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6. Glow in dark banners, stickers and auto stickers. Home signage like: Visit [URL] for complete information on this property. Make it a glow in dark for night time visual effectiveness.
7. What about times that you don't have office duty? What about setting up a table for 3-4 hours outside grocery stores. Add a nice table cloth, balloons, and a large sign, "Ask me anything about buying a home." Or, "Ask us anything about selling a home." Switch approaches every few hours to see which one fits best. I don't suggest place both out there unless there are two of you. Create tee- shirts with same action request along with URL. Use a table covering that is same color as tee-shirt to help support your message and attractiveness.
8. Transit ads. What type of transportation is available in areas you focus in? Is there massive transit like buses or metro? Don't forget taxi cabs, inside and out, as well as taxi stands. Find out where their direct phone lines are. Sometimes, yet rare, you can place an Avery sticker next to. One sign works with well if you have this ability on your web site: "Take a virtual tour of our latest properties [URL]."
9. This one is something I dreamed up and it really works. Rig a button that people can press on side of your car window that gives off a recording of latest houses you available for sale. Then park in obvious places for people to see button. Add a sign on inside of window giving them permission to press button. Caution, this doesn't work with some car alarm systems.
10. Merchants. Where do you get your dry cleaning done? Hair cuts, massages, or other frequented stores. Do you have some favorite restaurants? Can you stock a business card holder by cash register? As a previous owner of restaurants, one I like best is when real estate agent paid for part of or whole cost of menus. In exchange we allowed them to create some marketing information on menus.
Testing is always important when trying new things. In selling real estate, uniqueness is key. As said in latest National Association of Realtors 2003 survey, most people perceive all real estate agents as being same. But you know you aren't. Yet, how are you showing it? Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Create play and fun and stretch with your marketing. Let it be as unique as you are and then smile all way to bank.
Catherine Franz, business coach. Previously a real estate agent and exec with National Association of Realtors. Additional articles and ideas about marketing to attract business: http://www.abundancecenter.com Blog: http://abundance.blogs.com