Things you can do in the "real" world.

Think of your web site as your ONLINE business -- because it is! It's your branch office. It has the potential to be a major source of income -- if people know it's there!

The most important ONLINE prospecting tools are the search engines. But there are lots of OFFLINE ways to put your web site (YOU) before the public. And they're inexpensive or FREE!

When using any of the suggestions below make sure, of course, that you meet all regulations for real estate advertising in your area.

You're not promoting a web site.
You're promoting your BUSINESS!

Put your web address on EVERYTHING!

Wherever you would put your phone number and your email address, put your web address there too. People expect it now!

THE OBVIOUS:

• business cards, ads, personal brochures, etc.

The NOT-SO-OBVIOUS:

• In your yellow pages ad
• On handouts at home shows, open houses, etc.
• On giveaways such as pencils, coloring books, etc.
• In your automatic Signature Line at the bottom of all your email messages (consult your browser for how to do this).
• Anything you may write, like an article or press release, add to the bottom, "(your name) can be reached at (phone) or through her web site at www…"
• Your neighborhood's newsletter and website
• Any appropriate directory or phone roster you may be on, like community associations, church, hobby club, etc.
• Bus stop benches, magnetic car signs - get creative!

Make your web address EASY TO SEE

People will hunt for a phone number, but they may not think to hunt for your web address. So make it big or in a different color so people will notice it. This will encourage them to check it out.

ANNOUNCE your web site with MAILINGS to:

• Your farm area
• Past customers
• Current customers and prospects
• Your dentist, manicurist, son's trumpet teacher, etc.
• Your contacts at the Chamber of Commerce and other business associations
• Realtors who have handled your referrals, or whose referrals you have handled
• Friends, family, and acquaintances

"SPOTLIGHT" mailings!

A great way to add variety to your mailings!

Spotlight just one or two features from your web site for greatest impact. Too much info detracts from the central message of the mailer. Possibilities:

1. Showcase the non-real estate info in some mailings. Everyone expects your site to have homes and related info. Let them know you have more! If your site has especially good non-real estate info and links, you may become a valuable resource. People may bookmark your site and return to it often. Some things people like (info or links):
• School resources
• Community resources
• Area employers
• Moving tips


2. Showcase one real estate feature in your mailings, such as:
• New listing: "See more photos and details about this home and others on my web site at www.…" (And mention how you can promote their property in the same way.)
• Virtual Tours: "See virtual tours of this home -- 360 degree movies showing panoramic views of the home on my web site at www.…"
• Interest rates changed? "For more info about the current market, see my NEWSLETTER on my web site at www…"

Your business strategy may include email promotions, and the above ideas can be adjusted to that purpose.

Web Cards

Use handouts the size of business cards, actually produced on the same heavy paper as a business card. Have a short bulleted list of the best info on your site, both real estate and non-real estate features. (Of course, include standard contact info to, in small print.)

• Already gave someone a regular business card? Next time, give them your web card.
• Include one in letters to everyone, social or business.

They'll expect a standard business card. Surprise them -- and be remembered!

CONCLUSION:

The more ways you promote your web site, the more you'll be able to come up with new ideas.