In the bustling world of real estate, standing out from the crowd is more difficult than ever. With a sea of agents vying for a limited pool of clients, how can you differentiate yourself? In an industry where being just another agent isn’t enough, it’s crucial to develop a unique brand and approach.
Embrace the Digital Wave
In today’s world, digital is king. If you’re not making the most of digital marketing and social media, you’re missing out big time. But it’s not just about being online – it’s about how you use these platforms.
Create a strong social media presence. Don’t just post listings – share your experiences, tips for buyers and sellers, and local market trends. Use videos and live streams to give virtual tours or to share your thoughts on the real estate world. This makes you relatable and keeps you on top of mind.
Remember, not everyone is looking to buy or sell a house at all times. In fact, at any given time, only three to five percent of people are probably actively thinking about it. This means your goal is to simply be a present expert. Then, when people are ready, they will think of you.
Find Your Niche
Specialization can set you apart. Are you great with first-time homebuyers? Do you have a knack for luxury properties? By focusing on a niche, you become the go-to expert in that area. This doesn’t mean turning away other business, but it does mean building a brand around your specialty.
There’s a common saying in the business world that there are riches in niches – and this certainly holds true in real estate. By niching down, you can become a big fish in a much smaller pond (and resonate on a more intense level with your audience).
Create Engaging Content
Content is king, and engaging content is the emperor. Start a blog or a YouTube channel where you discuss real estate trends, offer advice, or even tell stories about your experiences. The key is to provide value to your audience so that they walk away having learned something specific. Make your content informative, entertaining, and shareable. Typically, short-form content is going to do this most effectively. However, if you’re interested in long-form content, YouTube channels and podcasts are the way to go.
Be a Local Expert
Know your area inside and out. Be the person who knows the best schools, the hottest coffee spots, and the history of every neighborhood. This knowledge can be incredibly valuable to your clients and sets you apart from agents who only know the basics.
There are also ways to become a Local Area Expert – capitalized. This is offered through Housejet’s Local Area Expert program, which allows agents to stand out in their market and generate leads at scale with a proven referral system that works.
Network Beyond the Norm
Traditional networking is great, but why stop there? Participate in community events, volunteer, and join local groups. Networking shouldn’t always be about selling your services; sometimes, it’s about building genuine relationships. These relationships can lead to referrals and opportunities down the line.
Use Technology Smartly
There’s a tool for everything these days – use them! Whether it’s a CRM to manage client relationships, virtual staging software, or an app that helps you organize your day, technology can save you time and make you look more professional. Stay updated on the latest tech trends in the industry and leverage them.
Offer Exceptional Service
This might seem obvious, but it’s worth emphasizing. Always go the extra mile for your clients. Be responsive and attentive, and always put their needs first. Happy clients become repeat clients and also refer others to you.
If you talk to seasoned real estate agents who are in the top 10 percent of their local market, they almost always point to referrals as one of their biggest and most profitable sources of business. Once you gain a happy client, it costs nothing to work with them again in the future. Typically, they just come to you when they’re ready for another transaction.
Set Yourself Apart
The real estate industry is more crowded than it’s ever been. And while many of the part-time “weekend” agents who hopped in during the height of the market are likely on the way out, there’s still a lot of competition.
Knowing how to set yourself apart can make a huge difference in your ability to have success as an agent in your local market.
Use some of the strategies and techniques highlighted above to give yourself an advantage.