Website Marketing – The Close https://theclose.com/category/real-estate-marketing/website-marketing/ Your #1 Source For Actionable Real Estate Advice Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:55:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://assets.theclose.com/uploads/2017/12/theclosefbprofile2-60x60.png Website Marketing – The Close https://theclose.com/category/real-estate-marketing/website-marketing/ 32 32 36 Real Estate Blog Ideas (+ Examples & Expert Tips) https://theclose.com/real-estate-blog-ideas/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-blog-ideas/#comments Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:55:25 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=12653 Coming up with fodder for your blog can be challenging. Check out the dozens of ideas and examples we've compiled here, along with some crucial tips and tricks to ensure your audience will click on, read, and engage with your blog posts.

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Are you looking for fresh and engaging content to elevate your real estate blog? I’ve got you covered! Having a variety of captivating blog ideas can set you apart and attract more readers to your site. Whether you’re a seasoned real estate agent, a newbie blogger, or somewhere in between, the right content can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of real estate blog ideas that will not only spark your creativity but also help you connect with your audience.

Creative Blog Ideas for Captivating Homebuyers

Young couple holding keys to their first home.

Want to grab the attention of potential homebuyers with your blog? Check out these creative and engaging real estate blogging ideas that will hook your readers and provide them with the valuable tips and insights they need on their homebuying journey. 

 1. First-time Homebuyer Tips

  • Example title: 10 Must-know Tips for First-time Homebuyers

Sharing tips for first-time homebuyers is a great way to provide valuable information to those looking to purchase a home for the first time. Use this post to educate buyers on what to look for in a Realtor, how the homebuying process works, and also subtly play up your strong suits.

2. Real Estate Negotiation Tips

  • Example title: 5 Negotiation Secrets Smart Buyers Use to Get Better Deals

Since most consumers have minimal experience in negotiating, offering them a peek inside the process of negotiating a deal can make a great blog post. If you really want to wow them with your skills, try using actual examples from your career.

3. Renting vs Buying

  • Example title: Renting vs Buying: Which Is Right for You?

This topic is always relevant as many people struggle with this decision—especially first-time homebuyers. Providing a balanced view with pros and cons can help your readers make informed choices that suit their personal circumstances.

4. Mortgage Advice

  • Example title: Understanding Mortgage Options: A Guide for New Homebuyers

Helping your readers navigate the complex world of mortgages can alleviate a lot of stress. By breaking down different mortgage options and go-to resources, you can make the process feel more manageable and less intimidating.

Lead magnet marketing
Lead magnet marketing (Source: Coffee and Contracts)

Need a boost for your real estate blog? Look no further than Coffee and Contracts! They’ve got fantastic marketing resources designed just for real estate pros. With ready-to-use content and automation options, they make it super easy to keep your blog fresh and engaging. Check them out and see how they can help you make a lasting impression on your readers.

Engaging Topics to Help Homesellers Succeed

Shot of a young couple holding up a sold board outside their house.

Selling a home can be complex, emotional, and stressful. That’s why you’re the one to show your community how it’s done. Offering tips, advice, checklists, and strategies for selling a home will help prospects trust you to be the one to list and sell their home.

5. Home Staging Mistakes to Avoid

  • Example title: 7 Embarrassing Home Staging Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Home’s Value

Home staging mistakes is a fantastic blog idea because it’s something every homeowner thinks they can do on their own. The reality, of course, is that home staging can be difficult and expensive—something most homeowners don’t realize until they actually try to stage their own.

6. Home Staging Tips & Tricks to Sell Faster

  • Example title: 7 Interior Paint Colors That Will Help Your Home Sell Quicker

The trick with this blog post idea is to make sure to interview (or research) experts who actually know a thing or two about interior design and how it might affect a listing. Just be careful about making any promises here. Avoid saying things like “This landscaping will increase your listing price” and instead say something like, “One study showed this type of curb appeal helped homes sell X% faster.”

7. What Does a Listing Agent Actually Do?

  • Example title: 12 Hidden Ways Listing Agents Help Homeowners Sell Faster & for More Money

Justifying your own job might seem a little desperate, but if you focus on the positive and talk about some uncommon but essential ways you can help homeowners, you just might end up with a viral blog post.

8. A Property Marketing Case Study

  • Example title: Case Study: How 3 {Your Farm Area} Luxury Homes Sold 20% Over Asking

This blog post requires a little more research, but if you have a few listings under your belt where marketing your listing made the difference, or know an agent who does, then this is a great post to show off your marketing knowledge to your readers.

9. Easy Curb Appeal Ideas for Your Local Market

  • Example title: 11 Affordable Curb Appeal Ideas for {Your Farm Area} Homes

Curb appeal is one of those things that most homeowners don’t quite understand. They think they do, but when it comes down to pulling out their credit card or rolling up their sleeves, they will inevitably head to Google—or you, if you have a well-written article on your blog!

Helpful Improvement Tips for Homeowners

Mature couple taking a break with hot drinks while tidying the garden with rake.

Targeting buyers and sellers is a no-brainer, but don’t forget about what comes after the transaction. Your homebuyers are now homeowners. Your sellers are still homeowners. This is a topic area that appeals to the masses, and there’s plenty of content to write about. Help your audience take care of their homes so that you can sell them at top dollar.

10. Home Renovations that Offer the Best ROI for Resale

  • Example title: 7 Home Projects That Will Get You Money Back at the Closing Table

Here’s a real estate blog idea that most homeowners thinking of selling will find irresistible. After all, renovating their older home will cost them tons of money, and most homeowners don’t have a clue if they will ever get any of that money back at the closing table.

11. Before & After Renovation Examples

  • Example title: Before & After: This Humble Bungalow in {Your Town} Was Transformed Into a Luxe Retreat

People love Cinderella stories, so writing about local homes transformed by tasteful renovations is a great way to get readers hooked on your blog. The more specific you can get here, the better. Check sites like Curbed for examples of local renovations and see if you can get a quick comment from a local architect or interior designer.

Choosing the Right Real Estate Professional (& Why You’re the Best)

Real estate agent holding a sold sign.

These real estate agent blog ideas offer a chance for a subtle flex, showing that not only do you know the biz, but you also know how to outperform the competition. These real estate blog content ideas let you show off your high standards and impeccable professionalism with branded content.

12. Open House Food Ideas

  • Example title: 17 Open House Food Ideas to Make Your Open House a Success

Writing up a short article on popular open house food ideas is a great way to impress potential homesellers. They’ll see that if they hire you, you’ll go way beyond a box of stale store-bought cookies and bottled water.

13. Dual Agency Explained: What You Need to Know

  • Example title: 7 Reasons Dual Agency Can Be a Mistake in {Your State}

Dual agency is one of those real estate topics to discuss that seems easy to understand at first but gets more complicated as you dig in. That makes it a perfect blog post to show off your sales expertise. If it’s legal in your state, make sure to be clear about its complexities and list the pros and cons honestly.

14. Horror ‘Behind the Scenes’ Stories

  • Example title: 12 Common Lies Realtors Tell New Buyers in {Your Town}

Pull back the curtain and dish on what really goes on in the industry. This is a great way to differentiate yourself from the bad apples. Just remember to keep it PG, and don’t accuse fellow agents or brokerages by name.

Uncovering Local Market Insights & Attractions

A man studies a pie chart with a magnifying glass near the house figure.

Your blog post is one of the best ways to show off your local bona fides. In fact, your blog could become so popular that you generate leads just from Google searches on local goings-on. 

15. In-depth Neighborhood Guides for Relocation Buyers

  • Example title: An In-depth Guide to {Your Area} for New Homeowners

In-depth neighborhood guides make excellent lead magnets, e-books, and social media content. The trick here is to go deep. Most agents will write fluffy overviews, so make sure you get into the nitty-gritty of what moving to your neighborhood will be like.

16. Hyper-local New Homebuyer’s Guide

  • Example title: A New Homebuyer’s Guide to Moving to {Your Farm Area}

Are you working with new buyers? If not, you’re missing out. Many first-time buyers these days have excellent income and credit, and all they really need is someone to walk them through the transaction. If you get it right, you could have a devoted evangelist for life.

17. Monthly or Quarterly Aggregated Market Reports

  • Example title: Your {Month Year} Market Report for {Your Farm Area}

While most agents post some kind of market report and charts on their blogs, they tend to be pretty thin and not actually useful to their readers. If you want to stand out, take the time and effort to make your monthly or quarterly local market reports as in-depth and nerdy as you can manage.

18. Local Listing(s) of the Week

  • Example title: 3 Drop-dead Gorgeous, Mid-century Modern Homes in {Your Town}

This is a fun one and can help you build relationships with local listing agents. Try to choose three to five listings every week that might fit a specific theme your audience will like for more impact. For example, if you’re working in Miami, waterfront listings would be fun to write about. If you’re working in Manhattan, then you can’t go wrong writing about penthouses.

19. How Economic News Affects Your Farm Area

  • Example title: What the {Recent Economic News} Means for {Your Farm Area} Homeowners

While your wealthy clients might read The Wall Street Journal every morning, most of the economic news won’t be directly relevant to their real estate portfolio. That’s why taking that news and contextualizing it for them is another excellent way to use your blog to offer something of value to your audience.

20. A Guide to Local Architectural Styles

  • Example title: A Cheat Sheet to the Architectural Styles of {Your Town}

When people start thinking about buying or selling a home, they generally go into education mode. Learning about local architectural styles is a great way to get them to click on your posts on social media.

21. A Guide to Local HOA Covenants

  • Example title: 15 Common HOA Covenants & What They Really Mean

For most people, homeowners associations (HOAs) are right up there with the IRS when it comes to confusing and potentially expensive adversaries. That’s why a friendly explainer piece on HOA covenants can help new homeowners or anyone who never lived under their rules feel a little more comfortable about them.

22. A Guide to Up & Coming Micro-neighborhoods

  • Example title: 3 Neighborhoods in {Your Town} Set to Take Off in 2024

While every agent in your farm area is probably opining about the hot new neighborhood, writing about smaller micro-neighborhoods with appealing qualities is a great way to show off your local market knowledge.

23. Chat With a Lawyer on Common Local Legal Issues

  • Example title: A {Your Area} Lawyer Explains Eminent Domain

Real estate lawyers also want to show off their local expertise to your audience because your leads might potentially be their leads too. Interviewing local experts can help build relationships that lead to referrals down the road.

24. Interview a Local Real Estate Developer

  • Example title: What 100 New Affordable Housing Units Means for {Your Community}

Developers have their finger on the pulse of local communities. They know the demographics, trends, permitting processes, the movers and shakers—in other words, they have plenty of intel that would make a fascinating blog post. Plus, it’s an excellent networking opportunity for you—after all, who’s going to sell all of those new units?

Profitable Ideas for Real Estate Investors

Young real estate agent worker working with laptop and tablet at table and small house beside it.

Your audience might be interested in learning how to leverage real estate in their investment portfolio, and you’re exactly the person to teach them. Break down complicated topics like real estate market cycles or commercial opportunities into bite-sized pieces so your readers can not only gain knowledge but also see you as a conduit for investment success.

25. A 101-level Crash Course in Real Estate Investing

  • Example title: Investing in {Your Town} Real Estate 101

Since everyone wants to make a great investment, a crash course in real estate investing is a great idea for a blog post. You can explain some common industry terms and investment strategies and then discuss which one works best in your farm area.

26. Fix & Flip Guide

  • Example title: How to Fix & Flip Homes in {Your Town}

With the popularity of real estate reality TV shows growing every day, writing blog posts that educate your audience on investing is a great way to increase traffic and conversions. If you’re serious about working with new investors, writing an in-depth ebook explaining the fix-and-flip process in detail would be a great way to capture leads.

27. A Guide to Evaluating & Purchasing Rental Properties

  • Example title: 8 Tips for Buying Rental Properties in {Your Town}

Since the real estate investment niche is red-hot these days, an expert guide to purchasing a rental property in your farm area can get you clicks and conversions on your blog. If you’re not an expert in rental property, work with your broker or a local investor to write this one.

28. A Guide to Buying Foreclosures

  • Example title: How to Buy Distressed Properties 101

Your audience might have heard of foreclosed properties, and maybe the idea of getting a bargain appeals to them. Better, though, that they have all of the information before starting down a road that offers both opportunity and plenty of potential frustration.

29. 1031 Exchange Rules

  • Example title: How 1031 Exchanges Can Save Property Investors Real Money

This topic is a bit more technical than the previous ones, but that means more consumers are looking for help with it. We have the perfect guide to help you explain what 1031 exchanges are and how they can benefit your investor clients.

Growth in real estate price market.

Real estate blogs on market trends help readers make sense of current patterns and predict future changes, whether they’re buying, selling, or investing. By breaking down the numbers and explaining what they mean, you’ll become the go-to expert for anyone looking for a real estate professional.

30. Current Housing Market Trends

  • Example title: What’s Happening in the Housing Market Right Now?

Staying up-to-date with the latest housing market trends and statistics is crucial for buyers, sellers, and investors. This type of content keeps your audience informed about the current market conditions and what they mean for their real estate decisions.

31. Predicting Future Market Changes

  • Example title: 2025 Real Estate Market Predictions: What Experts Are Saying

People love to know what’s coming next, especially in the volatile world of real estate. Offering expert predictions helps your readers plan ahead and make informed decisions based on anticipated market shifts.

32. Local or Regional Market Analysis

  • Example title: Why {City/Region} Is the Next Real Estate Hotspot

Highlighting specific regions that are experiencing growth or change can attract local readers and those considering relocating. This content helps readers understand why certain areas are becoming more desirable and what that means for their investments.

33. Seasonal Trends in Real Estate

  • Example title: Why Winter Could Be the Best Time to Buy a Home

Seasonal trends can significantly affect the real estate market, and understanding these patterns can be a game-changer for buyers and sellers. Sharing insights on the best times of year for real estate activities makes your content timely and relevant.

Innovative Blog Ideas on Real Estate Technology

Virtual reality architect in virtual reality headset talking with colleague.

Technology has made a huge impact on the real estate industry in recent years. These real estate blog examples will help you explore how cutting-edge tools and trends are transforming the industry. From smart home gadgets to virtual reality tours, you can tell readers what’s hot and what’s not—all while showing them how you know your stuff.

34. An Overview of Virtual Staging Software

This one falls into the “seems easy until you try it” category for homeowners. Virtual staging looks like magic, but once they try to do it, they will realize that hiring a professional like you to market their home might be a better investment.

35. Smart Home Technology

  • Example title: How 1031 Exchanges Can Save Property Investors Real Money

This real estate blog topic showcases the latest smart home gadgets is a surefire way to attract tech-savvy readers. This type of content highlights how technology can make homes more convenient and appealing, which is a big selling point for today’s buyers.

36. Real Estate Apps & Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Example title: Must-have Real Estate Apps for Buyers and Sellers and How AI Can Work for You

With the rise of mobile technology and AI, real estate apps are essential tools for staying ahead. Reviewing the best apps for real estate needs keeps your audience informed about tools that can simplify their buying or selling journey.

Even More Real Estate Blog Topics to Explore

I’ve already shared 36 real estate blog ideas, but there’s so much more to explore! If you’re looking for more inspiration, here are 30 more real estate blog topics to spark your creativity.

Real Estate Blog Best Practices

Now that you’re inspired to start blogging, sit down and plan out your content using your real estate marketing plan. Then, use these insider tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years that will help you get more page views.

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Tip 1: Write Three Different Versions of Your Headline

The headline is by far the most important element of your real estate blog post, just like your business logo. It’s the first—and sometimes only—thing your audience will see before they decide to click on it and read it. So, take the time to learn how to write headlines that get clicks. Write three and then pick your best.

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Tip 2: Break Up Text in Your Posts

Since your readers are busy, do them a favor and break up your blog posts into bite-sized chunks using subheadings. Most people are going to skim your posts anyway. Make it easy for them. Using H2, H3, and H4 tags (rather than just bolding the text of your headings) is also a best practice for search engine optimization (SEO).

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Tip 3: Include Links to Your Other Related Blog Posts

This will not only help your reader quickly get to related posts but will also help Google crawl your site and might help you rank better. You can also link to your posts on your social media profiles. LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook are all great places to find new readers.

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Tip 4: Use Keyword Research to Answer Your Audience’s Questions

If you want a chance of ranking your blog posts on Google, you need to research what keywords your audience is searching for. You can start by checking out some other successful real estate blogs in your farm area. Which articles do you think are most helpful for buyers and sellers? If you want to get serious and do professional keyword research, check out our in-depth guide below.

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Tip 5: Use Descriptive Language & Keep Paragraphs Short

Long paragraphs are like homework, and you have about 10 seconds to capture your reader’s attention before they click back over to Facebook. Be sure that the words you are using are descriptive and engaging.

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Tip 6: Use Images & Infographics

We are naturally drawn to attractive images, so sprinkle some throughout your blog post. Make sure you have the rights to use the photos—you can use photos of your listings, your home, and your neighborhood. Unsplash is a great place to find great high-res, free images. 

You can also utilize infographics and catchy real estate slogans to capture attention and illustrate your points. We have a great collection in our guide below.

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Tip 7: Read Your Writing Out Loud Before Hitting Publish

Editing your own writing can be tricky, but one way to make it easier is to read your entire post out loud and see if you stumble. If you can read through it without stumbling, then chances are so will your readers.

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Tip 8: Always Put the Reader First

Always put your reader first. Make sure to focus on their needs and experience rather than search engine optimization (SEO), selling, trying to sound clever, or anything else. Always remember your blog is for your readers! Putting your audience first is the best way to put out your marketing message in a subtle way. 

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Tip 9: Make Sure Readers Know Who You Are

Having a bio and headshot on your website is a must. Your bio lets readers get to know you better, sharing your background, expertise, and a bit of your personality. And don’t forget a professional headshot! It adds a personal touch and helps potential clients feel more connected to you. 

FAQs




Bringing It All Together

Writing a real estate blog is a proven way to market your services, generate leads, and help others. It can be hard to keep your content fresh and engaging, but this list of ideas should keep you brainstorming and busy. Don’t forget that the whole point of your blog is to let others see you as the local expert, the one who can solve their problems, and make all of their real estate dreams come true.

Have some favorite real estate blog post ideas? Let us know in the comments!

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10 Tips to Choose Great Real Estate Domain Names (+ Name Generator) https://theclose.com/real-estate-domain-names/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-domain-names/#comments Wed, 31 Jul 2024 15:46:40 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=3578 Struggling to come up with a domain name for your real estate business? Use our expert tips and free real estate domain name generator to find one that will help you dominate your market for years to come.

The post 10 Tips to Choose Great Real Estate Domain Names (+ Name Generator) appeared first on The Close.

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Choosing real estate domain names for a business is like picking the perfect storefront location. It must be memorable, easy to find, and a true reflection of your brand. Whether you’re just starting or rebranding your existing business, the right domain names for real estate can make all the difference in how potential clients perceive and interact with you online. So, grab a cup of coffee as I dive into choosing the perfect real estate website name and tools to simplify it.

What are Real Estate Domain Names?

Screenshot of a great domain name example from waterfront-properties.com
Real estate domain name example (Waterfront Properties and Club Communities)

Real estate domain names are web addresses (URLs) that represent your real estate business online. They are the links that clients type into their web browsers to find your real estate website. A domain name for real estate serves as your digital identity, making it easier for potential clients to locate and remember your business. Your domain name should be unique to you and a part of your overall branding and marketing strategy. 

Why You Need a Great Name

Picking the right domain name for your real estate business can boost your online presence, make your brand more recognizable, and attract more clients. It’s like having a prime location for your business online. Strong real estate domain names help build credibility and trust with potential clients. It’s often their first impression of your business, and a catchy, professional domain can really make you stand out. 

Plus, a good domain name can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for clients to find you. Taking the time to choose the perfect domain name for real estate is important in building a successful online presence for your business.

Excellent Real Estate Domain Name Examples

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s check out these examples of great real estate domain ideas for realtors. They’re memorable, professional, and perfectly capture their brand. These examples can help spark ideas for your own domain name, making sure it stands out and represents your business effectively.

👇P.S. Some of these are available if you’re looking

AllenSellsHomes.com
FromHousetoHome.com
SmithSpencer.com
ChuckTownHomes.com
UltraAgent.com
SellingMyCity.com
HomeAuthority.com
YourExpertBroker.com
NeighborhoodGuru.com
WaterfrontHomesCity.com
YourExpertAgent.com
PerfectViews.com
RubyHome.com
TheAltmanBrothers.com
TheAgencyRE.com
CondosByTheLake.com
Homes4SaleByMe.com
OceanfrontHomes.com
DiscoverMyCity.com
HeartOfMyCity.com
HomePros.com
PropertyExperts.com
BuyWithMe.com
CityDwellings.com
BuySellMyCity.com
TeamNameHomes.com
MyBrokerage.com
DreamHomeBuyers.com
DreamHomeSellers.com
HomesByMe.com

Bruce Ailion is hard to beat when choosing great real estate domain names. He was lucky enough to snag locationlocationlocation.com. But that was years ago, and all the good domain names are taken now, right? Not so fast. Keep reading to get The Close’s tips and name generator (#9)!

Google search engine results
Google search engine results (Source: Google)

Tip 1: Understand Your Brand

Before choosing your real estate domain name, you must clearly understand your brand. It should be a natural extension of your brand identity, reflecting who you are and what you have to offer. Ask yourself these three questions as you start to think about your domain name for real estate.

  • What are the core values and mission of my real estate business?: Think about what your business stands for and what you aim to achieve. Are you focused on luxury, affordability, eco-friendly homes, or exceptional customer service? Your domain name should reflect your values.
  • Who is my target audience, and what are their needs and preferences?: Know who you’re trying to reach. Are your clients first-time homebuyers, investors, or families? Will you be focused on getting listings or helping buyers? Choose a domain name that speaks directly to their needs and interests.
  • What is my unique selling proposition (USP) that differentiates me from my competitors?: Identify what makes you unique. Do you offer personalized service, deep market expertise, or specialize in a niche area? Highlight this in your domain name to stand out and attract the right clients.

With a clear understanding of your brand, you can now focus on the specifics of your realty domain name.

Tip 2: Keep It Short & Unique

When it comes to choosing your domain name, less is definitely more. A short and unique domain name can make a huge difference in how easily your clients find and remember you. Here’s why you should aim for a short and sweet name:

  • Easy to remember: If someone can recall your domain after just one glance, they’re much more likely to return to your site. 
  • Reduces typos: The longer and more complicated your domain name, the more likely people will make typos and land on another site.
  • Enhances brand recognition: It should stand out in a crowded market and reflect your brand’s personality. Make it catchy and distinct.
  • Shareable: Whether you’re sharing it verbally, in print, or online, a short domain name is much easier to pass along if it’s easy to say and spell.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check your domain name for silly hidden meanings. Sometimes when you take two perfectly innocent words and put them together…Well, you end up with something not so innocent. No one wants to type in Pen Island as penisland.com 🙉🙈🙊

Tip 3: Don’t Stress About Keywords

Keywords are great for search engine optimization (SEO) because they help people find you online. Including relevant keywords in your domain name can boost your search rankings. But don’t stress too much about fitting them in. Ranking on Google is super competitive, and keywords are just one piece of the puzzle. 

Overloading your domain with keywords can make it look spammy and hard to remember. Instead, focus on a name that’s brandable, easy to remember, and reflects your business. Keep it simple and authentic to your brand!

Website on laptop and mobile phone with example of SEO search on google.
Real estate SEO package (Source: Agent Image)

If you really want to make an impact, hire a web design company that knows how to rank real estate websites on Google. Agent Image has 24 years of experience building websites for Realtors and using cutting-edge SEO strategies to get you to the front page faster. Click the button below for 20% off.

Tip 4: Choose the Right Domain Extension

Selecting the right domain extension is just as important as the domain name itself. While .com is the most popular and widely recognized extension, other options like .realtor or .biz can offer unique benefits for your real estate business.

The .realtor extension was created specifically for real estate professionals and is only available if you are a National Association of Realtors (NAR) member. Also, NAR has announced a .realestate domain name which is available to anyone wanting to brand themselves within the real estate industry

While this extension can lend itself to a certain level of credibility for your business, there are some other factors to consider. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of using this extension:

Pros
Cons
  • Shows agents you are a real estate professional
  • Only available to NAR members
  • Helps identify that you are a realtor
  • Less common than .com or .net
  • Builds client confidence
  • Limits your business scope if you offer other services
  • Neutral Effect on SEO: It’s important to note that the domain extension has a neutral effect on SEO. Google and other search engines do not prioritize .com over .realtor or any other extension. The key factors for SEO are the quality of your content, user experience, and overall site performance. So, while a .realtor extension can help with branding and trust, it won’t necessarily boost your search engine rankings by itself.

    Tip 5: Avoid Hyphens & Numbers

    When choosing a domain name for your real estate business, it’s best to steer clear of hyphens and numbers. While they might seem like a good way to get around the unavailability of certain names, they can create more problems than they solve. Which domain looks professional and easy to remember?

    DO: myrealestatebiz.com
    DON’T: my-realestate-biz.com

    Hyphens and numbers can make your domain name harder to remember, leading to increased typos and confusion when clients try to recall or share your web address. They can also make your site look less professional, resembling spammy or temporary sites. Also, while hyphens were once thought to help with SEO, search engines now prioritize user experience. Clean, straightforward real estate domain names are best.

    Tip 6: Check for Trademarks & Copyrights

    Coming up with unique names is not as easy as you might think. Using a domain name infringing on an existing trademark can have serious legal consequences. You might receive a cease-and-desist letter, face legal battles, or be forced to change your domain name, which can be costly and time-consuming. 

    You wouldn’t believe the number of people claiming a trademark infringement, even on general phrases. As a broker, I once received a cease and desist letter for the use of “Moving from XYZ to City.” Another broker had trademarked the phrase, so my agents in that city could not use that phrase in their marketing. Talk about a headache! Imagine spending countless hours and marketing dollars becoming a local expert, only to discover you violated a trademark. 

    Conducting a thorough trademark search helps you avoid these potential pitfalls. Use trademark search tools like USPTO or WIPO to ensure your domain name does not infringe on any existing trademarks. Also, do an online search to ensure you’re not infringing on someone’s copyright. If someone had the domain name first and you began using it, you could face copyright infringement claims. 

    Tip 7: Scale Your Website Slowly

    One all-too-common mistake agents make in building websites is signing up for an “all-in-one” real estate website platform and loading it up with bells and whistles on day one. There is a big problem with this approach: the price. These platforms sell you on “upgrades” by “tiers” for a reason. They want you to spend money today on features you won’t need for years. 

    Template or custom real estate website builder
    Template or custom real estate website builder (Source: AgentFire)

    Instead of feeling pressured to “upgrade” to the next “tier,” try the number one rated agent website platform on Facebook and Google with an average rating of 4.9: AgentFire. AgentFire lets you add features to your site as you scale your business. If your business scales slowly, you upgrade your site slowly. Simple.

    Pro Tip: Check your socials. Make sure your domain name is available on Facebook, Instagram, and any other social media platforms you use regularly. It doesn’t have to be exact, but make sure it can tie into your brand.

    Tip 8: Think About the Future

    When choosing a domain name for your real estate business, it’s important to think long-term. While it might be tempting to pick a name that fits your current situation perfectly, considering how your business might grow and evolve can save you a lot of hassle down the road. Remember, you won’t always be a newbie. So, here are some essential questions to ask yourself before choosing your real estate domain name.

    These are all important questions to ask yourself when you think about what your business will look like in five years. A word of advice for choosing realtor domain names: plan for growth, avoid trends, stay flexible, and consider your future SEO needs. Choose a name that can grow with your business, and you’ll set yourself up for long-term success.

    Tip 9: Pick a Place to Host Your Website

    Choosing the right hosting provider is key to making your real estate website perform flawlessly and stay reliable. One highly recommended option is BlueHost. Here’s why BlueHost is an awesome choice for your real estate website:

    • Reliable Performance: BlueHost keeps your website running smoothly with a 99.9% uptime guarantee, so clients can always reach you. Reliability is key to maintaining a professional online presence.
    • Affordable Pricing: BlueHost offers competitive pricing plans that fit all budgets. Their basic plan starts at $2.95 a month and includes a free domain for the first year, a free SSL certificate, and a one-click WordPress installation, making it an affordable and comprehensive option for real estate pros.
    • Excellent Customer Support: BlueHost offers 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email. Their knowledgeable support team is always ready to help with any issues or questions, ensuring your website runs smoothly.
    WordPress-compatible sites
    WordPress-compatible sites (Source: BlueHost)

    BlueHost offers a ton of benefits as your web hosting provider, like reliable performance, easy management, great customer support, and room to grow. These features make it a perfect choice for real estate pros wanting to build a strong, dependable online presence.

    Tip 10: Use The Close’s Domain Name Generator

    If you’re struggling to come up with a domain name, use our free real estate domain name generator. While there are a lot of sites out there that let you pick a domain name, very few offer good alternatives when the name you want is taken. That’s why we built this free real estate domain name generator. Just plug in your name, farm area, or both, and click generate.

    Real Estate Domain Name Generator

    Warning: The Domain Names produced by this generator were created by our team, but it is up to you to verify their available status.

    FAQs




    Bringing It All Together

    Picking the right domain name is key to building a strong online presence for your real estate business. Keep it short, unique, and easy to remember. Avoid hyphens and numbers, think about your future growth, and check for trademarks. While keywords are helpful, don’t stress too much about them. A great domain name boosts your credibility and attracts more clients. Take your time, get creative, and choose a name that truly represents your business.

    Have a tip for choosing a catchy real estate domain name that we missed? Have a favorite we’d love? Let us know in the comment section.

    The post 10 Tips to Choose Great Real Estate Domain Names (+ Name Generator) appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/real-estate-domain-names/feed/ 24 unnamed – 2024-07-31T164158.151 word-image unnamed – 2024-07-31T164208.176 unnamed – 2024-07-31T164212.101 unnamed – 2024-07-31T164216.597 expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
    The 6 Essential Real Estate AI Tools for Agents in 2024 https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-ai-tools/ https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-ai-tools/#comments Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:43:04 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=79923 More and more software companies are integrating AI into their services, making the lives of real estate agents all over the world easier and more efficient. When agents aren’t bogged down by all the mundane tasks of running a business, they can focus on building relationships with potential clients.

    The post The 6 Essential Real Estate AI Tools for Agents in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

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    With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), real estate professionals can use tools to streamline processes, enhance client interactions, and boost marketing efforts. Although these tools will not replace the personal touch and connections you have with your client, they can make sure to give you some time back so you can focus on building relationships and closing deals. To help you navigate this rapidly changing landscape, I identified the top six real estate AI tools across various categories to help you grow and maintain your real estate business.

    • CINC: Best for AI lead generation and nurturing
    • Saleswise: Best for AI real estate marketing text creation
    • Style to Design: Best for AI virtual staging
    • VEED.IO: Best for AI video creation
    • Lofty: Best for AI-enhanced CRM system
    • ChatGPT: Best for AI real estate content creation tools

    The Close’s Picks for Top AI Tools for Real Estate Agents

    AI ToolBest forStarting Monthly PriceLearn More
    cinc-logoLead generation and nurturing$899Visit CINC
    Saleswise logoMarketing text creation$39Visit Saleswise
    Style to Design logoVirtual staging $149Visit Style to Design
    veed io logoVideo creation $25Visit VEED.IO
    Lofty CRM logoAI-powered CRM $39Visit Lofty
    chatgpt logoContent creationFreeVisit Chat GPT
    AI ToolBest forStarting Monthly PriceLearn More
    cinc-logoLead generation and nurturingContact for pricingVisit CINC
    Saleswise logoMarketing text creation$39Visit Saleswise
    Style to Design logoVirtual staging $149Visit Style to Design
    veed io logoVideo creation $25Visit VEED.IO
    Lofty CRM logoAI-powered CRM $39Visit Lofty
    chatgpt logoContent creationFreeVisit Chat GPT

    1. CINC: Best for AI Lead Generation & Nurturing

    Cinc logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • Lead nurturing is available 24/7.
    • It has real estate-related conversation scripts.
    • It has AI-powered workflows.
    • Nurturing via text message is available.
    • Pricing is expensive compared to other options.
    • It must be used in conjunction with CINC’s CRM.
    • It has no ability to turn off middle-of-the-night chat inquiries.
    • It has no AI capabilities via email.
    • Pricing: $899, custom pricing available

    Why I Picked CINC

    CINC AI is dedicated to turning potential leads into clients with Alex, its AI lead expert. I appreciate that Alex engages in conversations with new leads, categorizing them into three categories: new, active, and old leads. Agents will then receive notifications about these leads, including the latest message from Alex, so they know where to pick up the conversation. The AI at CINC was created through a partnership with Structurely and is designed to make these interactions with clients more human-like, relevant, and with improved scripting.

    Screenshot of CINC AI dashboard
    AI information page (Source: CINC)

    Use Cases for CINC:

    • Priorite leads based on scoring algorithms to know which ones to focus on. 
    • Send automated follow-up emails and texts so no leads are missed. 
    • Track lead interactions and engagement to reduce the need to remember where you left off.
    • Generate scripts for cold calling and prospecting for new listings.

    2. Saleswise: Best for AI Real Estate Marketing Text Creation

    saleswise logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • It provides access to millions of property records.
    • It has flat-rate pricing.
    • It has website content creation.
    • Free seven-day trial is available.
    • It cannot create content for business operations like handbooks, onboarding, and job advertisements.
    • It does not incorporate video editing for listings.
    • It has no CRM integration.
    • It has no automatic workflows.
    • Pricing: $39 per month

    Why I Picked Saleswise

    From a marketing and creative perspective, Saleswise has all the tools available to help you market yourself and your listings. I like that this is one of the AI real estate tools offering a flat-rate pricing and no long-term contracts for all the tools, so you’re not constantly being upsold on additional services. The tools provided to you by Saleswise can collectively replace a marketing coordinator, a virtual renderer, a copywriter, and more. I also appreciate that Saleswise considers property and listing data along with market insights to create less generic real estate marketing content.

    Saleswise demo (Source: YouTube)

    Use Cases for Saleswise:

    • Write new listing descriptions for third-party lead-generation websites. 
    • Transform images to show clients a space’s potential after a remodel. 
    • Schedule and post on social media automatically.
    • Send personalized email campaigns to clients.

    3. Style to Design: Best for AI Virtual Staging 

    Pros
    Cons
    • It has customizable design templates.
    • Staging and design courses are available.
    • Design team is available for simulations.
    • It has an extensive furniture and decor library
    • It requires a minimum commitment for pricing plans.
    • It cannot edit images other than property photos.
    • Pricing is high if you don't have a lot of listings.
    • Coaching is only offered in enterprise plans.
    • Pricing*:
      • Individual Membership: $149 per month
      • Team:  $299 per month
      • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

    *Minimum three-month commitment for all plans

    Why I Picked Style to Design

    Style to Design is not limited to real estate agents and brokerages. Anyone who wants to be an expert on listing marketing and image rendering can utilize this software. The memberships are affordable and cost less than outsourcing the work to other creative professionals. The seamless virtual staging experience allows agents to transform empty spaces effortlessly into beautifully staged homes. Agents can leverage the tool to promote that they have a marketing team when pitching for new business without the added overhead costs of having multiple employees.

    Screenshot of staging board giving home renovation clients options home features
    Staging boards (Source: Style to Design)

    Use Cases for Style to Design:

    • Launch a virtual staging company to produce staged images for the real estate industry. 
    • Obtain new real estate listings for agents through add-on service offerings. 
    • Quickly prepare virtual renderings for listing meetings. 
    • Create visually appealing property images for social media posts and advertising. 

    4. VEED.IO: Best for AI Video Creation

    veed io logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • It has an easy-to-use video editing interface.
    • It has AI-driven video editing.
    • Easily create AI avatars.
    • Create AI-generated art and images from text.
    • The technology required to record videos is not offered.
    • It cannot offload editing work to the VEED.IO team.
    • Video export length is dependent on the price plan.
    • It has no mobile app for basic or free plans.
    • Pricing (per user, per month):
      • Basic: $25
      • Pro: $38
      • Business: $70
      • Enterprise: Contact for pricing

    Why I Picked VEED.IO

    VEED.IO makes it easy to produce high-quality videos that can help agents engage potential buyers. Agents can leverage the platform to edit their videos as much or as little depending on their needs. For example, this AI for real estate agents is helpful in cropping, trimming, and adding text to a video, or agents can create their avatars to star in the video themselves. I like that there are affordable tiered plan options, making it accessible for agents at all budget levels and team sizes.

    Screenshot of available AI tools offered in VEED.IO
    Video and AI tools (Source: VEED.IO)

    Use Cases for VEED.IO:

    • Use their AI eye contact tool to edit videos where you don’t look like you’re reading off a prompter or screen. 
    • Add voice-overs to videos by cloning your voice and reduce the need to record yourself for virtual tours.
    • Create professional videos by using their text-to-video tool that uses just a text description. 
    • Use the technology to create training and onboarding videos to replace an HR team. 

    5. Lofty: Best for AI-enhanced CRM System

    Lofty CRM logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • It has long-term campaigns to turn warm-up cold leads.
    • Customized workflows are provided.
    • It has an AI-powered website chatbot.
    • It has lead qualifying and appointment-setting.
    • It requires an initial learning curve.
    • You need to purchase the CRM packages in addition to the AI cost.
    • The Core package for CRM is quite expensive.
    • It does not offer AI-produced conversation scripts.

    Why I Picked Lofty

    Lofty is an exceptional CRM system that leverages AI for real estate to provide deep client insights and automate routine tasks. Its AI assistant can analyze client interactions to predict their needs and preferences. In addition, it can schedule and send automated follow-up reminders while creating personalized communication templates. I picked Lofty because, unlike many CRMs that demand significant daily effort, Lofty’s AI assistant automatically handles these routine tasks for agents. This feature gives agents peace of mind, knowing that essential but time-consuming activities are efficiently managed.

    Screenshot of AI assistant dashboard with settings and data report information
    Assistant workflows (Source: Lofty)

    Use Cases for Lofty:

    • Add a chatbot to your website to generate organic AI for real estate leads. 
    • Segment clients based on behavior and preferences for targeted email campaigns.
    • Analyze client data to predict potential property interests and personalize listings.
    • Have the AI assistance help with deal closure communication to ensure all necessary paperwork is requested. 

    6. ChatGPT: Best for AI Real Estate Content Creation Tools

    chatgpt logo
    Pros
    Cons
    • Team collaboration workspaces are available.
    • It has real-time content suggestions.
    • It can create content across multiple industries.
    • It provides natural language processing.
    • You must know how to prompt the AI to produce the correct responses.
    • Information produced can be false.
    • It is unable to review spreadsheets or images.
    • Pricing (per month):
      • Free: $0
      • Plus: $20
      • Team: $30 per user
      • Enterprise: Contact sales for pricing

    Why I Picked ChatGPT

    ChatGPT offers a simple user interface, allowing you to draft prompts that generate high-quality, engaging content quickly. There is a mobile app that allows you to generate content on the go. Its natural language processing capabilities ensure the generated content is coherent and relevant. I picked ChatGPT as the most innovative AI real estate content creator because it can provide you with copy, plans, forms, and suggestions across all aspects of your real estate business. This versatility ensures that you have high-quality content that can enhance your business and productivity.

    Screenshot of interface for Chat GPT
    Chat GPT interface (Source: Simon McCade)

    Use Cases for ChatGPT:

    • Help generate content for your website blog or open house flyers. 
    • Create listing descriptions for advertisements or listing websites. 
    • Assist with creating a business plan for growing your real estate team. 
    • Help with creating materials for new hire job descriptions for your growing team.

    How We Selected the Best Real Estate AI Tools for Agents

    Our methodology at The Close ensures that our team of professionals, writers, and editors thoroughly analyzes each platform. We meticulously evaluate the features, usability, integration capabilities, performance, and affordability of the AI tools available for real estate. 

    We selected the most effective and reliable real estate AI tools for agents to support business growth and success. This rigorous process ensures that our recommendations help agents streamline operations, enhance client interactions, and achieve business goals.

    Detailed criteria included the following to determine the best AI in real estate tools: 

    • Feature set and functionality: We evaluated the range of features each tool offers and focused on how impactful this feature is to the real estate operations. 
    • Usability and user experience: We looked for tools with intuitive interfaces, straightforward navigation, and comprehensive support resources such as tutorials, FAQs, and customer service. We want to ensure a platform can be launched easily and integrated into an agent’s workflow. 
    • Integration capabilities: Because so many tools are needed in the real estate industry, we want to ensure that an agent’s technology stack can communicate with other tools necessary for business. 
    • Effectiveness and performance: We considered the effectiveness of each tool to make sure that it increased productivity and would achieve the desired outcomes that it promises. 
    • Affordability and value for money: Cost was an important consideration. We looked for tools that provide a good balance of features and affordability.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)




    Bringing It All Together

    Leveraging AI for real estate is not as daunting as it may initially seem. AI tools can automate routine tasks, provide data-driven insights, and enhance client interactions. Yes, technically, you’re having a robot help you with your business. However, the time saved allows you to focus on higher-value activities like building client relationships and closing deals. This increased efficiency will improve your productivity and enhance the overall client experience to ensure you keep filling up your sales funnel.

    The post The 6 Essential Real Estate AI Tools for Agents in 2024 appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/best-real-estate-ai-tools/feed/ 2 Real Estate AI: 20 Mind-blowing Artificial Intelligence Tools Discover the top 6 real estate AI tools to help generate leads, create videos, and streamline your real estate operations. real estate ai tools CINCPRO_logo Saleswise Style to Design Logo veed io logo Lofty_Logo-removebg-preview chatgpt logo CINCPRO_logo Saleswise Style to Design Logo veed io logo Lofty_Logo-removebg-preview chatgpt logo saleswise_logo unnamed – 2024-07-03T205355.023 saleswise_logo Style to Design Logo unnamed – 2024-07-03T205408.709 veed io logo unnamed – 2024-07-03T205413.030 Lofty_Logo-removebg-preview unnamed – 2024-07-03T205421.823 chatgpt logo unnamed – 2024-07-03T205428.033 expand/collapse expand/collapse expand/collapse
    How to Write a Real Estate Agent Bio + 15 Examples & Templates https://theclose.com/write-real-estate-agent-bio/ https://theclose.com/write-real-estate-agent-bio/#comments Wed, 03 Jul 2024 12:21:30 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=3439 A real estate agent bio is a crucial part of your marketing strategy and branding. Use our templates, bio generator, and buzzwords to spice up yours today!

    The post How to Write a Real Estate Agent Bio + 15 Examples & Templates appeared first on The Close.

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    How do you describe yourself on your website and social media profiles? Do potential clients reach out to you after seeing your realtor bio? Whether you’ve just gotten your license or have been an agent for years, having an excellent real estate agent bio shows your commitment to your craft, helps attract potential clients, and builds your credibility. I’ll give you tips for writing a bio, four realtor bio templates you can use for your website and socials, some examples to inspire you, and our free agent bio generator.

    Preview of The Close's real estate agent bio templates
    Download Our Real Estate Agent Bio Templates

    Step 1: Keep It Concise & Simple

    Did you know visitors spend an average of 19 seconds on a website? Keep your real estate salesperson bio short and easy to read when crafting it. Focus on the key aspects of your experience and what sets you apart from other agents. Your readers don’t need to know which school you took your prelicensing courses in. Aim for concise sentences and avoid jargon and overly technical language to convey your message clearly. But if you have a large space for a long-form bio, break up your bio into bullet points or subheadings.

    Step 2: Start With a Killer Introduction

    If you don’t have a killer first line, your readers will likely get bored with your bio and skip reading the whole thing. A strong introduction will make your viewers read until the last word of your bio. How to do that, you ask? 

    Start with a hook that draws your readers in—it can be the most interesting fun fact about you, your most significant sales achievement, a bold statement, or a personal anecdote about your real estate journey. Whatever it is, ensure your opening line is engaging, as it will set the tone for the rest of your bio.

    Step 3: Showcase Your Real Estate Niche & Local Expertise

    Showcasing your real estate niche and deep local market knowledge is key to building trust with potential clients. Start by stating your niche, whether it’s luxury homes, rental properties, commercial buildings, or first-time buyers, and explain why you chose this specialization. 

    Clients want a local expert who knows their community backward and forward and can answer all their specific questions to steer them in the right direction. Let your audience know why you’re the go-to agent in your neighborhood. Highlight your familiarity with the neighborhood, including insights into local amenities. What’s your opinion on the best pizza place in your area? Where do they serve the best coffee? Emphasize how your local expertise can help clients, whether they’re buying or selling a property.

    Step 4: Mention Your Education, Certifications & Accolades

    Are you one of the top-producing agents in your firm? Have you received any continuing education certifications? Mentioning your real estate license and any other licenses you hold assures clients of your legitimacy. 

    Your bio is perfect for showing off your awards, sales achievements, and relevant certifications, such as Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), or Certified Property Manager (CPM). By highlighting your achievements, you’re letting potential clients know they’re working with an accomplished professional.

    Step 5: Spice Up Your Bio with Relevant Buzzwords

    Level up your writing with word variety. A well-chosen word can make a difference in how readers will perceive you. Swap out repeated words for synonyms to make your bio automatically more engaging. Struggling with the perfect description for yourself and what you do? Here are some of our favorite descriptive words that can add flair to your bio:

    authentic
    discerning
    principled
    strategic
    capable
    empathetic
    purposeful
    tech-savvy
    community-focused
    ethical
    reputable
    tenacious
    considerate
    exemplary
    responsive
    thorough
    consummate
    genuine
    savvy
    thoughtful
    creative
    grounded
    seasoned
    trustworthy
    credible
    honest
    sensible
    unshakeable
    decisive
    in the know
    sincere
    warm
    dependable
    innovative
    skillful
    well-rounded
    detail-oriented
    perceptive
    sought-after
    well-versed

    Step 6: Leverage Your Brokerage

    Your brokerage has likely invested much time and money in building its reputation in your community. Leverage these investments to enhance your professional image—building on the good vibes they’ve already established. Include your firm’s real estate logo to reinforce your brand visually. If their ideals contradict your own, you’re likely at the wrong company. If you’re a broker-owner, this is a good place to briefly detail why you opened your shop.

    Step 7: Remember to Put Your Call to Action

    What’s next for your audience after they read your real estate agent bio? Including a call to action (CTA) will guide readers on what they should do next. Encourage potential clients to contact you for more information, schedule a consultation, or visit your website for more details. Ensure your email address, mobile number, and social media handles are easy to find. Adding a clear CTA gives you more chances of converting readers into clients.

    Step 8: Add Your Best Professional Headshot

    Your realtor headshot is the first impression potential clients will have of you, so ensure yours is high-quality and not overly edited. Invest in a professional photographer to capture your headshot, as you can use this photo in all your marketing materials, not just your realtor bio. Dress professionally and comfortably, smile naturally, and pose confidently. An excellent headshot will build trust and make you more relatable to potential clients.

    Ana Abitbol headshot
    Ana Abitbol (Source: Sotheby’s International Realty)

    Step 9 (Optional): Hire a Professional to Write Your Bio

    If writing a real estate bio is high on your to-do list but you can’t find the time, consider hiring a freelancer to do it for you. This investment can save you time and ensure your bio stands out. Fiverr is a popular source of professional writers who are willing and able to create a killer real estate bio for you—for a price as low as five bucks.

    Excellent Realtor Bio Examples

    Let’s explore these real estate biography samples from successful agents to understand how they’ve effectively communicated their expertise.

    1. Chris Adlam

    Screenshot of Chris Adlam's realtor bio
    (Source: Chris Adlam)

    Why it works: Chris Adlam’s bio is compelling for several reasons. It opens with an interesting fact about him: his recognition as a top-producing agent. Next, it emphasizes his dedication to personal service and how clients count on his discretion, qualities clients look for in agents. Also, Chris ends his bio with personal details about his life, which makes him relatable.

    2. Lisa Cregan

    Screenshot of Lisa Cregan's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Lisa Cregan)

    Why it works: Lisa Cregan’s bio is effective because, in the first paragraph, she enumerates where she has worked and how her journalistic experience translates into real estate. Additionally, her deep knowledge and connections to various cities in the country make her more approachable to potential clients.

    3. Ben Caballero

    Screenshot of Ben Caballero's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Ben Caballero)

    Why it works: Many agents don’t think mentioning press releases or other external websites is essential, but that’s not true for Ben Caballero. Listing down all the publications he’s been mentioned in is an excellent public relations strategy. His bio highlights his impressive achievements and how he has surpassed his home sales each year, immediately establishing his authority in the industry.

    4. Ginger Glass

    Screenshot of Ginger Glass' realtor bio
    (Source: Ginger Glass)

    Why it works: I love Ginger Glass’s bio because it’s concise and straightforward. It highlights her extensive experience as a licensed attorney and agent, making her stand out as a top player in the industry. Ginger’s dual expertise only shows that she understands the real estate market and all its legal aspects.

    5. Dana Koch

    Screenshot of Dana Koch's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Dana Koch)

    Why it works: In the first two lines, you’ll immediately know Dana Koch’s standout qualities as an agent and his real estate niche. Potential clients looking for luxury properties can list him as their prospective agent after only seeing the second sentence. Koch has also leveraged his brokerage in his bio, emphasizing his professional success and impressive track record of over $1 billion in real estate sales.

    6. Alexa Lambert

    Screenshot of Alexa Lambert's realtor bio
    (Source: Alexa Lambert)

    Why it works: An important detail you can add to your realtor bio, like Alexa’s, is your diverse client base. Who do you sell properties to? In Alexa’s bio, she emphasizes her experience in New York’s neighborhoods, with celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs as her clients, instantly appealing to luxury property homebuyers.

    7. John Scalia

    Screenshot of John Scalia's realtor bio
    (Source: John Scalia)

    Why it works: In the first line of his bio, John Scalia used relevant keywords for SEO, which is a smart move. By adding “real estate agent in Florida,” his profile would likely appear in search engines of potential clients looking for agents in FL. I also like how he mentioned his other expertise besides helping agents buy and sell homes. Let’s not forget that little CTA at the end of his bio. Contact him today!

    8. Tracy Campion

    Screenshot of Tracy Campion's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Tracy Campion)

    Why it works: Tracy Campion’s long-form bio highlights all her achievements in Boston, adding all her awards and distinctions with external links from trusted sites. I love that she mentioned her loyal repeat customers, which is a beautiful way of saying that her clients consistently have positive experiences. That, my dear reader, is how you create an image of reliability that appeals to potential clients.

    9. Ben Lee

    Screenshot of Ben Lee's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Ben Lee)

    Why it works: Here’s another short and straightforward bio. By combining his real estate expertise and background as a real estate attorney, Ben Lee effectively showcases his ability to assist clients in negotiating deals. Since his bio doesn’t include a list of awards and certifications, Ben focused on being the trusted broker in Los Angeles’ Westside property market.

    10. Melissa Dailey

    Screenshot of Melissa Dailey's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Melissa Dailey)

    Why it works: Melissa Dailey’s realtor bio is effective because she enumerates her achievements and personal values with relevant buzzwords like unwavering honesty and integrity. While she calls herself a “top-producing and highly sought-after agent,” Melissa makes herself relatable by adding her hobbies, community involvement, and the schools she supports.

    11. Jacob Mann

    Screenshot of Jacob Mann's realtor bio
    (Source: Jacob Mann)

    Why it works: In my opinion, Jacob Mann has a killer intro right here. He opens his bio with something personal and then enumerates his most significant achievements and how he started over 20 years ago. His deep ties to Greenville build his credibility as a trusted part of the community. My favorite part of his bio is how he ended it with, “He is the Mann you need!”, which also makes a good tagline.

    12. Kerri Pearce

    Screenshot of Kerri Pearce's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Kerri Pearce)

    Why it works: Many agents switch to real estate after careers in other industries and then hesitate to include that experience. In Kerri Pearce’s case, she focused on her deep community roots, family life, and local expertise before mentioning her career move to real estate. If you’re a new agent without much experience in real estate, this is something you can do in your realtor bio.

    13. Aaron Fowler

    Screenshot of Aaron Fowler's realtor bio
    (Source: Aaron Fowler)

    Why it works: This is one of those new real estate agent bio examples you can emulate if you don’t have those years of experience yet. Aaron Fowler highlights his commitment to making the process as smooth as possible. If you want a similar bio, mention your dedication to providing a high level of service and interest in every aspect of the real estate process to reassure clients that you can handle complex transactions.

    14. Carrie McCormick

    Screenshot of Carrie McCormick's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Carrie McCormick)

    Why it works: Carrie McCormick’s heading says it all: if you’re looking for a luxury broker in Chicago, she’s your person. Her bio is compelling because it emphasizes her reliability and commitment to premium client service. When you scroll down her page, she also touches on her availability, making her seem more approachable and committed to achieving outstanding results.

    15. Nathan Torgerson

    Screenshot of Nathan Torgerson's real estate agent bio
    (Source: Nathan Torgerson)

    Why it works: This is one of the new real estate agent bio samples you can use if you don’t have much experience: start with your love for your community and how long you’ve lived there. Torgerson highlights his deep-rooted connection to Chattanooga and his extensive knowledge of the local market, which builds relatability for potential clients. He demonstrates his credibility in the local scene by mentioning how he frequents local businesses and enjoys Scenic City’s outdoors.

    The Close’s Real Estate Agent Bio Generator

    Still stumped or looking to save some time? If you want more realtor bio examples for a new agent, try out our exclusive bio generator:

    The Close Exclusive Real Estate Agent Bio Generator

    Fill in some important details below. Our Real Estate Agent Bio Generator will plug your input into one of our road-tested bio templates.

    Your Generated Bio

    , is a great place to live and work, which is why chose to call it home. With roots in , came to in . Real estate is a passion for , with a background in , it is easy to see why more than clients called for help buying and selling.

    has been a part of the family for years and is passionate about helping clients take the next step in their homeownership journey. volunteers with and loves being a part of other community events.

    When ​​isn’t in the office or volunteering, you’ll often find and enjoying time with friends and family.

    FAQs: Real Estate Agent Bio





    Bringing It All Together

    Creating an effective bio is crucial to your real estate branding and marketing strategy. If you let your personality and authenticity shine through, your real estate agent bio may be the first step toward a new client relationship that could last for years. Any questions about writing your bio? Let us know in the comments!

    The post How to Write a Real Estate Agent Bio + 15 Examples & Templates appeared first on The Close.

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    Real Estate Graphic Design: The Ultimate Guide for 2024 https://theclose.com/real-estate-graphic-design/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-graphic-design/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:53:12 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=38891 With the tightest real estate inventory in decades, impactful real estate graphic design is more crucial than ever before, so let us help you level up your marketing this year.

    The post Real Estate Graphic Design: The Ultimate Guide for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

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    In today’s crazy competitive real estate market, that first impression is everything. And your real estate graphic design is often the first thing potential clients see, so it better be on point. But don’t stress because I’ve got your back. I’ve put together the ultimate guide to graphic design for realtors in 2024. 

    I’m talking logos, social media graphics, free stock photos, templates—the whole nine yards. I’m even diving into when to call in the pros and hire a designer. Oh, and did I mention the free Real Estate Branding Guide I’m throwing in? Yep, I’m giving you everything you need to create a brand that’s so good clients won’t be able to resist. So, let’s do this!

    Why Graphic Design Matters for Real Estate

    Your brand is way more than just a logo or website. It’s the whole package—everything that shapes how people perceive you and your business. The great news is that you have the power to guide their perception by creating a unique combination of messaging and visuals that’s all your own.

    Collage of several colorful and fun social media posts from Amy B. Cotney showing off her personality.
    Amy Barton Cotney of Roots Real Estate makes a big statement with her unique personality. (Source: Amy B. Cotney)

    Whether we like it or not, potential clients form opinions about a property and the agent representing it based on the visual appeal of their real estate marketing materials. As a real estate agent in a transitioning market, standing out from the competition is critical. But, with the right branding strategy, you can showcase your personality, expertise, and what sets you apart. You can connect with your target audience and build trust before they meet you.

    Branding is a powerful tool for your success, so take the time to develop a brand that truly represents you and your business. Watch as it helps you attract your ideal clients and close more deals. Trust me, it’s worth it!

    Benefits of Graphic Design for Real Estate Agents

    Whether you’re using DIY tools or paying a pro, your real estate business will benefit from high-quality graphic design. Don’t underestimate the power of branding. Spend time defining your style, colors, and the statement you want to make in the world. Great graphic design will create the following:

    • Increased brand recognition and memorability
    • Enhanced credibility and professionalism
    • Improved communication of key information
    • Higher engagement rates on marketing materials
    • Competitive advantage in the market

    As your brand becomes more visible, both online and offline, your business will attract more clients, and you’ll close more deals. So, don’t skimp on the design details of your brand right up front. Invest in high-quality real estate graphic design to gain the most benefit from your marketing strategy. 

    First, Establish Your Brand Identity

    Without delving into branding, you can’t get too far into real estate graphic design. Now that you clearly understand why graphic design matters and its benefits, it’s time to start building your personal real estate brand identity

    Establishing the look and feel of your brand is a critical step in creating effective real estate marketing materials. Spend some time on each of these elements to develop a brand identity that aligns with your personality and professional goals.

    • MVV: Your mission, vision, and values (MVV) are the core identity behind your brand and all marketing materials you produce. They will help guide you through most graphic design choices you make. 
    • Branding: Consistent branding is crucial for real estate agents. This includes using a specific color palette, font family, and logo across all marketing materials to create a recognizable and professional brand identity.
    • Color psychology: Colors can evoke up to 90% of an initial impression. You should understand the basics of color psychology and use colors that create the desired mood and attract your target audience.

    • Logo: Your real estate logo is the face of your brand and should be memorable, unique, and reflective of your brand’s values.
    • Typography: Choosing the right fonts can significantly impact the readability and overall appeal of your designs. Choose legible and professional fonts that align with your brand’s personality.

    Once you have established your brand’s color palette, typography, and logo usage, maintain consistency across all marketing materials, including business cards, property flyers, social media posts, and other marketing collateral. This will create a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.

    Need a little more in-depth guidance on setting up your unique brand identity? Worry not! We’ve got you covered. You can download our Real Estate Branding Guide and go deeper into all the details of developing a brand that represents you and resonates with your audience. Check it out!

    DOWNLOAD YOUR REAL ESTATE BRANDING GUIDE

    DIY Design Tips for Real Estate Agents

    You may not be a pro real estate graphic designer. Still, you can certainly learn a few design tips to help create stunning images for consistent social media posts, email marketing, real estate infographics, postcards and flyers, and more to keep your brand identity consistent no matter what you need to create.

    Tip 1: Use White Space Effectively

    White space, or negative space, is the empty space between all your design elements. It’s like the secret sauce to making your designs look clean, organized, and easy on the eyes. Don’t be afraid to give your elements some breathing room.

    Evolution of luxury featured image
    Use the white space to define the other elements in your design. (Source: Aaron Kirman)

    Tip 2: Create Visual Hierarchies

    This is just a fancy way of saying you should arrange your design elements in order of importance. Use size, color, and placement to first guide your viewer’s eye to the most critical information. Make those headlines and key details pop by using larger or bolder fonts to draw attention to them. Use subheadings, bullet points, or numbered lists to break up text and make it more scannable.

    Tip 3: Use Contrasting Colors

    Using contrasting colors can make important elements stand out, like a neon sign. Use a color wheel to find complementary colors for maximum impact, choosing colors from the opposite side of the wheel. Just make sure your text is still legible—you don’t want people squinting while trying to read your graphics. But caution: use contrast sparingly. The last thing you want is to overwhelm the design and your reader. Focus on highlighting the most important elements.

    Color wheel with a bright red color and a light blue highlighted on opposite sides of the wheel.
    Use a color wheel to find complementary colors on opposite sides of the wheel.

    Tip 4: Align Elements Consistently

    Alignment is key to creating a polished, professional look. Use a grid system to keep everything in line. Make sure related elements, like text and images, are aligned to create a cohesive look. Consistent alignment makes your designs look polished and easier to read.

    Tip 5: Embrace Simplicity

    When in doubt, keep it simple. Stick to a limited color palette and font family for a put-together vibe. Avoid going overboard with decorative elements or busy backgrounds that can distract from your main message. Focus on delivering key information with clarity. Never sacrifice your message for a pretty design.

    Tip 6: Use High-quality Images

    There’s no excuse for not using high-quality images in your real estate graphic designs. Use professional, well-lit photos that show off a property’s best features. Make sure your images are sized and optimized for their intended use, whether digital or print. If you’re using stock photos, choose ones that look authentic and relate to your message.

    Screenshot of a large living space with a wrap-around sofa, a separate seating area, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a deck with palm trees.
    Use high-quality images in everything you create for your marketing. (Source: Instagram)

    Tip 7: Be Unique

    It’s great to get inspo from other successful agents and see what design elements really catch your eye. But here’s the thing—don’t just copy and paste. Get inspired, but then create something that’s uniquely you. Put your own spin on it and let your personality shine through. That’s what will really make you stand out from the competition.

    DIY Design Tools for Real Estate Agents

    Ready to get started designing your stunning real estate graphics? I’ve pulled together a list of some of the coolest DIY marketing design tools to get you started.

    Design ToolMonthly PriceBest ForUsability
    CanvaFree to $10 (paid annually)Social media, postcards, flyers, printed marketing materials, templatesEasy
    Agent Crate$29Social media, reels, content marketing, templatesEasy
    Vista CreateFree to $10Social media, printed marketing materials, templatesEasy
    Adobe Creative Cloud$9.99–$52.99Suite of graphic design tools, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe Express* Difficult
    Coffee & Contracts$45 (paid annually)Social media, reels, content marketing, Broke Agent memes, templatesEasy
    Tailor Brands$3.99–$12.99 (paid annually)Free logo creator, website design, social media templatesEasy
    LCA Marketing Center$59 Print materials, social media, email marketing, newsletters, templatesEasy
    UnsplashFreeRoyalty-free high-definition stock photos and B-roll video to use in your marketing (online and print)Easy
    Envato Elements$16.50High-end creative assets, including video templates, audio, royalty-free music, fonts, sound effectsModerate
    Genial.lyFree to $20.82Animated graphics to use in social media, websites, presentations, etc. Check out this example Moderate
    *Adobe Express offers a free version with basic editing tools and limited assets.

    Real Estate Graphic Design Templates 

    Since you’re most likely not a professional designer, one of the easiest and fastest ways to create your gorg graphic designs is to use templates. Most of the platforms created for DIY design come with a plethora of templates, including some easy-to-customize social media templates you can peruse and customize to fit your brand. Check out some amazing templates I’ve seen in the wild below.

    Templates from Coffee & Contracts

    Templates from Canva

    Templates from Agent Crate

    Inspo: Examples of Real Estate Graphic Design That Slays

    Here are some gorg examples of well-designed real estate marketing materials to inspire and guide you in creating your own designs.

    Example 1: SERHANT.

    Serhant. real estate agency blue logo.

    If you’re looking for inspo for your branding, look no further than the man who has created one of the most recognizable brands in real estate—Ryan Serhant. This logo is one of my personal favorites for a myriad of reasons. It’s clean. Simple. And confidently stated. It’s simply his name in all caps and blocky letters, but the period at the end makes all the difference. Serhant. Period. See what I mean?

    Example 2: The Agency

    The Agency real estate red logo

    I know a lot of people on the internet talk about The Agency, including some of us here at The Close. But I can’t help but love how clever this real estate logo is—a bent paperclip in the shape of an “A” and the simple title underneath. It’s so simple, it’s brilliant. The white sans serif font on a bright red field stands out and screams sophistication. It’s a great example of less is more.

    Example 3: Compass

    Compass real estate logo

    Compass has done an amazing job with its branding, standing out as a leader in sophistication and class. Its branding conveys luxury without being bougie and techy without being boring. The simple black-and-white colors are fresh, modern, and stylish, with sans-serif all-caps lettering spaced out just enough to be open and inviting. With Compass, you’re going places. 

    Example 4: Aaron Kirman Partners

    Aaron Kirman Partners real estate logo

    I love the overt masculinity of this logo—it says power, sophistication, and boldness—definitely traits shared by its namesake. The simple, black-and-white design fits hand-in-hand with the use of negative space on the website. It also fits nicely with the tagline “The Evolution of Luxury.” This logo means business, just like its namesake and the brokerage itself. If you’re looking for powerful real estate graphic design inspiration, this one ranks up there.

    How & Where to Hire a Real Estate Graphic Designer

    Traditionally, when a business needs graphic design work done, they hire an advertising or creative agency. Sure, that’s one way to get premium real estate graphic design for your business, but you can also hire a freelance designer, which can be more economical. A freelance designer generally works on a per-project or hourly basis. 

    Start small with freelancers once you’ve had a chance to check out their portfolio. Hire them to complete a few small projects to make sure they’re a good fit. Have them complete a few different types of projects—for example, a social media graphic, a listing brochure, a real estate flyer, and a postcard. Doing so will help you get a feel for how well the designer takes direction, how often they meet deadlines, and how easy they are to work with. One project isn’t enough to assess someone’s talents. Plus, you will also want to determine if they understand you and your unique brand.

    Here are a few places to look for freelance graphic design for realtors, broken down by average cost and design quality. Keep in mind that prices vary based on the freelancer and task. Instead of hunting for one freelance designer, you can also run a contest on sites like 99designs, where you can pitch your project, and multiple designers will create designs. You can then choose the best option for your needs.

    Freelancer Website
    Pricing
    Design Quality
    Upwork
    Upwork Logo
    $–$$$$
    Entry-level to mid-tier
    Toptal
    Toptal logo
    $$–$$$$
    Mid-tier to expert
    Dribble
    Dribble logo
    $$–$$$$
    Mid-tier to expert
    Behance
    Behance Logo
    $$–$$$$
    Mid-tier to expert
    Working Not Working
    Working Not Working Logo
    $$$–$$$$
    Expert
    99Designs
    Working Not Working Logo
    $–$$$$
    Beginner to expert
    Fiverr
    fiverr logo
    $–$$$$
    Beginner to expert

    Bringing It All Together

    We’ve covered a lot of ground in this ultimate guide to real estate graphic design. From understanding the importance of visual branding to mastering design basics, you’re now equipped with the knowledge and tools to create marketing materials that will make you stand out from the competition. But remember, this is just the beginning of your design journey. Keep exploring, experimenting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

    Now, I want to hear from you! What’s your favorite design tip from this guide? Have you created any killer marketing materials using these techniques? Share your thoughts, experiences, and even your designs in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going!

    The post Real Estate Graphic Design: The Ultimate Guide for 2024 appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/real-estate-graphic-design/feed/ 0 unnamed (70) (1) FireShot Capture 829 – Aaron Kirman – Top Agent in Los Angeles, CA – Luxury Real Estate_ – aaronkirman.com unnamed (72) Use a color wheel to find complementary colors on opposite sides of the wheel. unnamed (73) 'Coffee & Contracts' Real estate statistics for zip code, including median list price, median sold price, average days on market and the number of homes on the market. Also includes agent headshot and contact information. Coffee & Contracts - Real Estate graphic design The Broke Agent Valentines Day Meme Template from Coffee & Contracts Reel template with Real Estate Tips: 3 Myths About Today's Housing Market overlaid on a B-roll video of a kitchen Template from Canva with a box in the center with "Just Listed" and a fillable address over three images of a house Template from Canva with "3 things to do before making an offer on a house" and three boxes underneath. Each box has a graphic and a tip. Screenshot of a Canva Reels template with "Are You Looking to Buy or Rent a Property" overlaid on a video of the interior of a house. A few engagement posts from the dashboard of Agent Crate, each with a customizable graphic and caption included beneath. Agent Crate engagement social media template on the cost of a mortgage vs rent Agent Crate engagement social media template explaining the difference between prequalification and preapproval Screenshot of a sold social media post with contact information and a single high-quality image of a home interior living room space. Modern Testimonial Facebook Post Template from Agent Crate SERHANT_Logo-1 The Agency Logo (1) Compass Logo Aaron Kirman Partners Upwork Logo Toptal logo Dribble logo Behance Logo Working Not Working Logo Working Not Working Logo Fiverr-Logo-2020-present
    23 Clever Real Estate Marketing Ideas https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-ideas/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-ideas/#comments Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:22:58 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=613 Looking for more marketing ideas to grow your business? We've gathered our best tips as well as links to our deep-dive strategy articles, buyer’s guides, and scripts so you can start transforming your business today. 

    The post 23 Clever Real Estate Marketing Ideas appeared first on The Close.

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    Looking for more real estate marketing ideas to grow your business in 2024? We hear you! I updated our list of proven strategies to improve your real estate marketing and included my favorite tips with some from our team of real estate experts here at The Close. You’ll also get links to our deep-dive strategy guides, buyer’s guides, and scripts so you can start transforming your real estate marketing today. 

    So grab a coffee, turn off your notifications, and dig into our 23 best real estate marketing ideas for 2024.

    Branding & Engagement Marketing Ideas

    One of the most important steps in establishing authority In your market area is creating your brand story. Your brand should reflect who you are authentically to give your target audience away and make an emotional connection to you.

    1. Create Your Brand Story

    Start your real estate journey by creating a compelling personal brand story that resonates with your target audience. A solid personal brand does something that a website or glossy headshot never will—it helps you build a unique selling proposition that separates you from your competitors. That is more important than ever in 2024 because every agent in your farm area can access the same marketing tools—including gorg templates, artificial intelligence (AI), and intuitive nurturing systems.

    Ryan Serhant website home page with Ryan Serhant prominently featured.
    Ryan Serhant has built a strong personal brand (Source: RyanSerhant.com)

    The way to create a brand that elevates you is to first focus on your clients’ needs. Spend time uncovering what you bring to the table for them that no one else does. Start by creating a mission, vision, and values statement to guide your marketing strategy. 

    2. Focus on Values

    Your marketing needs to reflect your values, aligning with your lead’s values. So think about why you got into real estate (besides making gobs of money). Maybe you want to help people create wealth or feel a connection with a specific group of people. As a military spouse turned real estate agent, I felt compelled to work with military families to help them through their permanent change of station (PCS) transitions because I know what that feels like. It’s essential to identify your tribe and figure out how to best connect with them.

    Now that you’ve figured out your unique value proposition, merge it with your unique personality. One key thing to remember is don’t try to be something you’re not. Be honest and authentic. You are not a perfect fit for everyone, so don’t try to be. Your vibe attracts your tribe. The people who resonate with you will be drawn to you, like bees to spring flowers.

    💡 Pro tip: Jump on the fast lane to success and hire experts to create your brand. Agent Image focuses on high-quality design and award-winning service to elevate your brand and allow you to scale your business smoothly to the next level. Use our link to sign up now to get 20% off any website package!

    Visit Agent Image

    3. Create a Compelling Slogan

    You should clearly know what you have to offer once you’ve created your mission, vision, and values and established your unique brand. The next key element of your marketing identity is a slogan—a short, memorable phrase that summarizes your value proposition. Think of it as a one-sentence elevator pitch.

    Aaron Kirman makes a bold statement with his slogan
    Aaron Kirman makes a bold statement with his slogan (Source: AaronKirman.com)

    Summing up your value prop in one short sentence isn’t easy, but the benefits for your brand and marketing materials can be enormous. A compelling slogan in your marketing quickly makes a personal connection with your audience.

    The best slogans are short, meaningful, and inspiring. I like to use the word “sticky.” If you don’t already have one or think yours needs work, check out our list of the 107 best real estate slogans for inspo. If you’re still not inspired, try using the free real estate slogan generator embedded in the strategy guide.

    4. Generate Referrals From Local Businesses 

    Experienced agents know that local business owners can be a sweet referral source. Who else is as plugged into your community as the local salon owner, restaurateur, or florist? They know when people are getting married, divorced, or making other life changes that might lead to a transaction. And people trust them. So, if you want to generate motivated referrals, you can’t go wrong building these relationships. 

    You’re probably already working with several businesses right now (photographers, movers, staging companies, home inspectors, insurance companies, etc.) that know you well. You might consider hosting an event together. Try some of these ideas:

    • Host a workshop with a qualified home inspector to educate potential military homebuyers about the VA inspection process.
    • Invite a lender to a first-time homebuyers event to help boost the prospecting potential. They can help answer questions about how to get started. I worked with my favorite lender on multiple workshops, including real estate investing strategies, first-time homebuyers, and military VA loans. 

    By the way, these work equally well as in-person events or online webinars. Hosting an informational event around a specific real estate topic is easy. You just have to market it well to get a good turnout. Use Facebook Events as well as print marketing to get the word out.

    Looking for a free referral network to boost your lead gen efforts? Sold.com delivers high-quality buyer and seller leads that convert easily. And you don’t pay for any leads until they close!

    Visit Sold.com

    Real Estate Marketing Ideas for Social Media

    There’s no denying that you must have an online presence for people to build trust. Use some of these creative real estate marketing strategies to help save time, stress, and frustration.

    5. Use Templates to Scale Facebook & Instagram

    If you want to scale your social media accounts to generate leads, you need to increase the number of times you post per week or even daily. Coffee & Contracts suggests posting daily, but only if you share high-quality content. While that might sound like a lot, it’s what the Instagram (IG) algorithm rewards. So, to build your social media accounts to market your brand, you must start posting more.

    Social media template examples
    Social media template examples (Source: Coffee & Contracts)

    One of the best ways to tackle this real estate marketing idea is to use templates from marketing companies like Coffee & Contracts, LabCoat Agents Marketing Center, and Agent Crate. Unlike Canva templates, these templates are real estate-specific and created by real estate professionals. 

    These companies create beautifully designed and prewritten posts providing first-time buyer education, market updates, home maintenance tips, and staging advice. They even include templates for Stories and Reels.

    Here is a quick rundown of my take on the best social media template providers. You can go deeper with our deep-dive reviews to get more info.

    Edit
    Template Platform Best For The Close Score Deep-dive Review
    Cofee and Contracts logo.
    Coffee & Contracts
    Agents focused on increasing engagement on Instagram 4.7 Read full review

    LabCoat Agents Marketing Center
    Teams and brokerages 4.6 Read full review
    Agent Crate logo
    Agent Crate
    Agents on a budget who want automated social media posting 4.6 Read full review
    Related Article
    The 9 Best Real Estate Marketing Companies in 2024

    6. Adopt Social Media Strategies From Top Influencers

    If you want your social media accounts to help you generate leads and market your brand, learn from the best and copy what they’re doing, like Taya DiCarlo does on her Instagram. Tony Robbins stated it best: “If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do, and you’ll achieve the same results.” Just make sure to put your personality and spin on their strategies. Copying their content verbatim is unethical and might turn off your followers if they follow the same influencers as you.

    Example of real estate professional using branding in her social media marketing
    Screenshot of Taya DiCarlo’s Instagram grid (Source: TayaDiCarlo)

    Start following a few real estate influencers you resonate with and see which topics get the most views and engagement for their Reels, Stories, and posts. Create your versions of the same type of content and add them to your marketing calendar. The key, though, is consistency. Once you start your social media marketing, you must stay with it for the algorithm to reward your efforts.

    Here are five excellent real estate influencers to follow:

    Edit
    Real Estate Influencer Best For Instagram Handle
    Taya Dicarlo Fun and educational Reels @tayadicarlo
    Leigh Brown Humor and actionable advice for buyers @leighthomasbrown
    Glennda Baker No-nonsense advice for buyers and sellers @glenndabaker
    Chelsea Peitz Real estate social media advice and lifestyle @chelsea.peitz
    The Broke Agent Real estate humor and viral memes The Broke Agent, aka Eric Simon, regularly contributes to The Close @thebrokeagent

    For more social media tips from top influencers, check out our guide to the best social media strategy tips.

    7. Create Engaging Vertical Videos

    Vertical videos are videos viewed in vertical mode on a phone or PC. The skyrocketing success of vertical video platforms like TikTok over the last few years is a crucial trend you must pay attention to. Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube have all taken note and are now pushing quick-hit vertical videos in a major way. So, if you want a chance of getting your content in front of your followers on any platform in 2024, you need to learn how to make compelling vertical videos.

    A screenshot of Jodie with Glennda Baker at Inman Connect.
    Screenshot of an effective vertical video (Source: The Close on Instagram)

    While there are opportunities for Realtors on TikTok, focusing your vertical video efforts on Instagram Stories and Reels will be much easier and more effective than starting a whole new account on a different social media platform. The cool thing is you don’t have to look polished in your vertical videos. Your audience wants to get to know you in real life, so you’re free just to be you.

    Don’t worry—they’re easier to make than you think. Here are some tips to help you get started:

    • Use your smartphone to shoot a close-up video of your face, taking up most of the screen. 
    • Introduce your listing, share tips, or discuss the market—any topic you choose. You can also add your listing footage from your professional photographer. Easy-peasy! 

    Once you start making vertical videos, you will quickly learn that engagement, not views, prompts Instagram to show your content to more people. While there are many ways to get engagement on Instagram, contests, polls, and Q&A stickers layered on your videos are what most influencers use to make their posts go viral. They’re especially effective in Stories.

    For more inspo, check out our list of 31 real estate social media ideas. It’s chock-full of vertical video ideas you can try.

    8. Outsource Your Social Media Marketing

    If you’re a busy agent, spending hours each day creating content for social media is probably not the best use of your time. Hiring a virtual assistant or social media marketing company can save time and money. Or outsource to a service like Coffee & Contracts.

    In 2024, savvy agents use services like Coffee & Contracts to simplify social media. Unlike some social media marketing platforms, Coffee & Contracts doesn’t just offer templates for Instagram and Facebook posts. They also provide monthly content strategies and done-for-you real estate marketing tools so you can get the benefits of social media marketing without the hassle.

    💡 Pro tip: When it comes to tools like social media automation or marketing-focused customer relationship managers, you must do your homework before diving in. Check out our article, The Best Real Estate CRM: In-depth Reviews & Pricing, to find one that fits your needs and budget.

    9. Use Facebook Messenger Ads to Boost Open Rates

    If you’re not getting the results you want from Facebook advertising or email marketing, Facebook Messenger ads can be an excellent addition to your marketing tool kit. Your potential customers probably get dozens of emails and see hundreds of Facebook posts per day. But they only get a handful of private Facebook messages.

    According to the latest research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median age of homesellers in 2022 was 60 years old, and more than 35% of Facebook Messenger users are over 45. If you’re trying to connect with your potential clients, your chances are pretty decent that you can reach them through Facebook Messenger.

    Set up an Ads Manager account in Meta to get started. Once you’ve created your account, click Create to build your ad.

    Here are six steps to get you started:

    1. Choose the engagement objective.
    2. Name your campaign and set your budget.
    3. Set the engagement option to Messaging apps and select Messenger or Instagram.
    4. Set your ad duration, designate your audience, and choose your ad format. 
    5. Customize the greeting people see after clicking on your ad.
    6. Edit your ad and hit Publish.

    Marketing Ideas for More Referrals

    Well-established real estate agents know that the secret to success is in getting referral business. Use some of these real estate agent marketing ideas to help generate more referrals to grow your business exponentially.

    10. Build Social Proof With Video Testimonials

    A few years ago, the only social proof Realtors needed was a few 5-star reviews on Zillow. And while Zillow reviews are still a crucial part of your online presence, they are not enough. With so many fake reviews on sites like Amazon, people are starting to feel skeptical of written client testimonials. They are just too easy to fake.

     Homebuyer video testimonial (Source: McDonald Real Estate Group)
    Homebuyer video testimonial (Source: McDonald Real Estate Group)

    Video testimonials, on the other hand, naturally feel more authentic and are nearly impossible to fake. As a bonus, they can be used in your realtor marketing across Instagram, Facebook, landing pages, websites, and even YouTube. Here are a few quick best practices to help your video testimonials shine this year: 

    • Keep them short: Shorter videos are more likely to be watched to the end, an important engagement signal for most social media platforms. 
    • Consider shooting vertical videos: This will make them easier to share on Instagram Stories, Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
    • Send questions in advance: This will make it easier for your clients to think of responses, and they will be less nervous the day of the shoot.
    • Done is better than perfect: You don’t need to make a big production out of your testimonial videos. Sometimes, candid videos shot on your phone work better.

    Check out our testimonial video strategy guide for more tips and inspo for shooting testimonials.

    11. Automate Your Review Collecting Process 

    You leave money on the table if you don’t ask for client reviews and testimonials. However, agents get busy and may forget or feel awkward asking for a review. And once some time has passed, it’s more challenging to reconnect with past clients for the ask.

    The Birdeye platform showing Google ratings and reviews
    Manage reviews and leads with Birdeye (Source: Birdeye)

    Instead of manually chasing down past clients to leave reviews on multiple websites, savvy agents automate their review-gathering process with reputation management platforms like Birdeye. These platforms have tools that reach out to your clients to ask for testimonials. This strategy reduces the friction (and awkwardness) of asking for reviews on multiple platforms, so you get more reviews on more websites with less work.

    Visit Birdeye

    12. Engage Past Clients With Experiential Marketing

    As any seasoned agent will tell you, five minutes of in-person engagement is worth hours of engagement online. That’s why many top-producing agents offer their former clients exclusive offline experiences like dinners, wine tastings, educational seminars, and charity drives. This strategy is called experiential marketing, one of the hottest trends in marketing right now.

    At my brokerage, we host an annual holiday party where we invite our past and current clients, family, friends, and our favorite vendors. We give away tons of prizes, including a vacation package, throughout the event. Everyone loves attending and talks about it for months afterward, and we generally shake out around one to two new transactions per agent after each event. That’s a pretty impressive number for simply hosting a party.

    Even more, one study showed that a whopping 74% of consumers said they were more likely to purchase after attending a brand’s event or experience. Learn how to pull it off in our experiential marketing deep-dive guide.

    13. Give Memorable Closing Gifts

    While closing gifts are an excellent way to boost referrals, most Realtors focus too much on promoting themselves instead of learning what clients actually want. Savvy agents get to know their clients during the process and choose gifts that match what their clients really want or need. If you give them a gift they will actually use instead of that cutting board with your brokerage logo,  you’ll have a much greater chance of staying top of mind.

    A pasta gift box.

    I love to give my clients things they can use. I’ve been known to gift baskets of goodies, including any combination of the following:

    • Pasta and sauce with a pasta spoon 
    • A bottle of champagne with flutes 
    • Kitchen towels
    • An Amazon Echo Dot 
    • Assorted cooking tools 
    • Cutting boards 
    • Popcorn or candy
    • DVDs
    • A small set of tools
    • Pancake mix
    • Laundry basket with towels
    • Decor and towels for a half-bathroom

    I think about how difficult it is to move into a house while everything is still in boxes. I want my clients’ first night or two in their new home to be fun and easy. If I can think of things that help facilitate that, I’ll throw it in a gift basket and give it to them after they close. 

    If you need more inspo for fun closing gifts, check out our buyer’s guide with 32 examples of gifts that stand out and keep you top of mind.


    Real Estate Marketing Ideas for Listings

    If you can’t list, you can’t last. At least, that’s what I was taught. Use some of these realty marketing ideas to score more listings in your real estate business.

    14. Improve Curb Appeal on a Shoestring Budget

    Many listing agents I know ignore curb appeal. But you owe it to your sellers to learn how to improve it—even if you only have a tiny budget to work with. Curb appeal is essential for attracting prospective buyers. It’s the first and last thing they see when driving to the home. Great curb appeal also attracts those who drive by. You never know when Aunt Jane lives a block away and is looking for neighborhood homes for her nephew and his fam.

    Manicured lawn with ornamental shrubs and trees
    Manicured lawn with ornamental shrubs and trees (Source: Zillow)

    Here are some simple low- or no-cost curb appeal fixes to try with your next listing.

    • Create an inviting seating area on the porch
    • Perk up drab brown grass with lawn paint
    • Replace the mailbox and house numbers
    • Decorate the entrance with potted plants and flowers
    • Upgrade porch lighting
    • Tidy up hedges and replace dead or scraggly ones
    • Add fresh mulch to the flowerbeds
    • Powerwash the exterior of the home, including the drive and sidewalks

    For more ideas, check out our curb appeal strategy guide.

    15. Leverage AI to Write Better Listing Descriptions

    The real estate industry may be shifting, but 2024 could be the easiest year to market your listings ever. Artificial intelligence (AI) apps like ChatGPT are finally starting to deliver on their promises and could become a goldmine for savvy Realtors. You just need to find the right picks and shovels.

    My only caveat is that these tools are much better at improving existing copy or helping you brainstorm and write outlines rather than writing from scratch. I like to get ideas from ChatGPT first and then brainstorm how to improve my copy after I write. I also use Grammarly while I write to avoid simple syntax errors or misspelled words. Think of AI apps as the editors you never had. Here are four AI tools you can use to write better real estate marketing copy this year:

    Edit
    AI Copywriting App Price Best For
    ChatGPT Single user: Free-$20 billed monthly
    Team: $25 per month/user billed annually; $30 per month/user billed monthly
    Enterprise: Contact sales
    Everything from short marketing copy to e-books, lead magnets, and listing descriptions. With the paid version, you can access DALL-E images.
    Jasper.ai Creator: $49 per month/seat billed monthly; $39 per month/seat billed annually
    Pro: $69 per month/seat billed monthly; $59 per month/seat billed annually
    Business: Contact sales
    Copywriting templates so you don’t have to start from scratch. Great for social media, creating a brand voice, and marketing collateral.
    Copy.ai Single user: Free
    Pro: $49 per month/user billed monthly; $36 per month/user billed annually
    Team (up to 10 seats): $249 per month billed monthly; $186 per month billed annually
    Great for teams. Create workflows where agents can automate large-scale content creation and tasks.
    Grammarly Single user: Free
    Premium: $12 per month/user billed annually ($144); $20 per month/user billed quarterly ($60); $30 per month/user billed monthly
    Business: 3-9 seats: $180 per seat billed annually ($15 per seat/month); 10-49 seats: $174 per seat billed annually ($14.50 per seat/month); 50-149 seats: $150 per seat billed annually ($12.50 per seat/month)
    Enterprise: Contact sales
    Clean up all writing, including emails, listing descriptions, and more, with a desktop app and extension in Chrome that provides suggestions while you write. With Business plans, you can create a style guide, manage brand tone, and access analytics.

    Of course, you need to know the basics of compelling listing descriptions to get the most from these tools. Check out our guide full of examples of creative listing descriptions to learn more.

    16. Create a Detailed Listing Marketing Plan

    “Those who list, last” is a well-worn real estate cliche, but for good reason, because most long-term agents regularly list properties rather than exclusively represent buyers. Whether you’re a seasoned listing agent or still working on getting your first seller client, a detailed marketing plan is your key to success.

    Your marketing plan is one of the most powerful tools you have to land listings. Marketing skills are probably the main reason most homeowners hire an agent. So before you pitch your next homeowner, ensure you have a comprehensive marketing plan to show them during your listing presentation. 

    Here are some essential features of an effective marketing plan:

    • Create a listing presentation and prepare, prepare, prepare
    • As part of your presentation, have a strategy for overcoming common objections
    • Identify unique selling features of your new listing
    • Research the area to create a thorough and accurate comparative market analysis (CMA)
    • Make sure the home is prepared for showings and photography
    • Hire a professional for visual assets, including high-resolution pictures, video walk-throughs, aerial footage, and a 3D tour
    • Use highly descriptive words in your listing description
    • Reach out to your sphere of influence to announce your listing
    • Post on social media and place ads on Facebook and Google to get the word out  

    17. Virtually Stage Listings With Different Themes 

    If you have an empty listing to sell, spending a few bucks to have it virtually staged with a few different options is a great way to increase interest and show buyers what it might look like in different contexts.

    A comparison of a virtually staged home vs empty house.
    An empty home vs virtual home staging (Source: BoxBrownie)

    For example, a spare bedroom might look great virtually staged as a kid’s room with bunk beds or as a home office. Whether you’re showing a listing to a young family or someone who works from home, you’ll have a picture ready to help either buyer imagine how the home could meet their needs. Check out our virtual staging software buyer’s guide to find the best fit for you.

    18. Leverage Virtual Reality Home Tours

    The latest virtual reality technology allows potential buyers to immerse themselves in a property. So many tools are available today to create interactive virtual tours where potential buyers feel they’re walking through your listings. This is essential since 74% of buyer’s agents see having video tours and 42% see virtual home tours as some of the most important features for selling a home to their buyer-clients.

    An interactive virtual tour on Zillow
    Interactive virtual tour (Source: Zillow)

    A unique way to capture prospective buyers is to start with a 3D video and virtual reality headset. Some agents gift headsets to buyer clients who don’t live locally after signing the buyer’s agreement. The buyers can use the headsets to have an immersive virtual experience, whether it’s of a listing on Zillow or listings you send directly from your MLS. The headsets also work with 3D walk-through video, like Matterport.

    Imagine you have homebuyer clients overseas looking in your area, and you’re the agent who gives away virtual reality headsets. If you share this strategy in your marketing, you can potentially corner the buyer’s market outside your local area. It makes you stand out as unique and willing to give your prospective clients an excellent experience. Oh, and did I mention you can buy virtual reality headsets on Amazon for around $25 a pair? As an agent who specializes in military moves, I use this with my clients and find this tool essential.

    19. Get Real Results From Freelance Designers

    Unless you want your graphics to look like every other Realtor’s, taking the time to learn how to hire freelance designers—and, more importantly, get the best results—is becoming an essential marketing skill for agents.

    Here are four of my best tips for getting the most out of your consultation with design professionals:

    1. Prepare and share your mission, vision, and values statement first so they know what you’re about
    2. Decide on fonts, brand colors, and style before you hire a designer
    3. Shop around for a designer who will meet your needs and budget
    4. Don’t share feedback on revisions right away—take some time to absorb the work so you can identify the parts that need to be reworked and, more importantly, why 

    If you have the patience and a dash of artistic talent, you can download do-it-yourself (DIY) design apps like Canva or Adobe Express and use templates from Envato Marketplace or Etsy to create fresh designs. But you will want to work with a design professional at some point in your career. Even if you’re just using companies like Tailor Brands that create your logo for you, you need to know what you want and how to get it.

    Check out our strategy guide to learn more about the best DIY graphic design apps and working with freelance designers.


    Creative Realtor Marketing Ideas

    The more accessible you are online, the easier it is for your audience to connect with you and develop trust. Try implementing some of these additional realtor marketing techniques to increase your exposure.

    20. Create a Buyer Presentation

    While many agents work hard on listing presentations, most just wing it with buyers. But in the wake of multiple lawsuits, it’s essential for you to make the extra effort with your buyer clients to go through a proper buyer presentation. Today’s buyers are better informed and savvier and take more time to research agents than ever before. That’s why creating and practicing an informative buyer presentation is the key to getting more buyers this year and beyond.

    Here are tips for delivering the perfect buyer presentation:

    • Break the ice with small talk
    • Tell them exactly how long the presentation will take
    • Ask specific and open-ended questions to build a buyer profile
    • Don’t mislead your clients—make sure they understand the commission structure and their responsibilities along with yours
    • Let your buyer do most of the talking
    • Role-play your presentation with another agent before doing it live

    You can download our 15-minute buyer presentation template for free and learn how to create your own here.

    21. Write Scripts & Pre-record Videos for Text Messaging

    Some research over the past few years shows that over 80% of consumers open text messages within five minutes of receiving them. That’s 10x the number who respond to emails in that same time frame. And that stat is trending up. So, if you use this rapid-fire communications tool in your real estate agent marketing campaign, you must be ready to answer prospects’ questions faster.

    Most customer relationship managers (CRMs) will let you save frequently used texts as templates, and others—such as Wise Agent or BombBomb—will let you save and send video messages. Your text messaging scripts don’t have to be Shakespeare, either. Just ensure they are clear and friendly and get straight to the point. 

    For example:

    I saved several videos in my BombBomb account that I could easily shoot off to my leads and clients whenever situations arose. But I also had videos that go through each step of the homebuying process that I sent out in a drip for all my buyers. Some videos dealt with living in Florida (hello, strange bugs and high humidity!), and others covered the next steps. The best part is that I also built rapport through the videos while informing my clients about their new hometown.

    Learn more in our related strategy guide: 11 Best Real Estate Text Message Scripts for Agents Who Don’t Like Calling Leads.

    22. Launch a Real Estate Podcast

    Starting a podcast is a simple way to showcase your communication skills, personality, and local area knowledge. Use your podcast to spotlight local businesses, interview other adjacent business owners (think vendors, like local lenders or photographers), or spew some of your market wizardry and real estate expertise. You won’t take long to build up your authority and establish credibility in your area.

    A woman podcaster.

    Invite expert guests on your podcast to boost your credibility and build your audience quickly. If you’re lucky enough to have a local influencer with a decent following in your area, seek them out and offer to work with them. They can help promote you and your listings to their followers to boost visibility in your local market. Consider being a guest on their podcast, where you answer questions about your area’s current real estate market.

    You can also be a guest on other relevant podcasts to cultivate listeners. If you want a little podcast inspo, check out this article on the best real estate podcasts.

    23. Create Neighborhood Spotlight Videos

    Make videos highlighting specific neighborhoods or communities in your market area. Showcase any unique features, amenities, schools, and local businesses that stand out to give your potential buyers a wide-lens view of what it’s like to live in the neighborhood.

    Example of a neighborhood spotlight video (Source: YouTube)

    These videos are easy to make, and you can do them in either long or short form. I created tons of these videos in long form and posted them to my YouTube channel. Then, I took small sections of each video and repurposed them for my social media outlets. I used hashtags and geotags so my audience could find my videos. It worked exceedingly well and kept a constant flow of leads funneling my way. 


    Your Take

    With the endless variety of marketing tools out there claiming to do everything except wash your dishes, staying up to date takes a lot of work. Worse, many agents chase the latest fads and waste time learning the ins and outs of the latest shiny object. If you want to make real gains in marketing this year, you need to think strategically about the marketing tools you spend time learning.

    Have any killer realtor marketing ideas that you think our readers need to know about? Let us know in the comments.

    The post 23 Clever Real Estate Marketing Ideas appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-ideas/feed/ 47 %%title%% Looking for more real estate marketing ideas to grow your business in 2024? Check out our updated list of real estate marketing strategies. The Close Zillow Popup - Real Estate Marketing Ideas,real estate marketing ideas Untitled Untitled (31) Untitled-32 Logo-Coffee-and-Contracts 5b5f9a65d9b73f5e9ab4b555_LCA Logo Black Agent Crate logo Untitled-33 Screenshot 2024-02-01 at 2.09.18 PM Untitled-2 img-homepage-banner AdobeStock_698933774 Untitled (3) pasted image 0 Screenshot_Clickable-virtual-tour copy to clipboard AdobeStock_388948361
    14 Real Estate Testimonial Examples to Inspire Your Referral Marketing https://theclose.com/real-estate-testimonial-examples/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-testimonial-examples/#comments Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:41:16 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=55611 When people are hunting for the best real estate agent to work with, they’re looking for examples that show you are trusted by others. That's why testimonials from your past clients can work wonders for your business. 

    The post 14 Real Estate Testimonial Examples to Inspire Your Referral Marketing appeared first on The Close.

    ]]>
    According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2023 Member Profile, the typical Realtor earned 24% of their business through referrals in 2022—nearly one out of every four sales. When people are hunting for the best real estate agent to work with, they’re looking for examples showing others trust you. Real estate testimonials from your past clients work just like referrals. 

    We scoured the internet to snag some of the best real estate testimonial examples out there. We put them all together in one place and added some tips to help you up your real estate testimonial game.

    So what makes a good real estate testimonial? Keep TABS on your testimonials by asking your past clients to be thorough, authentic, and specific. For more details on how to do this, skip down to our best practices for YouTube, short-form video, and written testimonials.

    Let’s dive into our list of the best examples of video real estate testimonials on the internet, plus some tips to fire up your video marketing.

    Video Real Estate Testimonials

    The eyeballs are all watching videos, and you need to be where those eyeballs are. Most of us consume videos every day on different platforms covering different topics. So your marketing efforts will go much further with video. For example, TikTok users are on the app for an average of 1.5 hours every single day

    That’s great news for you because creating videos can be even easier than getting someone to write out a review on Google. Videos are the most effortless way to generate real estate testimonial examples that make you look like a rock star. 

    Coffee & Contracts offers a vast library of social media templates, including video, that you can use in posting your testimonials through social media.

    Visit Coffee & Contracts

    YouTube Real Estate Testimonial Examples

    YouTube is the OG of video marketing. And you can still drive business with your real estate testimonials there. Many of the real estate testimonial examples on YouTube are polished, long-form, story-style videos that really take the extra time to flesh out the unique selling proposition of the agent. Done well, these videos will attract your ideal clients to you in droves.

    1. April Dean

    I love the way April Dean, with BHGRE Haven Properties, put together a montage of several happy clients in one promo video. She explains how she likes to work with her clients, what she offers, and the why behind what she does. 

    Then she lets her clients share their experiences on video, explaining how April helped them find what they were looking for, marketed their home well, and guided them through the process—as well as what a lovely person she is to work with. This video is a great real estate testimonial example that’s perfectly crafted for a website.

    2. Mandy Saldana

    Mandy Saldana of LEAGUE Real Estate took a much different approach in her testimonial video. She focused her less-than-90-second video on one couple she worked with. It’s a sweet video of two newlyweds explaining how Mandy “really took the time to understand what we were looking for in a home.”

    3. Zach McDonald

    Zach McDonald, of the McDonald Real Estate Group, took a similar approach in this real estate testimonial example with his clients. The video is just under three minutes long, and his clients explain the way Zach helped them find their dream home during a tough market. The video has more than 5,300 views, so you know it’s made a difference in Zach’s business.

    4. Monica Perez

    The thing I love about this testimonial for Monica Perez of The Monica Perez Team is it tells the whole story of Em and Charlie with quick video snapshots of them looking through homes to find just the right one. It’s a video diary of their home search. And it all fits neatly within a minute-and-a-half. Em and Charlie do a fantastic job of selling Monica’s services for her.

    Best Practices for YouTube Testimonial Videos

    Using YouTube videos for your real estate testimonials is a great way to get in front of your potential future clients. After all, YouTube is the world’s largest search engine after Google. But in order to get the most out of your efforts, you need to adhere to a few best practices.

    • Make sure your potential clients can find you. Include your location in your title (or at least the description) and tag your location in your video. People tend to type “real estate agent in {city name}” when they search.
    • Keep it short. Today, shorter videos get more views and are more likely to be watched to the end if they’re under three minutes.
    • Get your clients’ honest responses. Let your clients know ahead of time that you’ll be doing a video and you would like their review of your services. Give them a couple of questions to think about leading up to the day you plan to shoot the video.
    • Edit your video to keep the timing and visual interest high. Cut out any downtime or pauses. Keep the story moving. Multiple cuts will add dynamism to your video. Use background music to set the tone.
    • Always include a call to action in the description. Include your contact information, your location, hashtags, and a direct phone number viewers can use to reach out to you for their real estate needs. Make sure they have a way to contact you!
    • If you really want to up your game, give your future clients a downloadable lead magnet that will help you capture their contact information. Create your download in Canva and post the link in the video description for potential clients to use. You can use a tool like Linktree to host the link to your lead magnet.
    • Remember that done is better than perfect. When all else fails, just grab your phone and get a candid response from your clients on closing day and post it on social. You can always add key elements like location and a call to action later when you get it up on YouTube.

    📌   Pro Tip

    Want more video training? We’ve got you covered. Parkbench has a local leader video mastery series discounted to $250 exclusively for our readers. Check it out at the link below:

    Parkbench Video Master Series

    Short-form Vertical Video Testimonial Examples

    Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed the rise of vertical videos, aka “short-form videos.” TikTok has 150 million monthly active users in the U.S. and it’s growing in popularity as an online search engine. Ignoring the app and writing it off as a Gen Z pastime is detrimental to your business. 

    The great thing about vertical video is it’s practically effortless to do. It’s easy to create a super-short video and post it in the app, which undoubtedly contributes to its skyrocketing popularity. Admittedly, I love to scroll through TikTok videos and can easily lose an hour watching them. 

    Close behind TikTok are Instagram Reels, which are similar enough that you can repurpose videos across both platforms. There are a ton of real estate agents using these vertical video platforms to boost their business. And some are nailing the vertical video testimonials—let’s check out some examples.

    5. Zeb Freeman

    @therealzeb_ Real Client Testimony…the life of a realtor is so rewarding 🙌❤#fyp #ReTokforNature #realestate #explore ♬ original sound – Zeb

    This is one of the sweetest buyer stories ever. When you see the pure joy on this beautiful client’s face as she’s holding up the key to her new home, you just can’t help but feel that joy with her. Zeb Freeman of PalmerHouse tells the story with short video shots of his client touring the “40 to 50 homes” it took before she found the right one. It’s a joyful story of accomplishment shot in only two minutes.

    6. Rose Gachette

    @rosegflrealtor closing day and testimony of services #realestate #flrealestate #newhome ♬ original sound – Rose FL Realtor

    Going back to “done is better than perfect,” this video is a great example of the idea that you don’t have to have a highly polished, edited video to get your testimonial out there and let it start working for you. Rose Gachette of La Rosa Realty had her buyer do a quick video at the closing table, which is the easiest way to get your testimonials. 

    She starts the video by explaining who she is and introduces her buyer. Her client then talks about what it was like working with Rose. And, of course, it’s awesome. Raw, unscripted reviews of your service come across as genuine and unsolicited, making it that much more trustworthy in the eyes of your future clients

    7. Everette Forrest

    @cash_flow_therealtor ✨CLIENT TESTIMONIALS🙌🏾 Thank you Frederick and Erica for allowing me to work with you both to sell your home and Congratulations again on the purchase of your new beautiful 4 bed 3.5 bath home🙌🏾. Again It was a pleasure working with the both of you🙏🏾 Contact me if your looking to sell/buy/invest in real estate 🏡 Everette Forrest Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners Everette.Forrest@kw.com 917-741-7065 #atlrealtor #buyatlanta #sellatlanta ♬ original sound – Cash_Flow_Therealtor

    I love how this couple talked about how their agent became like a friend. “You really can’t compare him to anybody else.” Everette Forrest from eXp Realty in Atlanta was a referral from this client’s friend, which gives Everette the maximum benefit of two referrals in one.

    Related Article
    7 Savvy Ways to Get Real Estate Referrals

    8. Nancy Hargrove

    @nancyhargrove.realtor Client Testimonial #clienttestimonial #airbnbhost #mdhomes #dchomes #dmvrealtor ♬ pushin P (feat. Young Thug) – Gunna & Future

    Don’t you just love it when you get those super-high-energy clients who create referral videos for you? I’m sure Nancy Hargrove of Coldwell Banker is grateful for this short testimonial video from her clients. They’ve worked with other agents, but love Nancy and are already looking forward to future projects with her. Win-win!

    9. Terry Carter

    Of course, if you’re not comfortable with making TikTok videos yet, you can always break in through Instagram Reels. Terry Carter of The Terry Carter Team is doing an excellent job of getting his testimonials on the ‘Gram.

    10. Mark Kozik & Curtis Russell

    If you have any doubts about the effectiveness of vertical videos on social media platforms, look no further than this example from Mark Kozik and Curtis Russell of Great Homes ATL. It currently has 3,835 views. That’s a lot of visibility for a real estate business. These guys use the description smartly, including their tagline and a big call to action along with hashtags to get found easily. 

    Other elements we love include the fun editing, pinned testimonial, and closing day videos at the top of their profile. If you’re looking for a template on how to do social media right, these guys have 101,000 followers—we’d say they’ve cracked the code!

    11. Teikesha Hubert

    Teikesha Hubert of Hubert & Co. Real Estate knows how to keep her clients’ emotions in check. As her clients share, she “helped me to calm down and just trust the process.” Those are magic words for anyone feeling anxious about their first-time homebuying experience. And Teikesha used plenty of hashtags in her video description to help her reach more than 700 views so far.

    12. Mariam Mechael

    Mariam Mechael of Realty Executives Dillon knows how to maximize a sale. This video is so well done it looks pro. She’s used all the tools to show off her client’s new home, their testimonial on her amazing service, and how she exceeded their expectations. If you check out her description, she’s also done something above and beyond—given people who find her video a mini-test to see if they’re ready to jump on the homebuying roller coaster ride.

    Advice for anyone who is slightly thinking of buying home

    She’s using this real estate testimonial video to prequalify anyone who might contact her for real estate advice. And those questions are designed to put people in the right mindset to say “yes!”

    Also, Mariam is using a link in her bio to drive potential buyers and sellers to her website and other social proof examples separate from Instagram. So smart.

    Related Article
    19 Gorgeous Instagram Bio Examples for Real Estate Agents That Inspire (+ Template & Tips)

    Best Practices for Vertical Testimonial Videos 

    Using vertical videos for your real estate testimonials is the way of today, not the future. Getting started on vertical videos is much easier than you might think. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    • You can easily and quickly create videos on the fly directly inside the platform, whether you’re publishing on TikTok or Instagram Reels. You can then share the video to the other platform so you don’t have to duplicate your efforts.
    • Keep it short. Vertical videos are meant to be consumed quickly and easily. Best practices dictate you keep them under three minutes.
    • Video editing can quickly eat up a lot of your time. Make it easy on yourself: Use some outside video tools like CapCut, InShot, or Canva to create your videos and then upload them to social media platforms.
    • Always shoot vertical videos in portrait orientation. Landscape mode doesn’t do as well on TikTok or Reels.
    • Add a call to action in the description. Include your contact information, your location, hashtags, and direct call number to reach out to you for real estate needs.
    • Again, done is better than perfect. I can’t stress this enough. Don’t think—just do. Your first few videos will probably be terrible. But you will get better with every video you upload. And even your worst video will likely get you results if you follow best practices.

    Written Real Estate Testimonial Examples

    So what do you do when you have a client who isn’t comfortable doing a video testimonial? You can still work it into your social media. Ask your clients for a written testimonial through an email or a Google form. Then turn it into a sleek video like Scott Goshorn from the Luxury Estates Team did.

    13. Scott Goshorn

    Scott created this gorgeous short video—with a logo embedded in the corner—that shows off the text from one of his testimonials. Using the captioning feature to display the words one at a time forces viewers to read the words as they appear. Scott’s already gotten 833 likes on this short video testimonial. Not bad at all!

    If you’re looking for more examples to help you whip these real estate testimonials up, then you’ll love the gorgeous templates you’ll get from Coffee & Contracts. They’re already perfectly designed yet fully customizable inside Canva, so you can easily put your stamp on them and post them across all your platforms with just a few clicks.

    Check Out Coffee & Contracts

    14. Sean Housel

    @houselrealestate A great testimonial speaks for itself. It showcases the dedication and care that I give to every client that I serve. In today's competitive real estate market, make sure you have the support of a seasoned, local professional. Thinking of relocating? Let's connect. #testimonial #reviews #utah #realtorlife #summitsothebys #sothebysrealty #friends #buyersagent #listingagent #utahrealestate #SothebysSean #utahrealtor #firstimehomebuyer ♬ I Like You (A Happier Song) – Post Malone

    Sean Housel from Summit Sotheby’s International Realty shows how easy it is to share written testimonials on TikTok. With some lovely music and a little animation, I’m sure this post didn’t take much effort for Sean, but he has a couple of these on his TikTok wall, each with 200-plus views. Pretty straightforward.


    Best Practices for Written Real Estate Testimonials (TABS)

    Be Thorough

    If your client leaves you a one-sentence review, that’s going to be pretty tough to turn into a full-fledged post or video. You can’t just use, “Greta was a great Realtor.” Well—you can, but it won’t really bring the views and new business you want. When you ask for a testimonial, prompt your clients to get them thinking. Try questions like, “What did I do well?” and “Why would you want to work with me again?”

    Be Authentic

    People work with those they know, like, and trust. To build that into testimonials, give your viewers and clients those details that really help paint a picture of who you are. To get them thinking, try a fun question like, “What surprised you about me?” Or, prompt your clients to think about your authentic self by asking questions like, “What was your favorite part of working together?” After all, your clients chose you for a reason—let that shine through in your testimonials.

    Be Specific

    If you’re showcasing a testimonial, there’s a reason. Don’t be vague about it. Prompt your clients to mention their specific experience or situation. Make sure you emphasize the why. Perhaps they were an anxious first-time buyer, but you helped them by being responsive and knowledgeable. Or maybe the bank ordered a last-minute termite inspection days before the closing and you got an expert in there at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday.   


    Your Take on Real Estate Testimonials

    We truly hope these real estate testimonial examples and best practices will spur your creativity and help you up your referral business. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shooting those testimonial videos!

    The post 14 Real Estate Testimonial Examples to Inspire Your Referral Marketing appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/real-estate-testimonial-examples/feed/ 1 14 Real Estate Testimonial Examples to Inspire Your Marketing We found the best real estate testimonial examples out there to help you level up your referral marketing. real estate testimonial examples Screen-Shot-2022-11-04-at-12.24.14-PM
    12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate (+ 17 Prompts) https://theclose.com/chatgpt-real-estate/ https://theclose.com/chatgpt-real-estate/#respond Mon, 16 Oct 2023 16:16:16 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=80883 New to the idea of using ChatGPT in your business? Have no fear! Learn what it is, what it isn't, and how to create prompts to get some of your time back to focus on the tasks that will scale your real estate business.

    The post 12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate (+ 17 Prompts) appeared first on The Close.

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    Artificial intelligence (AI) blasted into our daily lives in a flash, and the real estate industry is feeling the aftershocks. But as jarring as it is, ChatGPT is also emerging as a powerful tool, offering real estate agents the opportunity to harness technology for increased efficiency and success.

    New to the idea of ChatGPT in real estate? Have no fear! As a newly certified Florida Realtors faculty member who’s just passed her audition to teach classes on artificial intelligence, I’m going to break it down for you. I’ll explain what it is and how to use it, teach you all about the prompts, and help you get some of your time back to focus on the tasks that will scale your real estate business.

    What Is ChatGPT?

    At every real estate conference I’ve attended in the past year, ChatGPT has emerged as the most popular topic on agents’ minds, along with concerns about the future of real estate. In the simplest terms, ChatGPT is an AI assistant. It’s akin to a super-smart chatbot that can understand and generate human-like prose. It’s been trained on text from the internet, making it a conversational tool that you can chat with, ask questions, or give a task to complete. It responds just like a human would. The big difference is the speed at which it can respond and perform tasks. It’s like having a personal assistant who’s knowledgeable about real estate right at your fingertips.

    Related Article
    The 7 Best Real Estate Chatbots (Pricing, Pros & Cons)

    How to Get Started With ChatGPT

    Using this tool is the key to understanding and perfecting its performance. So let’s take it for a test run! You’ll need to go to openai.com and set up a free account so you can save a record of your searches. Start your session by telling Chat (that’s what I call it) all about who you are, what you do, and your style of conversation. Chat will deliver responses appropriate for your persona, style, and tone. When you ask for something to use in your business, whether it’s an email, a social media post, or a text message, it will sound more authentically like you. 

    It looks like this:

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt informing Chat about my real estate business and my style of intonation.

    The more ChatGPT gets to know you, your personality, your tone, and your target audience, the better it can assist you with tasks. 

    12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Real Estate Business

    As I just mentioned, leveraging ChatGPT works best once it gets to know who you are. The fewer prompts you need to enter, the faster ChatGPT can deliver on the tasks you need completed. There are so many ways ChatGPT can help you in your real estate business and give you back time you thought you’d never see again. Here are a handful of ways to get started.

    1. Property Descriptions

    Honestly, you should have already thought of this one. “I love writing property descriptions!” said no agent ever. It takes time, mental energy, and effort that I, for one, don’t want to spend. So, it’s the perfect task to assign to your new AI assistant, ChatGPT. Try copying the prompt below and see what ChatGPT delivers for you!

    Here’s what this one looked like for me:

    Screenshot of ChatGPT prompt asking for a listing description of a home near Tampa, FL.

    2. Client Follow-up

    When you need to touch base with a client to keep a transaction moving, ChatGPT can jump in and help you knock out this task quickly. Whether it’s a text message or an email, you can have ChatGPT write it for you. Instruct Chat to make it sound like it came from you, include emojis (if that’s your normal style), and snag the attention of your clients. You can ask Chat to draft several emails and text messages that you can have on-the-ready in your customer relationship manager (CRM) for when you need them. Then just copy and paste.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to help me write a text message for my seller clients.

    3. Community Insights

    This is a fun one! Do you work a specific farm area? Ask Chat to give you some community insights for your farm area that you can then put together in an infographic, newsletter, or social media campaign. Just share the area with Chat and it will dig up info for you. 

    Keep in mind that you might have to tweak the results a bit. The information in the free version of ChatGPT cuts off in September 2021. So, anything current won’t be available unless you use the ChatGPT-4 version through Bing. That version can access current internet info. 

    Ask Chat to compile a list of the best schools, restaurants, attractions, or large companies for your community. Then, use those to build a community guide for your clients who are new to the area. 

    Back when I created a community guide for my military movers, I didn’t have the luxury of ChatGPT to do the legwork, so it took me a while longer to get the information. I would have loved to have had this tool back then.

    Play around with some of the alternative platforms like Google Bard, which is also connected to the internet, to see which platform works for you. You can access more current information on the chat platforms that access the internet. Some reports list Bard as being inferior to the original OpenAI version, but that’s a pretty big (and subjective) statement to make. Ultimately, you should choose whichever chat platform works best for you.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to compile a list of the best places to eat or enjoy happy hour in Winter Haven, FL.

    4. Text Messages

    I mentioned text messages in the follow-up section, but there’s so much you can do outside of that with text. You can create an entire series of nurturing text messages for all of your prospects, clients, past clients, and even your sphere of influence. Just tell Chat what the text messages are for and ask for a certain number of texts that you can copy and paste.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to help me create a series of text messages to guide sellers through the selling process.

    5. Content Creation

    Content is a huge driver in your online visibility. And I don’t know about you, but when I’m working as a real estate agent, helping my clients is top priority. Who has time to write blog posts? This is definitely a great task to assign to your AI assistant. 

    Ask Chat to help you with outlines and even drafts. Just make sure to double-check your projects before you post them. Chat is good, but it’s not perfect. There may be mistakes, or something sounds a little too formal, and even some fair housing violations can slip through. So, make sure you proofread anything you publish.

    One thing ChatGPT is great for is creating a content calendar. It can give you plenty of ideas, a schedule, and even some prompts to help you write. That’s a huge time-saver.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to create a content calendar for a six-month campaign.

    6. Email Drip Campaigns

    This one is amazing! If you use a CRM in your real estate business, then you may have access to some email drip campaigns through it. But if you don’t (or you’ve already used the prebuilt campaigns in your outreach and want to try something new), ChatGPT can help.

    Ask Chat to create a series of emails to send out, not unlike the text message campaigns I already mentioned. You can copy and paste the emails Chat writes and schedule them to go out at different intervals depending on the type of campaign. Chat can even give you ideas on how often to reach out.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to draft an email series for leads coming from Zillow looking to move to my area.

    7. Social Media Posts

    This is one of the best time-savers I’m going to share with you. Simply ask Chat to create a series of social media posts. Ask for a month’s worth or more. I recently asked it to create 50 posts for me that I can use on social media related to real estate social media marketing. It can be about anything—homebuying tips, selling tips, inspirational quotes, transaction strategies, personal branding—that you want to create consistency around. 

    Chat will create a list that you can actually copy and paste into a spreadsheet and export as a CSV file. Once you have your CSV, go into Canva, choose a template you like for your social media of choice (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, etc.), and design your overall look for your posts. Then, use the bulk create feature in Canva to pull your entire CSV into the platform and fill in your posts. Brilliant, right? Check out this video where Lori Ballen shows you how to do it step by step.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to create 20 social media posts on seller tips, including emojis.

    8. Hashtags

    Simply ask Chat to create a list (or lists) of hashtags for your social media posts. Or even better, you can ask Chat to add them in for you when it creates the posts.

    When I asked Chat about setting up a list of hashtags, it told me to create a list including branding, industry-specific, local, niche, trending, and engagement hashtags. So I asked for a list of hashtags, and it spit out 40 to choose from. How cool is that?

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to compile a list of hashtags that align with my brand and my niche.

    9. Email Newsletters

    You can ask Chat to create an outline of newsletter content that would be interesting to your target audience. It will break down several topics to include, along with some tips on how to make the most of each section. Then, if you need help with individual pieces of content, it can help you there too. Ask Chat to write drafts of sections or the entire newsletter. Just make sure you go back in and customize it so it sounds more authentic and doesn’t contain any errors.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to create an outline for a newsletter I want to send to my sphere.

    10. Blog Posts

    Writing is not everyone’s favorite thing to do, and it takes a lot of time and effort to come up with topics, sit down and think about the writing, and then execute. ChatGPT can write an entire blog post in seconds.

    Or better yet, have Chat write a month’s worth of blog posts that you schedule to go out in advance. Having some help from ChatGPT, even if it’s just a list of ideas to write about or an outline for your blog posts, saves loads of time that could be better spent on other tasks.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to write a 500 word blog post.

    11. Lead Magnets

    Many real estate professionals use lead magnets to fill their CRMs with prospects’ contact information. But just as many struggle to come up with good lead magnets to attract their ideal clients. Let’s ask Chat for some assistance. It can help formulate ideas around lead magnets and can even write a draft for you. Take the information from Chat and use it to create a stunning PDF download in Canva Pro or Adobe Photoshop.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to create a PCS checklist lead magnet to share with potential buyers.

    12. Video Scripts

    Ready to be more present in videos but now sure how to get started? ChatGPT can create a script to help you. Tell Chat about your video topic, and let it draft a script. Be sure to let it know how long you want the script to be. If you tell it that you want to do a TikTok in under one minute, it can accommodate that request. You can also do longer-form videos and it will write to whatever length you want. Once you get your completed script, you can customize it to fit your personality and style.

    Screenshot of my ChatGPT prompt asking Chat to draft a three-minute video script about my favorite coffee shop for a vertical video.

    5 Bonus ChatGPT Prompts for Realtors 

    The best way to learn is to start using ChatGPT for yourself. Here are a few prompts to get you started:

    Feel free to tweak them for your own needs, or just copy and paste them directly into the prompt box. Need more prompt inspo to use in your real estate business? You’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of 117 prompts you can use to get the ball rolling. You can customize them to work for your specific needs.

    Get Your 117 ChatGPT Prompts

    How to Write a ChatGPT Prompt

    The best thing about ChatGPT prompts is that you can write them the way you would ask someone to do something for you. Imagine you’re talking to your personal assistant and asking that person to complete a task. You can write your prompts exactly the same way. 

    If you ask ChatGPT for something and it’s not quite what you want, you can use the “Regenerate” button on the right side of the screen. Chat will spit out a whole new version of your request in seconds. But you won’t lose the original set—it stays right on the screen, so you can scroll back up to it. Feel free to mix and match all of the results!

    You can always ask Chat to tweak the results afterward too. Type in what you specifically want to change and it will give you a different response. If you don’t know what you don’t like, you can also tap the “Regenerate” button instead to get a different version of your original request. Just because you don’t get exactly what you want initially, don’t give up. It takes a bit for Chat to get to know you, but it will learn how to deliver over time and with continued use.

    Related Article
    9 Real Estate Marketing Tools Every Agent Needs in 2024

    Caveats & Alternatives to ChatGPT

    For all the amazing things ChatGPT can do, it’s not perfect by any means. First of all, in the free version, ChatGPT-3, the information is only as current as September 2021. So, there may be some lapses in the intel. But for evergreen content that doesn’t rely on current trends, data, or events, this shouldn’t be a problem. 

    But what about Bing, you ask? I personally found using the ChatGPT integration on Bing cumbersome and not at all user friendly. But take it for a test drive yourself and see what you think. I don’t want to switch everything I have on my Google Chrome to Bing just to have access to ChatGPT when what OpenAI provides is enough for me. However, if you want more current information from ChatGPT, Bing might be worth the extra effort. 

    There are additional ways to get more current information from ChatGPT. One way is to pay the monthly subscription fee to get the upgraded ChatGPT-4, which uses the internet to gather current information. You can also use alternatives such as:

    • SalesWise
    • Google Bard
    • Jasper AI
    • Chatsonic
    • Copy.ai
    • YouChat
    • Listingcopy.ai
    • Saleswise
    Screenshot of Google Bard main screen

    And there are so many other platforms that have integrated ChatGPT into their platforms, including many CRMs and even Canva. Not all offer free access, but several on this list do (or are less expensive than the ChatGPT-4 subscription, which, as of this writing, is $20 per month). Also, I just wrote a round-up of AI tools for real estate agents, and many of those tools have integrated ChatGPT into their platforms. They’re definitely worth checking out.

    I haven’t had much interaction with Google Bard yet, but it looks promising. It’s connected to the internet so the information is current, as opposed to ChatGPT-3. And it’s free to use. They’re currently working on new iterations, but so far it looks more user friendly than my experience with ChatGPT on Bing. I’ll update you with my experiences on Google Bard in upcoming articles. But any way you look at it, it’s great to have so many options with this fun tech tool.

    If you want to cut your AI learning curve in half, you might want to check out Saleswise, which was designed specifically for real estate agents. Trained on materials from top-producing agents, it generates content based specifically on your needs. With Saleswise, you get a powerful AI tool with practically zero learning curve.

    Visit SalesWise

    What ChatGPT Is Not

    I’ve talked a lot about what ChatGPT is, but let me be clear: It is not a replacement for you or your authentically human persona. Like many other tech tools that have disrupted the real estate world, ChatGPT is simply a tool to free up time to do more things that we enjoy doing, like chatting with our clients over a cup of coffee or catching up with friends and family. ChatGPT is not here to take your job unless you let it. It’s a tool designed to take some of the tasks that eat up so much of our time off of our plates. 

    Another thing that ChatGPT isn’t is boilerplate. ChatGPT delivers unique answers to each person. So, what Chat delivers to you with a specific request will be different from another person with a similar request. Don’t worry about getting the same answers as your coworkers or competitors, because technically, that should not happen. It doesn’t even deliver the same answers to you when you ask the same question another time.

    However, this is a great time to point out that you should always check Chat’s work. Check the information for flaws, and don’t just copy and paste. Take the time to customize the copy to make sure it’s in line with what you would actually say. You lose your authenticity when you let Chat do all of the work.  

    Evolution Is Constant

    Think about it: 20 years ago, few of us were concerned with establishing our online presence, crafting social media posts, creating videos to build up our YouTube channels, or constantly writing content for our blogs. But today, these chores are ubiquitous. And they take up so much of our time that we’re resorting to hiring people to help us get it all done. If you’re trying to do it all yourself, you really don’t have time for much else in your business or your life. 

    I recently heard someone compare this new technology to the invention of boxed cake mixes. It used to be if you wanted to bake a cake at home, you had to have all the ingredients—flour, salt, baking powder, eggs, vegetable oil, and yeast—on hand along with the proper equipment to make it. After boxed cake mixes were created, people had the ability to bake their own cakes at home without being top-level chefs or running out for fresh ingredients. ChatGPT is our modern boxed cake mix, making tasks easier for individuals to accomplish.

    Related Article
    4 Real Estate Technology Trends to Watch in 2024

    Embrace the Change & Your Role

    But similar to when the internet gave us access to the world outside our ZIP codes, ChatGPT is another tool that will weave its way into our daily lives, assisting us with tasks to give us back our time and freedom. It’s a beautiful thing and I’m here for it. 

    So, continue to show up for your clients, your past clients, and your sphere. Your job is not threatened by ChatGPT because it’s not human. It is simply a tool to help you be more human with other humans. Let the bots do the boring, time-consuming tasks that keep us from spending our lives with those we care about most.


    Your Take

    ChatGPT is such a new technology to permeate the real estate industry that we’re all still learning. Have you tried using it yet? What has your experience been? Share what you’ve learned so far in the comment section!

    The post 12 Clever Ways to Use ChatGPT for Real Estate (+ 17 Prompts) appeared first on The Close.

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    Real Estate SEO: The Ultimate Guide (9 Steps to Better Ranking) https://theclose.com/real-estate-seo/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-seo/#comments Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:48:24 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=16207 While getting your content to rank on search engines is harder than it used to be, you can easily outrank your competition by investing some time and effort and using basic SEO strategies. Here's how! 

    The post Real Estate SEO: The Ultimate Guide (9 Steps to Better Ranking) appeared first on The Close.

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    One of the most common questions agents ask after building their websites is if real estate search engine optimization (SEO) is still an effective lead generation strategy. The answer may surprise you. While getting your content to rank on search engines is harder than it used to be, you can easily outrank your competition by investing some time and effort and using basic SEO strategies that most Realtors either don’t understand or don’t bother with. 

    We put together this guide to help you get started. We’ve included nine real estate SEO strategies to help your content rank better in Google (and other) search results. We’ll also cover the most frequently asked questions and common SEO mistakes to avoid. 

    What Is Real Estate SEO?

    Real estate SEO is the strategy agents, team leaders, and brokerages use to improve their websites’ rankings on search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.

    What Are the Benefits of Real Estate SEO?

    The higher your website ranks on a search engine, the more people will see it and hopefully click on it. This translates into more site visitors and—if your website is optimized for lead capture—more buyer and seller leads in your CRM.

    9 Steps to Perfect Real Estate SEO

    Ready to start your SEO journey?

    1. Run an SEO Audit on Your Website

    The first step to any SEO project is to audit your current website to see if there are any technical issues that might cause Google to rank your content lower (or ignore it entirely). 

    The easiest way to do an SEO audit is to hire someone to do it for you. I’d recommend looking into freelance SEO auditors on a site such as Fiverr, which should cost about $50. You’ll get a report showing any issues that might be holding your site back from ranking on search engines. Some SEO freelancers or companies will even do this for free, but they might try to upsell you to paid services without explaining the actual issues with your website.

    Visit Fiverr

    If you’d rather DIY your SEO audit, you will need to invest in a few free and paid tools. Here is a quick rundown of the tools you will need, and a great in-depth guide from Semrush on setting up and running your audit.

    SEO Site Audit ToolWhat It’s Used ForPricing
    SEMrush Site Audit ToolRuns detailed SEO audits for your website, tracks ranking on Google, performs competitor research$130 per month
    Google PageSpeed InsightsTests how fast pages on your site load on desktop and mobileFree
    Google Search ConsoleDetermines if your site is indexed properly on GoogleFree

    2. Fix Issues Found in Your SEO Audit

    Now you can start fixing any problems your audit uncovered.  Here are a few common issues found in an SEO audit:

    • Meta descriptions missing or not optimized for SEO
    • Image alt text missing or not optimized for SEO
    • Wrong image size and resolution
    • Poor keyword usage
    • Improper or missing heading structure (H1, H2, H3, etc.)
    • Duplicate content
    • Broken links
    • Using HTTP protocol instead of HTTPS

    There might be some easy fixes, like deleting duplicate content or fixing broken links, or more complex issues like upgrading your security protocol to HTTPS. Fix what you can and hire out for the rest.

    One of the easiest improvements you can make on your website is to help it load faster for visitors. If you got low scores from Google’s free PageSpeed Insights tool, try removing or reducing the size of large images, GIFs, or infographics. You can also try removing WordPress plugins or IDX widgets from pages that load slowly.

    If all of your pages load slowly, you might need to upgrade your web hosting plan from a shared plan to a dedicated or virtual private server (VPS). VPS plans run around $20 per month and will offer significantly faster loading times than shared hosting. Dedicated hosting plans are around $100 per month and offer significantly faster loading times than VPS plans. If your website gets a lot of traffic, you might want to consider dedicated hosting. If not, VPS hosting should do the trick.

    3. Set Up Your Google Business Profile Account

    After you’ve run your SEO audit and fixed any issues that arose, the next step is to claim your Google Business Profile account. This is Google’s tool for indexing local businesses for search on Google Maps. The reason this is important in 2023 is because Google Maps results are almost always at the top of search engine results pages (SERP) for searches related to real estate. For example, when I search “real estate agent” from a device in New York, Google puts a map of nearby real estate brokerages at the top of the SERP:

    Google My Business account

    While this won’t guarantee your site shows up at the top of the search results, if you don’t fill out your Google Business Profile, you may not ever show up!

    4. Research Keywords You Want to Rank For

    After you’ve completed your audit, fixed SEO issues, and set up your Google Business Profile, the next step is to research the keywords your local audience is searching for. Once you know this, you can create content to address their questions and concerns. For example, if your audience is searching for “affordable condos in Miami,” you can write an article or create a video explaining how to find exactly that. 

    Seek Out Some Keyword Expertise 

    The best way to do keyword research is to use a keyword research tool like Ahrefs. Ahrefs isn’t free but is a worthwhile investment to help plan what content to write for your website. You can also hire a freelancer on Fiverr to do basic keyword research for you. 

    Research the SERP for Your Keywords

    Once you have a list of keywords you want to target, search for each keyword in incognito mode to see what kind of content is ranking for those keywords. Are they articles or videos? How long are the articles? What kinds of websites are ranking for these keywords? What other content is your competition creating? What other keywords do they seem to be targeting? Finally, how can you improve on the content currently ranking on the first page for your keywords?

    📌   Pro Tip

    Google’s “People Also Ask” section on SERPs can be a gold mine for content ideas. These are questions that Google’s algorithm thinks are related to the main keyword. For example, here are the “People Also Ask” results for the keyword “Condos in Miami.” Each one of these questions would make a great blog post.

    People Also Ask

    To learn more about keyword research, check out our in-depth guide:

    Related Article
    The 117 Best Real Estate Keywords (+ How to Use Them & Find More)

    5. Create a Content Cluster Strategy

    Generally speaking, search engines rank content created by subject matter experts higher than content created by amateurs. For example, when people search for “best cancer treatments,” search engines will display results from top oncologists before your cousin Jeff who thinks crystals and herbs cure cancer. (Sorry, Jeff!) Search engines determine your expertise in a subject by looking at how much expert content you have on your website and how well organized that content is. 

    This is where content clusters come in. Content clusters are groups of articles organized from top-level subjects like “condos in Miami” that then drill down to more specific related topics like “Condos in Brickell” or “How to qualify for a condo in Miami.” 

    Pillar Content, Subpillar Content & Cluster Content

    Creating content clusters is simple. Start by identifying your most general local keywords. These will be your pillar pages. Then organize more specific content related to that pillar page underneath. Once you have your cluster mapped out, start writing the content for your pillar pages and plan to create content for your subpillars and cluster content. Once you write your subpillar and cluster content, link to them from your pillar page. 

    Here’s what a cluster map might look like for an agent who sells condos in Miami:

    Pillar content: Condos in Miami 

    Links to: 

    Subpillar content: Best neighborhoods to buy condos in Miami, how to get approved for a condo in Miami, most affordable condos in Miami, waterfront condos in Miami, etc. 

    Links to:

    Cluster content: Condos in Brickell, condos in Miami Beach, Coconut Grove neighborhood guide, etc.

    6. Craft Useful & Compelling Articles, Videos & Infographics

    Now that you have a cluster strategy mapped out, the next step is to create the content for your website.

    Create Pillar Content First 

    Your pillar content should address general topics that you will expand on in your cluster content. For example, a pillar page about condos in Miami should be a high-level overview of buying condos in Miami. Try to think of questions your audience might have about the topic and answer them in your article. What are the general price ranges by neighborhood for condos in Miami? How competitive is the market? What should buyers look out for? What should sellers be aware of? Stay focused; answers that require more detail should be addressed in your cluster content. 

    How Long Should Your Content Be? 

    There is no hard-and-fast rule for how long your content needs to be to rank on Google, but studies show longer content tends to outrank shorter content. Research from Semrush shows that the best-ranking articles on Google were over 3,000 words. Just do your best to answer the questions you think your audience will have about the topic and remember to address more specific answers in your subpillar and cluster content.

    Article vs Video Content 

    While articles usually rank better than videos, for some keywords at least, videos will outrank articles. This is why researching SERPs before you start writing content is so important. If a SERP for a keyword you want to rank for has videos ranking at the top of the page, then making a video for that keyword is a no-brainer. The best approach is to embed a video in an article. For example, after you finish writing your pillar content for “condos in Miami,” record and embed a quick YouTube video summarizing the content. Note that if you want to track your video’s performance, it’ll need a specific video page in order to rank.

    Related Article
    15 Best Real Estate Marketing Videos to Generate & Nurture Leads

    Use SEO Best Practices as You Write 

    There are a number of SEO best practices for creating content for your website. They include using structured data like  H1, H2, and H3 headings and numbered lists; using keywords in the first paragraph of your articles; writing in simple language; and focusing on answering readers’ questions in the most direct way possible. Getting creative with your writing can be tempting, but for most articles, a bare-bones “just the facts” approach will work better for SEO. Plus, people are busy! They just want to learn what you have to teach them as quickly as possible.

    💡 If you’re using WordPress, a free SEO plugin like Yoast will make following SEO best practices much easier.

    Although this has waned a bit in recent years, another way search engines decide where to rank your content is by the number and quality of other websites that link to your homepage or directly to your blog posts. This is why getting other sites to link to your website is helpful for SEO. 

    Link Quality Counts More Than Quantity 

    Generally speaking, a link from a well-respected site like the New York Times might be worth 100 (or more!) links from smaller websites. It’s not easy, but putting in the work to get high-quality links to your website will have an unbeatable return on investment (ROI) for SEO. 

    Links from websites that are related to your pillar content are also more valuable for ranking than more general sites. For example, if you’re writing about condos in Miami, then a link from the Miami Herald might be more valuable than a link from the New York Post. Since you are writing about real estate, a link from Realtor Magazine or your state’s Realtor association would be even more valuable. 

    Link-building Strategies 

    One of the best ways to get links from high-quality websites in 2023 is to use HARO. Standing for Help a Reporter Out, this is a forum where journalists submit questions when they need expert quotes for articles they are working on. Getting quoted as a real estate expert along with a link to your site is actually much easier than you might think. Journalists are almost always on tight deadlines, which means they sometimes scramble at the last minute to get good quotes from experts. 

    To get backlinks from HARO, subscribe to their email and pitch journalists when they need quotes from real estate experts. If they accept your pitch, ask them to link to your website. Easy, right? The key is to respond to journalists’ quote requests as soon as they get posted. This will greatly increase your odds of getting your quote accepted. 

    To learn more about getting links from HARO and other sources, check out our in-depth guide to strategic PR below:

    Related Article
    7 Real Estate Public Relations Strategies to Get More Exposure

    8. Update Your Best Performing Articles on a Schedule

    Since your local real estate market can change from quarter to quarter or even month to month, search engines generally rank up-to-date content higher. So once you have your content written, create an update calendar to make sure that content stays fresh. 

    For pillar pages, try to schedule updates at least once per quarter. For subpillar and cluster content, you can get away with updating once or twice per year. When updating your articles, spend a few minutes researching what changed since your last update, and then address those changes in your article. 

    Related Article
    The Complete 2024 Real Estate Marketing Calendar & Holiday Guide (+ PDF)

    9. Regularly Audit Your Website for SEO Issues 

    Even if your content is ranking well, you still need to regularly audit your website to look for any issues that might affect your rankings. For example, articles or videos you link to might change their URLs, leaving you with dead links, or your articles might start to load slowly if you install a new plugin. Scheduling bi-yearly or quarterly SEO audits can help you find these issues before they start to affect your ranking. 

    How Much Does Real Estate SEO Cost?

    Like most great lead generation strategies, you can tackle real estate SEO yourself, for free. Writing great content that puts the reader first might take up a lot of your time, but there are no real upfront costs. 

    That said, if you are serious about using SEO as a lead generation strategy, investing in some basic tools or hiring freelancers will be a huge help. Here is a quick rundown of some SEO tools and services you might want to consider to help your rankings grow: 

    DIY SEO Tools 2023: Recommendations & Pricing

    Type of SEO ToolOur PickCost per Month
    Keyword Research ToolAhrefs$99+ per month
    Upgraded Web HostingBluehost VPS$30+ per month
    WordPress SEO PluginYoastFree

    Hiring SEO Freelancers 

    Since getting your website to rank on search engines can take years of hard work, you might be tempted to skip the line and just hire a freelancer to do SEO for you. Having hired many SEO freelancers in the past, I don’t generally recommend this strategy for individual Realtors. Like any good freelancer, SEO experts can be extremely expensive. The best may charge more than $5,000 per month! And beware of “affordable” SEO freelancers. Some use dishonest tactics that might help you rank on Google for a week or so, but can also result in your site getting blacklisted from Google’s search results. 

    That said, there are many individual SEO tasks that you can and should outsource to freelancers on a site like Fiverr as the need arises:

    • Keyword research
    • Google Business Profile creation and optimization
    • Article editing
    • Reducing image sizes
    • Submitting your pitches to HARO
    • Basic link-building outreach

    Visit Fiverr

    How Long Does It Take to See Results?

    This is kind of like asking, “How long will it take until I can speak French?” You might see some results right away, but there are many levels of proficiency. Here are two basic factors that determine how quickly you will see results from your SEO efforts:

    1. The Competitiveness of Your Target Keywords

    If you’re trying to rank for “Beverly Hills Mansions for sale,” your chances of seeing results right away are very, very low. This is because there are many real estate portals like Zillow and well-established real estate brokerages that also want to rank number one for those keywords. Your chances of outranking Zillow or Compass here is virtually zero. These companies spend millions of dollars to get their content to rank on search engines.

    However, if you’re trying to rank for “best neighborhoods in Elmira New York,” you will see results much faster since you will have significantly less competition on the SERP.

    2. The Quality of Your Content, Website & Backlink Profile

    Let’s tackle these criteria one by one: 

    • Content: If your content does not offer useful information related to the topics people are searching for, you might never see results.
    • Website: Even if you have great content, if your website loads slowly, is not optimized for mobile, or uses complicated code, you will have a hard time ranking.
    • Backlink profile: Part of the way Google and other search engines judge the quality of your content is by looking at how many other websites link to it. More high-quality links = better chances of ranking highly. 

    How Google & Other Search Engines Rank Content in 2023

    Google uses advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to decide which websites and pages should appear on the first page of the SERP. Since Google wants to deliver the best and most relevant results, they continually tweak their AI to make sure the most helpful results rise to the top.

    Of course, publishing content that answers common questions that your target audience is asking on Google is not enough to rank well in 2023. After all, thousands of websites are likely to publish content similar to yours. As a result, Google also considers factors like the expertise of the person writing the content, the quality of the website, how easy the content is to read, and other factors. 

    Do Real Estate Agents Need SEO? 

    As long as you’re willing to put in the time and effort to audit your website, research keywords, create content clusters, and produce great content, then SEO can be an effective way to generate leads and raise brand awareness with your website. 

    Have comments? Questions? Let us know below!

    The post Real Estate SEO: The Ultimate Guide (9 Steps to Better Ranking) appeared first on The Close.

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    8 Real Estate Marketing Materials to Crush Your Personal Brand https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-materials/ https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-materials/#comments Fri, 01 Sep 2023 19:08:34 +0000 https://theclose.com/?p=36942 Even experienced agents have a hard time choosing which marketing materials to spend their hard-earned time and money on. But whether you need Instagram Reels templates or business card advice, we have you covered.

    The post 8 Real Estate Marketing Materials to Crush Your Personal Brand appeared first on The Close.

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    If you want to build a personal brand that generates business while you sleep, choosing the right real estate marketing materials is crucial. Second only to your time and emotional energy, your marketing materials are your most precious assets. Think of them as the vehicle that delivers your personal brand to the world. 

    Of course, even experienced agents have a hard time choosing which marketing materials to spend their hard-earned time and money on. That’s why we used our expertise to put together this definitive guide to the eight real estate marketing materials every agent needs to build a better personal brand in 2023 and beyond. Whether you need Instagram Reels templates or business card advice, we have you covered.

    1. Professional Pictures: One Headshot, One Lifestyle

    Professional Pictures with One Headshot One Lifestyle
    (Source: Sell it Like Serhant: How to Build Your Personal Brand workbook)

    One of the most important lessons that Ryan Serhant teaches in his course, Sell It Like Serhant: How to Build a Personal Brand, is that your personal brand needs to be curated and authentic. After all, people should want to work with you, not just “a real estate agent.” There are millions of agents, but only one you. This is why headshots are by far your most important marketing material.

    📌   Pro Tip

    For your lifestyle shot, pay particular attention to your body language. The goal is to look open and approachable, not guarded. You can see the difference in the two pictures above.

    Your headshots literally put a face to your personal brand and are the only marketing piece that can’t be copied by other agents. So take the time to make sure your headshots are both curated and authentic. Ryan recommends creating two headshots for your real estate marketing materials: one professional headshot and one lifestyle shot. 

    Once you get those gorg headshots, it’s time to build marketing collateral that impresses. Hire a freelance graphic designer on Fiverr to touch up your headshot photos. You can even order those hero shots that look fab on your postcards and other collateral.

    Fiverr freelancers offer all the services from logo design to listing flyers to social media post design to content creation to help you build your business from the ground up. And it’s super simple—find a designer to match your style, click the order button, fill in the project details, and pay. Your designs, on demand.

    Find Your Freelancer at Fiverr.com
    Related Article
    13 Tips for Creative Real Estate Headshots (+ Examples)

    2. Professional Social Media Templates (Including Stories, Reels & TikTok Templates)

    Professional Social Media Templates

    When it comes to social media marketing materials, many agents make the mistake of assuming that bringing their authentic selves to social media means they need to create everything from scratch. Nothing could be further from the truth. Those behind-the-scenes Instagram Reels and TikToks you shot at your open house don’t have to look like a Hollywood movie, but it might help if they look more polished. 

    This is where professionally designed social media templates come in. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel every time you post on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you can use templates designed for real estate agents by graphic designers. The difference between professional social media templates and generic templates from Canva is night and day. 

    Looking for sleek and stunning templates for your social media? Coffee & Contracts has the most gorg templates, including Instagram Reels, carousels, Broke Agent memes, and more. You’ll get access to fresh content and new options every month as a subscriber.

    As a special thank you to Close readers, use promo code THECLOSE for $15 off your first month at Coffee & Contracts.

    Get Fresh Scroll-stopping Templates With Coffee & Contracts
    Related Article
    The 24 Best Real Estate Social Media Templates

    3. A Website That Shows Off Your Personal Brand

    real estate marketing materials

    After headshots and social media templates, building your real estate website is the next most important piece of your marketing materials. It’s also one of the only brand assets you truly own. After all, no matter how hard you work on them, you don’t really own any of your social media profiles or even the shiny website your brokerage provided for you. 

    While you might be tempted to add bells and whistles—like IDX listings, lead capture, landing pages, and a customer relationship manager (CRM)—to your website, make sure they reflect your personal brand first. For a good example of an agent website centered on personal branding, check out Carlin Wright. Notice how her lifestyle image is front and center? That’s no accident. Her website is about her, not real estate.

    In Hawaii, the warm weather and outdoor lifestyle are what Kinga Mills is selling. So much of her website is focused on her personal brand—videos of surfers, lush mountains, palm trees, and the turquoise ocean feature prominently—capitalizing on the very well-established Hawaii brand.

    If you want a site like Carlin’s or Kinga’s, you can hire Luxury Presence to build and host your website starting at around $180 per month, plus design fees. Get $500 off by clicking the button below.

    Kinga Mills, eXp Realty Hawaii

    “Luxury Presence support staff, the website’s setup, and ease of use have exceeded my expectations. My goal was to showcase my experience, personality, and accomplishments in a beautiful eye-catching design, and I believe that I have achieved that with my website. Luxury Presence is definitely helping me stand out in a competitive agent space.”

    Visit Luxury Presence

    Or, if you want more control and want to level up your own skill set, check out our guide to building a website using WordPress here:

    Related Article
    How to Build an IDX Real Estate Website in an Afternoon

    4. Business Cards That Set You Apart

    Strategically-Designed Business Cards

    Even in the age of Realtor TikTok stars, there’s something about a well-designed business card printed on quality paper stock that can’t be beat. Sure, popping up in someone’s social media feed once a week is great, but your business card might get pinned to a bulletin board, be kept in a wallet, or sit on someone’s desk for months on end. Not bad for a 50-cent piece of paper, right?

    Of course, like your website, your business cards should reflect your personal brand. So make sure to use your brand colors, fonts, and headshot. As far as strategy goes—whether you’re working with a designer or creating them yourself—it can be helpful to ask yourself, Is this a business card I would keep? Why or why not? If the answer is no, head back to the drawing board.

    Related Article
    The Best Real Estate Business Cards (+ Mistakes to Avoid)

    5. Facebook Business Page

    A Facebook Business Page

    Even though your teenage niece will probably tell you Facebook is so over, you still need a business page, even if you never post on it. Why? Demographics. The average age of a Facebook user is a little over 40 years old, and a whopping 22% are over the age of 55. Sounds dull, right? Well, what if I told you that according to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical home seller was 60 years old last year? 

    With demographics like that, a Facebook Business page is not optional for serious Realtors. It’s not all about demographics, though. If you want to advertise on Facebook or Instagram, you will need a Facebook business page. So even if you also think Facebook is so over, you’re going to need to build one. 

    If you don’t already have one, we have an easy step-by-step guide to building a Facebook business page (along with specialized advertising and cover photo advice) here:

    6. Instagram-quality Postcards

    Postcards that looks like Instagram

    Want to get laughed at? Tell someone under 30 that you’re sending them a real estate postcard. If they’re under 20, you might have to actually explain what a postcard is. Of course, while we have nothing against 20 year olds, they’re not exactly the right audience for your real estate marketing materials. At least, not yet.

    According to the NAR’s Homebuyers and Sellers Report, the average first-time buyer in 2022 was 36 years old, while the typical repeat buyer was 59. Take it from me, people our age like getting postcards, but older people love getting postcards. My mother is in her seventies, owns several homes, and sits in her recliner every morning to go through her mail. You know where she’s not spending her mornings? TikTok!

    But just because you’re using old-school marketing materials (don’t forget about brochures, flyers, and letters, too!)doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with them, no matter what your personal brand is. For example, check out the Instagram-inspired postcard from Coffee & Contracts above. It’s classy and professional, with a tiny bit of sass. 

    Why use Instagram-inspired design for your postcards? Simple. Television and newspaper ads are inspired by online design trends today. 

    You can design your own, use a fresh template in Canva, or work with some of the predesigned templates inside ProspectsPLUS! to amplify your marketing message. Select your target audience, upload or create your design, and let ProspectsPLUS! do the rest. They will deliver dazzling Instagram-worthy postcards directly to your audience, showcasing your marketing brilliance.

    Build Instagram-worthy Postcards at ProspectsPLUS!

    7. Email Newsletter

    Email Newsletter

    Like postcards, email newsletters are another crucial marketing material that will make your niece roll her eyes. It also happens to be one of the best ways to market to your sphere. Again: You don’t own your social media profiles, but you do own your email list. 

    Email is also much easier to scale than social media, and much less expensive than pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. The return on investment for your time and effort is also better. According to statistics from Campaign Monitor, the average rate at which people open marketing emails is 21.7%. So, as long as you keep growing your list, the number of people you reach with your content will continue to grow with very little extra work. 

    If you plan a content calendar for your email newsletter, you can keep your sphere engaged for years with just an hour or two of work per week. Here are a few easy real estate newsletter ideas to get you started:

    If you want to really stand out in your farm area, you might consider a more robust approach. Parkbench makes it super-easy to dominate your market as the community leader. They create a hyperlocal website filled with neighborhood news, market info, events, real estate listings, and more, all with your logo and contact information to put your face in the forefront of your community. Watch your trust factor soar and leads start flowing in. They only allow one agent per area so, don’t wait! Check to see if yours is still available.

    Check Your Market’s Availability With Parkbench

    8. Marketing Videos

    Three examples of real estate agents sharing fun yet professional content on their TikTok accounts, featuring listings in different ways

    Whether you love it or hate it, video is definitely taking over the digital marketing space. From shorter vertical videos, like the ones on Instagram Reels or TikTok (above), to longer-form videos on YouTube, video will drive your business faster and more effectively than static forms of content. 

    Think lifestyle or walk-through videos set to music on Reels and TikTok or educational videos on the buying or selling processes on YouTube. Putting your content in video format will boost your exposure and get you in front of more potential clients since Google and Facebook both favor video over static images or text. 

    You can typically get your pro photographer to shoot some of your polished videos of listings. But you can also easily create your own lifestyle or educational videos with your smartphone.

    Related Article
    9 Real Estate Marketing Tools Every Agent Needs in 2024

    Over to You

    Do you think these are the right real estate marketing materials for every agent to build their personal brand? If not, what would you include instead? Tell us in the comments!

    The post 8 Real Estate Marketing Materials to Crush Your Personal Brand appeared first on The Close.

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    https://theclose.com/real-estate-marketing-materials/feed/ 2 Professional Pictures with One Headshot One Lifestyle Professional Social Media Templates FeatureImage – real estate marketing materials Strategically-Designed Business Cards A Facebook Business Page Postcards that looks like Instagram Email Newsletter Untitled-2023-08-31T165245.471