AGENT RESOURCES
ONLINE TOOLS
Whether you are a seasoned real estate agent with years under your belt or you just recently passed the real estate licensing exam, marketing should be your best friend.
You want to set yourself apart from the competition while at the same time conveying your message that your service is worth the consumer's time.
By growing your online presence, establishing proven marketing practices, and consistently getting your brand out there, you stand a better chance of people finding you. Even more important, you have a better chance of people wanting to work with you.
My favorite tool in my marketing toolbox is by far, Canva!
Canva is an online design tool that is completely free (unless you want all the extra bells and whistles that come along with a paid account, which still only runs around $13 a month).
With this design platform you can create an array of digital and printable items:
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Logos
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Social Media Posts
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Animated Social Media Posts
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Flyers
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Brochures
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Business Cards
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Professional Presentations
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Postcards
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Infographics
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Book Covers
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Guest Cards
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Letterhead
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ID Cards
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Newsletters
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And so much more!
The best part? You can create a great ad for print AND to share on social media as a photo! For printing your flyer, it is recommended to save it in a PDF format. For sharing your flyer on social media, save your template as a PNG or JPEG.
HIRE A WRITER
I can't stress this enough. Hire a writer. Even if it's someone you've found on Fiverr, hire that writer. Not only do most agents have a hard time writing about themselves or their properties, they just don't have the time.
Most people think of content and they think of words written on a page and published to their website. What they don't realize is, content is what drives search engines to find you and they in turn bring traffic to your website. Using keywords throughout your content tells the search engine that your site has valuable content that is useful to the user.
You have more important things to worry about when it comes to listing and marketing a real estate listing. And the goal is to write a unique and creative property listing that will attract buyers and other agents. Let the professionals handle it.
AGENT BIOS
First things first, have your writer create your attention grabbing biography. Having a bio is an important part of your real estate business. You'll be amazed by how many places you'll have to use it so make sure it speaks to who you are, the services you provide, and the care you put into each client.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media makes the world go around and that's true for real estate agents too. Of all the platforms available to you, the best ones for real estate are:
Tik Tok
Stay connected to your clients, gain those referrals and meet new people through social media! It's also a great way to promote your listings so that visitors can share them. Don't forget to use hashtags (#) to make it easier to find your posts.
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters are the best way to convey longer messages, listings, and more, all while creating connections. Believe it or not, some clients look forward to useful real estate insight on their area while others look forward to games, recipes, and local events.
It's all about the rapport you've built with your clientele. Newsletters are also a great way to showcase your expertise on real estate matters.
Mailchimp is a great newsletter platform that's affordable and gives you customizable templates to choose from.
The link above is not an affiliate link.
40+ MARKETING TIPS
How do I market myself as a new real estate agent for little to no money?
1) Create a free My Realty Times account and use their headlines to keep your clients engaged on social media and in newsletters. You can also build your own blog on their website. Demonstrate your expertise to clients and network with agents around the world. All for FREE!
2) Until the property sells, send out Listing Postcards to the neighborhood where you have a listing.
3) Send End-of-Year Postcards to all of your clients, detailing all of the assets you've sold/rented this year. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your skills. If you haven't sold many, don't worry about it; simply use a smaller postcard size.
4) Use MailChimp or another email service to send out monthly newsletters. Topics don't have to be real estate-related, and they're a perfect way to highlight listings, group engagement, social games (such as trivia), and more.
5) Use social media to promote the listings. Make a graphic with a picture of the house, some ad copy, and your contact information. Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are three of the most common social media platforms for promoting listings.
6) Include at least 30-40 images in all property listings, with virtual tours for higher-end properties. You can take pictures with your phone or employ a professional photographer who specializes in real estate photography.
7) Participate in the neighborhood as a volunteer. This is a perfect way to get free ads, but it still makes you feel good when doing good.
8) Join a local networking group, such as the local Chamber of Commerce, and attend luncheons, events, seminars, and such in your town.
9) Attend open houses hosted by other agents. This is a great way to network with like-minded professionals.
10) Email your coming soon listing to other agents outside of your brokerage.
11) Visit apartment complexes and hotels with extended stay clients to leave your business card.
12) Connect with Fortune 500 companies that are always in need of relocation experts.
13) Advertise to military households and find programs that will benefit them.
14) Create a kick-ass email signature that includes your head shot or logo. Most people want to "see" who they are interacting with.
15) Write an eBook (or hire a writer to do it) about your local area, things to do, places to see, or your expertise in real estate. Moving guides are also great and leave a lasting impression on your client.
16) Build your own contractor/vendor list. Homeowners talk to contractors more than you think. A contractor should always have a REALTOR® in their corner. Contractors make great word of mouth referrals too!
17) Include yourself in every online directory available. Find a list of directories on my blog, "Join Directories to Increase Your Online Visibility".
18) Keep a weekly or monthly blog of home buying or selling tips, home maintenance tips, and even the occasional recipe or local events.
19) Write a property description that makes a person want to live in that home. Act as if you are talking to a friend and not trying to sell.
20) Don’t “sell”, just talk. Clients don’t like feeling like they are being sold. Just have a conversation.
21) Send welcome gifts to every client at closing and be sure to ask for referrals. Referrals are a large part of the market you will work.
22) Use YouTube to create informational videos, how-to videos, touring the area, and whatever else comes to mind.
23) Attend real estate seminars in other states if you have the opportunity. It’s great networking as people are always moving and relocating cross-country.
24) Create a kick-ass bio and content for your website.
25) Manage your time and communications above all else. This can directly impact your professional image on so many levels. Use Google calendar, a CRM, and anything else you need to stay organized.
26) Network every chance you get, even in the grocery store, at the movies, or anywhere conversation about real estate arises. Carry business cards everywhere you go. Personally, I love the designs available on Zazzle.
27) Send holiday cards to past clients to keep you fresh in their minds and to show you care.
28) Do what you say you’re going to do. Always.
29) Send out Just Sold Postcards to the neighborhood you’ve listed and sold as soon as it closes.
30) Sign up for Angi. More and more people are searching this online directory for more than contractors.
31) Use Dropbox to store photos and documents for future reference.
32) Use Facebook to create event pages for your open houses.
33) Use Realtour.biz for flyers and other marketing services.
34) Browse Fiverr for endless possibilities. Everything you can imagine you need for your real estate business can be found on this website of freelancers waiting to help you.
35) Use Animoto to create videos for your brokerage, a listing, or to showcase other areas of your services that you want people to know.
36) Use Biteable.com to create unique and creative videos of your listings or services.
37) Use Zamzar.com to convert pdf files into jpeg or png files and much more. This is ideal for those pdf docs that you need as a picture.
38) Add your brand logo to t-shirts and other gear using TeeSpring.com
39) Wix.com is a great and inexpensive platform for creating professional websites without all the technical knowledge needed.
40) Microsoft is still a great option for documents and spreadsheets, but Google takes it a bit further. Use Google to create documents, questionnaires, and more!
41) Google is still a great option for email, document storage, and more!
42) TextStudio is an affordable option that allows you to create unique text for any marketing project or name logo and more!
43) Create your own QR code that can point to your business card, website, property listings, or wherever you want them to go!
MOST IMPORTANTLY, TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT YOU HAVE A REAL ESTATE LICENSE
CLIENT GIFTS
Client gifts are a wonderful way to make a lasting impression and ensure that more clients share their referrals.
For Buyers, my home care guide with journal is perfect! Agents have requested to personalize this journal for their own clients (I include their logo on the cover).
This homeowner journal is ideal for all. Included in the journal is a home maintenance tip for each month of the year, 150 pages, including lined journal space, and a few pages at the end for important contacts. It's everything the homeowner needs.
For Sellers, you might consider a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
For Renters, a gift card to a local retailer.
EMAIL TEMPLATES
Here are ten follow-up email templates for real estate agents to send to clients. Feel free to copy and paste to edit for your needs.
Initial Follow-Up after Meeting:
Subject: Great Meeting Today - Let's Move Forward!
Hi [Client's Name],
It was wonderful meeting you today and discussing your real estate needs. I'm excited to help you find your dream home. As promised, here are a few listings that match your criteria. Take a look and let me know your thoughts.
Looking forward to our journey together,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Property Viewing Follow-Up
Subject: Feedback on the Properties You Viewed
Hello [Client's Name],
I hope you enjoyed viewing the properties we toured. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine your search. If you have any favorites or further questions, feel free to reach out. I'm here to make the process smooth for you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Market Update and New Listings
Subject: Stay in the Know - Latest Real Estate Updates
Hi [Client's Name],
I wanted to share the latest market trends and a few new listings that match your preferences. Take a look and let me know if anything catches your eye. Remember, I'm here to guide you through every step.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Pending Deadline Reminder
Subject: Don't Miss Out - Deadline Approaching!
Hello [Client's Name],
Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for the offer on that amazing property is approaching. If you need any assistance or have questions, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's secure your dream home!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Follow-Up after Offer Submission:
Subject: Offer Submitted - What's Next?
Hi [Client's Name],
Congratulations on submitting your offer! Now, we await the seller's response. In the meantime, if you have any concerns or want to discuss the next steps, feel free to contact me. I'm here to support you.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Negotiation Update
Subject: Negotiation Update - Progress Report
Hello [Client's Name],
I've been in touch with the seller's agent, and negotiations are progressing. I'll keep you informed every step of the way. Your satisfaction is my priority, so if you have any questions, let's chat.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Pre-Closing Checklist and Details
Subject: Pre-Closing Checklist and Important Details
Hi [Client's Name],
We're getting closer to closing on your new home! Here's a checklist to ensure everything is on track. If you need clarification on any aspect or want to discuss the closing process, I'm just a call away.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Closing Congratulations
Subject: Congratulations, [Client's Name] - You're a Homeowner!
Hello [Client's Name],
It's official - you're now a proud homeowner! Congratulations on this exciting milestone. Should you need assistance with moving or any post-closing support, don't hesitate to contact me.
Cheers to your new chapter,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Request for Referrals
Subject: Spread the Word - Refer Friends and Family
Hi [Client's Name],
I'm delighted we found your dream home together. If you know anyone else seeking a real estate professional, I'd be grateful for your referrals. Your trust means the world to me.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Annual Check-In and Market Update
Subject: Annual Check-In - Let's Review Your Real Estate Goals
Hello [Client's Name],
It's been a year since we worked together, and I wanted to check in on your real estate goals. Let's discuss how the market has evolved and explore any opportunities that align with your plans.
Looking forward to connecting,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Feel free to customize these templates to match your communication style and the specific needs of your clients. Remember, personalized and thoughtful follow-up emails can make a significant difference in building strong client relationships in the real estate industry.
MARKETING YOU
For an extended list of ways to market yourself as a real estate agent, more templates to develop a relationship with leads, and how to market yourself differently from other agents, get the new agent guide to marketing.
ABOUT SYDNEY
Sydney Spence is a seasoned and accomplished licensed real estate agent based in Texas, bringing a wealth of experience to the real estate industry since 2006. Her extensive tenure in the field has afforded her a deep understanding of the nuances of the Texas real estate market, making her a trusted and reliable professional.
As the author of "How to Become an Apartment Locator" and other real estate publications like "How to Get Your First Apartment," Sydney Spence has not only excelled in her practical real estate career but has also demonstrated a commitment to sharing her knowledge with others. Her publications serve as invaluable guides for aspiring real estate professionals, providing insights into the intricacies of apartment locating and the essentials of securing one's first apartment.
Sydney Spence's influence extends beyond the written word. She is the creative mind behind more than 400 journals published on Amazon, showcasing her versatility as an entrepreneur and content creator. Her journals cover a diverse range of topics, reflecting her dedication to offering valuable resources to a wide audience.
In addition to her achievements in real estate and publishing, Sydney Spence has spent over 15 years as a Notary. Her expertise in notarization adds another layer to her multifaceted skill set, emphasizing attention to detail and adherence to legal requirements.
Sydney's multifaceted career underscores her commitment to excellence and continuous learning in the real estate domain. With a track record that includes authorship, content creation, and expertise in notarization, Sydney Spence stands out as a dynamic professional who has significantly contributed to the real estate landscape in Texas and beyond. Her extensive knowledge, coupled with a passion for sharing insights, positions Sydney as a respected figure in the real estate community.
