As a real estate professional, you know how to market properties. In fact, marketing a home is probably second nature to you. Marketing yourself and your real estate services, however, may be a different matter. For some reason, it’s often hard for some agents to promote themselves as effectively as they could. The next time you’re thinking about marketing strategies, why not think about marketing yourself as you would a listing?
Pre-sale Preparation
Before you list a home on the market, you probably work with the seller to get the home ready for showings. It’s important to make sure you’re prepared, too, by keeping up with continuing education requirements, staying abreast of the real estate market, and being current on industry issues and local happenings.
Put the Sign Up and Advertise
One of the ways that potential buyers know that a home is for sale is by seeing the sign or an advertisement. Potential clients need a sign to know that you’re open for business, too. Get your name out there through ads in newspapers, local publications, community event programs, billboards, or giveaway items like mugs, hats, and t-shirts.
Write a Listing Description for Yourself
When you list a home, you give a lot of thought to the main features and selling points to include in the online MLS listing description. How long has it been since you’ve updated the information about yourself that appears on websites, LinkedIn, social media, and other places? Think about your particular strengths and how the service that you provide makes you different from other agents, and be sure to highlight those facts.
Showings
To sell a property, you have to show it to potential buyers. To sell your services as a real estate professional, you have to show yourself to potential clients. Meeting people in person goes a long way toward building professional rapport and trust. Find ways to get out in the community by volunteering your time, offering to speak about real estate at seminars and workshops, and attending social events.
Get Help from HSA
You probably already know that HSA Home Warranties bring valuable, convenient protection to real estate buyers and sellers, but did you know that HSA can help you with marketing, too? In addition to answering questions and ordering warranties, the HSA sales team is available to deliver marketing materials, speak at sales meetings, and help you build solid, long-term client relationships. And, if there’s a covered mechanical failure after closing, the new homeowner will turn to HSA to solve the problem, freeing you to spend more time on marketing or closing more deals.
Follow Up
It’s always a good idea to stay in touch with clients after closings to maintain friendships and to capture repeat business and referrals. It’s also a smart business practice to follow up with potential clients after meeting them, making a sales call, or sending them marketing materials. A brief note, text message, email, or phone call lets them know that you are a good communicator and that you want their business.