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Archive for Real Estate Marketing Ideas

3 Tips for Marketing Success in 2020

By Nadine Larder on January 3, 2020

New Year 2020

Happy New Year!

I’m excited to have made it to another year – and another decade! – and most people I know feel the same. There’s a sense of possibility at this time of year that I cannot get enough of.

It’s a time of making plans, trying new things, and getting better than ever!

Do you have a marketing plan for 2020? I hope so! If you don’t, there’s no time like the present to create one. Here are some tips to make sure your marketing is super successful in this new year.

Use a Mix of Marketing

Every year brings its fair share of trends, new hot media, and flavor-of-the-day marketing. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of these ideas as long as you don’t undermine the foundation of your outreach.

One thing that will never go out of style is a mix of marketing approaches. Focus on print marketing and farming, social media, your real estate website, and in-person outreach.

Don’t feel like it has to be complicated. Simply doing one thing in each category is a great place to start.

One approach might be:

  • One farming postcard per month
  • One Facebook post per day
  • A new blog post on your website each week
  • Door knocking or local events once a month

If you do this type of marketing, your ideal clients will be seeing you on multiple platforms all the time – which reinforces that you are a high-quality Realtor® and one they can rely on!

Have Fun With Video

Seemingly everyone enjoys consuming video content. 45% of people watch more than an hour of video on Facebook or YouTube each week.

While the foundation of your marketing approach is the mix we mentioned above, there’s nothing wrong with using some video if you have the ability. You don’t need expensive equipment – use your smartphone or computer camera to capture a candid video or go live on social media.

A lot of Realtors® find video intimidating, but it’s easier if you just think about it as if you’re having coffee with someone. Be yourself, share useful information, and have fun with it!

Take Advantage of Visual Content

Visual content – which includes both video and images – is a huge force in marketing today. The good news is that it fits perfectly with real estate.

Share images of beautiful homes – either ones you have for sale, or well-known properties in your area. Use these pictures to generate conversation among your followers on social media or your blog. You can ask questions like “What is a must-have in your dream home?” or “Name the most important room in your home – and why!”

Eye-catching images are easy to come by in real estate so you won’t have to do a tremendous amount of work to find them. Take advantage of that to create marketing that makes a splash online and in print.

You can even create infographics of key market statistics or a visual checklist of how to prepare a home for sale. There’s a lot you can do to engage your audience with excellent visual content!

Is Your Marketing Ready for 2020?

The new year is here, so if you haven’t gotten your marketing nailed down you’re missing out. If you’re struggling about how to incorporate a mix of marketing into your real estate business, let us help.

We offer free consultations on marketing strategy, and we have a variety of print marketing options available.

Contact us today for more information!

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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Can You Write a Book? (Spoiler: YES!)

By Nadine Larder on October 28, 2019

Write a Book

One of the ways you can establish expertise for your niche is to write a book. Imagine if you could give out a free short book about how to prepare your house for sale, or another topic that would help build your profile.

But who has time to write a book?

YOU DO! Because you can create a free handout book easily. Here’s how.

Outline the Topics You Want to Cover

The first step is to decide what you want to talk about and what topics are important. Start with the broad idea, and then ask yourself “What do people need to know about this?”

The answers to that question are your chapter titles.

You can honestly make an outline in 30 minutes.

Then what?

Talk!

Here’s the reason this writing is so easy – you’re not writing at all!

You just talk about each topic in order, and record yourself. In the end, you’ll have an audio file with all the information you need.

How long do you talk about each topic? Until you’ve covered what needs to be said. Don’t worry about mistakes or a section you decide you don’t want. You can cut those out when you edit.

Because this is for marketing, it doesn’t need to be a novel-length book. In fact, it shouldn’t be! It should be something that’s helpful and easy for your prospects to digest.

Have Your Audio File Transcribed

Getting your audio file turned into text is time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it. You can hire very affordable transcription services to take your audio file and turn into a draft.

Once you get your first draft, it’s time to review it make your initial cuts and revisions. Just use broad strokes – the granular edits will be done by someone else.

You just want to get it into a form that looks like what you’re aiming for.

Get Your Book Edited and Self-Publish

Remember that this book is marketing material. You don’t need this edited and ready for a publisher. You simply need it well-edited so that it makes sense and doesn’t have typos or ideas that are unclear.

You can hire an editor to take care of this step for you. Shop around to get a good rate and make sure the editor understands what your goals are.

From there, you can self-publish through Amazon using the files provided by your editor. It only takes a few minutes.

Use Your Book for Marketing

From there, you’re ready to go! Use copies of your book to hand out at marketing events, give it away with your business card during pop bys, and generally use it to build your brand and expertise!

This book won’t make you money based on sales – it’s designed to build your personal brand. Having a book with your name on the cover will do so much for your business!

Have you wanted to write a book? Share in the comments!

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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3 Creative Ways to Use Branded Pens

By Anna Spooner on August 5, 2019

Creative Ways to Use Pens

Did you know… the average pen has 7 different users?

People always need pens – and they are always losing them or passing them along. That’s why branded pens can be such a great option for marketing your real estate business.

Are you tired of handing out pens and wondering if it matters? Don’t worry, we can help. Here are three creative ways to use your branded pens to market your business.

Please note: This only works if your pens do! If you have poor pens that rarely write properly, it will reflect badly on your business. Read to the end for a special deal on branded pens from PrinterBees!

Leave it Behind

Be sure you carry your branded pens with you when you go out of your home or office. Whenever you sign something, simply leave your pen behind.

You can do this at restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, and much more. Take the time to pay by credit card inside so that you always sign a receipt. The staff at the store will be happy to have another pen to use, or the customer behind you might swipe it.

Regardless, your pens will find their way all over town without you ever actually handing it to someone. If you feel weird “forcing” your pen on people, this strategy could be perfect for you.

Donate Pens

There are a variety of places that need pens and never seem to have enough. Why not help out? You can donate some boxes of pens to schools, libraries, and community centers. Consider dropping some at restaurants at well – wait staff are forever losing their pens to customers!

When you donate pens, you’re helping others and gaining brand exposure at the same time. As they use your pens, or as customers take them, your brand name and contact information spread throughout your community.

Plant the Idea With a Pen

You can take giving away pens to a new level by finding ways to “plant” your pen in a variety of fun places around your community.

Is there a pen cup at your local gas station or grocery? Drop a couple of yours in there. Set your pens by notepads in hotel rooms. Anywhere you see pens, leave one or two of your own in the mix!

You might not think there are a lot of opportunities, but you’d be surprised. You can also leave a pen in less common areas, like on a library shelf (or three), on a grocery store shelf, and other places that people will stumble across them.

When people see your pens “laying around”, it will help make them aware of your brand. It plants the idea that you are the preeminent professional in your area!

Ready to Replenish Your Pens?

Now that you have some great ideas on how to use branded pens, why not stock up and get started on them?

We have a special deal this week only – $5 off setup for custom pens*! Our pens are only $0.30 each, which means 250 pens is only $75. Get them while you can! Deal ends Friday 8/9.

 

*Sorry, does not apply to existing orders in progress! Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Setup, taxes, and shipping fees apply. Expires August 9th, 2019.

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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Is Your Client the Hero?

By Nadine Larder on June 17, 2019

Customer as Hero

Creating attractive marketing can be a challenge, especially given how many other options home buyers and home sellers have today.

Many times we want to send the message that if they work with us, all of their problems will be solved. They are floundering, and we are the hero coming in to save the day.

However, there’s a more effective approach that catches a lot more attention. It’s centered on making your customer the hero.

Focus on the Customer’s Journey

Most of us, when we create marketing on our website or social media or anywhere else, focus on our own accomplishments. We talk about how many homes we’ve sold or how many buyers we have helped.

The problem is that our customer isn’t focused on us. They’re focused on themselves and their own journey. They are thinking about their job change, or finally fulfilling the dream of being a homeowner, or whether they can get the profit they need on their sale.

When your marketing meets them in this story, it will be significantly more effective. Customer-centric companies are 60% more profitable than businesses where the message is self-centered.

How Do You Make the Customer the Hero?

It’s a pretty significant mindset change to think about your customer being the hero of the story. Instead of you swooping in to save the day, you become Yoda and they are Luke Skywalker.

You’re the guide, helping them fulfill their destiny.

If that sounds over-the-top, I certainly understand. You don’t necessarily have to say that outright in your marketing. But remember, every individual is the star of the movie in their own mind. They’re entirely focused on fulfilling their dreams, and when you dovetail with that you’ll create an instant connection.

Think about how to focus your marketing around helping the client:

  • Fulfill their dream of owning a home
  • Get where they want to be geographically (closer to work, great schools, etc.) and in life
  • Feel a sense of accomplishment about this step in life
  • Enjoy the experience of selling their home

Every Hero Has a Challenge

Think about every movie you’ve ever seen – the hero of the story always encounters a problem that holds them back. They end up needing a guide to show them how to become who they need to be. Then, they overcome the challenge and break through.

The reason this is the story of every movie – from action flicks to romantic comedies – is that we all identify with it. We all face challenges and just need a little nudge to become who we truly want to be.

As a Realtor®, this is your opening. You have the opportunity to become the guide and help your client overcome the challenges of buying and selling. It may not be as dramatic as saving the universe, but helping your customers get their desired results will make them just as happy as if they did.

How can you tie these ideas into your real estate marketing? How can you be the Yoda that your Luke Skywalker needs to finally break through into a great accomplishment?

Be the Realtor® who focuses on your customer’s dreams. It will make all the difference in your business!

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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5 Things NOT to Do in Real Estate

By Anna Spooner on February 5, 2019

What not to do

So far this year we’ve talked a lot about how to make 2019 an incredibly successful year in your real estate business.

But there’s something else on my mind – things I see Realtors® do that hold them back. So today I’m sharing five things you should NOT do if you want to have a great year in real estate.

These may elicit a laugh or a cringe, but either way you’ll learn what to avoid!

Don’t Rely Only on Book Smarts

Getting into real estate makes you think you have it all down pat. After all, you just passed the exam with flying colors!

While that’s certainly an accomplishment, it’s less than half the story. The reality is that real estate is a PEOPLE business! 

If you know all about contracts and escrow, but have no idea how to relate to people, you won’t do well in this industry. Focus first and foremost on your relationship skills, communication ability, and marketing outreach.

Success in real estate is all about connecting to people!

Don’t Listen to “It Won’t Work” From Others

Open houses stink. Cold calls never work. Door-to-door never builds relationships. FSBOs are a waste of time.

If you listen to everyone else’s negativity, you may as well throw in the towel right now. According to them, there’s not a single marketing method that’s effective!

Skip the negativity. Try things on your own. Get some farming postcards. Do popbys. There’s a reason new agents sometimes outstrip an experienced agent at their own game – they don’t have the blinders on about “what doesn’t work” and they just try everything!

Don’t Use a Photo From 1998

I know most of us don’t think time treats us kindly. We wish we still looked the way we looked 20 or more years ago.

There’s a problem, though… remember what I said about this being a people business? You won’t be able to connect with prospects or build relationships if your photo doesn’t even resemble you!

Bite the bullet and get an updated professional photo on your business cards and other materials. Look your best, but look natural as well. You don’t want someone wondering, “If that’s her, who is this photo on the card?”

Don’t Be Afraid to Share About Your Business

No one wants to be “annoying,” and most of us also have a strong fear of being rejected.

If you let that hold you back from talking about your work, you’ll unfortunately be very unsuccessful. Work on building relationships in a large variety of contexts – community groups, neighborhood associations, volunteering, and more.

Within those relationships, there will be opportunities to share about your real estate work and invite them to meet with you. Go for it!

Most of All: Don’t Be Inconsistent

You can do everything right in real estate and make ONE mistake and it will sink you.

It’s this: being inconsistent.

Without consistent marketing, consistent outreach, and consistent relationship building, you’ll never have a consistent business. As a result, you’ll have stress, feast-and-famine, and financial struggles.

Don’t do that to yourself. Keep your marketing and effort consistent this year. Get your marketing materials in order today. We can help!

 

What’s the biggest mistake you see in real estate? Share in the comments!

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Tips to Plan Your 2019 Real Estate Marketing

By Nadine Larder on December 19, 2018

2019 Real Estate Marketing Plan

If you’re like me, things are a little CRAZY for you right now! Between the family obligations, travel, getting and wrapping presents, and much more, you’re probably very busy.

And that’s even WITHOUT considering your business.

As we move through the holiday and into the new year, though, your focus will return. And will you be ready? If you’ve made a 2019 real estate marketing plan, you will be!

Here’s what you need to know to work on your marketing for next year.

Pick Your Marketing Mix

There are two things that make real estate marketing successful – having a mix of approaches, and being CONSISTENT with them.

So what can you commit to for 2019? We recommend:

  • Monthly print marketing (like farming postcards)
  • At least one social media outlet
  • Attending at least one in-person event a month (pop-bys, charity, volunteer, etc)
  • Maintaining your website and encouraging folks to visit (from social media, events, or through email)

That’s not so bad is it? As long as you choose things that make sense for your market, being consistent in a simple mix like this will set you up for success in 2019.

Plan Your Execution Dates

Every element of your marketing plan can have due dates. For instance, decide you want to send farming postcards on the 5th of each month. From there, set dates for when you need them ordered and when they should be addressed. These steps will ensure they are ready for the post office on the 5th!

If you plan to stay active on Facebook, work out a way to post at least three times a week. There are so many things you can do and ways you can share, from simply giving helpful tips to doing Facebook Live videos. Make a plan, write it on the calendar, and do it!

Check your community’s calendar and see when in-person events take place. Write them down, and set deadlines for yourself for any preparation you need to do in advance.

By making a plan, you’ll know exactly what you need to do and when. Each step will prepare you for the next step, and before you know it all your mailings will be on time, you’ll be in the community, and active online!

Evaluate Your Results

It can be a challenge to track the exact results you get from each outreach method, but it is possible. From using special offer links on postcards to doing contests on social media, you can segment your marketing so you know your results.

Start by simply asking yourself at the end of each quarter, “How do I feel my business is going?” If you’re happy with it, keep following the plan!

If you feel like it’s slow, or that you aren’t getting good results in one or more marketing channels, ask these questions:

  • Have I been consistent with my marketing all quarter? If not, how can I improve that?
  • Do I feel that one channel is struggling? What can I do to improve my results?

As you go throughout the year, these questions will help you tweak your approach until you’re hitting on all cylinders for your 2019 real estate marketing plan.

Let Us Help With Your 2019 Real Estate Marketing Plan!

Creating a plan for a whole year can feel overwhelming. That’s why planning 12 weeks at a time can be exactly what you need.

Do you need help creating a plan? We’re here for you! Contact us any time and we can help you strategize and create a winning 2019 real estate marketing plan.

Grab your farming postcards and other marketing materials today! Remember, December is your last chance to write off marketing investments on next year’s taxes.

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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3 Unique Niches for Building Your Business in 2019

By Nadine Larder on November 24, 2018

Niche Marketing

As a real estate agent, it’s pretty clear what you do – you help people buy and sell homes. But if you think about it, that’s a pretty broad statement.

There are lots of kinds of people and lots of kinds of homes. Sometimes, it can make a big difference in your marketing if you decide to niche. When you niche, you choose a small portion of the market and make it your expertise.

Many business owners – including Realtors® – really struggle with creating a niche because they’re afraid to lose customers. The reality is when your marketing is perfectly aimed, you get more of the right customers, and that makes you more profitable!

Here are three lesser-considered niches to think about for 2019.

Second-Time Homebuyers

A lot of real estate agents focus on first-time homebuyers, but it might make more sense – and be more profitable – to focus on those in their second round.

One reason for this is that people buying their second home are usually moving up, meaning the homes you work with will be more expensive and gain you more commission. Also, these home buyers have been through the process once so they won’t need as much coaching and hand-holding.

Another important factor is that there aren’t very many “starter homes” on the market. The market has been really tight for a long time, and helping second-time home buyers will get you access to a broader selection of properties.

New Construction

Builders start over one million homes per month, so focusing on new construction can be a great niche. It’s especially nice because you’re dealing in move-in ready homes, and if you work with a developer you can often help buyers customize the house to their exact needs.

White Square Properties is an example of an Australian real estate agency that focuses on new construction. By looking at their site and their marketing, you can get ideas on how to tailor your message if this niche appeals to you.

New construction can be pricey so you’ll probably be working with established professionals as buyers. You may also have success helping folks who are relocating from overseas or other parts of the country.

International or Foreign-Language Real Estate

Are you from another country, or are you fluent in a language besides English? If so, you may be able to build a business around helping folks from overseas, or folks who don’t speak English as a first language, buy real estate in the U.S.

There are a lot of reasons that international folks move to the U.S. They may be immigrating permanently, or they may be moving here to go to school. Perhaps they are on a work visa for a specific company. Regardless, they need someone to show them the ropes!

Of course, your client – a buyer OR seller – may already live here but simply doesn’t communicate in English well. This can make it easy for them to be taken advantage of. By being the bilingual expert, you can put them at ease and develop a uniqueness that stands out in the market.

Even if you don’t speak another language, developing an expertise in visas, school arrangements at a university near you, and/or other relocation skills can help you build a booming business. Folks from another country don’t know what to expect when they buy here – you can help them with everything from getting a home within budget to navigating the laws and contracts needed.

Get the Marketing You Need for Your Niche

These three niches are areas that real estate agents often don’t think about. Of course, there are also the more common niches, like first-time homebuyers, empty nesters, and retirees.

Regardless, you’re going to need targeted real estate marketing. From postcards to business cards, we have everything you need. Contact us today for more information!

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4 Ways to Make Marketing Fun Instead of a Chore

By Nadine Larder on November 17, 2018

Make Marketing Fun

Do you roll your eyes and sigh when it’s time for another direct mailing? I mean, didn’t you just do one… ok, maybe that was a couple months ago.

Still, a lot of Realtors® see direct mail – and marketing in general – as a frustrating chore. After all, they say, I’m in the business to sell homes, not to market myself!

Legendary copywriter Dan Kennedy likes to say, “No one is in the business of doing something. They are in the business of SELLING the doing of the thing – or they aren’t in business at all!”

Seeing yourself as a marketer, rather than just a Realtor®, doesn’t have to be gloomy. You can make marketing fun instead of a chore!

Here are four ways to do it.

Have Fun With Monthly Farming Postcards

Farming postcards don’t have to be “same old, same old.” While you certainly can reuse a design if you want to – after all, McDonald’s doesn’t create a new ad every time you turn on the TV – it can be fun to be creative.

Here are some options to make monthly farming postcards exciting:

When you create a simple system to get your postcards sent every month, it won’t be such a chore. Or make it even easier and outsource it – we’d love to take care of your mailings!

Be Creative With Video

We recently created a post full of ideas on what to share with your prospects on Facebook Live. There’s no need to be intimidated. Live video is all about just being yourself!

You can make it even more fun by being especially creative with pre-recorded video. There are some absolutely hilarious videos created by real estate agents. Why not get your business on the map by bringing humor into traditional videos?

If you decide to create a how-to video about how to declutter a home and depersonalize it for a sale, go all out and use extreme examples. Make folks laugh while also getting your point across.

It’s fun, we promise – just give it a try!

Mix Work and Play on Your Blog

Creating a blog can feel like a lot of work, but when you create a resource for homeowners in your area, it can make a big difference to your business.

Sure, you want to share that folks can read more now about how to sell their home quickly, but mix that in with fun material as well.

Let part of your blog be a community information page. Talk about everything from where the best holiday lights are to what the new construction on 22nd Street is. People crave that kind of information and it’s often impossible to find!

Also, don’t be shy about sharing funny bloopers, “best of” posts, and even just hilarious memes. Not every blog post has to be a 1000 word tome of wisdom. Sometimes short and sweet is perfect!

Finally, take advantage of the ability to vlog, or video blog. The videos you create for YouTube and Facebook can do double duty when you share them as part of your blog!

Run Social Media Contests

I realize there are a lot of rules around giving away valuable prizes, especially online. What may surprise you is that lots of folks will participate in contests and social media campaigns just for bragging rights!

Consider putting up a quiz about your farm neighborhood, and say that you’ll publish a list of the names of everyone who gets 100%. You’ll be amazed how many people will participate!

Or, make a photo contest where everyone posts a picture of the ugliest knick knack in their home. This can be part of educating your prospects about preparing a home for sale, but it’s also hilarious! You’ll laugh yourself silly about the things that are sent in. So will your prospects!

You can also have people post the top three things they’d look for in a dream home. Not only do people love daydreaming about these things, but you’ll get valuable insight. For even more fun, create a graphic of several popular amenities and say “you can only have three” or “one must go.” You’ll get amazing interaction.

When you become known as someone who’s fun and frequently posts interesting content, you’ll gain followers and the folks who follow you will pay more attention to what you say. That boosts the all-important know-like-trust factor, and can help you win a lot of business.

Marketing Doesn’t Have to Stink

Getting your marketing together doesn’t have to be something you dread. In fact, with these four ideas, you may find that your marketing is the most fun thing you do every week!

You know how vital it is to become known in your market. What I’m trying to impart is that doing that doesn’t have to be a drag. You can have an absolute blast creating marketing materials. And when you’re having fun, your prospects will notice – and they’ll want to be part of what you’re doing!

Are you ready to get some creative marketing started? We have all the postcards and mailing materials you need. In fact, our holiday postcards have a ton of new designs! Grab some today and start having FUN!

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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Create Print-Ready Files to Save Time and Money!

By Anna Spooner on October 16, 2018

Marketing Mix 2

Many people don’t realize that PrinterBees can help you create marketing materials on your own with print-ready files.

Our self-serve site makes it simple once your files are ready. But how do you get your files print-ready?

Here are some simple steps that can help.

Set Up Your Color Mode

You want to make sure you know what color mode the printer requires. We need you to define your colors in CMYK color mode. CMYK indicates Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Keyline (Black).

How do you know what that is? You can convert RGB files into CMYK in Photoshop by simply clicking on Image > Mode > CMYK.

For AI, PDF, PS, and JPG files, you should select the GRACol2006_Coated1v2.icc color profile to ensure your final printed product matches your design.

For specific individual colors, open your image in your design program (likely Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop). With the Eyedrop tool, click on the color you want. Write down the CMYK percentages of the color that you just sampled.

Once you’re in the Advanced Designer software, fill in the colors using the percentages you wrote down. Tada!

Have the Right File Type

The good news is that many, many file types are acceptable in a self-serve printing process. For instance, at PrinterBees we can use TIF, .TIFF, .EPS, .AI, .PSD, .BMP, .GIF, .JPG, .PNG, and .PDF.

We do recommend you use .jpg to keep file sizes small. If you use a different file type, make sure all layers are flattened.

PDF is a great format to be set in pre-press quality, and is a good type of file for use both online and in print.

For our self-serve site, the maximum file size is 75MB. If yours is larger, try converting it to .jpg format.

Leave Room For Bleed

The bleed is the extra margin on a print product that is meant to be trimmed off when the product is trimmed to its final size. We want to make sure there’s no white on the edges of your business cards or other products unless there’s supposed to be!

As a result, we print color and graphics a bit off the edge of the page. You need to make sure your image takes that into account. Each type of product has a different requirement for bleed.

For PrinterBees, bleeds are:

  • 1″ bleed: most business cards, folded business cards, bookmarks, CD packages, club flyers, collectors cards, DVD packages, event tickets, most postcards, rack cards, rip business cards, rolodex cards, stickers, table tents, greeting cards, “wink” special shapes.
  • 125″ bleed: brochures, banners, door hangers, envelopes, flyers, folded hang tags, hang tags, letterheads, mini menus, notepads, posters, posters (wide), roll labels, staggered cut flyer, window clings, window decals, yard signs.
  • 25″ bleed: booklets, calendars, catalogs
  • 3″ bleed: folders
  • 325″ bleed: business cards with round corners in either 2” x 3.5” and 3.35” x 2.17” size. Postcards with round corners in the following sizes: 4” x 6”, 5.5” x 8.5”, 4.25” x 5.5”, 5” x 7”. All special shapes, except for “wink” special shape, which is 0.1″.

It’s important to make sure to keep all critical elements such as text and graphics within the Safe Zone, inside the bleed margin.

Print-Ready Files Can Save You Time and Money

A lot of people love the convenience of preparing their files themselves, and getting them ready for print and delivery themselves.

A self-serve site can be the perfect solution. Whether you need business cards, brochures, door hangers, or any other printed product, check out our self-service options today!

Categories : Real Estate Marketing Ideas
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Real Estate Marketing to Millennials in 2018: What to Consider

By Nadine Larder on October 3, 2018

Today we’re featuring a guest post from Brenda Tushaus, CEO of Minnesota-based RE/MAX Results!

Marketing to Millennials

Millennials: If you’re a Realtor® in today’s market, it goes without saying that it’s important to appeal to them. According to the National Association of Realtors®, Generation Y was the most active age group in the market for the fifth consecutive year, encompassing over one-third of home purchases over the course of 2017.

This trend continues, despite statistics that show millennials are living at home with their parents for longer periods.

Not only are millennials buying at higher rates than other demographics, though, the same study from NAR revealed a number of considerations the younger generation has been taking into account during the home buying process, including the finding that millennials prioritize living closer to friends and family over location.

So how should you as a Realtor® meet the unique needs of millennials in today’s real estate market? Consider the following:

Utilize social media

There is no question that millennials are increasingly embracing social media – whether to directly communicate with their peers, or to find things they’re interested in. Therefore, reaching them through platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn is a great idea.

According to the aforementioned study, those 37 years old and under were the age demographic most likely to work with Realtors® marketing through social media. Ideas for social media might include but aren’t limited to the following:

  • Utilizing and paying attention to Facebook Audience Insights to see how your social media presence is faring: Tweak strategy if you’re not seeing the right results.
  • Enabling Facebook’s CTA (Call To Action) option: This hovers over your business’s Timeline photo and can direct users to your website with text options including: Learn More, Shop Now, Sign Up.
  • Utilizing video – particularly Facebook Live: This is a good way to show off a property on the market. Getting people to tune in provides a sense of delivering an exclusive
  • Setting up Twitter alerts based on keywords: This can alert you to potential buyers.
  • Looking at competitors to see what they’re doing on social.
  • Participating in group chat conversations on platforms (especially Facebook): This can help you build personal relationships and increase credibility.

Focus on your reputation

Millennials are the review-savvy generation. Whether it’s a product or service, they’re more likely to research and read reviews — and write them as well.

According to an eMarketer Ecommerce Insights Report from February of this year, 37.3 percent of respondents between the ages of 18 and 29 said they always look at reviews before finalizing purchases, while just 19.3 percent of respondents aged 60 and older reported doing the same.

Therefore, the answer for Realtors® is to encourage clients to leave reviews and make it easier for them to do so – whether enabling reviews on your Realtor® Facebook page, or through other platforms.

Emphasize energy efficiency

Millennials not only want to save on utility bills by being energy efficient, they also tend to care highly about any negative impacts they might have on the environment.

According to a 2015 global online study from Nielsen, millennials were more willing than other age groups to spend more on things they considered sustainable. Emphasizing features in listings and in-person (when they’re available) such as LEED, geothermal, and solar can be extremely helpful.

There are many considerations when selling to potential homebuyers — no matter the generation. But, without a doubt, millennials are a key demographic to pay attention to. For more real estate tips, read the blog on the RE/MAX Results website.

Highlight modern features

According to a study released by Wakefield Research and Schlage, millennials value smart-home features and 86 percent reported they were willing to pay extra for an apartment featuring built-in automation vs. 65 percent from their parents’ generation.

While this statistic covers apartments, it’s easy to see how it could translate over into the real estate market. Such features, if already installed in a home, should be emphasized. These can include: keyless locks, built-in home stereo systems, programmable thermostats, access to high-speed fiber internet, automated lighting control, and more.

Be available via text and email

No matter who you’re attempting to sell to, it’s always good to be responsive. However, millennials are particularly keen on responsiveness and not only does this include conversations over the phone, but texting and emails as well.

Failure to respond within a reasonable amount of time could have negative implications that could see your prospective buyers heading to another agent.

 

If you’re ready to get your millennial marketing in order, check out PrinterBees. Our selection of farming postcards and other printed materials are the perfect complement to your online outreach!

 

Brenda Tushaus joined Minnesota-based RE/MAX Results around sixteen years ago. Her first position at the company was Technology Manager and since, she has held other roles, including director of recruiting and manager of business development. Most recently, she was named CEO. During her time with RE/MAX Results, she has helped grow the brokerage to over 1,000 agents across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

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