Posts Tagged ‘fun fact’

5 Social Media Tips You Probably Aren’t Implementing (But Should)

Posted on: April 18th, 2017 by Tim Garcia

We’ve shown you recently how critically important social media is for your business (+ tips on how to gain more “likes” and followers). From marketing and repeat clients, to snagging new leads, social media can be one of the most impactful and cost-effective marketing strategies you’ll ever employ.

Today’s Tip of the Week is going to assume you know the basics of marketing on social media. That is to say, we’re going beyond just showing you how to advertise on Facebook or set up your X (aka Twitter) account. We’re going to show you a few out-of-the-social-box ideas that you either haven’t thought of before or just haven’t had the time to implement.

By using some or all of these ideas, you’ll discover additional ways to stay in close contact with your buyers and sellers.

Hootsuite

Some of us at PropertyMinder personally use Hootsuite – that’s how amazing we think it is.

The principle behind the platform is simple: It can be difficult to remember the specific days and times you want to post to social media to connect with the real estate industry and your clients. Hootsuite lets you schedule posts ahead of time to X (aka Twitter), Facebook, Google+ and more. It will even shrink URLs for you and show you how many characters you have remaining to type with for X (aka Twitter) compared to, say, Facebook. Then select the exact date and time you want the post to go live. Boom. Done.

80/20 Rule

80% of your social media posts should be engaging, entertaining, and helpful content for your potential homebuyers and sellers.

Save the other 20% for direct marketing of your services and/or to encourage clicks to specific pages on your website.

X (aka Twitter) Bots

This one sounds more intimidating than it actually is. No, you don’t have to be a computer engineer or know how to code to create a X (aka Twitter) bot for your business.

RealtyBizNews captures the essence of X (aka Twitter) bots better than we ever could, so we’ll let them take it away:

“X (aka Twitter) bots are basically just software programs that perform specific actions. It’s possible to program X (aka Twitter) bots to do more or less anything, from instantly responding to mentions, directly messaging users who follow you, or instantly follow someone that uses certain words and phrases. The good thing about X (aka Twitter) bots is they’re easy to write and maintain. You don’t need any special coding skills either – simply create a X (aka Twitter) account, go to apps.twitter.com and set up your own bot. Just program a specific search term and select an action the bot will perform when that search term happens.”

Where the millennials at?

Depending on your market, millennials may or may not be potential clients today, but they absolutely will be in the not-so-distant future.

What’s not as popular with this crowd: Facebook. What is popular? Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram.

Figure out where in the home buying funnel your millennials are, and then you can determine the best social media strategy to engage them.

The Power of Video

It doesn’t matter if all you have is an iPhone; you need to make videos – and the distribution of this content – an integral part of your social media plan.

Think how easy it is for people that follow you on social media to have your videos auto-begin in their Instagram or Facebook feeds. With absolute minimal effort, potential clients and revenue interacts with your content to thereby increase branding and awareness.

Social media is a highly effective way to market to your audience. When combined with emails, newsletters, and other methods that engage with the leads in your CRM, social media is yet another tool that sets you apart from the competition in your zip codes.

More marketing advice can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

What “Free” (Marketing) Really Means (And Looks Like).

Posted on: January 17th, 2017 by Tim Garcia

 

Free: not under the control or in the power of another; able to act or be done as one wishes; having no obligations (as to work) or commitments; relieved from or lacking something and especially something unpleasant or burdensome.

A few of our honest-to-goodness FREE (quality, no-obligation) marketing resources:

1. 30 Day Free Test Drive of Complete Marketing Suite
2. Single Property Websites: great way to showcase your current inventory.
3. Mobile App: all listing details, photos, insight, showing instructions, schools –in the palm of your hand.

4. Email & Phone Call Content for Your Sellers.
– Reminding folks why you’re THE listing agent they need… Send Seller Email.
– Ensuring home staging goes well to maximize the offer on their home… Send Seller Email.
– Final follow-up with sellers to secure future referrals…
          a) Send Email About Pricing  b) Send Email With Moving Day Resources
– What to say on phone calls with ANY seller lead… Read/Use Script For Seller Leads.
– What to say on phone calls with seller leads from Open HousesRead/Use Script For Open House Seller Leads.

5. Webinars to educate, empower and inspire you (from easy website maintenance and tips, to tool breakdown and interactive tutorials)… Browse The Schedule & Sign Up.
6. Unlimited One-On-One Training and Support services for all of your marketing questions, concerns, wants and needs.*

Take advantage today.
And let me know if you need help getting started.

Tim
tim@propertyminder.com
408.213.4668

*for free trial customers.

January Holiday Roundup (+ Email Marketing Greeting)

Posted on: December 30th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

 

Below are featured (and sometimes overlooked) holidays in January, providing you with specific reasons to reach out, engage with your leads and clients, and be THAT (memorable) agent folks turn to when they’re ready to buy, sell, and refer.
January 1st: New Year’s Day – check your CRM for a greeting to send to leads and clients.

Friday, January 6th: Cuddle Up Day – deliver info that your buyers and sellers can cuddle up with today, to peruse and/or read (i.e. – exciting property photos/details, and home values & home care resources, respectively).

Friday, January 13th: Friday the 13th  / International Skeptics Day / Make Your Dream Come True Day: –  banish any superstitious bad luck, prove to skeptical folks you’re the neighborhood expert, and make clients (and your) dreams come true.

Monday, January 16th: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday – share a quote with folks, today.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.
Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?
The time is always right to do what is right.
We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.

Tuesday, January 24th: Compliment Day – whether it’s a literal compliment (i.e. – “You’re a generous individual and I appreciate your time.” / “You have a beautiful home/familiy, etc.”) or a listing alert for a buyer that complements what they’re looking for, or home care resources that will complement the home life of your homeowners (your sellers) – pay a compliment, a complement or two.

Wednesday, January 25th: Opposite Day – do the opposite of what the competition does – put in the time to reach out to folks over the phone. We’ve provided seller scripts and open house follow-up scripts to help guide those important conversations.

Food-Oriented Holidays – see accompanying email greeting, below – simply fill-in-the-blank, press send, and spark a conversation (and possible meet and greet):

Wednesday, January 4th: National Spaghetti Day
Thursday, January 19th: National Popcorn Day
Friday, January 20th: National Buttercrunch Day / National Cheese Lover Day
Sunday, January 22nd: National Blonde Brownie Day
Monday, January 23rd: National Pie Day
Friday, January 27th: Chocolate Cake Day


Hi there,

____, here. You’ve been so generous with your time this year. I’d like to express my gratitude.


*DATE is *HOLIDAY and I’d really like to celebrate it with you.
This way we can catch up over a delightful snack (on me) instead of just texting and emailing. My schedule is pretty flexible – let me know what works best for you and I’ll schedule something in a jiffy.


[Insert SELLERS or BUYERS target segment here].


SELLERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring along some printed home values and 
home care resources as extra food for thought (no pun intended). I like to consider myself your one-stop shop for all things real estate. I hope you will, too].


BUYERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring printed details about homes and properties that might be up your alley. I’ve been doing some extra research for you and would love your feedback to confirm whether or not I’m on the right track].

Looking forward to it!
_______________

 

Top 3 New Year Market Predictions (+ Critical Tools You Need To Act & Respond)

Posted on: December 30th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

 

Here are 3 significant real estate trends popping up pretty consistently on multiple sources (+ the tools you need in anticipation of meeting each one head on) that we thought you should be aware of:

1) Young and old alike – there’s bound to be a spike (in market activity).*
Millennials are getting married and starting families, while baby boomers are continuing to retire.
Chances are the latter will be selling their home(s) and/or relocating/buying in new, warmer climate(s), while the youngsters are looking to establish a safe, secure familial foundation where they can build their lives.What are you doing to identify and reach out to each group?

Seller’s Corner will get them turning to you to sell their home, while our Custom IDX tool will empower you with automated, instant delivery of listing/property alerts that match their dream home. Your CRM is also an essential resource in terms of helping you recognize who is who (millennials, boomers, homeowners, buyers, sellers, etc), what folks are up to (retiring, college bound, looking to move, in need of home care resources, etc.) and keeping you mindful about reaching out for holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, or just a quick “hey, how’s it going?”


2) Sellers’ Market will dominate.**
Yep – this is pretty much the consensus from economists and experts in the industry.
Skeptical? It’s all good. Even if this prediction doesn’t become a reality, we have your back up plan.Seller’s Corner will boost your inventory by reconnecting you with past clients and sparking critical relationships with homeowners virtually guaranteeing you’re the agent they choose to list

How? Gentle digital “touches” with info and content they will actually find interesting and appreciate (the value of their home) will keep you top-of-mind and in their good graces.
3) Folks will flock to the (more affordable) suburbs.***
Anyone living in one can tell you that housing, within or very near, a large city is increasingly costly (at least in the San Francisco Bay Area). Apparently, as a result, we can expect buyers to make that trek and shift to suburban life.

The only question now is: are you actively and habitually providing them with the resources and alerts they need to find a home that meets the needs of their unique lives and, perhaps most importantly, that they can afford? From HD Photos and the best schools nearby, to comparable listings and an interactive Map Search, the answers to all their questions, wants and needs are at your, and their, beck and call.

If people are looking for certain neighborhoods, our Custom IDX links will allow you to showcase a community, neighborhood, view, or amenity at the push of a button. If your focus is to get people on your website, why not make is as easy as possible?

 

Cheers to a successful and spectacular 2017,

Tim
Director Of Marketing
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

 


* http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/top-real-estate-trends-2017/
** http://www.inman.com/2016/12/13/will-2017-be-a-buyers-market-or-a-sellers-market/?utm_source=weeklyheadlines&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=sundaysend&utm_content=20161216_readmore
*** http://www.cbsnews.com/media/9-real-estate-trends-to-expect-in-2017/4/

The Grinch Who Stole Your Listings (+ How To Get Them Back In 2017)

Posted on: December 29th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Howdy,

Tim here – how’re things? Ready to wrap up December and head into 2017?

2016 has been rough.
So here’s a little holiday rhyme (inspired by the late, great Dr. Seuss)
to perk up your mood – and, very likely, your listings.

The Grinch Who Stole Your Listings (+ How To Take Them Back In 2017)

Every agent across the land enjoyed listing a lot,
But the syndicate Grinch portal lurking online did not.

The Grinch misinformed and confused! Every single season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.

It could be, perhaps, that he didn’t have the best sight.
It could be his system wasn’t set up just right.

But I think that the most likely reason of all,
May have been that his capacity to tell the truth was much, much too small.

But, whatever the reason, his eyes or his inability to speak the truth,
He grabbed, scattered, and hoarded listings, like a kid with a sweet tooth.

You’re a sneaky one, Mr. Grinch. You keep folks in the dark.
You allow others to steal. You’re really off the mark. Mr. Grinch!

Then, one day, at PropertyMinder Headquarters, we had a thought.
We saw the unfairness and figured it was time the Grinch got caught.

Maybe your listings, we pondered, don’t have to be lost,
Maybe your listings, perhaps, should remain yours at any cost.

And what happened then? Well, in Real Estate they say,
That PropertyMinder’s Seller’s Corner truly saved the day.

It reconnected past clients. It brought back seller leads.
It brought low inventory woes to a halt and met listing agent needs.

It branded listings to rightful owners. It delivered what really mattered.
It kept your homeowners safe and secure, instead of scarce and scattered.

It kept your clients from open houses, where other agents roam,
With Seller’s Corner, the Grinch and competition is clearly no match, when it comes to selling a home.

 

Cheers to a solid last week of 2016,

Tim
Director of Marketing
408.213.4668

tim@propertyminder.com

 

More marketing tips, advice and guidance can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

 

Your Sellers Need To Lighten Up.

Posted on: December 20th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Hey there,

Tim here. What’s new?

Heads up: Wednesday, December 21st marks both Winter Solstice (shortest day and longest night of the year) AND Look on the Bright Side Day.

Coincidence? I think not.
Your leads and clients will be deprived of extra daylight, which might make them extra cranky – especially if it’s chilly out.

So, what can you do to brighten their day?

You’re not God. You can’t manipulate the sun.
But you can provide a special type of brightness (the best and only kind that truly matters) by…
…enlightening sellers with automated home values proving you’re the expert
…shining the spotlight on exciting and matching properties (including HD Photos) for your buyers
…providing everyone with the essential home care resources needed to maximize their comfortability on this (and many other) long winter night(s).

Cozy up to folks. It’ll pay off.
The holidays are definitely revving up. Enjoy yourself, connect with people, drive safe, and let me know if there’s anything you need help with as we gear up for the New Year.

Tim
Director of Marketing
408.213.4668

tim@propertyminder.com

 

More marketing advice can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

Your Sellers Aren’t Afraid To Walk Away (A Holiday Warning & Remedy)…

Posted on: December 13th, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Your sellers, buyersclients & leads aren’t afraid to walk away…
…So make sure they’re not lead astray.

Question: are you a giver or taker this holiday season?

GIVE folks the right dose of care, nourishment and relevant information. And RECEIVE lasting results. See what we mean, below…

1) GIVE 10 minutes: Sleigh bells ring – make sure they’re listenin’!
Provide relevant information to 2 prospective sellers and/or past clients by adding them into your Seller’s Corner system.

*RECEIVE: Your website comes bearing gifts for both you and your clients. Delivering these merry updates will give your homeowners the information they need about home values, while simultaneously being directed to your personal website.


2) GIVE 10 minutes:
 Avoid being on the naughty list.
Reach out to one memorable client from 2016 reminding them of their value and your ongoing commitment to meeting their real estate needs. Request a brief testimonial from them endorsing your quality work.

*RECEIVE: A winter wonderland of approval. Even if it’s just one success story, these narratives further humanize you and build outside trust and recognition. Always strive to feature more reputable business highlights and affiliations on your website.


3) GIVE 10 minutes:
 Frolic and play, the realtor way!
Call someone once a day. Just say hello, start friendly conversation:
Any plans this holiday season?
Can you believe 2017 is almost here?
Do you have any big plans for the New Year?

The more you know about your clients and leads, the better equipped you are to meet their needs. If they don’t answer, leave a voicemail. Need scripted content to navigate conversations? Check out this Phone Script For Your Sellers and Phone Script For Your Open House Follow-Ups for guidance.

3 cont.) GIVE 10 minutes: Give your business card to 2 people this week.
Whether it’s at an open house, a client or homeowner you reach out to or cross paths with – this is your chance to engage in face-to-face encounters that put a warm and genuine image to your business.

*RECEIVE: Obtain insight about critical life happenings that will influence living situations for current and potential clients. And your efforts of contacting them will serve as a memorable (and favorable) lasting representation of your business. Enough said.
4) GIVE 10 minutes: Spread some cheer on behalf of others.
Promote other businesses that live up to your standards – and that your clients will appreciate (ex: reputable food drives for the needy, best gift shops, nicest cafes, tastiest bakeries, etc.).

Next, get creative. Think of another group for your contacts (ex: based on sports/athletic aficionados, pets-lovers, film buffs, etc.) Customize your e-mail marketing that reflects your versatility and range of satisfying people’s interests.

*RECEIVE: Enhanced branding of yourself as a diverse agent with a deep interest and consideration for your clients from all walks of life. And good karma when it comes to promoting other businesses- remember, what goes around comes around.
5) GIVE 10 minutes: Warm up to your clients on slower winter days.
Send out a personal holiday e-mail greeting sharing photos of you at your office, include quick home inspection tips for the rainy season (ex: checking leaky roofs), ask clients to send in photos of their home decorations and post your favorite on your blog. Share updates about neighborhood holiday activities. Come off as cozy, not “salesy”.

5 cont.) GIVE 10 minutes: Sneak a peek. No – not at the gifts under the tree.
Review your client tracking activity – take note of patterns in MLS searches and send out friendly reminders: I noticed your search history includes 2 bathrooms, you might be interested in these listings…. Stuff their stockings, while you’re at it: MLS Searches should not be at 0. Set up a few for clients based on their activity history. Make that list and check it twice!

*RECEIVE: Jingle all the way to 2017. Engaging with clients will continue to foster better relationships into the New Year.

 

 

Take a 30 Day Free Sleigh Ride with us.

Not ready to sign up? Questions?
Consider us the Rudolph to your real estate business.
Lighting the way to your success. When it matters most.

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com

More marketing advice can be found on our featured
Tip Of The Week Archive & Current Tip Of The Week webpages.

Last Minute Thanksgiving (Holiday) Email Greeting.

Posted on: November 22nd, 2016 by Tim Garcia

Hi there,

Tim here – how’s your week going so far?
You’re probably traveling, preparing, lounging, wrapping up work before Thanksgiving, or a busy combination of these – am I right?

Just wondering – do you plan on sending a holiday greeting this week?
Well, heads up – I’ve drafted a short and sweet Thanksgiving email (see below) for you to send to leads and clients, if you’re in a pinch or need extra inspiration.

Email Subject Line Option #1: Have a quick sec before Thanksgiving? This (and you) really matter to me…
Email Subject Line Option #2: Your generosity is enough to be thankful for this year. 

Dear ______,

Time to put the heaps of food, family squabbling, and frenzied shopping on the back burner for a second.
Now: take a moment to pause, breathe, and relax with a quick greeting conveying my deep appreciation, unwavering gratitude, and absolute thanks for our continued personal and professional bond.

Honestly, your vibrant generosity alone is enough to be thankful for this year.

Your time. Your trust. Your kindness. Your fears. Your dreams. You’ve shared it all with me.
And I want to reiterate my commitment toward ensuring your home journey is thoroughly secure, joyous, and fulfilling, year-round.

Home Purchase. Home Listed. Home Care. Home Values. Home Improvement.
You can always count on me for all of your real estate needs, above and beyond.

I look forward to reaching new heights with you as 2017 comes to a close, and as a bright New Year full of enriching opportunities approaches us.

Warmest Thanksgiving wishes to you, family, and friends,

______________

Cheers & Happy Thanksgiving,

Tim
408.213.4668
tim@propertyminder.com
PropertyMinder Marketing

November Holiday Roundup (+ Email Greeting)

Posted on: November 1st, 2016 by Tim Garcia

novemberholidaysimage

We’ve taken the liberty of highlighting a few special (and sometimes overlooked) holidays in November, as reasons to reach out, engage with your leads and clients, and be THAT (memorable) agent folks turn to when they’re ready to buy, sell, and refer.
– Sunday, November 6th – Daylight Saving Time Ends – Set your clocks back 1 hour!
– Tuesday, November 8th – Election Day – Vote!
– Friday, November 11th – Veterans’ Day – Check your CRM for a patriotic greeting to honor those who serve(d).
– Thursday, November 24th – Thanksgiving Day – Gobble-gobble won’t cut it. Login to your CRM for a warm greeting.
– Tuesday, November 29th – Giving Tuesday – Give home values, give property details, give your website some love on the next free editing webinar, give us your attention and boost your marketing-know on a free webinar, give folks all the home care resources they need, give yourself automatic on-the-go listing insight with your AgentView mobile app… in short, give more back to your clients, your business, and, effectively, yourself.

 

Food-Oriented Holidays – see accompanying email greeting, below – simply fill-in-the-blank, press send, and spark a conversation (and possible meet ‘n greet!):
– Thursday, November 3rd – National Sandwich Day
– Saturday, November 5th – National Doughnut Day
– Monday, November 7th – National Bittersweet Chocolate With Almonds Day
– Tuesday, November 8th – National Cappuccino Day
– Thursday, November 10th – National Vanilla Cupcake Day
– Friday, November 11th – National Sundae Day
– Saturday, November 12th – National Pizza Day
– Monday, November 21st – National Gingerbread Cookie Day
– Wednesday, November 23rd – National Espresso Day
– Friday, November 25th – National Parfait Day
– Monday, November 28th – French Toast Day
– Tuesday, November 29th – National Chocolates Day
– Wednesday, November 30th – National Mousse Day

Hi there,

____, here. You’ve been so generous with your time this year. I’d like to express my gratitude.


*DATE is *HOLIDAY and I’d really like to celebrate it with you.
This way we can catch up over a delightful snack (on me) instead of just texting and emailing. My schedule is pretty flexible – let me know what works best for you and I’ll schedule something in a jiffy.


[Insert SELLERS or BUYERS target segment here].


SELLERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring along some printed home values and
home care resources as extra food for thought (no pun intended). I like to consider myself your one-stop shop for all things real estate. I hope you will, too].


BUYERS:
[While I’m at it, I’ll bring printed details about homes and properties that might be up your alley. I’ve been doing some extra research for you and would love your feedback to confirm whether or not I’m on the right track].

Looking forward to it!
_______________

 

Honorable Mentions:
– Thursday, November 10th – Forget-Me-Not Day  – another great opportunity to remind your sellers you’re the neighborhood expert, via Seller’s Corner.
– Sunday, November 13th – Caregiver Appreciation Day
– Sunday, November 13th – World Kindness Day
– Thursday, November 17th Electronic Greeting Card Day  – Want to send a special, tailored greeting to a lead or client but not sure what to include? Check out our Tip Of The Week Archives or contact PropertyMinder Marketing Department for inspiration.
– Thursday, November 17th – World Peace Day
– Friday, November 25th – Black Friday
– Friday, November 25th – You’re Welcome Day
– Tuesday, November 29th – Square Dance Day