MyMarketWare Super Star: Ninah Hunter
By NikNik | March 3, 2008
Back when I was teaching first and second grade, the coveted “Star Student of the Week” would excitedly share his/her hobbies, interests, and favorite items from home. It was a great chance to get to know more about that student for me as the teacher, but also for the other students in my class. Students would delight in each other’s shared interests….soccer, art, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hannah Montana, etc. All in all, it was a great opportunity for peer learning.
The teacher in me still loves the smell of dry erase markers, new books, and of course peer learning. So, each month I will share a MyMarketWare user and his/her experience creating a MarketSite here at the blog. For the month of March, I’d like to introduce you to Ninah Hunter. Ninah is a broker at C21 in Montrose, Colorado. This was her first time creating a single property Website for one of her listings. Click here to see her MarketSite. Here’s a little more about Ninah and her MyMarketWare experience.
(1) How did you hear about MyMarketWare? (blog, social network, magazine, presentation, etc.)
Answer: Through a blog (most likely yours) on ActiveRain. I’d heard of this type of product through another company and made a trial version using both, and chose yours.
(2) Had you ever used a single property site solution? If so, which solution did you use?
Answer: No, but I checked into another at Listing Domains. I tried it out at the same time as yours, and decided to use yours.
(3) What type of property did you create a MarketSite for? (Residential Sale, Commercial Sale, Lease, etc.)
Answer: It’s for a multi-family residential property (a tri-plex).
(4) Which features were most important to you? (Contact info, maps, pictures, RSS feed, etc.)
Answer: Creating property specific domain name; pictures; link to virtual tour; ability to put in a video whenever I make one; mapping; and the extensive links to area and community information automatically created.
(5) How did you use your MarketSite?
Answer: To use in my next listing presentation and to win my next listing, showcase the home, gain online exposure for the property, differentiate myself from competitors, impress sellers, and to learn and experiment to see if I will use MarketSites for future listings and to test the cost effectiveness.
(6) Do you plan to create MarketSites for future listings?
Answer: Yes
NINAH’S MARKETSITE CONCLUSION: Since creating this MarketSite, I’ve learned more about posting listings online. My sellers were, in fact, impressed!! And since I’m the broker, I have encouraged all my agents to start using MyMarketWare to market their listings more efficiently.
Thank you Ninah for sharing your experience! You definitely earned your MyMarketWare super star status!!! To learn more about Ninah, you can find her at ActiveRain blog.
Topics: Marketing Solutions, Super Stars, Technology Solutions | 577 Comments »
Community Information Marketing
By NikNik | February 18, 2008
Most homebuyers are just as interested in the surrounding neighborhood as they are in the home! Schools, parks, transportation, shopping, and numerous other amenities can greatly affect homebuyer decisions. Most agents I work with do a pretty decent job of providing school scores, relocation guides (hopefully current) and other custom created items. However, many of these items are not hyperlocal and more niche information could be provided. Taking the time to search for and organize pertinent community information that can be used time and again is well worth the effort! But what format do you provide it in to your clients?
A great place to add helpful community information is on your blog and/or your single property Website. This is a nice alternative to costly print packets, and we can all afford to operate a bit greener these days. Now you may have a neighborhood section on your blog already, but have you considered creating custom community pages (or a custom link list) for each of your single property Websites? MyMarketWare gives you the option to create several custom pages for your Websites that can be used over and over. Now it’s important to note that MarketSites already include over 70 amenity links for the address you enter for your single property Website. So, the information you choose to add beyond this can get really niche oriented since you already have many of the basics.
So what type of hyperlocal information is helpful to your homebuyers? Here’s a quick list of ideas:
- School information: Link to the school district for the neighborhood or upload a school brochure. Be sure to include private and preschool info.
- Transportation: Link to or upload bus schedules and other area transportation info. Traffic patterns are also extremely helpful and you can usually get those from your local news Website or traffic expert.
- City Highlights: A special brochure, video or link that really delves into what it’s like to live in that area. I found this goldmine on YouTube.
- Neighborhood Events: If you are listing a home in an exclusive neighborhood, there may be a recreation center to highlight, as well as special events. Additionally, many at home moms would appreciate playgroup info.
- What is the area famous for?: Whether your town is known for the largest ball of cheese or fabulous wine….share it!
To get started adding “Custom Pages” (or links) to your MarketSite: Sign in or register, enter your property information, select the “Edit MarketSite” tab and choose “Custom Pages”. Create your custom page or link and then go to the “MarketSite Menu” and click on the “create a new menu link” button to add your custom pages to your MarketSite. Now you can turn these custom pages on and off for future MarketSites.
Topics: Community Connections, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 1720 Comments »
MyMarketWare’s New Basics of Marketing
By NikNik | February 5, 2008
I recently read an outstanding article in Inc. Magazine about the essential marketing tools required in this day and age. “The New Basics of Marketing” examines the technology available to keep us connected and communicating (i.e. Websites, email, mobile phones, social networks, viral video, blogging) and how this technology can be applied effectively when marketing your business. I found this article to be extremely helpful in identifying areas for improvement. With all the new offerings, it can be difficult to choose what to focus on and where to spend your marketing dollars.
Let’s see how MarketSites incorporate essential marketing technology. The following list identifies MarketSite features that help you reach clients faster and easier with the property information they want to know and see.
Websites
Use our embed code once to display the “featured listing” widget on your real estate blog or Website. You choose the size, colors, and number of MarketSites you’d like to display. Embed code once and it is automatically updated with each new MarketSite you create. And use our syndication tools to share your MarketSite and property details with top home search portals (Google, Yahoo, Trulia, Homescape, Reator.com, etc.)
Email
Use the “Email Property” feature to send all the property details directly from your MarketSite. Send an “Email Flyer” from your login account to announce the listing and share property details.
Mobile Phone
The “Click to Talk” feature is a button on your MarketSite that allows viewers to click and connect with you instantly via the phone. The button will only appear on your MarketSite within the time frame you set.
Social Networks
Add links to your MarketSites (or even your “featured listings” widget) to your Social Apps (i.e. ActiveRain, Zolve, etc.).
Viral Video
Whether you take the video yourself or have a professional Virtual Tour, be sure to link or embed your footage.
Blogging
Link to your blog and add your RSS feed. Let your MarketSite deliver your real estate Web content and listing information to interested consumers.
Topics: Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 1686 Comments »
Welcome to MyMarketWare!
By NikNik | January 26, 2008
Single property Websites are an effective way to win listings, gain exposure for them, and distinguish yourself in your market area. I work closely with agents who have experienced great results by using this type of solution.
Recently, NAR reported that 84% of buyers were searching for homes on the Internet in 2007. With MarketSites, you are equipped with the features and information buyers are looking for, in the format they want to find it in. And in this competitive and volatile market, savvy real estate agents require the best and most affordable ways to market listings and get leads. So get involved in the MyMarketWare community! We know you’ll gain a great advantage by using our affordable solutions and contributing to our marketing forum.
With that being said, I’d like to invite you to take a closer look at MyMarketWare, your online marketing solution center. Our MarketSites are an affordable option for a premier single property Website solution. You can easily create a MarketSite by signing up for a risk free account. Once you have created your MarketSite you can share it with your prospective clients, use it in your listing presentation, and activate it only after you’ve won the listing! With MyMarketWare, you can quickly syndicate your MarketSite to Trulia, Google Base, Craigslist, Yahoo! and more. Maximize your listing exposure and differentiate yourself from the rest!
Join the MyMarketWare conversation on our blog! We will be sharing our best tips, tricks, and resources for real estate marketing. We want to give you a competitive edge and save you time and money while we’re at it. Your comments, questions, and contributions are welcomed and encouraged. We want to hear what works for you and how technology is impacting your real estate business and the way you market yourself and your listings.
So, let me be the first to welcome you to the MyMarketWare blog! Where marketing from every angle can bring you a larger piece of the real estate pie!
Topics: Blogging, Community Connections, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 4033 Comments »
Kickstart My Heart…And My New Year at Inman
By NikNik | January 6, 2008
I’m pleased to kickstart my New Year at the Inman Real Estate Connect in New York this week. My better half, Reggie Nicolay, will be speaking on the Marketing Your Blog panel on Wednesday. And I have a fun “top secret” task of my own.
If you plan to attend, don’t miss the Beers with Bloggers Reception, hosted by Zillow at the Heartland Brewery. Hope to see you there! If you can’t make it, no worries. I’ll be sharing some highlights here.
Topics: Blogging, Business Organization, Community Connections | 3014 Comments »
5 “Don’t Miss” Marketing Tips For Your Real Estate Business
By NikNik | December 16, 2007
It was one long weekend at my house. Both my 1 and 3 year old have colds and sleep was not so easy to come by for any of us. Fortunately, my Google Reader kept me up to date on the latest and greatest real estate marketing tips offered by the following probloggers! Check them out and put them to good use!
(1) How to add YouTube videos to your real estate PowerPoint presentations. Reggie Nicolay from MyTechOpinion provides insight and directions.
(2) How to choose the perfect complimentary colors for your online and offline marketing. Luke Knowles from the Virtual Marketing Blog suggests Kuler from Adobe Labs.
(3) How to create a holiday lights slide show of your market area. Check out Ted Barrow’s example. I suggest using Animoto to get started making your own.
(4) How to take better photos and make the MLS a more beautiful place. Carson Coots shares a valuable resource and great suggestions at Real Estate Remix.
(5) How to be wacky and go viral! Check out the Whopper Freakout via Dustin Luther at 4realz.net.
Topics: Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 2644 Comments »
The Cure for Resisting the Real Estate Blog
By Sarah | December 9, 2007
Finally, the perfect therapy for the anti-blogging real estate agent – one dose of Realty Blogging by Richard Nacht and Paul Chaney will do the trick! After literally devouring this succinct paperback in just two day’s time and soaking its pages with my trusty yellow highlighter (the one with the handy little sticky tabs built in the handle), I promptly ordered additional copies that I have stuffed in my purse for emergency distribution. Good thing, since blog emergencies are running rampant amongst the real estate community these days.
I have to say that I feel a little evangelistic amongst the real estate population, carrying this book around, cleverly initiating blogging conversations among the (can I call them) “anti-bloggers” starting off slowly with loaded questions and then unraveling my plan for conversion. I leave them hungry for more information and then turn back to offer them the book, the guide, the “treatment”, Realty Blogging, assuring them that this easy read will be the cure for their blogging anxiety, questions and resistance. A cause well-worth the $14 donation, as far as I am concerned!
Dramatic, yes, but if you are on the proverbial real-estate-blogging fence faced with the fears of adapting to new technology, intimidated by your fear of professional “transparency” and not quite convinced that blogging is an effective use of your time, then do yourself this one favor – read Realty Blogging. But don’t take my word for it. Check out the introduction written by Brad Inman of Inman News or the numerous reviews posted to the Real Estate Network, Active Rain.
Why am I so passionate about this particular read? This book was easy to understand, provided compelling reasons for agents to begin their blogs, and, most importantly, related all instruction and examples for blogging directly to the real estate environment. An agent would walk away from this read with concrete evidence of the necessity of real estate blogging, an understanding of the lingo, the confidence to begin blogging and the necessary resources to get started.
Instead of carrying on highlighting compelling points and key explanations from the book, I’d rather the time be spent reading the actual words of Nacht and Chaney. Not only is their presentation unbeatable, but as I flipped through the pages to identify key points to mention, I realized that there is scarcely a page in the book that didn’t have my highlighter markings, exclamation points and sticky tabs flickering off the pages.
The case for real estate blogging is clear and now there are no excuses. The anti-blogging vaccine is here! As for me, I lay to rest one tired, dried-up, well-loved highlighter - a sacrifice I am willing to make for the delivery of would-be real estate bloggers everywhere.
Topics: Blogging, Business Organization, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 2618 Comments »
20 Content Ideas + Posting Plan = Happy Real Estate Blogger!
By NikNik | December 2, 2007
Do you schedule your real estate “blog time”? Do you have a plan or just squeeze it in on nights, weekends and between activities? And how do you decide what to write about?
Juggling all our commitments to make time for blogging is a job in itself. But when you’ve finally gotten home from writing a contract and putting the kids to bed, the last thing you need to think about is a new topic for your blog post. Content ideas may come easily for some, but not all of us can just throw up an article in 30 minutes. Thoughtful and resourceful bloggers think about adding value to their niche and their community with every post.
I find that when I get an idea for a post I spend a good amount of time researching the topic first. When I was teaching elementary school, my lesson plan book kept me on track and prepared for all my lessons. Therefore, I decided to create a “content posting plan” so that I could better ready myself for upcoming posts. This way, if and when I encounter items of support for my posts I add them to my content arsenal now, giving myself a head start on future posts.
It’s simple really. To get started, grab a monthly calendar. Whether you prefer a Google or Outlook calendar, or a desk or wall calendar…it’s all the same. Make a list of all the content ideas you have for your blog. Or check out the idea list below. If you are an ambitious blogger than shoot for 2 quality posts a week and at least one “read and research” session. I utilize my read and research time for checking out support resources and reading other blogs. (Note: Checking your Google Reader each morning with a venti hot coffee in hand will keep you up-to-date on all your favorite blogs. Alternative: Check it each night with a glass of your favorite wine.) Anyway, schedule at least 2 blog content ideas per week on your monthly calendar. (see my example below) You know your schedule, so you choose the days that work well for you.
So why haven’t I planned the whole year you ask? Well, we all know that plans change. Be prepared to swap ideas out for others you come across. Motivation reigns and usually produces a better article. If you find your interest being sparked in another direction…go with it! And remember to continually blog your listings in between your selected niche posts.
CONTENT POSTING PLAN EXAMPLE:
CONTENT IDEAS FOR YOUR POSTING PLAN:
(1) Community Events Update: Post a monthly event calendar or list of events with all the local event information and links.
(2) Local Market Update: Give us your forecast, graph the changes, share local statistics, and give us some tips for adapting to this changing market.
(3) Industry Article: Share the latest trends in real estate and highlight new products and services.
(4) Seasonal How-to: Post informative guides on how to clean out the gutters, winter prep your pool, holiday décor, spring cleaning, etc.
(5) Buyer Info: Provide helpful posts with tips and suggestions for buyers.
(6) Seller Info: Provide helpful posts with tips and suggestions for sellers.
(7) Client Q& A: How many questions are you asked during one transaction? Keep a list of all those questions and answers and share them one at a time with your readers.
(8) Community Focus: On a local business, restaurant, charity, historical facts
(9) Interview: Post short interviews with industry professionals, local business leaders, local heroes, etc. Include testimonials from past clients.
(10) School Scores & More: Post recent testing scores, school achievements (ex: Distinguished School), local benefits and fundraisers, and even sporting events for high schools and colleges in your area.
(11) Neighborhood Spotlight: Showcase a specific neighborhood…the homes, parks, schools, stores…oh, and your listings too. Give us your top 10 reasons for living in each neighborhood. Interview local neighbors and connect with your farm at the same time.
(12) Rate Update: Get the latest info from your lenders and provide tips for buyers on finding the best rates.
(13) Realtor Recipe Share: Share recipes from you, other agents in your office, or clients. Give suggestions for serving and choose wisely according to what’s in season. And give a shout out to your local farmer’s market!
(14) Local Builder Highlight: New construction is always a hot topic. So whether local builders are making the news headlines or just getting started on a new development, keep your readers in the know.
(15) Photo Collage or Slideshow: Show off the beauty and uniqueness of your area with a monthly collage of photos taken in your market area. Choose a different theme each month.
(16) Listings: Update your blog frequently with your newest listings and perhaps highlight ones that need additional exposure.
(17) Investment Insights: Post informational articles on how to select an investment property, interview of an analyst, local suggestions from your tax professional, etc.
(18) Book Club: Whether it’s a book your reading or a suggested reading list, sharing “good reads” and helpful resources is always a plus!
(19) About You: Write an occasional post on a special experience, holiday wishes, or fun events that recently occurred in your life. Are you involved in a charity or fundraiser? Tell readers about your involvement and how they can help too. Provide a little personal transparency to your blog and give readers a chance to relate to you.
(20) Go Green: Post articles about local initiatives toward sustainable practices and building. Share tips for reducing, reusing, and recycling at home.
Got content ideas? Tell me what works for you.
Topics: Blogging, Business Organization, Community Connections, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 1500 Comments »
Willy Wonka Has Nothing On These Real Estate Delights!
By Sarah | November 26, 2007
Simply put, the National Association of Realtors conference was overwhelming…But overwhelming in a kid in a mega-candy store kind of way. After wandering, awestruck through the colossal building at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, I began to sense the sting of my sweet tooth, so I decided to take a more strategic approach to tackle the extravagant expo. Using the floor plan map and my trusty highlighter, I scanned the guide book and identified a few main categories to focus on. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to post information about some of the sweetest spots found on the journey through the maze of marketing wonders. In the meantime, here is a quick bite of three of the real estate marketing eye catchers – the everlasting gobstopers of the bunch:
1. Truly custom postcards from LentzDesign.com. In the world of overwhelming and often under-stimulating real estate marketing mailers, the postcards from Lentz Design will undoubtedly catch your client’s weary eye. These pieces cleverly integrate client’s names into the personalized and striking postcard images. From a beach scene with your client’s name in seaside stones to their names spelled out on the frosty windshield of a snow-covered car, your clients are sure to feel the personal touch from this intriguing design. On the flip side of the card, you will find your traditional listing and agent information. This is one treat that is guaranteed to impress your recipients and inspire them to share with friends and family and, at the very least, hang on the fridge for all to admire. Bingo!
2. The Most Beautiful Agent Website Template Design (drum roll please) goes to AgentImage.com. These sites are spectacular and incorporate a tiered level of template exclusivity. Pay the least amount for site designs that are available to the masses and increase your payment to capture a specified number of limited designs. All are available in a spectrum of color schemes allowing agents to add their own branding image and flavor. AgentImage.com also aids in search engine optimization, email marketing and goes so far as to guarantee qualified monthly visitors for conversion into prospects. These designs are professional and alluring allowing agents to boast a superior online presence for a worthwhile expense.
3. Super charged voicemail. GotVMail.com offers an affordable phone solution for real estate agents and brokers by connecting callers with a professional network of greetings and menu options. From the main greeting that you set up with either your own voice or a professional greeter, your callers can select a service option such as reaching a specific members of your team, accessing new sales information or whatever category you choose to set up. Your calls can be forwarded from this directory to the phone number of your choice. This program allows for a toll-free or local number and allows for voicemails and faxes to be emailed directly to you. The principle behind it all – bring high level business practices to the real estate entrepreneur.
This is just the icing on the cake. Check back with us as we will continue to digest the more than 650 exhibitors and bring you the crème de la crème of the 2007 NAR Realtors Expo.
Topics: Business Organization, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 2384 Comments »
It’s Not Fantasy Real Estate: Trading Cards for Your Listings
By NikNik | November 19, 2007
Homes are a lot like our greatest sports heroes. We admire their success or great potential…and they both look really appealing on professional print trading cards. So don’t just covet those baseball cards, turn a favorite hobby into your latest real estate marketing tool.
Listing trading cards are a fairly inexpensive and eye-catching addition to your real estate marketing arsenal. The idea is simple…attractive picture on one side, home stats and contact info on the other. Moo.com is a great place to start! Their odd shaped MiniCards are the way to go and sure to stand out in a sea of regular business cards. A custom set of 100 is only $19.99. After uploading your listing photo to their online design manager, you’re prompted to fill in the text for the opposite side. Keep it simple and clean. List the address, basic characteristics, perhaps the single property website, and your contact information.
Besides handing these beauties out at open houses and broker’s tours, be sure to give your seller a stack. And keep your cards in mint condition with a MiniCard Holder from Moo. Make it an impressive client gift that shows off your marketing genius!
Moo not for you? Well, here are two additional options you may fancy. Our friends at MyNeigborhoodAgent offer 2 x 3.5 pocket flyers. And for those independent do-it-yourselfers, visit Avery’s Design and Print Online for their double sided real estate business cards.
If you know another real estate trading card solution or have used listing trading cards, tell me about it!
Topics: Community Connections, Marketing Solutions, Technology Solutions | 1754 Comments »