With nearly 22,000 estate agents in the UK, competition is fierce. If you want to attract clients and close deals, you need to stand out from other local agents vying for your part of the property pie. The secret to attracting new clients and keeping your revenue flowing is top-notch and versatile marketing efforts.
Here we’ll take a closer look at the top marketing ideas for estate agents that will keep your phone ringing and your client list full!
1. Create a Positive Online Presence
Let’s face it. The Internet rules the world. Google alone experiences over 5.6 billion searches every day. If you want to market yourself and your services, you need to create a positive and attractive online presence.
You can achieve this in a variety of ways. Start by building an attractive and functional website that ranks high on the SERPs (search engine results page). While having a website attached to your name is an important first step, the layout, content, and rank of your website are what matter most.
Build a website that’s attractive and professional. Avoid cluttering the pages with flashy sales pitches and overbearing words and photos. A little goes a long way when discussing website design. Your site should also be easy to navigate. Don’t make visitors work for it. If important information (including your name, contact information, and prices) aren’t easily accessible, chances are the person will click off your page and onto your competitors.
Your website needs more than just an attractive design and your contact information and headshot. It needs substance in the form of a blog. Websites with blogs earn 55% more traffic than those without one. Blog posts should be relevant and informative. They offer visitors useful information at no cost. This helps you establish yourself as a trusted source in the industry. Try to blog consistently and consider SEO which includes using high-ranking keywords, backlinks, and use alt tags.
Even if you design the perfect website, you need to generate traffic. The more traffic your website has and the higher its domain authority (DA), the higher it will rank on the results page. With over 25% of people clicking on the first search result, your website needs to rank at the top to gain traction and attention. This is often achieved through PPC (pay-per-click) advertising and other paid marketing efforts.
2. Turn to Social Media
Social media platforms are an often underused and understated estate agent marketing tool. Every estate agent should have a social media presence. With billions of users around the world, social media platforms are often an untapped resource.
Not only can you promote your brand identity through platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Facebook, but these outlets give you the rare opportunity to communicate directly with potential clients. Be sure to keep your account professional. Avoid posting anything personal on these pages.
If possible, respond to every comment personally. Taking the time to do this not only shows prospective clients that you take a hands-on approach to sell properties, but it gives you a chance to can answer any questions immediately. This prevents people from seeking elsewheres from your competitors.
3. Collect Positive Online Reviews
In addition to a well-designed website, your online reputation can make or break your estate agent business. A recent survey suggested that nearly 80% of online users trust the reviews they read. That means if your online reviews are mostly negative, you’re going to have a hard time landing clients.
While you can’t completely control or prevent a disgruntled former client from leaving a scathing review, you can take certain steps to protect your valued reputation. Start by addressing all negative reviews as they arise. Even though you may be tempted to ignore them, doing nothing makes you look as “guilty” as responding negatively. Avoid getting into an online war with someone, no matter how untrue or harsh their review is.
Instead, apologize for the misunderstanding and include any other positive tidbits you can muster. The old adage “kill them with kindness” goes a long way when it comes to estate agent marketing. Chances are, you’ve acquired plenty of satisfied customers over the years, so don’t be afraid to ask happy customers to leave you a positive review once the property deal is done.
4. Utilize Lead Generation Companies
In addition to the lead generation techniques mentioned above, websites like Rentround specialize in getting you even more leads. By using a comparison calculator, sellers and even landlords can compare agent fees, services, and locations. By adding your listing to their database, you can supplement your marketing efforts and increase leads.
Lead generation companies already have thousands of users and subscribers looking for agents just like you! For a minimal monthly fee, you’re gaining exposure to thousands of prospective clients without lifting a finger. This supplement form of marketing will take care of itself so you can focus on other, more hands-on advertising efforts.
5. Use Traditional Advertising Techniques
Not all of your target audience will be searching for estate agents online. Some customers respond better to more traditional marketing techniques like mailers, fliers, business cards, and even in-person events. Don’t overlook these marketing techniques for reaching property owners.
Instead of just advertising your services, offer useful information about new regulations, property listings, or changes in the local law. Customers appreciate information — especially when it’s free! Sending newsletters is similar to adding a blog to your website. It helps build your credibility and authority as a reliable estate agent.
Hanging fliers and advertisements outside local businesses help keep your brand and services visible and at the forefront of people’s minds. Some businesses may also let you leave your business card on the counter where patrons and customers will see it and may even grab one for safekeeping.
Use These Simple Estate Agent Marketing Tips to Increase Leads and Sales
Being a successful estate agent takes hard work, dedication, and the right marketing efforts. If you’re new to the business or simply trying to broaden your client base, these advertising tips can help.
While your online presence is important, don’t discredit the power of old-fashioned advertising. Your reputation and word-of-mouth can make or break your business, which is why fostering positive interactions both online and in-person are so important.
Creating a multi-faceted approach to estate agent marketing will ensure you reach your target audience on all levels.
Featured Image by Dan Evans from Pixabay
