There was a time when marketing was as simple as taking out a newspaper ad, sponsoring a radio program or putting up a billboard in a highly visible area. These times are gone, and 
marketing is now one of the most complex issues that a budding real estate agent will come across. Fortunately, the amount of potential marketing tools out there does offer one distinct advantage: potential cost savings. And in the world of real estate, these low-cost marketing techniques can make all of the difference in the world. Even implementing a few of these methods can really be a game changer.
Video is Worth a Thousand Pictures They say that pictures are worth a thousand words, and if this is true, then videos are worth a thousand pictures. Whether this video is a walk-through of the newest residential property in your portfolio or a four-minute video on the best ways to buy a home, the point is to get video content out to the world. The reason video marketing is such a great tool is that it increases conversion rates. In fact, statistics show that a potential consumer is 64 percent more likely to make a purchase after watching a video on a product. This single statistic is enough to make it apparent that you should be using video marketing, and if you’re not, now is the time. Many real estate agents, though, will dismiss the idea of video marketing because they don’t think they have to ability. In reality, though, great quality videos now require little more than a smartphone and tripod. 5 With this powerful marketing tool being so simple to utilize, it doesn’t make much sense if you’re not using it.
Reach Out a Congratulatory Hand Being involved in real estate is far different from any other type of business endeavor you could undertake. Every budding entrepreneur needs to become established within their community, but real estate agents need to make honest interpersonal relationships with everyone, including notable figures, in their area. One way that a variety of agents do this is by keeping tab with the local news. This used to require spending a dollar on a daily newspaper, but now it’s as simple as checking local news sites to see what’s happening in the community. Once you spot a “feel good” story, you have your opening. Simply take the time to sit down and jot a congratulatory note for the individual featured in the story. Whether this is a simple “Congratulations on your new store” or “Great job on saving those geese,” the point is to make an impact on the individual. Include your business card in this note, and when they or a friend needs real estate help, you’ll likely be who they turn to. Be the News Some real estate agents often overlook the power of a local newspaper, but they fail to realize that, even in the Age of the Internet, local news sources are still an invaluable source. In fact, even print sources usually have their own corner on the World Wide Web. Knowing this, it’s surprising that more real estate agents don’t send out weekly press releases to the media sources in their local community.
These releases don’t even necessarily need to be big news; many local news organizations will print anything from purchasing tips to the opening of a new office in the area. Another surefire way to get promoted by local news sources is to piggyback off of other important stories. Are there new property taxes set to be implemented? Do a press release on what this means for the housing market. New road work projects on the horizon? Write out information on what this could do to home values in the area.
Take a close look at all the stories in a local newspaper. It should quickly become obvious that not all “news” is really news. Never Overlook Social Media While it seems like one of the most obvious low-cost marketing methods, around 16% of real estate agents use no form of social media. This is simply astounding considering running a social media profile is absolutely free. When compared to other businesses, real estate agents use both Facebook and YouTube social media at higher rates than others. In fact, nearly 80 percent of all real estate agents use Facebook. Doing this is as simple as posting those local articles and videos you’ve created through the aforementioned marketing tactics. In the end, the success of your real estate business will rest upon your ability to get your name out there. Fortunately, this doesn’t require a huge marketing budget. Through the use of the aforementioned low-cost methods, you can become a success.