Residential Real Estate | Marketing | Real Estate Tools | Direct Mail
If you're a real estate professional who works in the world of real estate marketing, you know that the industry is constantly evolving. With so many tools and strategies available, it can be challenging to determine which ones will be most effective in attracting and retaining clients.
In this post, we'll share 11 actionable and proven real estate marketing ideas that you can start implementing today.
Whether you're looking to expand your client base or simply stay ahead of the competition, these ideas will help you stand out in the crowded real estate market.
From leveraging social media to hosting virtual tours, we've got you covered.
Let’s dive in…
1. Host a community service event
2. Hold a referral contest
3. Leverage partnerships
4. Launch a direct mail marketing campaign
5. Invest in a text message marketing strategy
6. Invest in virtual reality (VR) technology
7. Develop a podcast
8. Create compelling video content
9. Collaborate with local influencers
10. Utilize chatbots across your digital properties
11. Offer personalized home buying and selling plans
1. Host a community service event
By organizing and leading a community service event, you can not only make a positive impact on your community but also gain the trust and respect of potential clients. When people see that you care about the well-being of your community, they are more likely to trust you with their real estate needs.
So, how do you get started? First, think about the needs of your community. Is there a local park that needs cleaning up? A community garden that needs tending? A local shelter that could use some help? Once you have identified an area of need, contact local organizations and volunteers to help you plan and execute the project.
Remember to market your community service project to potential clients! Use social media, email marketing, and other channels to spread the word about your project and invite community members to get involved. You can even partner with local businesses and media outlets to increase your reach and generate buzz.
2. Hold a referral contest
In the world of lead generation and marketing, nothing beats word-of-mouth referrals. One of the best ways to grow your pipeline is to encourage existing clients to refer their friends and family to your business by offering them prizes or discounts. For example, you could offer a gift card or a percentage off their next purchase for each successful referral.
Not only does this incentivize your existing clients to spread the word about your business, but it also helps to establish trust with potential new clients who are being referred by someone they already know and trust.
To make the contest more exciting, consider offering prizes for the clients who refer the most people. For example, you could give out prizes like a weekend getaway or tickets to a popular event in your area. This will motivate your clients to really get the word out and refer as many people as possible.
To promote your referral contest, use your social media channels, email marketing, and other marketing channels to spread the word. Encourage your existing clients to share your contest on their social media pages to increase your reach.
3. Leverage partnerships
If you're a real estate professional looking for innovative ways to market your business and generate more leads, leveraging partnerships with other local businesses can be an effective strategy.
By teaming up with other professionals in the real estate industry, such as mortgage brokers or home builders, you can tap into their existing networks and expand your reach to potential clients who may have yet to hear of your business.
One way to leverage partnerships is through cross-promotion. For example, you could offer to feature a mortgage broker's services on your website or social media channels in exchange for them doing the same for you. You could also collaborate on joint marketing campaigns, such as hosting a home-buying seminar or creating a co-branded newsletter or blog.
By partnering with businesses outside the real estate industry, you can reach new audiences who may have yet to consider buying or selling a home before. For example, you could team up with a local interior designer or home decor store to offer tips on staging a home for sale or partner with a landscaping company to offer advice on boosting a home's curb appeal.
To find potential partners, start by networking with professionals in the real estate industry and attending local business events. You could also reach out to businesses directly and pitch the idea of a partnership.
Overall, leveraging partnerships can greatly expand your reach and generate new leads for your real estate business. In addition, by working with other local businesses, you can tap into their existing networks and build your reputation as a trusted and knowledgeable professional in the real estate industry.
4. Launch a direct mail marketing campaign
While many businesses focus on digital marketing strategies, traditional direct mail marketing campaigns can still be effective when done right.
One of the key benefits of direct mail marketing is the ability to personalize your message to each recipient. By addressing the recipient by name and tailoring your message to their specific needs and interests, you can make a stronger connection and increase the chances they'll take action.
For example, you could send out a mailer highlighting recent home sales in the recipient's neighborhood or offering tips on preparing a home for sale. You could also include a special offer or promotion to incentivize them to contact you.
Ensure your direct mail campaign is effective and that your mailers are visually appealing and easy to read. Use high-quality images and graphics, and include a clear call to action that encourages recipients to take the next step, such as visiting your website or scheduling a consultation.
Another important consideration is your target audience and that you're sending your mailers to the right people. For example, if you're targeting first-time homebuyers, consider building a list of new homeowners in your area.
While direct mail marketing can be more expensive than other marketing strategies, it can also be highly effective when done right. By personalizing your message and targeting the right audience, you can stand out in a crowded market and generate new leads for your real estate business.
5. Invest in a text message marketing strategy
Text messaging, or SMS marketing, is an effective way to follow up with prospects and build valuable relationships. However, it's important to remember only to text those who have opted in to receive texts, which 75% of prospects are comfortable with. Also, make sure your lead lists include mobile numbers, as text marketing only works with mobile devices.
One-on-one text messaging is the ideal format for follow-up texts, which should be personalized and customized, even if sent out to multiple people. If your messages come across too generic, you'll earn the reputation of being "spammy," which is the last thing anyone wants to have happen.
There are two main ways to follow up with someone using text messaging: with a question or a value statement. While bulk texting is also a great way to connect with large audiences easily, viewing the replies individually is important so you can follow up with prospects one-on-one.
You can achieve personalization at scale by segmenting your audience and testing value propositions. Implementing a formal yet friendly tone and responding quickly to leads are also important. Incorporating media, such as adding videos or pictures, using QR codes, and including surveys, can enhance text messaging campaigns.
We recommend using text message marketing software incorporating dynamic or templated text fields. With dynamic text fields, you can automatically populate each prospect's information in the text rather than typing it out every time for every prospect.
When considering a text message marketing platform, access to a success or strategy team is also important to include in your evaluation.
6. Invest in virtual reality (VR) technology
If you're looking for a cutting-edge way to market your real estate business and attract potential clients, consider using virtual reality (VR) technology. VR technology allows users to experience a property in a virtual environment, providing a unique and immersive experience that can help set you apart from competitors.
One of the key benefits of using VR technology is that it allows potential clients to tour properties without ever leaving their homes. This can be particularly appealing for clients who may be relocating from another state or country or have mobility issues that make in-person tours difficult.
To use VR technology in your marketing efforts, you'll need to create virtual tours of your properties. This can be done using various tools and software, including 360-degree cameras and specialized VR software.
Once you've created your virtual tours, you can use them across your marketing efforts, including on your website, social media channels, and email campaigns. Also, consider hosting virtual open houses or offering virtual reality headset rentals to potential clients.
Some examples of popular Virtual Reality software used by real estate professionals include:
Matterport offers a 3D camera system that allows you to create virtual tours of your properties. The system captures detailed images of each room, allowing potential clients to explore every nook and cranny of a property from their computer or mobile device.
RealVision offers a virtual reality platform that allows you to create customized virtual tours of your properties. The platform includes interactive floor plans, 3D models, and voiceovers, providing clients a fully immersive experience.
VirtualStagingSolutions offers virtual staging services that allow you to digitally furnish and decorate an empty property, creating a more visually appealing experience for potential clients. The company also offers virtual renovation services, allowing you to show clients what a property could look like with different finishes and fixtures.
Using VR technology in your marketing efforts can help set you apart from your competitors and provide potential clients with a unique and memorable experience. While the technology can be expensive to implement, it can also be highly effective at generating leads and closing sales.
7. Develop a podcast
Developing a podcast can be a powerful tool for marketing your real estate business and establishing yourself as a thought leader. You can build a loyal following and generate new business opportunities by consistently producing high-quality content that offers value to your listeners.
Podcasting is a popular medium that is growing rapidly in popularity. In 2021, over 80 million people in the US alone listened to podcasts regularly. With such a large and engaged audience, podcasting provides an excellent opportunity for real estate professionals to connect with potential clients and establish themselves as experts in their field.
Creating a real estate podcast can help you:
Establish Your Expertise
You can showcase your expertise and demonstrate your industry knowledge by discussing real estate topics on your podcast, which is a great way to build trust with potential clients, who are more likely to work with someone they see as knowledgeable and experienced.
Build Relationships with Potential Clients
Podcasting provides an excellent opportunity to build relationships with potential clients. By consistently producing content that offers value to your listeners, you can connect with them on a deeper level and build a loyal following.
Expand Your Reach
Podcasting allows you to reach a wider audience than traditional marketing methods. Promoting your podcast on social media and other channels can attract new listeners and potential clients.
Stand Out from the Competition
Podcasting is still a relatively new marketing medium in the real estate industry. However, by creating a high-quality podcast that offers value to your listeners, you can differentiate yourself from your competitors and establish yourself as a thought leader.
Some of our favorites include:
The Data Driven Real Estate Podcast
The BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing Podcast
8. Create compelling video content
Video content has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It offers a unique and dynamic way to engage with potential clients and showcase your expertise as a real estate professional.
Creating high-quality videos allows you to convey valuable information to your audience in an engaging and visually appealing format.
Property tours are one of the most effective types of video content for real estate professionals. By showcasing properties in detail, you can give potential buyers a better understanding of the space and help them make more informed decisions.
You can also create how-to videos offering home buyers and sellers tips and advice. For example, you could create a video explaining the home-buying process from start to finish or offering tips for staging a home to sell.
Hosting virtual open houses has become increasingly popular over the last few years and is another way to use video content to your advantage. By hosting a virtual open house, you can reach a wider audience and showcase a property more engagingly than traditional still photos.
In addition to property tours and virtual open houses, you can use video content to showcase your expertise and build trust with potential clients. For example, you could create videos featuring interviews with other real estate professionals or offer advice on buying and selling real estate. By positioning yourself as an expert in your field, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and attract new leads.
To create effective video content, investing in high-quality equipment and editing software is one of the first things you should do. You'll also need to create a strategy for promoting your videos and reaching your target audience. Elements of this strategy may include posting your videos on social media, embedding them on your website, or even running ads to promote them to a wider audience.
Some of our favorite content creators include:
9. Collaborate with local influencers
Collaborating with influencers can be a highly effective way to expand your reach and attract new leads to your real estate business. Influencers, such as bloggers or social media personalities, have gained engaged and loyal followers who trust their recommendations and opinions. By partnering with the right influencers, you can tap into their existing networks and reach a wider audience of potential clients.
When selecting influencers to collaborate with, choosing those who align with your brand and values is important. In addition, look for influencers who are active in your local community and have a genuine interest in real estate. For example, if you specialize in luxury homes, consider partnering with influencers in luxury travel or fashion.
Once you have identified potential influencers to work with, reach out to them and introduce yourself and your business. Be clear about your goals and expectations, and explain how you think a collaboration could benefit both parties. For example, this could involve offering the influencer a discount on your services in exchange for a review or mention on their blog or social media channels.
To ensure that your collaboration is successful, it's important to establish clear guidelines and expectations from the outset. For instance, be sure to agree on the type of content the influencer will produce, the delivery timeline, and the content's promotion and distribution.
By collaborating with influencers who align with your brand and values, you can tap into their existing networks and attract new leads to your real estate business. This can be a highly effective way to expand your reach and establish yourself as a trusted authority.
10. Utilize chatbots across your digital properties
In the world of real estate, timing is everything. The faster you respond to a potential lead, the more likely you will convert them into clients. Chatbots are a great way to increase speed-to-lead and are a valuable tool for real estate lead generation.
Chatbots are automated messaging tools that can respond to inquiries from potential clients in real time. By implementing a chatbot on your website or social media channels, you can provide immediate responses to inquiries and questions, even outside of traditional business hours. This can help you capture leads and start nurturing relationships with prospects immediately.
In addition to providing a quick response time, chatbots can also help you qualify leads by asking specific questions to determine their needs and preferences. This information can help you tailor your marketing and sales approach to better meet the needs of each prospect.
Chatbots in real estate are becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. According to research, 64% of consumers prefer interacting with chatbots for customer service inquiries. Additionally, a study by Drift found that companies that respond to leads within an hour are seven times more likely to qualify them than those who respond after an hour.
In every touchpoint of the sales and marketing journey, clients expect a quick and personalized response to their requests. By utilizing chatbots in your real estate lead generation strategy, you can meet these expectations and increase your chances of converting leads into clients.
11. Offer personalized home buying and selling plans
Offering personalized home buying or selling plans is an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other real estate professionals and cater to the specific needs of your clients. By taking the time to understand your client's unique requirements, you can create a tailored plan that meets their needs and helps them achieve their real estate goals.
To create personalized plans, you'll need to conduct a thorough needs assessment with your clients. Ask them about their priorities, such as location, property type, budget, and any specific features or amenities they're looking for in a home. For sellers, you'll need to assess the condition of their property, the local market conditions, and their desired timeline for selling.
Find and use local real estate comparables (comps) to set expectations around market conditions, historical home value, transaction data, and how a property's location can impact a transaction.
Once you have this information, you can develop a plan that addresses your client's specific needs and preferences. This could include recommendations for specific neighborhoods or properties, advice on preparing a home for sale, or a customized marketing plan to help sell a property quickly and at the best possible price.
By offering personalized home buying or selling plans, you can provide a unique service to your clients that sets you apart from the competition. This approach can help build trust and loyalty among your clients, leading to repeat business and referrals. Additionally, providing tailored services can help increase client satisfaction and ensure they achieve their real estate goals.
