I am new to this forum but I came across it a the other day and there really is alot of intereting and helpful information on the boards. I was wondering and not even sure if this is something that belongs on the board but what everyone was doing for marketing especially in this market when times are tight. I was looking for ideas to hopefully help me and others. I currenlty send out a e-news letter through a company which I think is great and I only pay 50 bucks a month for it. So I am able to stay in front of all of my clients and referral sources, but what else have people found effective. Hopefully you are willing to share what is currently working for you It would be greatly appreciated.

I do it the Old-Fashioned way . . . . I write my own NewsLetter every 6 weeks or so and send them copies of all the print advertising that we have done on their behalf. I say 6 weeks because I'm not in this business to be on a strict schedule of my own making. If I don't feel motivated to write some catchy stuff that they will enjoy reading; I just don't do it . . . . I put it off a week until the spirit is with me.

And we include little dittys that pertain only only to them; say Apartment House Sellers, or Raw Land Sellers. I might photo new regulations or some newspaper articles that they would enjoy. I receive automated newsletters from many others and find them a turn-off.

An Attorney Friend of mine has me on his distribution for his e-newsletter, and in my conversations with him, it has become clear to me that he doesn't even read the darn thing himself ! I sometimes lift ideas and or catchy phrases from it; but I wouldn't ever send out something written by someone else that I wasn't fully conversant with over my name.

I've become very careful in how I write a Newsletter so that I can mail the same piece to Sellers, Prospective Sellers, Buyer Clients, and Prospective Buyer Clients. It's intended to be light-hearted and relay some humorous aspects of our otherwise serious business; but I know there are many in the market right now who cannot find anything to laugh about. Another reason to be careful !

We use the USPS for these mailings too ! That part is more expensive; otherwise, our Newsletter is pretty cheap on dollars; expensive on time.

Thanks Vermont I appreciate the insight I will look into doing something like that in addition to what I currently do. I would really be interested in what other people are doing as well. I think it could help a lot of us. I believe there is plenty of business to go around and I don't think by sharing our ideas we would be stepping on each others toes. If anyone wants to know I use a company called Asset Management web address assetmac.com Not sure if I am allowed to post that?? Hopefully, other people will also be willing to share.

I use the internet. I blog, email, blog some more.

I use a website and a blog, there is a great thread about this very topic. Check it out

http://www.agentsonline.net/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/270336/Re_MUST_HAVES_for_a_Real_Estat.html#Post270336