An agent’s client base is never complete. You can never know too many people who are trying to buy or sell a home, and there are always plenty of people who are trying to do one or the other depending on the ebbs and flows of the real estate market at the time.
The question is: How do you build your client list in ways that constantly accumulate new names?
Online Real Estate Marketing
You’d be hard-pressed to find a housing professional who doesn’t understand the importance of the internet. There are some essential sites out there, and then there are some that may be best left unknown. Here are a couple of the top sites to help you get your name out and build your client list by way of online interactions:
- Zillow. Zillow is one of the biggest online marketing tools an agent can have in his or her tool belt. Use it well and wisely because research indicates that nearly 100% of homebuyers are looking to the internet for help when it’s time to buy or sell a home.
- Houzz. Houzz has seen an enormous boom in the number of people who use its services in the past three or four years, and it’s not stopping anytime soon. Create a profile, and start attracting target consumers quickly!
Print Real Estate Marketing
Home buyers may take to the internet when searching, but imagine if they stumbled across the perfect fit when they weren’t expecting it. In this vein, the key to effective printed materials is the copy. Fantastic descriptions are essential in real estate, especially when you’re working as a listing agent.
- Storytelling. Facts are necessary to seal the deal, but you need to grab a buyer’s attention before you can make the sale. Focus on selling a story, and create images that appeal to buyers’ emotions.
- Postcards with coupons. Strike up a deal with a great neighborhood spot, such as a locally loved restaurant, and send your prospective clients a few savings to that business on your tab.
Related: 3 Direct Marketing Ideas You Never Thought Of
In-Person Real Estate Marketing
You can never stop networking. You may overhear a conversation anywhere you go that could lead to your next sale. Maybe your hairstylist will say something about needing a real estate agent, or the guy changing your tires might remark about how he’s having a tough time deciding on the right neighborhood to move to.
Related: 4 Communication and Networking Secrets of Successful Leaders
Opportunities are literally everywhere, and it’s up to you to keep your eyes and ears open so you can be ready with a smile and a shake of a hand when they present themselves.
- Remind your current clients to refer their friends to you.
- Follow up with recent clients to build rapport. This will leave you top-of-mind when they know someone who needs a great real estate agent.
- Attend local events and attractions. That way, you can get acquainted with the local folks.
- Become a local by frequenting small businesses in the area. Learn employees’ names—they’ll remember you when a referral opportunity presents itself.
- Always have cards on-hand in case you meet a potential client who’s just passing by.
In the end, the only way you’re going to continually build upon your client list is to constantly network. Networking doesn’t make a lot of sense if you don’t have high-quality business cards that boast of your brand. A great REALTOR business card is an essential instrument in the networking game, and our team at DGi knows how to put the right tools in real estate agents’ hands. Request a sample pack of business cards today and let us know if you have any questions!
