BUILDING BLOCKS FOR STAYING TOP OF MIND FOR A REAL ESTATE AGENT
We understand that not all of our ideas will resonate with you, so maybe just keep your own list of things that catch your attention throughout the blog. By the end, you’ll have your own custom to-do list, full of exciting ways you can grow your real estate business. Once you have these topics dialed in, it will translate over to social media automatically, but we will address that in a separate blog.
1. Stay educated and share your Knowledge
A real estate agent who has nothing left to learn is retired. There is nothing more off-putting to a client or co-worker than a real estate agent who thinks they have nothing left to learn. Questions will need answers and having to call clients back because you don't know, makes a client question their transactions. I'm not telling you that you have to know everything, but I am saying that education is the heart of bringing value to your clients and colleagues and value is the heart of content!
Educational options for Realtors (other than the required 45 hours for renewal after 4 years)-
-Local Mortgage Broker :)
-Other Colleagues/Mentors
-Your office Manager
-Your Broker
-Your Marketing Coordinator
-IVAR Classes
-CRMLS updates to policies/Latest News
-C.A.R. literally everything!
-FHFA Reports and Statistics
-N.A.R. Education tab specifically for agents
Don't forget that social media and the internet itself, have endless informational websites, like this one, that have Blogs, Vlogs, and podcasts that are dedicated to nothing but keeping Real Estate Agents educated on new changes and helping agents stay top of mind with there clients.
2. Build a Website - it's 2020
YOUR BROKER'S WEBSITE IS NOT YOUR WEBSITE. Today's buyers and sellers have become used to virtually reaching out to agents rather than driving around town with a Realtor. In 2020 if you can't find someone online then it's not worth your time. Still need more convincing? Let's say I see you on Instagram and I click your website that you linked in your bio. It takes me to your Broker site and now I am distracted because I see other listings that I like and now have moved on to another agent without knowing....... now what?
-"Buyers search the Web first, and while they may not choose their agent there, they make judgments about companies and agents they are considering based on those sites," O'Connor says. "Realtors stand to lose if they allow national sites, like Broker sites, to upstage them by offering more to consumers. If fewer buyers are in the market, this will become even more important."
A nationally accessible Web site is a vital tool for reaching buyers in your local market and beyond. Here are some numbers that might change your mind.
49% of agents feel that their top marketing challenge is generating enough high-quality leads
The Made in America Movement, 2020 Real Estate Report
79% of sellers are more likely to visit their home with an agent who has their OWN website with MLS property search
The Made in America Movement, 2020 Real Estate Report
95 % of home buyer visit real estate agents personal websites during their home search
The National Association of REALTORS®, 2018 Report
- Think about this, that means if you do not have a website, you are fighting for only 5% of home buyers!
3. Start Blogging
Did you know content marketing (aka blogging) costs 62% less than traditional marketing but generates 3 times as many leads? Every time that you publish a blog post, you're giving Google more content index. This will make Google more likely to suggest your site first in search results when clients google real estate topics in your area. Blogging also makes you the "expert", builds trust and also keeps you top of mind if you are blogging regularly.
What do I blog about you ask? Well let's see, you can start from the beginning. What do your clients need to have to buy or sell a home? Information! (in no particular order)
-Credit Repair Options
-Loan Process Information
-Glossary of Terms used in the Real Estate world
-Home Buying Process
-Home Selling Process
-Market Rates
-Responsibilities after buying a home
-Taxes after purchasing a home
-Breakdown of costs in contracts
-Forbearance/Deferment of payments when hard times hit
-Who is involved in the transaction
-Paperwork required to get pre-qualified
-How an offer is written
The list goes on......
4. Invest and Grow Your Mailing List
How do you add qualified leads to your real estate mailing list without buying them or gaining them through paid advertisements? Does this sound to go to be true? well, there is a catch....... you will have to invest some time and energy to build it.
You will need to provide VALUE!!
When your emails are un-engaged and stagnant you'll notice that your "open" clicks will drop, and you'll be reported as spam. BombBomb is a great place to start and grab statistics from if you are seasoned. If you are just starting out find and affordable Email Service Provider (ESP) such as MailChimp, that have pre-made templates and drop and drag text to start you off in the right direction.
Engaged Email list means:
- Subscribers open your newsletters and click on your call to action
- Clients will return for help
- Your referral rate will go up
- Leads begin to turn into appointments
- Reviews and Testimonials will shoot through the roof
Promote your email list, include a link to opt-in on:
- In your email address
- On your Facebook Page or ANY business page
- In your social media bios
- at the end of your Videos
- In any and all Ads you pay for
As a consumer yourself, think of what you would expect from an agent and then ask yourself if you are that agent. For more help with these topics feel free to call or email.