All Forum Posts by: Todd Heitner

@Nikki Robinson, Awesome job!  Thanks for sharing your results.

I've read a lot of negative comments lately about bandit signs too.  I'm really glad you shared your results.  If I hear anyone talking negatively about bandit signs, I'll point to your example.  

Also, great job taking action.  Putting signs out is a little scary the first time.  You feel like the whole world is staring at you as the cars drive by.  And they probably are if you're putting them out in a good location.  That's kind of the idea.  As soon as you're back in your car, they'll be looking at your marketing message instead of you.

The thing is, bandit signs kind of have to work.  If you put your message in a high-traffic area, some of those people will be potential candidates for the service you're offering.  If you use a sign that gets people's attention and it's clear how to contact you, sooner or later you'll get leads.  Even if the first time a person puts them out they don't get immediate results like you did, if the message is there on a regular basis, at some point the right person will see it at the right time and they will contact you.

As for it being illegal in some areas, I know it's good to find out about that.  If other people have signs out, chances are even if it's not legal, the authorities aren't enforcing it.  I'm not saying to do something illegal, but in my case I wasn't sure what the law was and I saw other signs out so I put out some too.  What I was told is that the authorities that might care typically work Monday - Friday so if you put them out on the weekend and take them back down before Monday morning you're less likely to have trouble.  So I would put them out Friday after 5PM and take them down either Sunday night or early Monday morning.

I totally agree that you shouldn't just leave your signs for someone else to deal with.  That's the kind of thinking that gets bandit signs banned.  If you put out signs, you should keep a record of where every one of them is and check on them on a regular basis.  If they blow over, pick them up.  If you find that someone keeps taking down your sign in a certain spot, stop putting them there.  If you annoy people, they'll probably report you.  As long as you respect other people and their property, it's less likely to be an issue.

Thanks again for sharing!

Todd

Welcome to BP! Very well thought out post, you've defined your goals very well!

Welcome aboard! You've found a great source of information, and I'm sure you'll benefit from the experience of lots of people with backgrounds similar to yours!

Welcome aboard Chris! You've found a truly great resource at Bigger Pockets!

Welcome to Bigger Pockets! You've discovered a truly excellent place for networking and information, glad to have you aboard!

Welcome @JorgeB , you've joined a great community! Lots of excellent resources availabe, I'm sure you find lots of very useful information!

One place to start would be any products or services that you have personally used and like.  Check to see if they have an affiliate program.

If you can get a feel for what investors need, then look for solutions to those problems.  Some of those solutions may have a way for you to make money through referrals.

Here's one example. Investors usually want to learn new strategies and techniques or learn more details. There's no end to books and courses out there on real estate investing. Most of those programs have some sort of affiliate/referral program. You may have to contact the person selling it to get details. But keep in mind, many of the "gurus" go around selling their products at REI clubs and conferences. Usually whoever is holding those meetings is getting a cut of sales. Information products in particular tend to have a high profit margin, which means room for commissions.

Another example, real estate investors need websites.  Most of the website services for real estate investors have affiliate programs.  I offer investor websites and I have an affiliate program.  That way people who have some connections with other investors can refer people and get rewarded for it.

Typically with online programs you'll get a special link to use that is connected to you so that if someone uses your link it will be tracked to you and you'll get a commission when someone buys.

Thanks,
Todd

I was just going to comment on your question about whether you need a website starting out.

Do you need one?  No, not necessarily.  Would it help?  Probably.

You don't have to spend a lot on one.  You can even get a free one.  There are a couple ways it can help.  One, it builds credibility.  You're no longer just some random, faceless entity sending out junk mail, but can look like a real business and even personalize it and include information about yourself so they know they're dealing with a real person.

A second benefit is that it's low-pressure.  Picking up the phone and calling could mean getting into a conversation with a pushy salesman that will talk them into something they don't want.  A website, on the other hand, is low pressure.  They can get the information they need comfortably and send you their info.

Everyone is different.  Some people like talking on the phone.  Some people hate it.  Some people prefer visiting a website, others don't.  If you include a website address on your mailings, some people might visit it who wouldn't have picked up the phone.

I agree with the comments here.  The website won't do anything unless you're marketing it.  That being said, some do convert better than others.

There are some similar threads on BP where people discussed this.

I know this is a slightly older post, but I just wanted to say that if you're starting out I wouldn't spend a lot on a website, but it still wouldn't hurt to have one.  It can be good for credibility.

You don't need to go out and hire someone to build a custom site for you, that can be really expensive.  Find some pre-made sites designed for investors that are affordable.  Try to find a site that will grow with your business.