales. Apparently, this is one book I've missed.

You know the situation, something- you see on social media peaks your curiosity so you click on it to read more or click to watch the video. The video or the page comes up and the author drones on and on saying the same thing 30 different ways...meanwhile you are probably forgetting why you clicked on the page to begin with.

In journalism college, we called it "burying the lead" and when you were trying to fulfill the number of words requirement for an assignment and you wrote paragraphs of nonsense  it was called, "padding."

I'm sure it is a generational thing, but I find scrolling through pages of copy on a computer screen IRRITATING (yes....I meant to capitalize it!) If for what ever reason the page jumps to another page or is a slow load...that is it, I'm done reading.

Videos...I can't stand them for the most part...unless it is a cute dog, kitten or baby it doesn't keep my attention. I find staring at a screen watching someone speak to me and not saying anything new...as in repeating the 30 different ways to say the same thing script- only on video...well....boring.

Then there is the testimonial part where all these humans are giving their testimony as to how they made their cajillion dollars following this plan. Really....really? I'm truly not jaded, but I'd like to actually talk to one of them and see proof of their cajillion dollars in earnings. When someone publishes the front and back of a real check, I'll be impressed.

Don't forget about the downloads of free e-books. Sadly, the same guy/gal who wrote the website wrote it and it is...as they say in Texas..."All hat...no cattle." In my most prolific day, I don't think I could write so much and say so little.

Of course I signed up so I could get the information, or more information and now I am on the perpetual email list and again, day after day I'll see new letters, saying the same thing in 30 different ways. If I didn't buy it when I sat through the video (or part of it), or read the copy, I don't think becoming my forever penpal until I hit unsubscribe, is going to convince me to purchase.

I actually want to be sold, I actually want to believe...but please people....engage me in a meaningful and believable way and please...get to the point!

 

Posted by

Janet Fetterman, Broker Associate, CAM

Sales Manager, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club

Janet@RoyalShellSales.com

www.GoldenOcala.com

386-299-6393  

 

 

Comments (49)

Bill Reddington
Re/max By The Sea - Destin, FL
Destin Florida Real Estate

Lots of things you say here are so true. Most times unless it catches me in the first few sentences I don't read it all and skip to the bottom. Same with video except I don't watch them. More Blah blah blah..

Jul 27, 2014 06:39 AM
Karen Feltman
Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, IA KW Legacy Group - Cedar Rapids, IA
Relocation Specialist in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Videos are tedious for me too.  It seems that the point is hidden in there somewhere....but I think that as "salespeople" were don't like to be sold any more than our own clients do.  Say what you mean in the clearest way possible and cut to the chase.  :)

Jul 27, 2014 06:57 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Your premise started out with the "how to turn on-line leads in to . . . " that went into the disdain about all things that marketing the "How To" you don't like.  Couldn't agree with you any more.  But, have you thought of another way of turning on-line leads in to viable prospects without being bored to tears with the trite pitches?  What would you like to see in marketing that would, actually, grab your attention?  

Jul 27, 2014 07:10 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Janet- I must agree!  What I dislike about videos, other than the short cute ones, is that they interrupt my flow.  If I'm reading something interesting, just give it to me.  Don't make me stop and either turn my volume up or put on my headphones so I don't disturb whomever's around.  Well done!

Jul 27, 2014 07:40 AM
Jen Silverman
Cotuit, MA
Consider it...Sold. Cape Cod & Plymouth Specialist

I have to say I agree.  Some people go on for hours in what cam be assumed up in minutes.  I speed read through, looking for the important info, check to see if it's relevant or interesting,  and if so I'll read on. 

Good luck!

Jul 27, 2014 07:47 AM
Christine Smith
Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA
Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

I thought I was the only one who couldn't stand videos!

Jul 27, 2014 07:49 AM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

I find it difficult to watch videos, too.  But, Chief Cook is into courses  online now that require the video feed.  It would put me to sleep!

Jul 27, 2014 08:58 AM
Monte Wall
Keller Williams Premier Realty - Katy, TX
Keller Williams Premier Realty - Katy, Texas

There's some truth to the saying "You get what you pay for."  Not much of value when it's free. 

Jul 27, 2014 09:54 AM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Considering that I book a tremendous amount of sales because of video, I am content that people don't want to do it. Just more business for me.

Jul 27, 2014 10:46 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

I know just the kind of video you are describing and I dislike them very much.  Once I discover what it is, I just close it down.  Therefore their marketing tactic didn't work on me!

Jul 27, 2014 12:51 PM
Dawn Brenengen
Dawn Brenengen - Trailwood Realty - Raleigh, NC
Sales and Management

I prefer to read rather than watch videos.  I can just read faster and consume more info that way.  With videos, I'm stuck watching at their pace, not mine.

I enjoy reading real estate and investing forums.  There is so much free and excellent information available from people who actually have their boots on the ground, doing what I do.  Those are the people I want to learn from, not some "guru"...like you guys at Active Rain!

Jul 27, 2014 02:11 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

I was always told to studythe successful people you know in any field. They have things in common and they don't require shipping or handling.

Jul 27, 2014 04:10 PM
Stacy Ann Stephens
Keller Williams Realty CT - 860-704-9070 - Wallingford, CT
Realtor, New Haven & Hartford CT Homes For Sale

Janet, I am a visual learner, however if you haven't gotten to the point with 5mins of the program I am out.

Thanks for sharing. 

 

Jul 27, 2014 08:29 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

And I thought it was only me who had a limited attention span for videos! In the end, a lot can be said that's meaningful and helpful in less than 10 minutes (that's about all I can handle).

Jul 27, 2014 08:59 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Janet...

I have often been told that I am too succinct, but like you, I don't feel the need for padding the information. Very nice post.

Jul 27, 2014 09:32 PM
Janet Fetterman
Royal Shell Real Estate Inc - Ocala, FL
Selling Luxury Lifestyles...

Again, I say wow...this is a hot button for many!

From your comments I conclude the following-

  • it appears that 5-10 minutes of video is the max most of us will endure.
  • Video and copy must be compelling and not repetition for us to continue reading/watching
  • We don't all work alone, having to put on headphones may send us away from the video...having copy to read in addition can save those click aways/postponements
  • we are all pressed for time and are irritated by repetition, we want the meat of the article/video quickly to digest
  • Focus- pinpointed information works best for us
  • build the relationship with us
  • Identify the problem, present the solution and ask for the order
  • statistics show that 60% of the readers don't read below the fold
  • free e-books need to have value and not just be a repeat of the video in text or disguised when really they are just selling of the next product
  • We want a well organized, thought out presentation to keep our attention and logically step us to a conclusion
  • Links to links to links aren't a good idea
  • The suggestion, "CALL THEM RIGHT AWAY!" perhaps a chat pod or a followup immediate real human via phone could engage the reader/listener and take them the rest of the way
  • Testimonials need to show some depth with information and confirmation and not just be boasting

Thank you everyone for this valuable feedback!!!

Jul 27, 2014 11:24 PM
Kim Peasley-Parker
AgentOwned Realty, Heritage Group, Inc. - Sumter, SC

I agree with you completely. I always get bored with things like this, as well.

Jul 28, 2014 12:06 AM
Christopher Ohlsen
Credit Werx, LLC. - Malone, NY

Yeah Janet, most of those folks are making money selling the program not actually implementing it.

Jul 28, 2014 12:11 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

It's all about the media stream, channel used so it is helpful, fresh, creative and pertinent. Videos that show and tell the local events, provide the open house on demand property listing tours when the buyer has the time. No matter where he or she is or the weather, time zone. Curb appeal and unlocked front doors to help yourself, see properties late at night in your recliner, wearing your jammies with a cat on your lap by the mouse you drive. Up and down the cyber streets. Videos work oh oh so so well. Today.

Don't buy books, videos on how to this or that from some rock star last decade marketing whiz. Do what works for you in your market, with your time, budget, and have fun. Getting more listings, having more sales.

Jul 28, 2014 01:17 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I have found turning leads to prospects has a very fine line for success. You have to be fast with the right message before the prospect leaves their keyboard!

Aug 06, 2014 03:50 PM