Real estate agents work off of commissions, meaning if they don't sell any houses or other services, they don't make any money.
The plus side of working a commission-based job is that the more houses they are able to sell, the more money they will make.
This appeals to many people since people enjoy being in charge of their own income. The harder you work, the more money you make.
In order to be a successful real estate agent, though, you have to know how to market yourself.
Without any clients, you can't make any sales, meaning you won't make any money. As a real estate agent, marketing should be one of your top priorities.
Promoting Your Brand
Other industries can use these marketing strategies as well, especially those who inspect homes for a living.
As the following article shows, home inspector prices can vary, but there are marketing methods home inspectors can learn from realtors.
Among the things to keep in mind:
- Network, network, network - The best way to get your name as a real estate agent out there is to continually be meeting new people. Visit coffee shops regularly, join groups at your local church, volunteer at different organizations, meet small business owners in the area, host barbecues for your neighbors, and be involved in your children's schooling and more. The more people you know, the better your chances of keeping busy.
- Use social media - Social media should be a huge contributor to your overall marketing strategy. Build a website listing what types of houses you specialize in selling, how to contact you, customer reviews and more. Create a Facebook page specifically for your business, a Twitter account, a LinkedIn page and a Google Plus page. Connect with other real estate agents in the area, post houses you are selling on your pages and connect with the general public in your area.
- Ask for referrals - When working with prospective buyers, don't be afraid to ask if they know anyone in need of an agent. Assuming they liked your services, there's no reason they wouldn't recommend you to their family and friends. Give out at least five of your business cards to all of your current clients. Word-of-mouth advertising is not only easy, it's free.
- Grow an email list and send out newsletters - As a real estate agent, you should have an up-to-date email list of all past and current customers. Send out a newsletter once a month to update clients on the market, any trends you've noticed and any houses you currently have for sale. Even though your most recent clients are most likely not in the market for a new home, they may know someone who is and forward your listings over to them.
- Consistently work at growing your business - This tip is something all small business owners can do, including real estate agents. Devote one day each week (or a set time every day of the week) to work on your marketing. You can update your blog, attend a networking meeting, join a networking group online, touch base with old friends and family or even pick up the phone and make some cold calls. As long as you are consistently working on marketing your business, business will continue to fall into your lap.
While not all career paths have to market heavily, real estate agents and entrepreneurs do.
If you currently work for yourself or one day hope to, now is the time to start perfecting your marketing strategies.