Social Networking - InspectionNews

David Selman · #1 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 10:16 AM

As a professional home inspector in north Texas, when I am not performing an inspection for a client, I am working on my business development and marketing plan. Like the common or traditional forms of marketing, social netowrking (SN) has become high on my list of effective marketing strategies. I don't see social networking any less important to my marketing efforts than visiting real estate offices and passing out business cards and brochures (which seem largely ignored and discarded). To date, the high cost of driving is no match for the effectiveness of social networking on the internet and continuous development of an online presence.

As fellow home inspectors, I hope you will share more ideas about social networking online and as comments to this post.

Regards,
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections
Home Inspection Professionals With A Free Limited Warranty

Rick Hurst · #2 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 05:17 PM

I tried the social networking with the Realtors years ago. It didn't work out so well. I did some office presentations, did the cards, the notepads, the donuts. I made a few contacts. They sent me a few inspections. I killed their deals supposedly.

Now we're not social anymore.

rick

Ted Menelly · #3 (**permalink**) 09-18-2009, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

I tried the social networking with the Realtors years ago. It didn't work out so well. I did some office presentations, did the cards, the notepads, the donuts. I made a few contacts. They sent me a few inspections. I killed their deals supposedly.

Now we're not social anymore.

rick

Hallelujah brothers and sisters. We are Gath....OOOps, wrong thread for that.

I hear everything you are saying Rick. Yes you make contacts but usually not the ones you were trying for.

Everyone always says

"If I could only have 10 Realtors that sold 4 or 5 every month.....or realtor groups that sold 4 or 5 every month"

Sounds real easy doesn't it.

That is the stuff nightmares come from.

"But it sounds so simple"

Nick Ostrowski · #4 (**permalink**) 09-19-2009, 05:51 AM

My best form of social networking is being social with my clients and doing a good job for them. If they like me, they tell their friends.

Bob R · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 09:42 PM

I have plenty of satisfied clients, they just don't have enough friends that are buying homes.

Ron Bibler · #6 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 10:26 PM

It is funny when you pull an agents but out of the fire. like they forgot to order the inspection so you move things around and get there inspection completed and you say to your self boy Ron you were great. they will not forget you buddy... thats an agent for life.

Then you never get another inspection from the agent. or you see another companies termite report with that agents name in the box of who ordered the inspection.

L.O.L.

Best

Ron

P.S. Rick your a deal killer

Thats my line.....

Ken Garrett · #7 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 02:14 PM

Okay, then if "Social Networking", how are you getting your jobs? I know those that have been around several years have those agent referrals, but for those that are have been out of the homebuyer end of the business for a while, how do you get business? Websites really don't seem to be the answer. One week I spent more on association fees, donuts, and give-me's than I made.

Ted Menelly · #8 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Garrett

Okay, then if "Social Networking", how are you getting your jobs? I know those that have been around several years have those agent referrals, but for those that are have been out of the homebuyer end of the business for a while, how do you get business? Websites really don't seem to be the answer. One week I spent more on association fees, donuts, and give-me's than I made.

When first out there you have absolutely no choice but to grovel around begging for referrals. It is the only way you will make it at first. My first year I moved to TX was a nightmare. I had to start all over again. I went to every office I could find and dropped of cards and hung around in the lobbies holding a sign up "I will work for food". While you are begging it will take you a year to get solid standings on a website.

You want links coming back to your website by the dozens and figure out the right key words for your area.

Beg and grovel. Grovel and beg. Drop off cards. Drop off fliers. Shake hands with everyone coming in and out of the offices when you are there. Everyone you meet give them a card and ask for referrals. Ask everyone you don't meet for referrals.

David Selman · #9 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 04:11 PM

Thanks guys. I understand and agree with everything said. It is impossible to get started without referrals from agents. Even with the referrals, there are so many inspectors, there does not seem to be enough for them all.

Regarding "social networking", I was more interested in other inspectors opinions about social networking on the Internet. Do any of you use forums or blogs on real estate sites? Does it work for you? Has it improved your website traffic?

Keep the info coming.....

Thanks!
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections

Ted Menelly · #10 (**permalink**) 11-06-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Selman

Thanks guys. I understand and agree with everything said. It is impossible to get started without referrals from agents. Even with the referrals, there are so many inspectors, there does not seem to be enough for them all.

Regarding "social networking", I was more interested in other inspectors opinions about social networking on the Internet. Do any of you use forums or blogs on real estate sites? Does it work for you? Has it improved your website traffic?

Keep the info coming.....

Thanks!
David Selman
Selman Home Inspections

This is a social networking site of sorts but really only helps you if you have a website.

Active rain is another social INTERNET site where Realtors from your area will see you on there and you can interact with them. It will help more toward the website end of things. Merchant circle is another one where others in different industries will see you and you can interact with them. Again the merchant circle thing helps more on your website getting hits.

Some folks in different areas use Craig's list and post an add once or even twice a day. It takes a couple minutes in the morning and evening. The best luck folks have had with that is to continuously post mid day as that seems when people look the most and if you just posted your add will be on top.

Angie's List is another that folks have said to have had decent luck with.

Spend some money at MLS meetings and buy the Realtors breakfast burritos from McDonald's and an orange juice. You get to talk for a few minutes as well.

If you do not get out there and market constanly and even spendsome money doing it you will be sitting on your duff. This just like any other business is not a free business to get into. If you think it is then you should not be in business for yourself. If you just started I can see you spending 50 ish to 75,000 in the first couple of years easy. Hopefully you will be working at the same time buying down some of that or you better have double in your pocket for the first few years. The big one is a spouse that is pulling in some money. If not, good luck. I came to Texas 5 1/2 years ago. Only income is what I brought with me and what I made.

Ouch, is all I will say.