BiggerPockets

Realtors Quick Guide To Marketing & Publishing

Whether you're an established or new realtor, you probably already know that marketing is key to your business. You need to constantly market yourself and the properties you are selling in order to make a sale.

There are many marketing techniques you can use. In this article we will focus on four: photography, websites, print materials, and newsletters.

Photography
Nothing is worse that browsing pictures of a property that are too dark, blurry, or taken from an angle that doesn't nicely represent the space. Both you and your clients will be busy with trying to find prospective buyers and dealing with selling activities. Your best bet may be to hire a freelance photographer who has the time and knows how to make a shot look good.

Once you have the photos, there are many ways to use them. After your photographer has digitally enhanced your photos, ask if she/he can put them in a photo slideshow for your website (some photographers may include this with their package). You can also create a brochure or property profile sheet to give to prospective buyers or use as a mail-out flyer.

Websites
It doesn't have to be complicated but having an online presence is essential to your marketing success. Your site could be as simple one page with basic contact information, or more detailed to include:

* A biography page
* More detailed contact information
* Active property listings
* Written or video blogs
* Recommended local resources
* Photo galleries
* City/neighbourhood profiles

Once you have a website, use it to increase your online presence. Participate in social marketing sites like Twitter and Facebook, and be sure to add your site to online directories for your region, industry and target market.

Print Materials
What materials do you leave with prospective buyers to help them make their decision on your client's property? There are other printed marketing materials to help realtors, besides the obvious business cards and brochures.

You could hire a designer to create a Property Profile Sheet. It could have brief details about the property, a few key pictures, and (of course) your contact information.

Depending on your neighbourhood demographic, sometimes a flyer insert advertising a local property or your top listings in the neighbourhood, will work.

Newsletters
As a realtor you can use an electronic newsletter in many different ways:

1. To advertise your active listings every week or month
2. Share property selling or buying tips
3. Share news about your company and your community involvement

The most successful newsletters give more than just company news and information. They offer tips, advice and articles. As a realtor, consider sharing some house hunting tips, or even just some neighbourhood stats, local event listings, or fun facts.

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