All Forum Posts by: Dev Horn

At least with our brand, we've found exactly the opposite - that our nice printed signs get more leads than handwritten signs.  Other than us, I know of no one else who has actually "tested" this.  We did an A / B test with the same # of signs in the same places on different weekends in a market in West Virginia.  Now, if you're just choosing between a handwritten or printed sign - with a completely generic message ZERO branding - who knows?  I'd like to see the test results but I think this is one of those things where a lot of urban legends get repeated.

Nikki you are the most CONSIDERATE bandit sign user I've ever heard of.  It seems like you are a super nice person and I think that goes a LONG way in this business.

I like your TrueTribe brand.  It's different, but easy say and remember.  Good stuff!

It's a chicken & egg thing, really.  Yes, you should have some buyers identified, but start looking for motivated sellers ASAP.  It's easier to find a buyer if you have a deal.

A lot of people think you need to know what your buyers want, and that is true, but you can bet there are plenty of buyers for the basic 3/2/2 1,500 sq. ft. house (with an ARV that is below the median value for homes in your market). So start marketing ASAP.

Nothing happens until you get a fish on the hook.  Talking to buyers is kind of like talking to the other fishermen.  =)

 "There are only two things in life, reasons and results. Reasons don't count." ~ Vince Lombardi

Michael is the MAN when it comes to direct mail!  Good luck with your next run....

Truth is, bandit signs are among the lowest cost per call of any marketing technique available.  They are widely hated in BP because (a) they violate city ordinance or codes in many communities and (b) people that don't use them (because of "a") are mad that other people DO use them in their market.  =)

The thing that bugs me personally is people will put them out and then just let them rot off the stick (never pick them back up).  They just assume someone else will pick up their "trash"...

 AdWords is a lot easier than people think.   All you need is a website or just a simple landing page with a form to capture the seller info.  You can go thru the steps to set up an account, you don't have to put in a credit card right away.  Definitely something we all should know.  Get started here:

http://www.google.com/adwords/

You've gotten some great advice from the BP'ers above!  I'll add this ~ Our frequency varies based upon the target group.  For a group we really work hard, like absentee owners with 50%+ equity, we hit those guys once per month.  Other groups, such as probates, we hit them maybe every 2 months.

As a rule, we follow the Rule of 7 which is the theory that it takes 7 touches to get people to ACT (buy, call you, whatever...).  We actually never stop mailing to our main groups like Absentees & Sr. citizen owner occupants.  We replace the lists with fresh data every 6 months and keep on rolling...

But there are special groups like expired listings or tax liens or divorce that we might just hit once or twice near the event and not necessarily continue mailing to them.

Also, think about how DIRECT MAIL fits into your larger marketing strategy - we also like OUTDOOR (billboards, bandits, etc.) and ONLINE (AdWords).  If you can do all three, your prospect might see a sign or two, get a few postcards, and see you online.  That's the Rule of 7 across multiple channels.  It's all about staying in people's awareness, reminding them who you are, what you do, and how to reach you.  Combined with great branding, those multiple touches cause people to remember you over time, so they think of you when the need arises in their life.  Good luck with your marketing!

Compare SCOTT YANCEY'S event page to DOUG CLARK'S event.  Look kinda similar??  Please you guys - buy the J Scott's books, not these seminars....

Most of the TV reality star guru courses are put on by one company that just sticks the TV star names on the ads, signs & materials.  I assume that's true about this one.  They pay the TV stars a big check to use their name, and the material was NOT developed by the TV stars - it's just the same old flipping formula (pun INTENDED) rehashed multiple times over the years with the latest TV star names on the "label".

And, don't bet on that pot of gold (financing) they promise you at the end of the rainbow.  They know most people in their program will never find much less do a deal, and very few of the people will qualify for the funding if they find a deal (oh, YES, you do have to qualify for private or hard money).  That is a key to how they get people to pay for the course - making it seem like a slam dunk using their "OPM".  More like "BS".

Rather than a guru course, consider a coach instead - someone that can work with you PERSONALLY (even if it's over Skype) and over a period of MONTHS.  There are a number of great coaches active on BiggerPockets.  (Fat chance you'll see Scott Yancey or Dave & Pete in here offering helpful info....)

"A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who makes you see what you don't want to see so you can be who you've always known you can be." ~ Tom Landry