Use What You've Got - Internet Marketing Tip 50 of 100

Real Estate Internet Marketing - 100 Tips in 100 Days

Tip 50 of 100 - Use What You've Got

One of the biggest challenges real estate agents have with their marketing is how to distinguish themselves.

Now, there are actually two schools of thought on this. There are those who say the agent must brand himself or herself. And then there are others who say the agent is not product ... that you must simply focus on generating a response with your marketing.

Where do I fall on the subject? Well, I can see both arguments. When it comes to real estate Internet marketing, I've always stressed the need to generate a response from people. We know from statistics that more then 70% of people choose the first real estate agent they speak to. So if you can get them to speak to you ... that's a 70% chance they'll become your next client.

As far as personal branding goes, here's my two cents. I don't think the average real estate agent can brand themselves in a strong enough way to be worthwhile. However, if there is something really unique about you ... something that will make you truly stand out in people's minds ... something that will make you the "talk of the neighborhood" ... well in that case, use what you've got!

Here's an example. There is an agent in the Fort Bragg area of North Carolina who has found a unique way to brand himself. As you know, Fort Bragg is an Army town, full of Army personnel and their families. Naturally, the military sector creates a lot of housing turnover as soldiers transfer in and out of the area.

This agent also happens to be an Army veteran. So he has branded himself as the Army agent in town. His website is called something like "Captain Bill's Real Estate." It has a camouflage color scheme, and even an illustrated caricature of Captain Bill in fatigues and drill instructor's hat.

(I wish I could remember his actual name so I could show you his website. Anyone know who I'm talking about? It's been a couple years since I saw it.)

Now let me ask you this. In an Army town like Fort Bragg, how effective do you think this branding strategy is? I served in the military, and I can tell you that I would have called this guy over a "civilian" agent in a heartbeat. His website (and persona) are easy to talk about. "Hey, have you seen this Army real estate agent guy..."

If you have something that can set you miles apart from the competition in your real estate Internet marketing (or marketing in general for that matter) ... then use what you've got!

Look for tip #51 soon!

~Brandon