Mike Del Vecchio

I’m just about reaching my 2-year anniversary as a REALTOR. Like most newcomers, I’ve stumbled around trying numerous approaches touted by books, training, other agents, and experts. I quickly learned that the old pros were not great with their web approaches and handling internet prospects. Great, an area where a rookie can stake a claim.

My learning curve started with the zero or small design fees, $29-$49/month cost, template solutions. What a bargain! Now I had a site that was boiler plate, gave me a so-so image, produced a whole 4 visitors per month, and no business. What a sad commentary when I could personally increase traffic by 25% just by visiting my own site.

There had to be a better way. I was fortunate enough to attend a seminar by Michael Russer (Mr. Internet). I took his course and learned volumes about how to effectively interface with internet prospects and how to plan and structure a web presence. Now for the design. Throughout this process I met Cherie Young at Online Marketing Strategies. She and her team design sites that make a statement. This wasn’t cheap, but I wasted a year fooling around with cheap. Their design platform of choice was Point2 Professional.

The result was a web site to be proud of. As a REALTOR, especially a newer one, your image is everything. I have also incorporated a pay-per-click campaign which Cherie helped with. I know this has helped me with the clients I did get.

Point2 has tons of tools for REALTORS, and I’ll focus on just a few. I wanted to constantly keep in front of prospects through their incubation period with a drip campaign. I evaluated several, and they ranged from third-rate to complicated and expensive. Point2 Pro version had all the capabilities I needed, and at no extra cost. There was a great added benefit. For all the leads I had not yet made personal contact with, wouldn’t it be great if I knew which ones opened my e-mails and which ones didn’t? Now I can focus on reaching the “warmer” prospects.

While I still have a long way to go, the several clients I’ve gained have more than paid for the initial investment. I also know I’ll get additional referrals from them. I also have several good prospects in the pipeline. Many of my peers are lamenting about how slow the business is. My issue is getting ready for the visiting prospects I’ve recently gained.

All the pieces are now in place, and thanks to all of my newfound teams of helpers, I’m looking forward to an incredible 2008!

Mike Del Vecchio
www.BoomingInAustin.com