Marketing
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Balancing Your Social Capital, One Interaction at a Time!
By NikNik · June 29, 2009 · 7 Comments
Have you’ve embraced social media as a means of marketing your real estate business, but have experienced little in terms of “pay off”? If your answer to this is “yes”….then I ask you to consider the way in which you’ve implemented your social media marketing strategies.
Let’ start with the basic understanding of what social media marketing allots us. Creating profiles on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, and the like offers you a unique connecting experience, otherwise referred to as “ambient awareness”. This is not a new term. In fact, social scientists have been talking about this online phenomenon steadily since 2006. Ambient awareness is the feeling we infer and relate to from what is being shared by those connected to us via online networks. Read full story
Real Estate Marketing: Carving Your Niche
By NikNik · June 17, 2009 · 10 Comments
Targeting your marketing efforts is easier said than done. A lot of agents are finding themselves in scramble mode right now. Just trying to get “it” done. For many, that “it” is just maintaining the basics like client interactions and daily administrative tasks. But if you’re not prospecting then what happens when the “keeping up” with your current business ends, and you’re left without new listings or buyers? Ummm, I think you know the answer to that!
If hiring an assistant or marketing coordinator is not in the cards for you right now, you need to find a way to organize your marketing efforts and concentrate on sharing your expertise with the right network. One simple way to elevate your expertise above the competition is by obtaining a designation or specializing in certain types of real estate transactions. Do you have several green builders in your area, as well as knowledge of sustainable home features? You may want to consider becoming an EcoBroker, a special designation for environmentally concerned real estate professionals.
MyMarketWare Unleashes Even More Market Power!
By NikNik · April 27, 2009 · 2 Comments
We don’t do much in the way of self promotion here on MTO. But we do think you should be aware of an extremely affordable marketing tool that has our stamp of approval. MyMarketWare is product offering from Effektive Solutions. It’s a single property Website solution that offers a myriad of features that can assist you in attaining maximum online exposure for your listings. And at only $39 a pop ($32 with coupon code: mtoagent), MarketSites are an obvious choice to increase your online listing visibility, impress your sellers, and market real estate more effectively! We are happy to announce a significant upgrade, bringing you even more market power for the same low price!
New features include:
(1) MarketSites to go! Download any single property Website created by MyMarketWare for offline use. Showcase your online listings during a listing presentation or copy any of your MarketSites to a CD for a thoughtful closing gift.
(2) Enhanced sign riders made from corrugated plastic provide increased durability for all type of weather conditions. Sign riders cost $22 with reduced shipping time at no extra cost!
(3) FREE SMS texting service! I’m not naming names….but some SPS solutions will charge you as much as $25 per listing per month for this service. But MyMarketWare will provide you with unlimited SMS texting service free to go hand and hand with each and every sign rider! Incoming leads are circulated in real time to the listing agent’s mobile phone as well as via the “Activity Center”. Read full story
12 Facebook Marketing Strategies Webinar
By Reggie · April 20, 2009 · 9 Comments
As we’ve become increasingly social online, new opportunities to interact and grow our sphere have emerged. Once such opportunity is Facebook-the largest social network in the world. Neilson recently reported that 3 out of every 10 people online in the world were using Facebook. And Facebook themselves stated that over 100 million users login to the site at least once a day, further positioning the social networking giant as a trusted communication channel.
Those real estate agents that authentically engage with their network will succeed in creating new and flourishing relationships across the Internet. Some members of your network may help your business in terms of promotion, referrals or even through a transaction. I can’t tell you which, that depends on you and your actions. Although we can help you by sharing strategies you can implement into your business immediately!
If you’re interested in learning more about marketing your business in Facebook, and you’re free tomorrow (April 21st, 2009) at 10am (pacific) please join us for a free webinar hosted by Cyberhomes.com. The session will be led by @Nik_Nik and me @Cyberhomes.
Resources:
ZingDing: A Fresh New Spin on Real Estate Marketing
By Reggie · January 27, 2009 · 6 Comments
Recently I had the pleasure of meeting August Giles, founder of ZingDing.com. After reviewing his new approach to real estate email marketing, I couldn’t help but share it with the MTO audience! When you think of ZingDing, think of a cross between your favorite virtual tour and eCard software all mixed into one…with viral share tools!
After previewing the site, I found many great ideas of how real estate agents have used ZingDing to promote their listings and rentals. Many have elected to include additional design elements like holiday themes-sure to get your sphere excited by your creativeness!
What does it take to build a ZingDing eCard?
Start by gathering all necessary photos and logos, then choose your desired music from the ZingDing library, add any desired effects (i.e. burning fireplace, snowfall, etc.), then input your properties details!
New Choice for Social Media Signature: Hyplet.com
By Reggie · November 5, 2008 · 6 Comments
I’ve always been a fan of the email signature. If done properly, your contacts will know exactly how to get in touch with you. But they don’t exactly have a web 2.0 flare. Sure you could list out each social network with text links, but that’s looks boring and spammy. All those links my even trigger a spam filter. Check out Hyplet.com. They’ve created a free service to help you quickly create a signature or “personal ID” for your emails, website or blog. The service is similar concept to Retaggr but Hyplet offers much more customization.
Hyplet’s personal ID’s come in a variety of shapes and colors. Easily make modifications with drag and drop tools, even rearrange all contact information including phone, email, Skype, IM, Facebook, Flickr, Delicious, Twitter, your blog and others with the text editor. I did run into a small issue when using Firefox to customize my personal ID. In Firefox I was not able to apply formatting like bold or increase font size. I tried the same tasks in Internet Explorer and it worked fine.
Confucius Say: You will inherit some money or a small piece of land
By NikNik · November 1, 2008 · 8 Comments
Well, that’s what I was hoping for when I read my fortune after eating take-out recently. Actually, I tried switching with Reggie but he held fast to his fortune: “A member of your family will do something to make you proud.” And apparently I did just that this week! In fact, when good things happen, they seem to come in 3’s, so without further ado:
Good fortune #1: I was named as one of the 25 Most Influential Bloggers in Real Estate by Inman News. Can you believe it! I thought @LaniAR (also named on the list) was pulling my leg, but it’s true! I will say, this is obviously a subjective list, but nonetheless, I share this achievement with 24 other rockin’ bloggers, and of course with my MTO co-authors Reggie Nicolay and Chad Johnson. According to Inman News, “This annual list of most influential real estate bloggers recognizes those bloggers who are well-known, well-read and have a knack for stirring up discussion and debate on important, timely and relevant topics for the industry.” I was included in the “Marketing & How-to” section along with Dustin Luther and Jim Cronin. Check out Jim’s blog for the complete list of bloggers.
Free Seminar Tomorrow: Top Ten Money Making Tech Tools of Today’s Top Real Estate Agents
By Reggie · October 29, 2008 · 7 Comments
I have another free opportunity to improve your technology skills in a webinar coming up tomorrow. The event is sponsored by Cyberhomes and presented by Allen Hainge of CyberStars. If you are an MTO fan, you may remember that Allen has recently become a guest contributor here at MTO. He has lots of industry knowledge and is a techno-fan too! See more on Allen here.
For those of you attending the webinar, you’ll leave this session with concrete, proven steps to increase your business today! Here are a few of the topics Allen will cover:
+ Why old tools & strategies don’t work in today’s market
+ The Top 10 tools top agents use to build their businesses
+ 3 types of agents Web sites…and why only one really makes you money
+ 5 “must have” elements of a money making Web site
+ 5 things listings on your site must have
Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now!
Join us for a Webinar on October 30th, from 10 am to 11 am PST
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/938348453
All the agents in the crib…drop it like it’s hot!
By NikNik · October 12, 2008 · 18 Comments
Turn up your mobile real estate bizzle with these 2 hot tools.
Dropcard - Send your business card from your phone to your new clients using SMS!
Dropcard lets you create a virtual business card that can be easily emailed to anyone you meet using your phone. Whether it’s a new client or friend, you can immediately send them your name, email address, phone number, LinkedIn profile, Twitter ID, blog address, website, or anything else you’d like to include. Your dropcard will arrive instantly in the recipient’s email with a vCard attached, so they can import your contact information into their address book.
Dropcard allows you to create 2 business card profiles for free (ex: one for business and one for pleasure). However, the free version limits the number of contacts you can send to (only 15 per month). Perfect option for giving Dropcard a try. Read full story
Get Down to Business @ BiztechDay
By NikNik · October 2, 2008 · 2 Comments
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you’re in luck! Not just because the beauty of fall is among us, but because BiztechDay is just a couple of weeks away! Saturday, October 25th to be exact! And if you haven’t registered already, now is the time to take advantage of the special discount for MyTechOpinion readers. BTW-You don’t have to live in the Bay Area to enjoy this event, if you are looking for a purposeful getaway, San Francisco would love to host you! The weather is gorgeous and there is plenty to do before and after BiztechDay!
But first, let me tell you why should be at BiztechDay. For starters, this day is about putting business before technology. With New Media taking over and online avenues becoming a marketing must for small businesses, it can be an overwhelming task to kick start your own Web 2.0 business plan. So BiztechDay takes a step back from technological enthusiasm and a step forward in the direction of practical application. Learn real tips and advice from business experts on: Read full story
Market Like a Rockstar with Animoto
By Reggie · September 28, 2008 · 5 Comments
Showcasing your listings online can be expression of your personality and marketing savvy. You know this, that’s why you showcase homes, maybe even the surrounding community in a special, attractive and unique way…right? The only problem is, some marketing avenues can be costly and time intensive. If you are looking for savvy cutting-edge video from stills, try a service like Animoto for Business.
Animoto has become famous for its upbeat party-style slideshows that feel like a celebration. This effect is caused by a combination of hip production effects and stylish copyright free music integrated with your still photos. I guess it could also be caused by the founder’s previous experience producing for MTV and VH1.
10 Ways I Got My Convention Mojo Working
By NikNik · September 26, 2008 · 15 Comments
Making the most out of industry conventions takes effort, time and a bit of technical expertise! At least it does for me! I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the BlogWorld Expo and I think I found my convention mojo while I was there!
Like me, you probably go to conventions to learn new tips and tricks to apply in your own business or to take advantage of the abundant networking opportunities. Both are key to your professional development. But how do you find the appropriate balance between convention stalker and wallflower? It’s tricky…especially considering these 2 attendee types don’t swing too far from each other on the freak -geek pendulum. But here’s what I’ve learned thus far:
(1) Arrive on time and sit up front: As a teacher, I always give extra points for attention! And if I didn’t, you already stand out in my mind. This shows your eagerness to learn and participate. You’ll be more apt to get involved in the conversation taking place if you can hear it and you were there when it began.
