We're no longer in the '80s.
You can't just build a home with an attractive curb appeal, put up a "for sale" sign and expect buyers to flock in. That might not work for the 21st century home buyer.
The expectations of today's buyers are higher than ever and builders must adapt a targeted marketing plan that will involve reaching out to buyers in the channels they use most.
But reaching new customers can be more challenging than building a home. That's why in this article, we'll give you 5 golden tips to help you to effectively market your new home developments.
1. Create an Engaging Website
Your website is your virtual showroom and office.
It's the first online stop a potential customer will make when searching for a new home. And with over 90% of buyers starting their searches online, having a website is no longer an option but a necessity.
But merely having a website isn't enough; the website needs to be easy to find, simple to navigate, mobile-friendly, and most importantly, it must provide valuable information to users.
Take a website like Developing Iowa, for example, it not only helps home buyers and developers purchase lots but also provides valuable information about the neighborhood, including demographics, social amenities, crime rate as well as the average cost of houses in a given area.
2. Leverage Online Reviews
Customers inherently trust reviews that come from other customers over company advertisements.
Having positive reviews on Google local listings can bring a ton of leads to your real-estate website. And according to Follow Up Boss, reviews are one of the most reliable sources of free leads for real estate agents.
Reviews can also impact how your company is ranked on the search results pages. When your business has many positive reviews, Google may interpret that your company fulfills customer needs and feature it on top.
3. Use Photography & Aerial Imagery
The quality of the photographs you take can determine whether a buyer will want to physically see the property. The trick is to capture high-quality photographs that reveal every detail of the property.
If possible, it's advisable to hire a professional photographer, as they know how to stage a home. Also, make sure to leverage aerial photography as it allows the buyers to appreciate not only the buildings but also the entire surrounding area.
4. Create a Virtual Tour
The modern home buyer wants to learn everything about your listed property prior to visiting in person.
While quality photographs are good for the job, a virtual tour does it better. A virtual tour gives a comprehensive and accurate preview of the property and exposes details that photographs often overlook.
5. Advertise on Zillow
If you want your home to be discovered by many potential home buyers, you'll want to advertise it on Zillow and other premium services.
Zillow offers you an opportunity to advertise on their website but at a price. Sure, it's pricey, but considering that such sites account for nearly 50% of all real estate traffic on the web, you can see why advertising on Zillow can be your smartest move.
We hope these tips will help you market your new home developments effectively. Feel free to comment and share.
