Whether you are a seasoned real estate professional, or a newcomer to the business, real estate canvassing is a key component in generating new business. Sometimes referred to as real estate “farming,” canvassing is fundamentally a form of cold calling. When you define canvassing, it’s very much about personal marketing – you target a specific area (either geographic or demographic) and try to establish yourself as the local real estate expert. The prime objective is to create awareness and build clientele. Whether you’re buying, selling, or renting, your canvassing definition will vary according to your approach and the marketing materials you choose to employ. Indeed, prior to getting out on the street, you may be doing some direct mailing or material distribution.

What is canvassing on a practical level?

Every real estate professional understands the “hustle”. In hustling up new business, you’re essentially canvassing for new clients and new business (and it never stops). To get things started, however, it’s wise to do some direct marketing in the area that you plan to canvass. This would include such efforts as direct mail or distribution of special promotional materials. And if you have a theme or campaign, that would be even better. Learn how to get more leads while canvassing here.

What marketing materials are the best?

In many neighborhoods, real estate agents mail out thousands and thousands of post cards week after week. These obviously work, but it helps to be a little more creative in order to attract attention. Whatever the marketing materials, it’s essential to target the audience - either by postal code or by demographics. This applies to everything from your typical post card, to advertising brochures, to something fancy like a door-hanger.

Specialty marketing materials do work!

Specialty marketing materials, like door-hangers, always create interest because they stand apart from the crowd. Door-hangers must hang individually, and require removal by the recipient. They stand apart from other delivered items, and with a good design and message can deliver incoming phone calls. A campaign like this is worth the time and effort. What’s important, however, is to order quality material, with quality printing.

Is marketing material available online?

Marketing materials (like door-hangers) can easily be ordered online. In fact, many real estate agents find this to be very cost effective. Apart from the cost savings, quality materials and quality printing are guaranteed. Best of all, online ordering is easy - you create a design, decide on quantities, choose secure shipping, and place the order. With a good online source, you can order all of your marketing materials at one time.

Is any permission required to canvass?

As a professional, it’s necessary to do your real estate canvassing according to rules and bi-laws. That means having the right permits (if need be) and making sure that canvassing is allowed in a specific neighborhood. Many agents actually carry permits on their cell phones, where they can also display their real estate accreditation. While most neighborhoods are used to realtors canvassing, common courtesy is welcome.

Success in real estate is about connecting with people

Although every canvasser's meaning will be different, it’s important that you find your individual “groove”. Once you define canvass for yourself, your style and approach will fall nicely into place. Bottom line, canvassing is about meeting people, identifying their needs, and connecting with them to satisfy their needs.

Now you know more about canvassing, and what it is, you might want to know what a canvassing synonym is because you’re an out of the box thinker!

When you’re in the real estate business, you’ll want to campaign to promote yourself as the local expert! Some other words that are related are: consult, inspect, analyze, solicit, check, examine, investigate, review, scan, study, survey, and check over. As a real estate professional, you know you need to do all of this and more to be super successful. Persistence pays off when it comes to canvassing.

We want to share some secret canvassing tips you may not have thought about yet

Canvassing is a numbers game, so you’ll need to pound the sidewalks to get some new clients. Persistence pays off big time! Before you start out your day, have a goal in mind. Write down how many prospects you would like to connect with today. This will keep you focused. And at the end of your day, you can cross one more thing off of your to-do list!

Canvassing as a tactic works, or realtors wouldn't’ do it!

People like to place a face with a name. Speaking about work, we know canvassing is a lot of physical work so make sure you take enough breaks to keep yourself energized. And energize yourself by staying hydrated and keep a snack handy. So when you’re feeling fresh is an excellent time to introduce yourself to prospects. People like to place a face with a name that’s why realtor have their pictures in so many places. When you meet people, are friendly, and know how to listen and don’t overstay your welcome, this will get you everywhere. After all, people do business with folks, they understand like an trust! It’s basically a numbers game – the more people you canvass, the more people get to know you, and the closer you get to an appointment. And with an appointment, it’s totally up to you to sell your goods. Click here for more best tips for real estate marketing.