19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
19 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

A "QR"..... What"? (he asked)

by rlhurst
16 replies
So, I'm walking around this small town when I came upon an open house for sale. No one was around so I asked the agent if he ever used qr codes. He wasn't sure what one was...(oh, the anticipation that welled up inside!! )

I proceeded to tell him what could be done and how it would improve his marketing. During the conversation, I found out he recently was head of the Chamber of Commerce in the town.... That's when I offered to create a site for free.

I just finished a 3 page site. Main page with pic of the house, info, agents pic and contact info. (I even made his pic linked to his bio page), Google map, and a link to another page with more pics of the house.

Did a quick creative qr code design with colors that match their logo, and sent if off in an email for him to scan.

You hear it around here all the time..... TAKE ACTION!
It is SO true. Get a handle on what you want to offer, then TAKE ACTION!

Now I'm sifting through ideas to get him on board. With all the business contacts he has, I could be busy for quite awhile!!
#a qr what #asked
  • Profile picture of the author Rus Sells
    Ronnie!

    Fortune favors the bold! I want to know his response so please post back whats happening!

    Also I'm in at 2 cents!

    Originally Posted by rlhurst View Post

    So, I'm walking around this small town when I came upon an open house for sale. No one was around so I asked the agent if he ever used qr codes. He wasn't sure what one was...(oh, the anticipation that welled up inside!! )

    I proceeded to tell him what could be done and how it would improve his marketing. During the conversation, I found out he recently was head of the Chamber of Commerce in the town.... That's when I offered to create a site for free.

    I just finished a 3 page site. Main page with pic of the house, info, agents pic and contact info. (I even made his pic linked to his bio page), Google map, and a link to another page with more pics of the house.

    Did a quick creative qr code design with colors that match their logo, and sent if off in an email for him to scan.

    You hear it around here all the time..... TAKE ACTION!
    It is SO true. Get a handle on what you want to offer, then TAKE ACTION!

    Now I'm sifting through ideas to get him on board. With all the business contacts he has, I could be busy for quite awhile!!
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4325020].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
      Originally Posted by Rus Sells View Post

      Ronnie!

      Fortune favors the bold! I want to know his response so please post back whats happening!

      Also I'm in at 2 cents!
      OK, I've moved on to another real estate company in town. (original guy still says he'll get back to me, we'll see...)
      So, this new company actually has some qr codes (real small) on their signs. I scanned a few and they go to a "regular" site. I did up one of the homes and walked in the office only about 2 hours ago. I started out by telling them that I had scanned the codes but everything was way too small to read. I brought it up on my phone, and that's when she (agent) said "all you have to do is spread out the screen with your fingers and you'll see it".

      I showed her that I'd have to scroll back and forth to see everything. Then I asked her what she'd think if it all could fit on the screen and stretch to fill the screen again if the phone was turned sideways. She thought that would be "great"....

      That's when I brought up the site I had designed with the same home, but now "optimized" for mobile..... her eyes lit up. She brought some other agents over to look. They all thought it was brilliant.

      Now the problem. As everyone knows the real estate market is real slow. They were hesitant about paying out more money not knowing if/when they'd get a payback. That's when I offered to design some sites for nothing up front, and they could pay me if/when the home sells. They liked that idea. I figure I can whip one of these out in a half hour to forty five minutes, so I'll go the "real estate agent" route and not get paid till the sale happens. In the meantime, I get my name spread around town, and hopefully pick up some business from other types of small businesses.
      Now, that's over delivering, isn't it?
      Signature
      I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4396386].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
        Originally Posted by rlhurst View Post

        OK, I've moved on to another real estate company in town. (original guy still says he'll get back to me, we'll see...)
        So, this new company actually has some qr codes (real small) on their signs. I scanned a few and they go to a "regular" site. I did up one of the homes and walked in the office only about 2 hours ago. I started out by telling them that I had scanned the codes but everything was way too small to read. I brought it up on my phone, and that's when she (agent) said "all you have to do is spread out the screen with your fingers and you'll see it".

        I showed her that I'd have to scroll back and forth to see everything. Then I asked her what she'd think if it all could fit on the screen and stretch to fill the screen again if the phone was turned sideways. She thought that would be "great"....

        That's when I brought up the site I had designed with the same home, but now "optimized" for mobile..... her eyes lit up. She brought some other agents over to look. They all thought it was brilliant.

        Now the problem. As everyone knows the real estate market is real slow. They were hesitant about paying out more money not knowing if/when they'd get a payback. That's when I offered to design some sites for nothing up front, and they could pay me if/when the home sells. They liked that idea. I figure I can whip one of these out in a half hour to forty five minutes, so I'll go the "real estate agent" route and not get paid till the sale happens. In the meantime, I get my name spread around town, and hopefully pick up some business from other types of small businesses.
        Now, that's over delivering, isn't it?
        Ronnie,

        I like your style, my man!

        Too often on these forums I hear, "Don't give away ANYTHING for free! You'll cheapen yourself." I completely disagree with that. I have found that when you want to build loyalty, goodwill and value with a customer, giving them something for free or offering to let them pay later (as you are, brilliantly, I might add) you are showing that you trust the customer. They will be more loyal to you. Sure, you'll get some jackasses who will screw you, but you can cover yourself nicely with a well-written contract.

        I think what you're doing is fantastic, and I'm eager to hear about your successes.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4396597].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rsteadm2
        Originally Posted by rlhurst View Post

        OK, I've moved on to another real estate company in town. (original guy still says he'll get back to me, we'll see...)
        So, this new company actually has some qr codes (real small) on their signs. I scanned a few and they go to a "regular" site. I did up one of the homes and walked in the office only about 2 hours ago. I started out by telling them that I had scanned the codes but everything was way too small to read. I brought it up on my phone, and that's when she (agent) said "all you have to do is spread out the screen with your fingers and you'll see it".

        I showed her that I'd have to scroll back and forth to see everything. Then I asked her what she'd think if it all could fit on the screen and stretch to fill the screen again if the phone was turned sideways. She thought that would be "great"....

        That's when I brought up the site I had designed with the same home, but now "optimized" for mobile..... her eyes lit up. She brought some other agents over to look. They all thought it was brilliant.

        Now the problem. As everyone knows the real estate market is real slow. They were hesitant about paying out more money not knowing if/when they'd get a payback. That's when I offered to design some sites for nothing up front, and they could pay me if/when the home sells. They liked that idea. I figure I can whip one of these out in a half hour to forty five minutes, so I'll go the "real estate agent" route and not get paid till the sale happens. In the meantime, I get my name spread around town, and hopefully pick up some business from other types of small businesses.
        Now, that's over delivering, isn't it?
        You know you don't have to do it completely for free.. Sign up at hostgator as an affiliate and have them host through them. You get from $50 to $125 per hosting sign up. And it's cheap.

        Just a thought.
        Signature
        When You're Ready to Put In the WORK and Do! Click This Link! - ...Free Webinar Guides you Down the Road And Gives YOU A Real Blueprint for Affiliate Marketing Success Showing You How To Start, "doing"!
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4396640].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author IdeaFool
          Originally Posted by rsteadm2 View Post

          You know you don't have to do it completely for free.. Sign up at hostgator as an affiliate and have them host through them. You get from $50 to $125 per hosting sign up. And it's cheap.

          Just a thought.
          That's a fantastic idea! It's always the most obvious things that escape my mind. Maybe it's because I'm sober!
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4397119].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author rsteadm2
            Originally Posted by IdeaFool View Post

            Maybe it's because I'm sober!
            Hilarious, I'm literally LMBO
            Signature
            When You're Ready to Put In the WORK and Do! Click This Link! - ...Free Webinar Guides you Down the Road And Gives YOU A Real Blueprint for Affiliate Marketing Success Showing You How To Start, "doing"!
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4397127].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
              Good idea on the affiliate hosting.
              Signature
              I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4397169].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark_Austin
    Absolutely true..it's all about taking action. The more action your take, the luckier you get! Well done.
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4325669].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
      Yep, for every "action" there's a reaction.
      What's that saying.... things at rest tend to stay at rest, things in motion tend to stay in motion"

      Thanks for coming on board Rus! Send your text anytime and I'll get on it

      Ronnie
      Signature
      I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4326574].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author midasman09
        Banned
        Hey Ron (fellow Oregonian)....a few yrs ago I set up "WebSite "Photo" Tours" for realtors.

        This was b4 Animoto, Windows Movie-Maker or PS3. Just some photos in a "Slide" format with a software program that would flip the slides. I added music backgrnd and captions on each photo.

        Now...here's the "Kicker"....I registered a Unique Domain for each property. It was the ADDRESS of the property!

        "1326Main.com"...."444WJackson.com"...etc...AND....had a sign guy make me a bunch of 6" high boards to which I stuck some 4" High Black Letters with the Domain (I got from Staples)....then hung this to the bottom of their regular sign.

        They LOVED it!

        I charged $150 set up and $75/mo for 3 mos (in advance) ....$225 + $150 = $375 That was when properties were selling within 3 mos.

        I did find though that...."Realtors are CHEAP!" They don't get paid unless a property sells so....most are "cautious" about putting up much money in front. So....I "worked" those who were in the "Million Dollar Club".

        Now....your QR Code project can be done similarly.

        Set up a "Photo Tour" by having the agent provide pictures (or you can take some photos of the property)....then use PhotoStory3 or MovieMaker (Ya don't need Animoto).....and make a ONE Page "Sqeeze-Page" type of page....with property info around the window where the video sits.

        I'd also include a "Response Form" to capture interested parties phone or email.

        Not sure what you'd charge for something like this nowadays. I don't think you need a "3-Pager". I've found "Video SELLS"!

        What will are you planning on charging for your "3-Pager"?

        Thanks,
        Don Alm in Roseburg, OR
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4326671].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
          Originally Posted by midasman09 View Post

          Hey Ron (fellow Oregonian)....a few yrs ago I set up "WebSite "Photo" Tours" for realtors.

          This was b4 Animoto, Windows Movie-Maker or PS3. Just some photos in a "Slide" format with a software program that would flip the slides. I added music backgrnd and captions on each photo.

          Now...here's the "Kicker"....I registered a Unique Domain for each property. It was the ADDRESS of the property!

          "1326Main.com"...."444WJackson.com"...etc...AND....had a sign guy make me a bunch of 6" high boards to which I stuck some 4" High Black Letters with the Domain (I got from Staples)....then hung this to the bottom of their regular sign.

          They LOVED it!

          I charged $150 set up and $75/mo for 3 mos (in advance) ....$225 + $150 = $375 That was when properties were selling within 3 mos.

          I did find though that...."Realtors are CHEAP!" They don't get paid unless a property sells so....most are "cautious" about putting up much money in front. So....I "worked" those who were in the "Million Dollar Club".

          Now....your QR Code project can be done similarly.

          Set up a "Photo Tour" by having the agent provide pictures (or you can take some photos of the property)....then use PhotoStory3 or MovieMaker (Ya don't need Animoto).....and make a ONE Page "Sqeeze-Page" type of page....with property info around the window where the video sits.

          I'd also include a "Response Form" to capture interested parties phone or email.

          Not sure what you'd charge for something like this nowadays. I don't think you need a "3-Pager". I've found "Video SELLS"!

          What will are you planning on charging for your "3-Pager"?

          Thanks,
          Don Alm in Roseburg, OR
          Thanks for the tips, Don. I may do a test with that idea (address domain). At first I was thinking of starting out with a higher end home, but with the way the market is these days, maybe a starter home would be the ticket. Hmm..... maybe try BOTH!

          I'm not charging the realtor for this first one, as I wanted to get my "foot in the door". He knows all the business owners in town, so I'll probably approach him with a compensation offer for referrals.

          I do like the idea of a 1 page with video and info. Seems it would keep the viewer focused in on the main thing (the property). I just threw in a bio page for the realtor to kind of stroke the ego, ya know? Let him visually see the possibilities and direction these can take.

          So, you're a "Southerner" huh. Well, I'm way up North near the border!
          Signature
          I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4326844].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author SiteSmarty
    Good one Ronnie. Planning to harvest referrals is the best move to make. It snowballs and referrals make the best clients. Plus, you don't have to keep chasing new leads all the time.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4396623].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Robdot
    Wow, great job...you just inspired me to start taking some action.

    Originally Posted by rlhurst View Post

    So, I'm walking around this small town when I came upon an open house for sale. No one was around so I asked the agent if he ever used qr codes. He wasn't sure what one was...(oh, the anticipation that welled up inside!! )

    I proceeded to tell him what could be done and how it would improve his marketing. During the conversation, I found out he recently was head of the Chamber of Commerce in the town.... That's when I offered to create a site for free.

    I just finished a 3 page site. Main page with pic of the house, info, agents pic and contact info. (I even made his pic linked to his bio page), Google map, and a link to another page with more pics of the house.

    Did a quick creative qr code design with colors that match their logo, and sent if off in an email for him to scan.

    You hear it around here all the time..... TAKE ACTION!
    It is SO true. Get a handle on what you want to offer, then TAKE ACTION!

    Now I'm sifting through ideas to get him on board. With all the business contacts he has, I could be busy for quite awhile!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4396806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author BlogDiva
    So, are you saying that going to open houses is a good way to get Real Estate agents as clients? Wow..what a good azz idea!!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4403526].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author JGrahamHCH12
      One of the best thing to do is take action and look for more alternative promotions. You've done a great job!
      Signature

      Healthcare Horizons offers detailed healthcare claims audits and Third Party Administrator Audit.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4403566].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author rlhurst
        Originally Posted by JGrahamHCH12 View Post

        One of the best thing to do is take action and look for more alternative promotions. You've done a great job!
        Thanks "J". Funny you should mention that......
        I work with a guy who's daughter is the PR person for a tourist destination in our area. I designed their homepage on their website as a "mobile version", as they didn't have one. Had my coworker forward the email with the qr code (with their logo imbedded in it) to her and she really liked the idea of using the codes. I'm going to donate a few and have my website prominently displayed with the code. A whole lot of tourists are going to see that.

        Now the thing I got to do is make a website of MY OWN!! Been so busy doing others, I haven't gotten to mine yet. Along with some business cards with the qr code on them, of course!
        Signature
        I do voice over work... here's a SAMPLE
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[4403763].message }}

Trending Topics