Don’t believe the hype—technology is not the magic bullet that will transform a struggling real estate business into a thriving success. It doesn’t matter how much you spend on a fancy gotta-have-it gadget or app. While technology may help you become more organized and productive, it’s useless if you don’t have the basics down first. With that said, here are three basic marketing principles to master and tech solutions to help you go deeper with each…
1. Build relationships
When you work by referral, building relationships is your top priority. After all, it’s through these relationships that you’re able to garner the referrals that drive your business. It takes time, consistency and a commitment to the work by referral system to increase your leads. Each phone call you make, personal note you write, marketing flyer or email you send helps deepen your relationships with clients and build trust. There are no shortcuts—you have to put in the work each and every day.
How technology can help build relationships: BombBomb takes the guesswork out of creating short video emails and makes sending and tracking them easier than ever. It’s compatible with Gmail, Salesforce and Outlook, and is perfect for individuals, teams and enterprises.
2. Provide value
We live in an age where your clients are hungrier for quality information than ever before. In order to stand out from your competition and stay top of mind with your clients, it’s vital to provide value consistently. Give them information about the local market, the home buying or selling processes or the scoop on the community. Your clients are sure to find it helpful, and will think of you when it’s time to buy or sell.
How technology can help you provide value: Dubbed the “Swiss Army Knife of real estate,” Realstir provides your clients information about the communities where they want to live. Become listed as a local expert on the website so your clients can find you quickly.
3. Fill a need
Your relationship with your clients doesn’t end once the transaction has closed. On the contrary, it’s just the beginning. One way to stay in touch and improve the relationship is to fill a need. When you speak with your clients, listen for clues. They might mention their roof is leaking or they don’t have time to mow the lawn because they’re so busy with work. Take the opportunity to connect them with local businesses and service providers you trust. This reinforces your role as the hub of your network.
How technology can help you fill a need: Have you always wanted your own mobile app but don’t have the time to build one? Dizzle allows real estate professionals to customize their own app and send their clients listings, news and more. It also allows agents to share their list of preferred venders with their clients. If your client mentions they’re looking for a landscaper, tell them to check out your app for a list of preferred landscapers in your community.
While technology doesn’t replace the classic marketing activities we know work, it can be used to help you bring more value and execute the fundamentals more efficiently. Want to learn more about incorporating technology into your business? Sign up for the MarTech Trends™ Conference, a one-day tech and marketing event coming to a city near you!
For more information, visit www.buffiniandcompany.com.