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A new agent's first marketing efforts

By
Real Estate Agent with UP Realty

I am a new agent trying to spread my wings in the Austin market.  (In fact, this is my first blog post.)  I have been working diligently on a leads database and so far I have 100+ names and addresses and email addresses collected.  Since I have no SOI - these are all people of whom I do not know. 

I am trying to decide how I will reach out to these people in my database.  Note, this will be my first ever marketing venture as a Real Estate agent.  I have a background in marketing, as I used to work as a producer/project manager for a design boutique.  so I am familiar with direct mail and internet marketing techniques, etc.... However, I would like to pick your brains as to which technique you would recommend:

1.  A postcard, tastefully designed with some catchy copy, not necessarily introducing me as an agent, but perhaps with a move-up sort of promotion or listings in the area....?

2.  A letter which would introduce me as an agent in the area (not saying that I'm NEW) but a little about me and why I would be a good choice, etc... with 2 business cards enclosed (one for them and one to pass on).  This would be a little more personal, seeing as the letter will greet the reader by name and I can sign each letter.

3.  or should I skip the direct mail altogether and hit 'em with an email campaign?  I could enroll in Constant Contact and embed a nice image in the email - so it's not just a boring, image-less email. 

Some things I will need to keep in mind when developing any 3 of the pieces above is this:

1.  What is going to make them NOT throw the postcard away - or delete the email right away?

2.  What is going to make them pick up the phone and call me - or send me an email?

3.  How can my marketing collateral stand above and stand out from the rest?  Is it through the design itself?  Or my message?  Should I offer some sort of incentive? 

4.  What can I do to make them share my information with others?

What do you all think?  What has worked for you? 

Latonia Parks
Top Bragg Realty, Fayetteville NC, Home of the 82d ABN DIV - Fayetteville, NC
Certified Military Relocation Expert

Your post received a lot of great comments that I too will use to enhance my business.  I am a big fan of putting myself in places I normally wouldn't make an effort to go.  Being part of a military community allows me an opportunity to meet a lot of folks.  I don't go in pestering anyone but I do make it a point to "forget" to take my name tag off sometimes.  If I don't have on my name tag, I wear my REALTOR pin.  Try adding that to your marketing efforts.

Jul 11, 2008 08:24 AM
Michelle Hall
Century 21 Hecht - Denver, NC

This is a great post, I am learning so much. 

Jul 11, 2008 07:14 PM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

My advice would be to do what you feel comfortable doing....everyone has an opinion.  Try different things, and be willing to admit if and when one thing doesn't work.  That will they keep it stuff takes time.  I know I have had feedback that says they don't like Pushy Agents :) :)

Jul 12, 2008 08:27 AM
Anonymous
Not Yet Licensed

Since I have no SOI - these are all people of whom I do not know. 

Good evening Christi,

Welcome to Active Rain.  Everyone has a SOI.  Even if you're brand new to Austin, you should be meeting people every week.  Some of them will buy/sell a house in the next 12 months, or they know someone who will buy/sell a house in the next 12 months.  Plus, you are expanding your SOI in another way by blogging here.  Once Active Rainers get to know you, this community could also open some doors for you.  One last thought.  I agree with David Matney: Promote the fact that you're with the progressive Austin Texas Homes.  That's a big hammer.  Use it to your advantage.

Jul 12, 2008 12:46 PM
#47
David Daniels
Owner of FlyersToYou, Inc. and former Top Realtor - Hemet, CA

Christi,

Okay...I couldn't help myself!!! Every time I came back here to read new comments...I saw your photo, and though "Dang it..she's so pretty...but she's hiding in the shadows!!"

To help you come out of the shadows...I did a little "graphics magic" on your photo. If you want to use it...simply right-click on the photo below and choose "Save As' to download it onto your computer. Then, go back into your AR profile and upload the new one.

Ohhhhh...and how did your appointment turn out the other day??? I'm sure all of us want to know!!!

Dave

Jul 12, 2008 01:35 PM
Kate Elim
Dockside Realty - Spotsylvania, VA
Realtor 540-226-1964, Selling Homes & Land a

Hi Christi...Congratulations!  You have teamed up with a known winner.

You've received plenty of good advice and you'll receive even more from Jason. 

As far as the phone calls, please be careful and abide by the "Do Not Call List" guidelines.

Keep us posted on your successes.

Kate

Jul 12, 2008 01:48 PM
Thomas Hargreaves
TriStar Financial Services - Eugene, OR

Kristi,  so how have your marketing efforts gone so far.  We have not heard from you since your first post? 

                                       Tom

Jul 15, 2008 04:52 AM
Kevin McGourty
Realty ONE Group - Phoenix, AZ

Kristi - Looks to me like you have already made a lot of friends. :) AR is good place to pick up a lot of tips on blogging.

Jul 15, 2008 06:22 AM
Christi Baylor
UP Realty - Austin, TX

I am so sorry - I have been out of town for the past few days due to a death in the family.  I will update and comment back to everyone when I get back in town and get my head screwed back on.  thanks again for all of the encouragement and feedback!!!

Jul 15, 2008 06:28 AM
Don Rogers
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Christi,

Welcome to AR and just to let you know Jason is a really great guy and I am sure you will enjoy being a member of his team.

Don R.

Jul 21, 2008 10:35 PM
Dick Betts
TOUCHSTONE REAL ESTATE - The Villages, FL
REALTOR® The Villages, Florida

Welcome to AR, reading your post makes me think you are going to make it!  Too many agents come on board especting things to just happen but sounds like you are going to make things happen

Jul 22, 2008 01:04 AM
Jeff Abram
Magic Valley Realty - Twin Falls, ID

Im sure its already been said but i can tell you what I've been doing.  I have 75 people that i know or have come into contact with the first thing i do is send them a postcard.  Now understand that 3 quarters of them are going to see it and pitched, then in a few weeks i back that up with a letter that starts off with hey i just wanted to follow up with you regarding the postcard i sent.  I have found in a very short time, "Do Not Use Lables On Letters"  hand right the address in and put a return address on it as well with out your name (unless you know them well) this way half the fight is over with its in the house and their not sure if they know who sent it so their going to open it up then you have their full attention.  I just started another referral campain with people i've never meet before i send them a letter introducing myself and my new service.  I offer them a Dinner to the resturant of their choice or offer them a $50.00 gas card each referral that they get me and signs with me.  Thats the key if you do it they referral has to sign in order for them to get the gas card or the dinner. 

Its work pretty well out 60 people i've gotten 4 listings and 3 buyers out of it but its new like as of 3 weeks ago.  So its all a work in progress.

Jul 22, 2008 03:32 AM
Christi Baylor
UP Realty - Austin, TX

Wow, Jeff - thanks.  I like those ideas.  I definitely think hand writing the address is the way to go - and even using an envelope that is colored, as opposed to plain white - then it will look like a card or something - and it will get them to open it and not just write it off as junk mail.

Jul 22, 2008 03:37 AM
Jeff Abram
Magic Valley Realty - Twin Falls, ID

OH yeah remember you never have to tell someone your new in the business.  I've been in since April and i learned this phrase from my real estate instructor when someone asked how long you been in you just say this?:

 

I've been in this business long enough to know that if i dont a first class job for you, not only will i lose you as a repeat client but i will also lose your family and friends.  And as you know referrals are the life blood of a Realtor. 

Now you can reword it anyway you want not use but is helped a few times.

Jul 22, 2008 03:38 AM
Gary J. Rocks
Juba Team Realty - Jefferson Township, NJ

Kristi

I like your first blog, you have so many responses I just don't have the time to read them. The three listed above are all good for after you have established a contact with a person and or his family.

I find when you are out going and caring that is where the big payoff comes in, when you meet people introduce yourself as a Realtor but dont be pushy. Try to learn more about them and what they like, it will help you to remember them the next time you run into them and now you will have something to talk about other than Real Estate, they will know who you are and what you do without you telling them. When they ask for your card then get other contact information from them and follow up.

People will like you and trust you when you care more for others than yourself.

Jul 22, 2008 06:13 AM
Vicente A. Martinez
Prudential Douglas Elliman Licensed Real Estate Salesperson - Woodhaven, NY
Realtor, Brooklyn - Long Island - Queens Homes

Hi Christi and welcome to active|rain. There are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here. Be sure to check them out. Best of luck and see you around.

Aug 19, 2008 04:44 PM
Sean Reilly
Re/Max of Ocean City / The Reilly Team - Ocean City, NJ

I liked David Matney's advice about introducing yourself.

Have you found any of this advice to be more helpful or work better than others?

Good Luck

Sean Reilly

Oct 12, 2008 01:48 PM
Melissa Nimmo
Pargin Realty ERA - Albuquerque, NM

Just want to say thanks all for the great tips and information.  I am now in Christi's same position, new to the industry and trying to decide the best way to send out that first letter to my SOI letting them know I am geared up and working in real estate.  All your tips and tricks for Christi have been great reading. Thanks, Melissa Nimmo - Albuquerque NM

Apr 13, 2009 02:37 PM
Michael Emerson
Keller Williams Realty - San Juan Capistrano, CA

Lots of good information to digest. This is a business where there are many ways to be successful. But you must start with strong relationships and push out with visibility and availability.

Mar 16, 2010 08:50 AM
Anonymous
Jimmy Farag

It is 3 AM and I couldn't sleep without reading all the comments. Great info and couple of ideas that I like, specially that I am planning to give the postcards a try.

I've been in the business for almost  year now and bottom line, let the whole world know that you are doing real estate. I have my name tag on all the time at starbucks, grocery store, gas station, doctor, etc.. and people will start the conversation with the regular question:"How is the real estate market doing?" Be ready with an answer that will lead to a back and forth conversation, don't give the one word answer:" Market is ok" or "Market is good".

Online marketing is the future but I still believe in the mix marketing.

Use facebook, I got my first listing and first buyer from facebook just by updating my status of what I am doing, what's going on with real estate, funny stories with clients plus my general life updates so friends wouldn't be bored of just reading about real estate.

Flyers: I am planning to do flyers with similar message like my postcards, I am planning to do some jogging for an hour 3 times a week in different neighborhood each time and pass the flyer myself. Hitting 2 birds with one stone :)

I enjoyed all the info in this blog and will follow it, I really want to hear more results and success stories.

Mar 23, 2010 08:22 PM
#63