What Are Online Marketing Solutions?

The phrase "online marketing" is as broad as it gets. It's a term that encompasses a cornucopia of tactics, products, services, and strategies. But don't make the mistake of assuming that this makes it a throw-away category. In fact, the very depth and breadth of online marketing is what makes it so very challenging for agents and for the vendors providing solutions to assist them.

In the world of real estate, what does online marketing entail? Some common services include: social media, email marketing, banner advertising, and even websites. In truth, if marketing activity involves the Internet, it can fall under the umbrella of "online marketing."

Sound confusing or overwhelming? Maybe it's time to get some help. That's where our 2017 Technology Guide comes in.

Questions to Ask

There are some important questions to ask when buying any real estate technology product and some that are unique to choosing a solution for online marketing.

First, let's look at general questions you'll want to ask.

• What are my objectives for this piece of technology and will this product help me achieve those objectives?
• What is my budget?
• Does my MLS or Association have any agreements with any vendors that might help me obtain this product at a discount or for free?
• What kind of customer service and training programs are available? Are there webinars and, if so, are they recorded so you can view them at any time? Is the vendor's online help sufficient?

After you've asked and answered these questions, you can get down to the questions that are specific to online marketing:

• Which pieces of the online marketing puzzle does this solution take care of?
• How hands-on will I need to be?
• Will this solution integrate with the other tools I'm using?
• Do I want to market my services or my listings (or both)? Will this tool help me accomplish this?
• Does this provider have a data agreement with my MLS so that I can use MLS listing data in my marketing collateral?
• Will there be overlap between the tasks this solution completes and the tasks my other tools complete? For example, your CRM may provide support for email marketing campaigns or your virtual tour provider may also support YouTube videos and e-flyers. It doesn't make sense to pay for two solutions that do the same thing.
• Does this tool include analytics so I can measure the effectiveness of my online marketing?

Your Options

Download our 2017 Technology Guide for more information about your options.

• Nudge: A Web-based photo-sharing app, Nudge helps agents engage with their sphere of influence. The images created with Nudge can be shared on social media, embedded on your blog/website, sent via email, and more
• AnnounceMyListing: Generate buyer leads with social marketing. AnnounceMyListing drives traffic to listings and builds on your existing network of buyers and sellers.
• Happy Grasshopper: Email marketing is simpler, more fun, and more effective with Happy Grasshopper. Professionally-written messages help you engage new leads and maintain relationships with "effortless e-nurturing."
• The Real Estate Book: Expanding beyond traditional print media, The Real Estate book now includes Web and mobile advertising options. The print catalog itself includes QR codes and text codes so readers can use their Smartphone to get more information online.
• Point2 Agent: Increase traffic, attract leads, and close sales with a full suite of online marketing tools including websites, listing distribution controls, analytics, prospecting utilities, social media, mobile, and more.
• Realtor.com® Featured Agent: Build your online brand with targeted ads on realtor.com®, lead capture forms, links to your Web page, guide books or other resources, and automatic lead capture.
• Realtor.com® Featured Homes: Place your listings front-and-center with a prominent position on the top of search results.
• Realtor.com® Showcase Listing Enhancements: A complete marketing solution for listings, buyers, social and mobile.

Next Steps

• Download the 2017 Technology Guide
• Read articles about online marketing
• Visit the online marketing section of our product directory
• Ask your MLS or Association
• Contact the vendors above
• Ask one of our technology experts