There is no question that when you start trying to market yourself as a realtor that there are many challenges. There is always a question of how exactly to ask your clients for referrals.
I am here to share some tips of some do’s and some don’t when it comes to trying to gather referrals for your real estate business. We’ve all been there, we all know that as soon as you type into your google search “How to get referrals” then all of these crazy marketing agency ads start flooding in, and it scares you so much that you close your laptop and try not to think about it again. I know. You need to realize something about those marketing agencies, though, they are PROFESSIONALS at selling products that they don’t even believe in. Does this mean that they can sell you as a realtor? No. Does this mean that they can get even the smartest of people to believe that they can? Yes. Think about it.. Every day that those people wake up, they think about how they can weasel their way into your pocket. They know all of the tips and tricks when it comes to getting their ads in front of vulnerable people. This might sound like “these are people I want to work with!” but realize this, marketing your real estate agency is not that easy, and it actually takes a completely different methodology that marketing other types of businesses.
When people are looking for someone to help them find their first home, or sell their current home, they want to work with somebody that they can trust, it is, however, the biggest purchase or sell that they probably will ever make in their lives. Sure they want someone who is going to get the job done, but would you hire a used car salesman to help you find their first home? Probably not, right? Sure they would probably find you what you’re looking for, but would they do it with your feelings in mind?
The thing about it is, you don’t need marketing agencies, you don’t need to spend tons of money on marketing PERIOD.
- Wasting 1000’s of dollars on digital marketing
This is absolute DON’T of marketing yourself as a realtor. Digital marketing works, but not for realtors. nobody is going to pick their realtor based off of an ad.
2. Stop cold emailing
Let’s be real… Nobody is going to read that shit.
3. Stop cold calling.
If you get them to answer, I promise it will be the last time.
4. You don’t have to give out discounts to get referrals.
If you are constantly giving out discounts, where does that leave you?
5. Sending your customers away with nothing to hand out
Whatever referral program you choose to use, make sure that your clients have a piece of you to give away to those looking
6. Try being more personal
People want to connect with their realtors on a personal level, they don’t want to feel like they’re hiring a car salesman.
7. Stop acting like a salesman
Take on a more personal approach, nobody likes to be sold to.
8. Don’t forget to follow up
I know, we’ve all heard this.. But it’s so true. The main goal is to keep that person from forgetting your name.
9. Follow up in a different way
Don’t use the same old methods, be unique and different.
10. Stand out from the new comers.
With the influx of new realtors coming in, you need to make sure that you’re standing out from the crowd with your methods.