In an unheard of move (ok, it might not be unheard of, but it’s still huge!), RODA marketing is going to start giving out free monthly marketing ideas and tips, each time focusing on a new industry inside Lancaster PA because, simply, we are nice like that and we love our home town!
This month we focus on the Lancaster PA real estate industry.
Feel free to implement any of the ideas below into your marketing campaign and reap the benefits!
Tip 1 – Make your website responsive
This isn’t just our advice; this comes straight from Google’s mouth. They have stated in the last few weeks that if your site is not responsive, you will drop in the rankings. Responsive means that your website shows up properly (easy to navigate), no matter what device it is being viewed on. If someone pulls your website up on their iPhone, your site adjusts so that it fits on their phone. The same thing happens with tablets, laptops, and desktops.
According to realtor.org, more than half of Gen Y and Gen X buyers used a mobile device during their home search. Among those who did, 26 percent of Gen Y and 22 percent of Gen X found the home they ultimately purchased via a mobile device. As you can see, most people are surfing the Internet on their phones and tablets now, and if they hit your non-responsive site, they instantly jump back to the search results and pick a new site to view. That new site will most likely be one of your competitors = bad news.
Tip 2 – Build An Email List
It’s 2015, which means if you’re not capturing and collecting emails using multiple different channels (in person, through your website, social media), you better start now. Place a form on the home page of your website and offer something ‘for free’ for people to leave their email address. It can be something as simple as ‘let us know what neighborhood you want to live in and we will email you homes for sale in that area.’ Not only will you receive an email address, but you will also solidify yourself as their real estate agent when a home does open in their dream neighborhood.
Put a sheet at open houses and have people sign in. Or better yet, offer a small giveaway at your next open house and have people leave their email address to be notified if they are a winner.
Tip 3 – Provide A Housewarming Gift to Buyers
When someone buys a house from you, give him or her a small housewarming gift, such as a plant, plaque with his or her name, a door mat, a gift certificate for a local home improvement store or restaurant, etc. Not only will they appreciate this gesture, but it will also be a great way to get your name in front of their friends and family. Often, when buyers move into their house, their friends and family help them move in, and one of the first things in the new house will be the housewarming gift from you. This will cause a lot of ‘that’s great, how thoughtful’, etc., and before you know it your name is in front of many more people! Or, if you are feeling extra ambitious, you can brand the gift with your company name/logo on it so that it advertises itself!
Tip 4 – Write Handwritten Notes Once Or Twice A Year
This one will take a little more effort than typing and printing letters, but the handwritten aspect will be a welcomed change and help you stand out. Just drop your buyers a little note that says something like, ‘hope you are enjoying your new home! If you know anyone else who needs a new home, we’ll be happy to help them!’ Even though people may have loved you as their realtor, they can easily forget to refer you out with everything going on in their busy lives. So a handwritten note once or twice a year is a great way to remind them of their wonderful experience with you. Plus, handwritten notes are all but extinct, so this is a great way to get someone to recognize the extra effort you put into everything you do.
Tip 5 – Be Active On Social Media
Most first time house buyers without a preferred realtor are in the younger generation, and that younger generation spends countless hours on Facebook each day. What better place to find and attract the attention of this crowd than to be active and engaging on Facebook and other social media platforms? Offer industry news, mortgage rate trends, success stories of customers who you’ve helped find their dream home, open houses, homes that just popped up for sale, and more! The more active you are on social media, the more people will remember your name and company, and be inclined to contact you when they are ready to purchase or sell their house.
These are just 5 of countless ideas we wanted to share that can generate more business in the Lancaster PA real estate industry. If you are interested in other ideas, please contact us and we will be in touch to discuss your goals. Also, if you don’t have time to do it yourself, but love our ideas, shoot us an email or give us a call, we would be happy to help!
Happy marketing, everyone!