It’s no secret, the most successful realtors are typically the individuals who have the best networks. Sure, they’re knowledgeable about the market, they know which areas will appeal most to their clients, and they’re great at negotiating deals. However, they spend the majority of their time crafting and cultivating relationships. And ultimately, this is what leads to tons of referrals.
But how do they build these networks? More importantly, how do they ensure that the relationships that they build are long-term? In this article, we’ll discuss a few strategies that can take your career to the next level.
1. Stay Connected Via Social Media
Statistics show that this year alone, there are more than 3 billion social media users. So it’s no surprise that the top realtors are making the most of this worldwide audience. Using sites like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter allows you to stay connected with your current and future clients.
A lot of realtors make the mistake of using these platforms as their sounding boards. They only use them to post their listings or update their followers on what deals they should be on the lookout for. But the key is to interact with people. Comment on their posts. Take the time to “like” them. You may even share their posts with your followers and friends. If you want to build long-term relationships, you must take an interest in others.
2. Invite Them to Client Events
While most people wait for word of mouth to spread organically, others create their own opportunities. If you want to start a buzz about your services and how you’ve managed to change people’s lives, then host a client event. Invite your clients to the event so that everyone can share the experiences they’ve had with you. Not only does this add to your credibility and build trust, but it helps to strengthen your network.
You may also use these events to show your clients how much you appreciate them. Discuss the memories that you have of working with each of them. Let them know why you value you their business as well as your relationships.
3. Send Direct Mail Postcards
While social media has become the go-to networking tool, there are still a few traditional methods that work just as well. This is especially the case when it comes to direct mail and postcards.
The benefit of sending postcards is that unlike social media, this interaction is tangible. It’s something that your clients can physically hold on to for weeks or even months to come. And this means that you’ll always be on their minds. What’s more, is that you can automate your postcards so that they’re sent over a long period of time.
Each time one of your homes is listed and sold, your clients can receive a notification. Luckily, there are companies like Wise Pelican that make it easy to create direct mailing campaigns.
They provide postcard templates for real estate agents so that you can easily modify the design in your browser. They give you the ability to track your campaign. They even provide a list builder.
4. Become a Valuable Source
Another great way to form tight bonds with your clientele is to become a resource for them. Specifically, you can help them solve their every day, homeowner problems.
Start a blog that provides a list of trusted vendors that can help them with repairs. It can also be as simple as letting your clients know that they are free to call you if they ever need any advice or recommendations about repairs.
The more useful you are to them, the more trust and credibility you’ll have. They’ll eventually come to rely on you. And this can lead to an endless stream of referrals.
5. Attend Industry Events
Not only should you host your own events, but you should also attend others as well. While it’s important to network with your clients, you should also make it a priority to build relationships with other professionals in the real estate industry. Each industry event or conference is an opportunity to learn more about the market.
You’ll become more familiar with innovations that are taking place in your area. However, you should also consider expanding your network outside of your immediate geographical location. This way, you can pick up a few new strategies and tactics and engage with new influencers.
6. Reward Loyal Clients
There’s a reason why so many companies have a rewards membership program. Sure, it helps to set the brand apart from the competition, but it also encourages loyalty. The more rewards that people receive from a business, the more likely they are to buy from them. And the more they buy from them, the more loyal they become to the company.
If you want to build long-lasting relationships with your clients, then you need to reward them for their loyalty. Instead of spending all of your energy on drumming up new business, take the time to recognize the clients that you’ve had for years. Rewards may be in the form of exclusive deals, discounts, or even the occasional gift or greeting card. These may seem like small gestures, but they can add up over time. It lets the client know that they’re valued.
7. Be Honest
Perhaps the best way to build long-term relationships is with honesty. Attracting new clients can be hard work. And if you get into the habit of lying to your clients or not being completely upfront with them, then you can easily throw all of your hard work down the drain.
Your clients want to feel as if they can trust you and that you have their best interest at heart. So avoid manipulation and trickery at all costs. Your reputation is of the utmost importance. And when you’re known for being upfront, it can lead to a long-lasting bond.
The Takeaway
If you’re a real estate agent, then you know how easy it can be to fall into the trap of only being interested in selling. Let’s face it, your livelihood depends on your ability to sell as many properties as possible. However, it’s always important to step back and take a look at what goes into the final sale.
Networking is one of the most beneficial aspects of marketing. Not only does it ensure that people know who you are but it helps you to form lasting relationships with your clients.
Though there are a lot of approaches that you can take to networking, we’ve just discussed some of the most effective techniques. Using social media, hosting events, working with postcard templates for real estate, making yourself a resource, attending events, rewarding loyal clients, and being honest can go a long way towards making you a top seller.
