How to grow your business in a crowded market...
Real estate remains a highly competitive field. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), there are over 140,000 REALTORS working across the country, looking to support and service home buyers and sellers. With so many agents and brokers vying for the attention of potential clients, it's important to differentiate yourself and establish a strong brand in order to grow your business.
Here are some tips on how to stand out in a crowded real estate market:
Develop a unique value proposition. Because this is a service driven role, finding what sets you apart and better supports your clients is so important. Identify your unique strengths and develop a value proposition that speaks to those strengths. This could include a specialized area of expertise, a unique approach to marketing, or exceptional customer service.
Create a strong and consistent online presence. Having a strong online presence is crucial for success in the real estate industry. Make sure your website is kept up-to-date, has a modern design that is easy to navigate, and optimized for search engines. Use social media to connect with potential clients and stay in touch with existing ones, as well to showcase your listings and expertise.
You are your brand. A brand is not just your company logo, lawn sign and colours. Rather, it is your identity in the real estate industry, as seen by clients and other real estate professionals. How you interact with people speaks volumes to a prospective client. While the design and aesthetic of your branding is important, brand is driven by a strong work ethic, customer service and providing knowledgeable support and guidance to your clients. Develop a brand that resonates with your target audience and showcases your unique value proposition.
Focus on niche market. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, focus on niche markets where you can establish yourself as an expert. This could include luxury homes, first-time homebuyers, or a specific geographic area.
Showcase your knowledge! Potential clients want to work with agents who have a track record of success and expertise in their field. One way to do this is to provide a monthly market stats report via email or on your social media channels. Many real estate professionals have a blog or podcast that engages and collaborates with other real estate industry professionals, providing knowledge and discussing hot topics that are currently impacting the industry. These are just some ways that you can demonstrate your expertise and build credibility with potential clients.
Real estate is a relationship business. Building strong relationships with other agents, brokers, and industry professionals can help you learn from others as well as make the industry a collaborative one. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals on social media to expand your network and build your reputation in the industry.
Real estate is a people business that is built on the three R’s: reputation, referrals and relationships. It’s all about the people! While this might seem like an obvious one, things can slip when we get busy or are feeling overwhelmed. It is important to establish strong systems to help keep you organized and on track so that you can better service your clients. Making your client feel included in the process, having open communication and ongoing support will go a long way in ensuring your clients are satisfied with your work and willing to refer you to others.
If you are looking for support with regards to marketing or social media, feel free to reach out to our team and we'd be happy to set up a complimentary discovery call!