New Year, New You

As the first month of the new year comes to a close in just 2 weeks (ALREADY?!?), I got to thinking about what I was going to do different this year to improve my business. Here are four ways I have come across through various articles and publications you can use to help improve your marketing material so that you stand out from your competition in 2011.
1. Start telling potential clients what's in it for them. It's great that you received awards, but what does that mean for your clients? For instance, instead of "Super Service Award Winner 10 Years in a Row" say, "Service-You can expect- I'll do things for you like I did for the "Smiths". They wanted a three bed, two bath home in a certain neighborhood. Unfortunately, there weren't any for sale. So, I sent letters to each homeowner that met their criteria asking if they'd be willing to sell. Six months later, the Jones family was in their new home, in that neighborhood, in a house that was never formally on the market. Service like that garnered me the Super Service Award for 10 years in a row." Illustrate how you've gone above and beyond to help your clients by telling a story. Don't let consumers wonder what getting the "Super Service Award" means.
2. Put your Facebook URL anywhere you have your website. If you have business cards, include your Facebook URL right under your website. It's a simple tip, but one that will allow people to find you easily, connect with you, and allow you to essentially market to them over and over. This will also show prospects that you've incorporated social media into your business.
3. Call to action. I know you've all heard this before, but do you have a call to action in your marketing material? Have you asked your prospects to contact you and do they know why they should? It can be as easy as saying, "If you're not sure whether now is the time to buy or sell, contact me today. I will help determine the best route for you. There are many options available that you may be unaware of. Contact me today and let's talk."
4. You are marketing yourself. Don't forget your photo, it is still highly recommended. You want people to know what you do because you want them to come to you when they're ready to buy or sell. You might not know when they are in the market, so by making your photo and yourself available to them, and putting yourself out there, you have increased the chances that someone will contact you. Don't forget this piece in your marketing. Plus seeing a friendly face helps potential clients to feel like they know who they're meeting and put away all uneasy feelings.

What are your New Year's marketing resolutions?

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CLHMS CRB CRS GREEN GRI
Past President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900