The world of real estate has its own collection of oddities: from lighthouses to cave homes, from converted churches to futuristic pads. These aren’t your everyday listings, and they certainly don’t deserve everyday marketing. But how do you make someone look twice at your former firehouse? Conventional tactics just won’t cut it. You need a marketing plan as daring and distinctive as the property itself. A plan that is as much an art as it is science.
By the end of this guide, you won’t just market that firehouse; you’ll unleash a “5 alarm” frenzy that sets the town abuzz.
- The Power of Storytelling
- High-Quality Imagery: A Non-negotiable
- Leverage Modern Technology
- Social Media: Not Just For Posting, But Engaging
- The Personal Branding Connection
- Extravagant Open Houses & Events
- Collaborate with Influencers & Bloggers
- Nurturing Relationships & The Power of Referrals
- Paid Advertising & Retargeting
- Make the Unusual, Unforgettable!
- FAQ
The Power of Storytelling
Why Every Unique Property is a Best-Seller Waiting to be Told
Ah, the humble story. Since time immemorial, humans have been captivated by tales – from campfires to Netflix binges. So, why not harness this age-old love for a captivating narrative and apply it to our unique properties?
Crafting the Narrative
Begin with the property’s history. Was it designed by a renowned architect? Has it been the silent spectator to a significant event? Or perhaps, it’s the quirks – the hidden passages, the peculiar attic, or the legend of the old tree in the backyard. Each detail is a chapter waiting to be explored.
Making it Relatable
The trick is to weave these facts into a narrative that resonates. For instance, “Imagine sipping your morning coffee, as sunlight filters through those same stained-glass windows that once saw Victorian-era dances.”
Digital Tools to Aid Your Tale
Software like StoryStream can help curate and amplify authentic stories across digital channels. Plotagon allows you to create animated videos that can narrate your property’s tale, offering an engaging visual treat for potential buyers.
High-Quality Imagery: A Non-negotiable
Painting a Picture Worth a Thousand Clicks (And Maybe a Purchase!)
In today’s digital age, where a person’s attention span is often compared to that of a goldfish (sorry, goldfish), your images mustn’t just impress; they must captivate and hold! After all, a pixel-perfect image can be the difference between a scroll-past and a deep dive.
Invest in Professional Photography
This isn’t where you want to cut corners. Especially with unique properties, showcasing every nook and cranny in its best light (pun intended) can set your listing apart. Consider hiring a professional who specializes in real estate or architectural photography.
The Sky isn’t the Limit – Drone Shots!
For properties with sprawling landscapes or stunning topographies, aerial shots can be a game-changer. Platforms like DroneBase offer real estate drone photography services.
360-Degree Views & Virtual Tours
Tools like Matterport can help create immersive 3D tours, allowing potential buyers to “walk through” the property from anywhere in the world.
Remember, while our journey has just begun, the digital realm is vast and ever-evolving. But fret not, for with the right strategies up your tailored sleeve, those unique properties of yours won’t just find buyers; they’ll find enthusiasts, admirers, and storytellers, keen to carry on their legacy.
Leverage Modern Technology
Stepping Into the Future: Showcasing Properties with a Tech Twist
While every property has its charm rooted in bricks and mortar (or perhaps, in the case of that futuristic cliffside abode, space-age alloy), the way we present these gems to our audience can get a serious techy uplift. Let’s beam up, Scotty, and delve into the modern tech tools that can propel your property into the 21st century and beyond.
Augmented & Virtual Reality
The game-changer. Why? Because it’s like teleporting your potential buyer right into the heart of the property. With tools like Matterport or Zillow 3D Home, you can create interactive experiences, letting prospects “feel” the space, all from the comfort of their couch.
Search Engine Optimization: More Than Just Jargon
Get your property seen without them even searching for it. With the right SEO strategy, your unique property can appear on search results when potential buyers are looking for something totally unrelated. Think “luxurious getaway homes” when they’re just searching for “weekend retreats.” Tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs can provide insights to optimize your listings with those magic keywords.
Mobile Optimization
The world’s on the move, and they’re browsing on their phones. Ensure your property listings are mobile-friendly. Tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can give you insights into how your listings appear on mobile devices.
PRO TIP
Utilize Augmented Reality to show the potential of space, not just for furnishings but for possible renovations or additions.
Social Media: Not Just For Posting, But Engaging
From Passive Scrolling to Active Engaging: Making Social Media Your Property’s Stage
Now, now. Before you roll your eyes and go “Not another social media spiel,” hear me out. We’re not talking about just posting pictures with captions like “Dreamy 3-bedroom house with ocean views.” No, no! We’re diving deeper into the realm of real, valuable, and, dare I say, viral-worthy engagement.
The Big Players: Instagram & TikTok
There’s a reason these platforms are a rage. They’re visual, they’re engaging, and they have a massive audience that loves good content. Showcase property tours, behind-the-scenes tidbits, or even historical anecdotes. Use features like Instagram Stories or TikTok Challenges to create buzz.
Live Tours & Q&A Sessions
Go live! Hold a real-time property tour, answer questions, and build a rapport with your audience. It adds a personal touch and can be a fantastic way to address queries on the spot.
Engaging Content Over Quantity
It’s tempting to post daily, but what value does it add if it’s the same old stuff? Instead, focus on creating unique, share-worthy content. Platforms like Canva can help design eye-catching posts, while Buffer can schedule and manage them across different platforms.
Collaborations & Partnerships
Team up with local influencers, interior designers, or history buffs to showcase your property from different perspectives. Their followers become your audience, expanding your reach.
Every digital strategy you employ paints a pixel of the larger picture. And when done right, this picture can illuminate the unique beauty and allure of your property, ensuring it doesn’t just find a buyer, but an ardent admirer. So, keep your creative hats on, the tech tools handy, and the enthusiasm bubbling.
The Personal Branding Connection
You, The Brand: Building a Legacy Beyond Just Property Listings
Alright, brace yourself, because this might sting a bit: your potential buyers are not just buying the property; they’re buying you. Well, not in a sci-fi, Black Mirror kind of way, but in the sense of trust, reputation, and assurance. Your personal brand is the silent assurance that the unique property you’re marketing is truly special.
Establish Your Digital Presence
If you’re not on LinkedIn, are you even in business? (Joking, but also, not really.) Platforms like LinkedIn, personal websites, and even dedicated YouTube channels can amplify your voice in the industry.
Content Creation: Your New Best Friend
Blogging, podcasting, vlogging – pick your potion. Sharing insights, market trends, or just tales from the real estate world can establish you as an industry thought leader.
Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Reply to comments, attend webinars, host AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions. Let your audience know there’s a real human behind that professional headshot.
Consistency is Key
Brand-building isn’t a one-off affair. Keep your online profiles updated, regularly share new content, and ensure your personal brand voice remains consistent across platforms.
Extravagant Open Houses & Events
Turning Property Showcases Into Unmissable Spectacles
Gone are the days when an open house meant some freshly baked cookies and brochures on a table. For unique properties, the showcase needs to be just as distinctive.
Theme It Up!
Got a Victorian-era mansion? Why not a 19th-century themed open house with attendees in period attire? It’s not just an open house; it’s a time-travel event!
Interactive Experiences
Set up VR stations for areas hard to access, or AR apps that tell a story when you point them at certain parts of the property. Technology can truly elevate the physical tour experience.
Collaborate with Local Businesses
Have a local bakery set up a stall, or a neighborhood musician play live. It not only adds flair to your event but also showcases the community vibe.
Exclusive Digital Invites
Use platforms like Eventbrite or Paperless Post to send out exquisite digital invitations. It sets the tone for the event and can also help you manage attendees better.
In this whirlwind of digital marketing, amidst the glitz of social media, the charm of personal branding, and the allure of open houses, lies the heart of our mission: showcasing that one-of-a-kind property in all its glory. After all, it’s not just about selling bricks and beams; it’s about selling dreams, stories, and legacies. And with the right strategies, those dreams won’t remain just digital; they’ll turn into delightful realities.
PRO TIP
Rather than trying to fit unique properties into a conventional marketing box, craft campaigns that amplify their quirks. Your creativity will resonate with the right buyer.
Collaborate with Influencers & Bloggers
Harnessing Digital Star Power for Your Unique Property
Let’s be real; influencers have, well, influence. Teaming up with them can help amplify your reach, especially when you’re dealing with a property that has a unique story to tell. Bloggers, on the other hand, have an engaged readership who hang onto their every word (or every picture, as the case may be).
Identify the Right Match
Not every influencer is the right fit for every property. Got a rustic cabin? A lifestyle influencer with a penchant for the outdoors would be perfect. Ultra-modern city apartment? Maybe a tech blogger or urban influencer is your go-to.
Go Beyond Sponsored Posts
Instead of just a sponsored post, how about an influencer-hosted virtual tour? Or a blogger writing a narrative on a day in the life at the property? Get creative!
Engage, Don’t Just Transact
Build a relationship with the influencer or blogger. Their genuine interest in your property will shine through, making the collaboration more authentic and effective.
Track & Analyze
Use tools like Google Analytics and Instagram Insights to measure the impact of your collaborations. It’s not just about likes and shares but actual engagement and inquiries.
Nurturing Relationships & The Power of Referrals
In Real Estate, It’s Personal. Here’s Why.
In the digital age, it’s easy to forget the age-old, time-tested strategy of relationship building. And when it comes to unique properties, a good word from a trusted source can be more powerful than any flashy ad.
Keep in Touch, But Don’t Be Clingy
Use CRMs like HubSpot or Zoho to maintain a database of past clients. Send them personalized updates, holiday greetings, or market insights, ensuring you’re always in their good books.
Encourage Reviews & Testimonials
Happy clients can be your best advocates. Encourage them to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Zillow, or even your personal website. A testimonial video can also be a game-changer.
Create a Referral Program
Reward those who refer clients your way. It could be discounts on future transactions, gift cards, or even an exclusive dinner. Give them a reason to sing your praises.
Community Engagement
Become an active member of your community, both online and offline. Attend local events, join Facebook groups, or even start your own digital community. When you’re the go-to person in the community, referrals will flow in organically.
By now, you’ve probably realized that marketing a unique property isn’t just about big ad budgets or flashy tech. It’s a blend of modern digital strategies, old-school relationship building, and a dash of creativity. So, whether it’s leveraging the star power of influencers or nurturing a relationship that leads to a goldmine of referrals, always remember: in real estate, it’s as much about people as it is about property.
Paid Advertising & Retargeting
When Organic Just Isn’t Enough: Diving Into the Paid Realm
Look, organic growth is splendid – it’s like nurturing a plant from seed to bloom. But sometimes? You just need a bouquet, and pronto. That’s where paid advertising and the magic of retargeting step in.
Choose Your Platform Wisely
Where do your potential buyers hang out? If it’s a younger, hipper crowd, perhaps Instagram or TikTok ads are the way. More mature, professional buyers? LinkedIn and Facebook might be your gold mines.
Tailor Your Message
A one-size-fits-all ad is a surefire way to burn through your budget. Design distinct ads for different target groups – from the visuals to the messaging.
The Magic of Retargeting
Ever wondered why that pair of shoes you viewed keeps popping up everywhere online? That’s retargeting. Use tools like Google AdWords and Facebook Pixel to re-engage potential buyers who’ve shown interest but haven’t taken the plunge.
Analyze, Optimize, Repeat
The digital advertising world evolves faster than you can say “sold.” Use analytics tools to see what’s working and what’s not, then optimize accordingly. Remember, it’s not set-it-and-forget-it; it’s set-it-and-keep-an-eye-on-it.
Make the Unusual, Unforgettable!
We’ve hopped from the power of personal branding to the allure of influencers, and from the magic of retargeting to the warmth of genuine relationships. Phew! It’s been quite the ride, hasn’t it? No property is too quirky, too odd, or too unique for the digital realm. With the right tools, strategies, and a sprinkle of creativity, you can find the perfect buyer, no matter how distinctive your property is. Whether it’s a firehouse turned cozy haven or an island cottage accessible only by boat, your unique property is begging for the spotlight.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Digital marketing strategies for unique properties are both an art and a science.
- Influencers and bloggers can amplify property visibility.
- Retargeting is like a gentle nudge to potential buyers, reminding them of your property.
- Personal relationships in real estate remain irreplaceable, even in the digital age.
- Consistent, valuable content can set your property apart in the online space.
- Smart paid advertising can significantly boost property visibility.
- Every unique property has a story; use digital means to narrate it effectively.
FAQ
What if I don’t have the budget for some of these techniques, like collaborating with top influencers?
Start small. Micro-influencers can be cost-effective and have highly engaged audiences. Alternatively, focus on organic strategies until you’re ready to invest.
Are virtual open houses as effective as physical ones?
Both have their merits; while physical open houses offer a tangible experience, virtual ones allow for a wider audience reach, especially those geographically distant or those prioritizing convenience.
Can I mix traditional marketing methods with these digital strategies?
Absolutely! Combining traditional methods like brochures and signboards with digital approaches can offer a comprehensive marketing mix.
How can I ensure that my unique property doesn’t remain on the market for too long?
Emphasizing the property’s unique features, using high-quality visuals, and crafting a compelling narrative can help attract the right buyers. Being flexible with pricing, offering incentives, and broadening marketing channels can also reduce time on the market.
With so many digital tools available, how do I pick the best ones for my needs?
Start with understanding your goals (e.g., lead generation, brand visibility). Once clear, research tools tailored to those specific objectives, and consider free trials before committing.