Enter the digital era
It’s difficult to stand out in today’s market. With all of the marketing mediums available to today’s professional, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to offer something different. It seems like everyone has a Facebook page, everyone has an enhanced and up-to-date blog, and almost everyone has some form of a website. You find out about the latest marketing tactics quickly through webinars and real-time news updates. It’s harder than ever to stay “ahead of the curve.”
Unfortunately, there aren’t too many ways to get around this. If you’re not on-trend with the latest marketing techniques, you’re behind. You’re not part of the status quo. As an agent, the goal should be to go above and beyond the norm. Everyone would probably be like to be known in their community for doing something special and different, but in today’s tech-savvy, digital age, how do you do that?
It’s all about going above and beyond.
Don’t neglect your marketing. You might be an agent that can close offers for higher prices than surrounding homes, but if nobody knows about you, then that won’t really take your business to the next level. If you can use a marketing scheme that draws people in, then you can focus on showing them your excellent negotiating skills or eye for detail. Do you use professional photographers or videographers for your listings? Do you have a video blog? These are marketing pieces that will get people’s attention. You don’t have to copy these ideas, but you do need to find a marketing tactic that others in your area aren’t doing yet and implement it. In a digital age, that’s really how you make yourself stand out.
Don’t stick to the normal, tried-and-true methods. Facebook wouldn’t be considered such a powerful marketing medium if businesses didn’t start trying to use it as one. Don’t be afraid to be different. Reach out to consumers through mediums that your competition isn’t already using. Review community restaurants and businesses on Yelp or comment on a lead’s blog that are not related to your industry. Contribute to community news sites on their blogs. These are creative ways to reach out, and they’re less obvious “marketing” methods.
Remember to be flexible. In a world where new social media sites, website platforms and marketing services are emerging every day, you need to be flexible in your strategy. It’s important to have some sort of strategy in place, but it’s also important to constantly revise it based upon the latest trends or circumstances on the market. You need to learn to roll with the trends if you want to stay different, fresh and innovative in today’s world. Most agents are hesitant to try new things. If you establish yourself as someone who isn’t, then that in itself is unique.
The takeaway
In order to truly stand out from your local competitors, you can’t be afraid to take risks. You have to be willing to try methods and tactics that are different from what everyone else around you is doing. By being established as unique, you will be well-known in your community as someone who is innovative and current.
So, what makes YOU unique? Try something new, figure it out and start seeing more success.
