Last week we discussed the fact that if you want to list real estate, you need to become the agent that sellers want and need.
From there it only makes sense that you’ll have to make yourself visible to people who want to sell their houses or other property.
But wait… before you go all out becoming visible, there’s still a bit more prep work to do.
A good website will help you list real estate…
I believe this should be one of your first priorities, because once you make contact with people, it gives you a 
place to send them to learn more about you and your service.
I did say “good website,” didn’t I? That part is important.
If you start browsing real estate websites, you’ll find a whole lot that are not good. I’m sure the people who built them didn’t intend for them to be useless, but they forgot some important elements.
Here’s what’s often missing from real estate agent websites:
- The city and state. They have a search function, but why would anyone search when they don’t even know what State the agent is in?
- The agent’s name. The name of a franchise is usually there, but who is the agent?
- The agent’s bio. Visitors want to know who you are as a person, where your expertise lies, and how you will serve them. Unfortunately, many agents keep that a secret.
- Useful information about the community or communities. There are often no community pages or links to local services.
- Buyer and seller pages that give useful advice and showcase the agent’s services/promises to clients.
- Information related to the agent’s niche.
- A blog. A regularly updated blog shows that you’re active and in tune with buyers’ and sellers’ concerns. It can also show that you’re keeping up with the local market and community activities.
- Capture boxes. Whether you want to list real estate or help buyers, there should be a way for interested visitors to tell you they want more information.
Building a real estate website with all that content will be an ongoing project, so start with the basics and keep adding.
One more thing about real estate agent websites…
While your franchise might offer you a “free” website, I strongly believe you should own your own URL. It 
should be all yours and you should be listed as the administrator. You should hold the copy rights to all of the content. It should NOT contain the name of your franchise.
Why? Because you may be happy where you are right now, but things can change. If you ever want to switch brokerages – or own your own brokerage – you’ll want to keep the website that you’ve spent time and effort to develop.
Now you’re ready to get visible and list real estate…
Last week we talked about sending a note to everyone in your sphere of influence to let them know that they now have a reliable resource for real estate help and information. I invited you to visit https://www.promotemyrealestatecareer.com/ to get a free letter to send. If you didn’t your copy last week, to “buy it” for free.
To expand that sphere to business people who serve the same people you wish to serve, visit https://copybymarte.com/who-are-you-letters/ and request a free 3-letter set.
If you’ve already contacted your sphere…
Wait about a month and contact them again. Let them know that you’re happy and excited about your new career. If you have good news to report, do so. While you’re at it, say a general “Thank you” to all for helping you launch your career.
If you’ve gotten specific referrals, you should have already called and written to say thanks, but let it be known that others are referring to you.
People in your sphere should not be allowed to forget you…
Find a reason to contact them at least once a month. You can send market updates, news about new developments in the community, just listed and just sold cards, or something lighthearted and fun, such as my Event-themed Staying in Touch Letters.
If you want to list real estate, go prospecting!
You probably know that I believe in prospecting my mail and email, and that I have a wide variety of real estate prospecting letters available for you to use. In fact, many agents got started by using my Expired Listing Letters or my FSBO Letters.
However, there are more ways to be visible so you can list real estate.
Attend events wearing your agency hat, shirt, jacket, or real estate lapel pin.
Go where the people are – whether it’s yard sales, school sports events, bazaars, fund raisers for your favorite non-profit, or more serious gatherings such as Chamber of Commerce or City Council meetings.
Wear that lapel pin (at least) when you attend weddings, showers, birthday parties, card parties, family and school reunions, HOA meetings, and neighborhood BBQ’s. You may know most of the people, but you never know when someone new will appear. You also never know when someone you’ve known for years needs to be reminded of your profession.
I know, thanks to COVID this activity may be a bit restricted right now – but the restrictions can’t last forever.
When your attire identifies you as a real estate professional, interested people will ask you questions. Be sure you have a pocket full of business cards to hand out when that happens. If possible, get the other person’s contact information by offering to send your market report. (Then DO IT the very next day.) If you want to list real estate, showing that you respond to requests quickly is a positive step forward.
About business cards…
My belief is that you should have a pocketful with you at all times, and they should include a good photo.
Not everyone agrees with me. Some say photos are unprofessional. “Doctors and lawyers don’t use photos.” No they don’t, but they aren’t looking for new clients under every rock, either. You are. (Aren’t you?) People forget names, but don’t forget the faces of friendly, helpful people.
Another argument I get is that cards are old school – now you can exchange information by tapping phones. Sure you can, but when you leave a nice tip for a waitress you can leave your card – you can’t ask her to go get her phone so you can exchange information. The same goes for grocery store checkers and almost anyone else you chat with who is at work.
Volunteer.
You may be pressed for time, but spending a few hours each week as a volunteer will expand your sphere and show you to be a caring member of the community. As a bonus, you might have fun, and you WILL be doing something good.
Knock on Doors…
I know – COVID again, but you can wear a mask. Introduce yourself and offer a copy of your market report. If
you want to spend the money, you could give away a small gift, such as a To-do list memo pad with your branding.
Again, offer to send regular market updates in exchange for their email addresses.
Once you have some successes in the neighborhood to report, do it! Do tell them that you’ll be pleased to be their real estate information source. Your goal is to create a friendly relationship, so they’ll think of you first when they or a friend needs to buy or sell.
Most important: When you land clients, do your very best for them.
Your reputation is the most important asset you can own. Build it well, one client at a time.
Website graphic and copyright symbol courtesy of Stuart Miles @ freedigitalphotos.net
Meeting Image courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Door knocking Image courtesy of graur codrin at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
