Monday, May 6, 2024

Lisa Gray

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Lisa is an accomplished marketer with years of expertise in direct response marketing, digital marketing, data analytics and business development working with both B2C and B2B.

    Real estate agents have done an amazing job pivoting their businesses in 2020. You’ve got that Zoom thing down like a pro and have figured out what makes a winning video walkthrough.

    And, just as there was no way we could have predicted a pandemic back in 2019, who knows for certain what 2021 will look like.

    Regardless of what’s to come now’s the time to get dialed in on what will provide optimum success in the New Year based on best practices.

    Americans are a captive audience

    Recently, we suggested you go big on social media engagement, at least during the first quarter of 2021.

    After researching what other agents are considering we also feel the need to urge you to come up with a content marketing strategy.

    It’s easy to get started and it doesn’t have to crush your pocketbook. It all starts with getting clear on your audience and then creating and distributing content to them, consistently, according to the pros at the Content Marketing Institute.

    Get More Listings Scheduled Campaign
    Who are you trying to reach?

    Think carefully about who you are targeting, buyers or sellers, and what niches within those groups.

    Figure out their most pressing concerns and questions. Then, deliver content that offers solutions specific to them.

    Content creation

    Creating content can be accomplished by your own fingers on the keyboard or graphics software or by hiring a writer and/or designer.

    If you have more time than money, the DIY solution is perfect.

    However, if your time is better spent on another part of your business, and money is tight for you, consider visiting Upwork.com or Fiverr.com to choose from among the thousands of freelancers looking for work.

    Once you’ve figured out which topics would be of the most value to your audience, it’s time to get them out of your brain and into an easy-to-read and understandable form.

    That “form” will depend on how you’ve decided to distribute content. For instance, if you’ll be writing blog posts, remember to organize your thoughts in a logical manner and use lots of white space, bulleted lists, subheadings, etc.

    Content Card Series Scheduled Campaign

    Direct mail marketing pieces should follow best practices as well. To ensure this happens, take advantage of the plethora of professionally designed marketing templates available on ProspectsPLUS.com.

    All of the marketing available on ProspectsPLUS! is created by their in-house direct response marketing experts, ensuring you deliver the right message, to the right audience, at the right time.

    Which leads us to a related question:

    How will you distribute that amazing content?

    Content distribution tactics vary and include not only direct mail, mentioned above, but also:

    • Blog posts
    • Ebooks
    • Infographics
    • Newsletters (either via email or direct mail)
    • Social media content
    • Videos
    • Podcasts

    Whichever vehicles you choose, ensure that you can use them consistently, based on the 3-7-27 Law of Branding. That’s the key to a winning content strategy.

    To make consistency easy, take advantage of scheduled campaigns on ProspectsPLUS.com. Schedule an SOI or Farm campaign for up to one year in just minutes.

    You don’t pay until each mailing goes out, and you can cancel or change your order at any time up until the night before your mailing.

    Get started with your 2021 content marketing by launching an SOI Scheduled Campaign.

    Definition Series Scheduled Campaign

    Get your 2021 marketing in place now, so that you can focus your attention on other high-level tasks throughout the new year.

    And, right now, ProspectsPLUS! is offering a 3 Extra Closing a Year Guarantee if you schedule a one year SOI campaign.

    Watch this video (below) to learn more about just how easy it is to launch a scheduled campaign.

    PLUS: When you have time…here are some helpful resources we’ve made available to support your success.

    1. Become a Neighborhood Brand

    Become branded in a specific neighborhood with a 12X15 marketing piece sent automatically each month to an exclusive carrier route. Watch this video to learn more or Click Here.

    2. The Free Real Estate Mailing List Guide

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Real-Estate-Mailing-List-Guide2-3-D-999x1024.jpg

    The Real Estate Mailing List Guide outlines the top tools for generating targeted prospecting lists including Baby Boomers, Empty Nesters, Investors, Lifestyle Interests, High-Income Renters, Move-Up Markets, and more. The Guide also defines done-for-you marketing campaigns to match these markets. –Click Here

    3. The Free 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2020-Planner-3D-999x1024.jpg

    The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Get More Listings, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence. –Click Here

    4. The Free One-Page Real Estate Business Plan

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Business-Plan-3D-Book-New1-270x300.png

    Treat your business like a business it is vital to long-term success in this industry. Some agents may put together elaborate business plans, yet there’s something powerful about keeping it simple. Check out our one page Online Real Estate Business Plan.  – Click Here

    5. Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Become-A-Listing-Legend-3D-Book-White-274x300.jpg

    Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

    6. The Free Online ROI Calculator

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ROI-calculator-b-233x300.jpg

    Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! –Click Here

    7. The Free Real Estate Marketing Guide “CRUSH IT” 

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CRUSH-IT-Guide-3-d-298x300.jpg

    The “Crush It” Guide includes easy steps to launching an effective direct mail marketing campaign, how to create a targeted prospect list, the perfect way to layout marketing materials for success, seven opportunities available to target in your area right now. –Click Here

      Congratulations Jamie Rogers on being our $100 ProspectsPLUS! Gift Card Winner!

      Jamie shared this story regarding her experience using marketing pieces from ProspectsPLUS!,

      “ProspectsPLUS! is so easy to use. Their templates are easy to edit and make your own. Their direct mail service is phenomenal and makes ‘send-outs’ a lot less stressful. It’s a one-stop-shop for all things marketing! I will definitely be using them again in the near future!!”

      Jamie recently sent out postcards from the Multi-Photo Series (below).

      Need help targeting the perfect niche of buyers or sellers? Use our prospecting list tool to create the ideal list (it’s easy) or call our support team for assistance at 866.405.3638!

        So, here we are, finally nearing the end of the year, and what a year it’s been!

        COVID-19 disrupted many of the normal ways that agents do business. From completely virtual showings to drive-through closings in some areas, it’s hard to imagine the industry ever getting back to “normal.”

        What does this mean for your 2021 marketing plan?

        When talking to agents about their 2021 plans, the majority said, social media marketing will definitely play a role in their marketing strategy.

        If you’re among them, make it easier on yourself by creating a section in next year’s marketing plan devoted to everything digital.

        Get More Listings Series
        The best digital marketers fish where the fish are

        When researching where to spend your digital marketing dollars, it’s important to remember that:

        • You are a B2C marketer, not B2B. User statistics aimed at B2B marketers are useless for real estate agents.
        • You have a very specific target audience (Millennials and gen x, age 32 to 56 for buyers’ agents and gen x and baby boomers, age 45 to 75, for listing agents).
        • Your target audience of buyers earns a median household income between $102,800 and $110,900, depending upon age and location.
        • Your target audience of sellers has a median age of 58 and earns a median household income of $128,800.

        Courtesy: NAR 2020 Generational Trends Report

        The fish are hanging out on social media

        If we had to choose just one digital marketing medium to spend the bulk of our time and money on next year, social media would be our choice. We will, however, be talking about some of the other strategies in upcoming blog posts.

        Which social media platform does a real estate agent’s “fish” hang out in? For the past few years, Facebook was hands down the best place to drop your hook. And, not much has changed in that regard.

        • The platform is popular with Americans in the homebuyer age bracket (“79% of 30 to 49-year olds use Facebook,” according to SproutSocial.com.)
        • Listing agents will be glad to know that 68% of those age 50 to 64-years old and 46% of adults age 65 and older use Facebook. 
        • Finally, Facebook users hit the sweet spot in household income as well, with 74% earning more than $75,000.
        Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest

        We’ve mentioned before that the time it takes to be and remain active on Instagram doesn’t typically translate into the number of leads and deals most agents need and want.

        Get More Listings Series

        At least not now.

        This could be due to the fact that the platform’s demographics just don’t fit your target audience. Instagram is most popular with users between the ages of 13 to 29 years of age.

        Twitter is similar in that it is most popular with younger folks, especially those in the 18 to 24 age brackets. As ages rise, the platform’s popularity decreases.

        Listing agents especially, should understand that just 17% of Americans in your target audience’s age range use Twitter.

        Buyers’ agents may find spending time at LinkedIn lucrative. Join some groups, post some content, because the site is quite popular with 30-to-49-year-olds.

        Pinterest is another time and labor-intensive platform, but its demographics fit tidily with your target audience. “The median age of a Pinterest user is 40,” according to Salman Aslam, founder and CEO of Omincore.

        Check out these boards to help you decide if Pinterest is worth your time:

        Consider hiring a social media manager to do the heavy lifting, freeing you to focus on other parts of your real estate business.

        Get More Listings Series

        Send the Should I Stay or Go postcard from the Get More Listings Series to your Farm or an area where you’re currently prospecting.

        PLUS: When you have time…here are some helpful resources we’ve made available to support your success.

        1. Become a Neighborhood Brand

        Become branded in a specific neighborhood with a 12X15 marketing piece sent automatically each month to an exclusive carrier route. Watch this video to learn more or Click Here.

        2. The Free Real Estate Mailing List Guide

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Real-Estate-Mailing-List-Guide2-3-D-999x1024.jpg

        The Real Estate Mailing List Guide outlines the top tools for generating targeted prospecting lists including Baby Boomers, Empty Nesters, Investors, Lifestyle Interests, High-Income Renters, Move-Up Markets, and more. The Guide also defines done-for-you marketing campaigns to match these markets. –Click Here

        3. The Free 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2020-Planner-3D-999x1024.jpg

        The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Get More Listings, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence. –Click Here

        4. The Free One-Page Real Estate Business Plan

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Business-Plan-3D-Book-New1-270x300.png

        Treat your business like a business it is vital to long-term success in this industry. Some agents may put together elaborate business plans, yet there’s something powerful about keeping it simple. Check out our one page Online Real Estate Business Plan.  – Click Here

        5. Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Become-A-Listing-Legend-3D-Book-White-274x300.jpg

        Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

        6. The Free Online ROI Calculator

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ROI-calculator-b-233x300.jpg

        Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! –Click Here

        7. The Free Real Estate Marketing Guide “CRUSH IT” 

        This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CRUSH-IT-Guide-3-d-298x300.jpg

        The “Crush It” Guide includes easy steps to launching an effective direct mail marketing campaign, how to create a targeted prospect list, the perfect way to layout marketing materials for success, seven opportunities available to target in your area right now. –Click Here

          Become a market maker

          Dean Jackson, Founder of GoGoAgent and Listing Agent Lifestyle, is an expert in educating agents on the importance of becoming a real estate Market-Maker.

          Dean states, “Most agents begin focusing on finding a buyer after they get a new listing. Often agents are only focused on getting listings because their belief is they need these listings to be able to find buyers”.

          “But what if you reversed this thinking?” Dean continues, “What if instead of matching buyers and sellers, listing by listing, you become a Market-Maker who’s truly controlling your market?”.

          Just Listed Color Series

          How incredible would it be to arrive at your listing appointment with a list of buyers, you’ve already been communicating with, from the surrounding area?

          As Dean says, “There’s nothing more powerful than this position because you’ve got the very thing that the seller wants more than anything”.

          “Regardless of who else is competing for this listing they can’t win when you already have buyers in hand”.

          When you begin to see your listing appointments in this way you are changing the game completely and taking your first steps toward becoming a Market-Maker.

          NAR statistics show home buyers, on average, move within 15 miles of their last location. This means there’s a good chance your listings home buyers are renters located in the same area.

          Based on this fact, it only makes sense to create a Renter Prospect List in the area that you are currently prospecting/farming and begin marketing to this list.

          This will allow you to show up at your listing appointments already armed with a list of prospective buyers.

          Renter Prospect List pinpointed on map

          In fact, you can demonstrate this by printing out your Renter Prospect List in map form on ProspectsPLUS!. Use the List Management Tool under your account options to do this.

          Then, take your map with you on your listing appointments.

          Show this map to homeowners and tell them you’ve been looking for their home’s buyer for months.

          State you have a pool of potential buyers you’ve been communicating with that live in the surrounding area. Then, discuss the high probability that their home buyer is on your list (based on statistics).

          Imagine the feeling you’ll have selling this listing to your own buyer – that’s a true Market-Maker!

          Watch this video (below) to see how to build a list of High-Income Renters and then map your list and print it out.

          How to turbo-charge the buyer pool for your current listings

          If you already have a listing and are getting ready to send out your Just Listed postcards, here’s how to increase your buyer pool and the odds of selling this listing to your own buyer.

          FIRST: Choose your Just Listed postcard on ProspectsPLUS! and complete any edits that you may need.

          NEXT: Once you get to the “proof screen”, you’ll see a blue box in the right vertical column (See photo on right).

          Click the yellow “add renters list” button inside the blue box.

          BAM! you just added a list of renters, in the same area, to your Just Listed campaign.

          It doesn’t get any easier than that to increase your buyer pool, and the odds of selling to your buyer, for that listing.

          Bottom line

          Whether adding a renter list to your existing just listed campaign or marketing to renters in your farm area, the most essential item you can have in your arsenal is a large pool of buyers within 15 miles of your listings.

          While other agents are discussing (with fingers crossed) what they’ll do to find a buyer once the listing agreement is signed you stand alone because you’ve already done the work.

          Multi-Photo Series
          Send a Just Listed postcard from the Multi-Photo Series to a radius surrounding your listing.

          Don’t forget to add a list of renters to your just listed campaign to increase the odds of selling to your own buyer.

          Need help targeting a specific niche of buyers or sellers? Use our prospect list tools to create the ideal list (it’s easy) or call our support team for assistance at 866.405.3638!

          By The Way, Happy Giving Tuesday Everyone!

          PLUS: When you have time…here are some helpful resources we’ve made available to support your success.

          1. Become a Neighborhood Brand

          Become branded in a specific neighborhood with a 12X15 marketing piece sent automatically each month to an exclusive carrier route. Watch this video to learn more or Click Here.

          2. The Free Real Estate Mailing List Guide

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Real-Estate-Mailing-List-Guide2-3-D-999x1024.jpg

          The Real Estate Mailing List Guide outlines the top tools for generating targeted prospecting lists including Baby Boomers, Empty Nesters, Investors, Lifestyle Interests, High-Income Renters, Move-Up Markets, and more. The Guide also defines done-for-you marketing campaigns to match these markets. –Click Here

          3. The Free 12 Month Done-For-You Strategic Marketing Plan

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 2020-Planner-3D-999x1024.jpg

          The Real Estate Marketing Planner is a powerful 12-Month-Guide that strategically defines what marketing to do when. Four key market segments are included, Niche Marketing, Get More Listings, Geographic Farming, and Sphere of Influence. –Click Here

          4. The Free One-Page Real Estate Business Plan

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Business-Plan-3D-Book-New1-270x300.png

          Treat your business like a business it is vital to long-term success in this industry. Some agents may put together elaborate business plans, yet there’s something powerful about keeping it simple. Check out our one page Online Real Estate Business Plan.  – Click Here

          5. Become a Listing Legend Free eBook 

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Become-A-Listing-Legend-3D-Book-White-274x300.jpg

          Ready to take a vertical leap in your real estate career? If you’re looking for inspiration…and the tools and methods to dominate a market and go to the top in real estate…you’ll find them in this free book. – Click Here

          6. The Free Online ROI Calculator

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is ROI-calculator-b-233x300.jpg

          Consistency and automation are the keys to success. Discover how effective direct mail marketing can dramatically increase your bottom line. Enter your statistics in our Free online ROI Calculator and click the ‘CALCULATE MY ROI’ button to see your results instantly! –Click Here

          7. The Free Real Estate Marketing Guide “CRUSH IT” 

          This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is CRUSH-IT-Guide-3-d-298x300.jpg

          The “Crush It” Guide includes easy steps to launching an effective direct mail marketing campaign, how to create a targeted prospect list, the perfect way to layout marketing materials for success, seven opportunities available to target in your area right now. –Click Here