Urban real estate is an incredible market — 83% of Americans live in urban areas, which means there are many opportunities to help customers buy and sell property.
Unfortunately, it also means that there’s a lot of competition. Other real estate professionals are always looking for new clients, even in areas you’ve worked in for years. So what can you do to market yourself as an urban realtor creatively?
Here are some ideas you can use right away!
Take Advantage of Video
One of the advantages you have in an urban area is that you generally have a robust technology infrastructure. Major cities were first to get 5G, for example. That means you can use technology to your advantage by making videos.
You can use videos to market yourself in a variety of ways. For example, many real estate agents have found success making funny videos or using humor in their video home tours. By using humor to market your agency, you can be more memorable and relatable.
Live videos on social media are another way to take advantage of this medium. You can do a “day in the life” style video, talk about current market trends, do a live virtual home tour, or showcase your latest happy client. The great thing about live video is that you don’t need a professional video team. Viewers expect live videos to be raw and authentic.
Creative Social Media Outreach
Social media can be a goldmine for a real estate agent. You just have to be creative with it! For example, start a group based on your primary farm area rather than the name of your agency. Let’s say you work in Lincoln Park in Chicago. You could start a Facebook group focused on that neighborhood.
Then, make it fun. Share interesting information about upcoming events and the best entertainment and food. Create quizzes about the area, inviting people to win a small prize for the best answers. Of course, you want to collect lead data from the quiz form!
You can also answer common questions, do an “Ask Me Anything,” and more. Establish yourself as the expert of the area with your knowledge of amenities, schools, and more. And don’t forget to showcase the beautiful properties you’re listing occasionally!
Try Out Guerrilla Marketing
Guerrilla marketing is about using unusual marketing techniques to raise brand awareness. Your goal is to generate a strong sense of surprise, shock, or wonder. The best part of guerrilla marketing is that it’s usually (but not always) very affordable, which is important when you’re managing costs in an urban business.
For example, Bounty created giant “messes” throughout New York City to illustrate their paper towel brand. You might not be able to afford giant sculptures, but what could you put out — with permission — that would capture attention for your brand.
You could also create street art that showcases information about your brand. Don’t create a giant business card — make it something engaging, like a stressed-out couple looking for their keys, with a message, “Need keys to a new home? I can help!”
For more affordable guerrilla marketing, consider going to the real estate section of a local public library and sliding your business card into some of the books. Write a note on the card that’s cheeky and fun and invites the reader to call you.
You can use guerrilla marketing online too. Viral videos, contests asking for user-generated content, and more can help you get more attention in unusual ways.
Host Fun Events
People love having opportunities to get together while also exploring new finds within their local area. Since you’re the expert in your farm neighborhood, why not host these events yourself and build your brand in the process?
You can partner with local businesses looking for more traffic and customers, creating a win-win situation for both of you. Some ideas include:
- A themed progressive dinner where you highlight local restaurants based on cuisine, a holiday, or other fun reasons
- A local tour of the neighborhood showcasing the oldest businesses and landmarks in town
- Host a holiday event, like an Easter egg hunt or safe trick-or-treat experience
- Throw a party at your listing, depending on the ideal buyer — this can range from a BBQ for first-time homebuyers to a high-end soiree for higher net worth customers
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Brainstorms other fun events and work with local partners to make it happen!
Build the Brand of Your Urban Real Estate Agency
Competing in an urban market is challenging. You have a lot of real estate and residents, but you have to win each customer to your agency.
By taking advantage of these creative marketing strategies, you can position yourself as an expert in your local market. This will help people remember you and choose your agency when it’s time to buy or sell a home.
Ready to get started? Take one of the ideas and work on it today!
