While we’re not able to work as usual, we wanted to share ways you can make the most of this time. We compiled an array of ideas you could use to learn new marketing tactics, sharpen your social media skills, market the listings you have now in new ways, and prepare for when you have new listings and life returns to normal.
Creative Ways to Virtually Show a Listing
If you are able to go inside the home, consider hosting a Virtual Open House where you’re walking through the home and sharing it live remotely with potential buyers.
There are many apps you can use for this – Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Facebook Live to name a few. Essentially video chat platforms, these can be used to take your prospects through a home and answer any questions they have in real-time – all while responsibly social distancing. Similarly, you can host a webinar doing a Q&A of the property, the neighborhood, and other topics relevant to the listing. You can record your session and post it for future viewers.
If you are not able to go inside the home you can still add to the listing’s story to engage potential buyers. If it was already photographed, you could license more photographs to tell an even more complete story. Adding drone photography and/or video shows not only the home but also the neighborhood and community.
Be a Resource to Clients
Position yourself as a resource for those in your network. It keeps your name front of mind with all in your contact list – current clients, past clients, and future prospects.
Plan an email campaign with advice for things they can do while staying in. It could be home renovations and updates to tackle while stuck at home, how to Marie Kondo your condo, or how to prepare your home for when it is time to list. You could share highlights on community businesses and how to support them during this crisis.
Want to take your email campaigns to the next level? Mailchimp and Constant Contact are fantastic email marketing platforms. They allow you to design emails with ease, import contact lists, and perform campaign analytics to supercharge your campaigns.
The national postal service is still going strong, despite many businesses and services shutting down. Flyers and postcards are great to mail out to show them you’re still around. And a handwritten note saying you’re thinking of them can go a long way.
Have a homeowner ready to list? You can do home evaluations now over FaceTime, Facebook Messenger’s video chat, or other video call services.
To be sure your homeowner, and their home, is ready for the photoshoot (whenever that occurs) here’s a home prep guide to share with them that has been updated to include COVID-19 protocol.
Sharpen Your Marketing Methods
LinkedIn Learning is a one-stop-shop for online courses on just about any aspect of modern marketing from design for sustainability to learning Photoshop to developing your marketing strategy and beyond. Note, the courses are free with a LinkedIn Premium plan.
Gary Vee and Tom Ferry are popular marketers you’ve probably heard of (Tom Ferry specializes in real estate marketing). They produce content regularly and can inform your business from a master-level. Consider checking out their YouTube channels and podcasts.
Consider finding a marketing mentor to work with. Sure, you won’t be able to meet up with someone in person right now, but you can reach out via LinkedIn and ask if they’ll video chat with you on a regular basis. There are groups and even profile settings within LinkedIn that will help you get connected with mentors.
Design Software
Want to design flyers or promo material but have zero graphic design skills? Canva is one of the most popular sites for people like you. They have templates for social media, print, and more, ready for your convenience. Their interface is very user-friendly, allowing you to drag and drop to your heart’s content.
If you have more time on your hands, you may want to delve into Adobe Photoshop. This software is more complex but also more powerful.
Help Others & Yourself
Do you thank your clients with gift cards to local restaurants or retail stores? Why not stock up on them now – saving you time later and helping these businesses now.
Take Care of yourself!
How often are we forced to slow down? Rarely ever. Take advantage of this social distancing time to get rest, take walks, and find peace now while the world has slowed down. Do something for yourself personally – learn to knit, start a yoga routine (there are all kinds of YouTube yoga sessions available), read a book, learn to bake or cook, perfect your yard, clean the garage, catch up with friends and family virtually. When we’re on the other side of this and back to packed calendars, hopefully we’ll all be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running!
Be Safe. Stay Healthy.
VHT’s number one priority is the well-being of our clients and team members. We will continue to communicate our revised service and safety procedures as new information develops.
Lucy Edwards
April 3, 2020Great information. Can’t wait to share with all agents.
Vittoria Logli
April 13, 2020Great tips! I especially love Canva & Tom Ferry Podcasts!!