Successful Realtors know that in order to maintain and increase their bottom lines they must be constantly working on how to keep a competitive edge in the market.
A personal website with relevant, fresh content and a bio that emphasizes the Realtor’s human and professional sides is an absolute must. Additionally, through online resources, Realtors have an abundance of tools at their fingertips to hone their skills and set themselves apart in the marketplace. We will focus on three key areas:
How to use Technology
If you do not have a personal website you will be left behind. A website gives your business legitimacy and prospective buyers an insight into who you are and why they should trust you to help them with one of the biggest purchases they will ever make in their lives. The website should have a clean layout, organized and engaging content, a relatable bio and above all- responsive design.
Responsive Design
Responsive design is when your website re-formats itself to be viewed with ease on any device. We’ve all had the experience of opening a website on our smartphones only to have to pinch and squint to read the menu bar! With responsive design your website will transition smoothly between devices. All Winning Agent themes are 100% responsive.
IDX Integration
Additionally, you can add IDX into your website. IDX integration allows real estate listings from the MLS database to be incorporated into your website so that people can view listings without having to visit another website. This is tremendously helpful for your business and really provides added value and ease of use to your potential buyers. For detailed information on IDX and its importance, visit our recent blog post.
Maximizing Productivity
Liat Behr of WiseStamp, has complied a comprehensive and valuable list of productivity, time management and organizational tools for Realtors. Experiment to see which ones works for you. A great tool to manage your day (also one that made Liat Behr’s list!) is Trello.
Learning and Keeping Current
Keeping on top of the market and real estate trends is a critical part of the job. Just as in finding the right productivity and time management tools that suit your personal style of working, where you get your news from is a personal preference. Here are a few suggestions:
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is full of tons of relevant information- from news stories, to statistics, to real estate law. There is a search bar function at the top so you can find what you need quickly, or just browse through their menu options. Field Guide to Being a New Realtor gives detailed advice on how to break into real estate. It’s a helpful guide for those looking to become Realtors and a good refresher.
Forbes and Inc. are staple of business, entrepreneurial and global news. They both have their own real estate sections- Forbes and Inc.
Sales Skills
All of the technology and market knowledge won’t get you much traction if you don’t have good sales skills. Jack Welsh of Jack Welsh Management Institute, has published several books on selling and sales that are worth a read.
Alyssa Gregory, of The Balance, breaks down how small businesses can overcome specific sales challenges in her piece that addresses objections, negotiations and creating that great elevator pitch.
If you’re more visually inclined, Amer Wilson, of RolusTech, created an info graphic of pertinent sales tips, the most important of which is to give your clients something that addresses their needs and gives them a pleasant experience from the beginning. Another reason why responsive design and IDX integration are so critical!
When you use technology to your best advantage, keep on top of current trends and news and make sure your sales game is up to par, you’ll begin to see results in leads, referrals and ultimately revenue!
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