"Marketing is the differentiation of yourself against your competition. Advertising is the cost of being boring."
That is according to an article I read in BrokerAgentPro roughly a year ago. The article went on to say that, if a person marketed themselves properly, they would never need to advertise because everyone would already know who they are and what they do. The article also went on to say that, if you don't know the difference between the two, you should hire someone that does. And, I couldn't agree more!
I enjoy marketing. I guess that is why I blog. It's a good way for me to differentiate my company versus other companies in this same market space in a way that reaches my customer base quickly, efficiently, and in a format that they understand. And...it's FREE! What could be better? Especially when you consider that my company does no advertising at all (aside from the gazillion websites we have out in the interwebz).
One aspect of marketing I really find fascinating is the underground, sometimes subtle, sometimes "in-your-face" marketing that has been affectionately called "guerrilla" marketing.
Below is a couple examples of very successful guerilla marketing campaigns.
In this example, the information on the tear-away "teeth" is for a new dentist office that opened up about a block away from this pole.
This photo was taken by a passenger at an airport turnstyle. If you saw this while picking up your bags, do you think you would remember it??
On occasion, I have posted tweets on my Twitter account about different guerrilla marketing ideas that I have come across. As a result, I was asked to compile a list of some of them and write a blog about them.
But, before I started writing this, I posted a status update about a guerrilla campaign on our Facebook fan-page. It quickly insighted a response! (You can see the entire conversation here -- Real Estate Client Referrals fan-page)
"Is this both acceptable and smart?" asked one fan.
"Annoying" and "Obnoxious" said another.
Yet other fans said things like "I like the way you think." And, "I love it!"
Guerrilla marketing isn't for everyone. And, some of these suggestions are simply just too risky for some to attempt. But, if they didn't work, you wouldn't hear about them. Keep that in mind as you read through this list...
Place business cards (mini moo cards, for example) in the sugar packet containers at restaurants
Go to the local computer store and change the home page on the browsers to your website
Have a rubber stamp made of your twitter handle (Or your website!!) and stamp it on all of your money; Also, if you are attending an event where you would hand out a business card, take $50 in $1 bills that have been stamped with your website. Hand them out to people as if it was your business card.
Use that same stamper and stamp a book of post-it notes. Place those post-it notes anywhere people can see them.
Go to the library/book store and put a business card in every book that relates to your field; IE -- Own a restaurant supply store? Put your cards in the cook books. You're a contractor?? Put cards in all the Do-It-Yourself repair books.
Slip business cards into the magazines at your salon, doctors office, dentist office, etc.
Go to the beach and write your company name in the sand in huge letters
Buy cheap plastic magnetic letters (like for your fridge) and put your website on anything metal -- doors, poles, road signs. The letters are cheap...so if they fall off, no biggie...and they wont cause permanent damage to whatever you put them against (except maybe a hard-drive).
Get sidewalk chalk and draw feet or arrows to your office on the sidewalks and streets around town. As you people get close to your office, write an offer. IE -- "10% off if you mention you saw this!"
Use that same sidewalk chalk and write your website or company name in parking lots/cross walks/ETC
Fliers!!! Flieers are cheap and can be distributed ANYWHERE! Put them in businesses (that will allow it), parking lots, street poles, bus stops, anywhere people can see them.
Put ads in local free papers (if available in your area) IE -- the Nickel
Get blank business cards made up with only your website address on it (or twitter handle). Hand them out whenever someone talks about a website (or you talk about a website)
Put an add in the personals in our local paper -- "MWM real estate agent seeks buyers for 145 Shady Lane; Must be in good humor and have decent credit". (There is some obvious personal safety issues associated with this one. I would do this because Im 6'2" tall and weigh about 320 lbs. But, if I were a 5'1" blonde lady that weighed 110 lbs, I might feel like this would not be safe for me to attempt. Be safe, people!)
Use pictures in your blogs titled with your key search words. Trust me, it works! You have to write the post anyway...may as well make it pop AND get some SEO juice from it. Get temporary tattoos made of your website and wear them in plain view. People will take notice, I promise!
Add the phone line from a brokerage that closes to your phone system -- I just spoke with an agent that worked for RE/MAX after calling a phone number that was listed in YellowBook as Century21. It turns out the C21 brokerage closed. So, the RE/MAX office had the number added to their inbound lines. GENIUS!! Now, all of that advertising that the C21 office did is supporting that number!
Yes, it is true. Some of these suggestions simply wont work in your market. Some of these suggestions might just be "too scary" or be deemed by some as "a waste of time". (They used to say that about blogging, too. Just saying.) Yet, other people may think that these are bold attempts at being different...'thinking outside the box' to the 10th power.
Either way, these simple, yet effective, types of marketing will make people talk about you and your business. And, isn't that the goal of marketing?? If you believe that "there is no such thing as bad press", then this underground "guerrilla" marketing might just be the thing for you!
If you would like more information on Real Estate Client Referrals, please click on this link. Or, you can contact Clint at 800-977-7058 or follow us on Twitter.
I like the way you think....!!! great reasonable ideas that don't cost alot, but make a great impact!! another great blog!!
You never dissapoint! I'm sure there will be people who are not ready for most of these suggestions, but the creativity is just what we need in today's environment.
I really hadn't taken the time to think about the marketing vs. advertising mindset, but couldn't agree more.
The pics are great! Slimfast took me a minute - very clever! The mini-moo cards, rubber stamps, post-its and temp tats, and sidewalk chalk (our kids have many boxes of it) are very inspiring ideas. Though, I'm not sure if I'm ready to stamp money yet. :-) And, I'm now tagging all of my online and blog pics - taking a long time to go back and catch-up, but will be well worth the effort!
Thanks for another great post!
Clint - It's the simple things that can be so very effective. Being memorable is the key to anything we do. Some people won't always like it, but if they remember it, you may have earned their respect and business. You might lose a few along the way if you're too off center with your ideas, but you can always make up for it. I think one of the things we agents need to learn better (and the great ones that I look up to have already learned) is that there's no "one way" to do things. Mix it up. Do a few different things. Try something that's "not you" once in awhile. I hate to be cliche, but step out of your comfort zone occasionally. But don't just do it once and say "it didn't work." That will lead you to a lot of attempts, with few successes to show for it and you'll have ruled out a world of possibilities.
In reference to your "go to the local computer store" idea - we used this all the time in the band. And it worked. People would email us and say that they found our website on a hotel computer and were fans, but had never visited our site. We also used to make sure our CD was in the front slot everywhere we went and if they didn't have it, we would launch a phone call campaign with friends to tell the store we had visited but noticed they didn't have our CD and we wanted to buy it. The next week there would be 10 of them at the front of the store. We'd make sure someone bought them, so they'd restock those too.
Anon?? -- Thank you very much!! I am happy you liked the ideas and the post!
Lisa -- Awww, you are just too kind! Yes, some folks will shun these, but that is expected. The blog pics is one of the easiest ones to do that will reap HUGE rewards. And, it is very subtle, but very effective!
Great Post Clint got the juices flowing again . . Thx
C21bill
Matt -- Yes...I agree. Being memorable is the key. And, mixing it up, as you put it, is key to survival in this market, I think. And, if you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone, then you are afraid to grow. By the way....LOVED the hotel computer idea....awesome! :-)
Bill --- Thank you so much, my friend! Glad I could help out!!
These are great suggestions for thinking out of the box in order to promote our businesses. Thanks for sharing some great examples.
Tom -- My pleasure! Thank YOU for taking the time to read it and comment on it! Much appreciated!
GREAT post!! I love these ideas I'm going to order my stamp now :-)
Some Killer Idiea, I took the $1 million dollar bill and put my name, twitter, facebook and blog addresses. Guess what no one throws them away
Dave
Danielle -- Thank you!! Let me know how it works!!
Dave -- LOVE IT!!!!
Clint - This post actually applied to one of the comments I was making to another agent...so I linked to it.
As always-AWESOME info!! I've done a few, but not to that level. I do have a box of sidewalk chalk in my car though.......
Matt -- Thanks! Much appreciated!!
Kathy -- Thank you so much! Sidwalk chalk is good stuff. ;-)
Great ideas Clint - love how you get the marketing mind out of the dust! I'm off to try a few... but not sure about the stamping money one - would stamping bills info on bills get one in trouble though?
Lee & Pam -- Im happy to hear that you liked the post!! With regards to stamping money...use low denominations. They are heavily circulated and 'recycled' routinely. Also, don't go and stamp every bill that comes across your hands...that might get you in trouble. :-) As with anything, discretion is always a good rule of thumb. ;-)
Brilliant! We have a local art gallery that holds an artist market every Saturday and they do the sidewalk chalk every week. I remember it because it is different. Simple but different. I can't think of one other business in town that does that. I love the idea of stamping dollar bills with my twitter/web info haven't heard of that one before. Of course I rarely carry cash anymore but when I do that is a good idea. Temp tattoos! :)
Ashley -- Awww, thank you! Sidwalk chalk in your friend!! :-) Tattoos are more so. LOL!
What a great post today, on a day when we're planning our marketing strategy for the next few months. I LOVE the dollar bill idea, gonna finish up this comment, then order our stamps. I think it is important, though, to keep ANY form of marketing in line with your brand/message. Just because something is a good idea, doesn't mean it's the best representation of what you do. That said, a post like this is an excellent jumping off point for us to review our brand and message, and explore some new marketing territory!!! Thank you Clint.
Shari -- Awww, thank you so much for the comments. And, I am happy that you liked the post as much as you did!! You are quite welcome!!
Great ideas (as always) Clint!
I started a new website just yesterday & it's too late to print cards in time for a conference I'm going to this weekend. I think I'm going to use your rubber stamp on a dollar idea.
Thanks for sharing!
Joel -- Thanks, man! New website??? You will have to DM me a link. ;-) Have a great conference!
Thanks my friend for this creative list of marketing ideas as only YOU can put together.
So many fantastic ideas, I think the rubber stamp is about to be my new best friend & temp tattoos (hmmmm I've always toyed with the idea of getting a tattoo :) and the business cards in mags in professional offices Classic!
Thanks so much again for sharing!
Kathy Ann -- :-) Glad you liked the ideas!! Let me know if you impliment any of them.
Great job Clint. Sometimes "out of the box" thinking is the most difficult step to take - it really causes people to stop and think about something that, quite honestly, they may not be ready to take. Your post is really a great step-by-step plan that will help people who really want to be in business for the long haul. Thanks for sharing! - Calie
Calie -- Thank you so much! Thinking out of the box isnt always hard. But, allowing yourself to the freedom to act on ideas that come from that part of your brain...that is the hard part. Dare to be different!
Ok, I'm not going to read through all of the comments but I want to say this. You are absolutely right about guerrilla marketing. Sometimes it CAN be risky to market in such a fashion. But there's that old saying, "If you always do what you've always done then you'll always get what you've always gotten." The only way we are going to start setting ourselves apart is by being unique. By being creative. By not just thinking outside the box but by thinking around the corner from the box.
The one thing you said that is so, so true is this: some of these ideas may be thought of as being a waste of time but didn't they say the same thing about blogging?
If you want to get a bit ahead of the game, if you want to be remembered, you have to do what others aren't doing! Great job, as usual, Clint!
~Renae
Renae -- I have a huge poem about 'always get what you always got'! One of my favorites!!
"If you want to get a bit ahead of the game, if you want to be remembered, you have to do what others aren't doing! "
AMEN!!
Clint,
Great post. Most of these really popular Guerilla marketing campaigns have been done in large cities. Many of our members live in much smaller cities and towns. Stuff like this would really be able to set someone apart in a small town.
Bob -- Thank you very much for the comment...and the Gold Star. :-) Yes, much of these have been done. I like in a town of only about 60,000...and Ive seen them in use here. I remember the businesses that do this....and I shop there!
I've always been a big fan of guerilla marketing - not so much of the term itself - but definitely the idea of marketing outside the box. One my recent fun marketing ideas is my "business" card. I have been to many conventions, meet-ups, networking events, etc., where cards are displayed on tables or exchanged. Everyone's card always looks the same to me - and three days later when I sort through everything I cannot recall who the folks were that had given me them. I wanted my card to be the first that the eye gravitated towards and the one that just yelled "pick me". So, using my 'realestatechick' brand, I created a card which has on one side my Twitter handle and on the other side my email address. Inserted into the middle of the card are two bright yellow feathers. Does it stand out? You betcha - it screams out. :-) And when I get the opportunity to hand it to someone - it's a natural conversation starter. It's a win in any situation.
http://3.ly/DSl - check this out and tell me which one is mine! My advice, don't be afraid to explore your right brain side when it comes to marketing ideas - there's fun stuff in there waiting to get out!
(oh and just as a legal disclaimer - I do have the state REC required business card...its not very exciting.)
Judy!! The business card is AWESOME! You will have to send me one!! :-) (hint hint)
Love those suggestions - I'll be stopping at Best Buy today to move all their computers to our website :)
Kevin and Monica -- Thought you might. ;-) hahaha
Worked tremendously well for Ron Paul!!! Even though he didn't win, he definitely was known after his campaign...
Clint - keep 'em coming! I love these type of ideas. Right up my alley. Only question though - isn't stamping money illegal? Would it be seen as "defacing" the bills? Curious.
Emily -- Agreed!! And, people remember him for it!
O....M....G... These are FANTASTIC IDEAS! I'm glad we just brought on an assistant to help us do some of these great ideas. I am going to print them out and figure out which ones we'll implement in the next 30 days. This is good stuff Clint! Thanks for sharing it!
Kim -- Im glad you like the ideas. And, yes...defacing US currency is against the law. Again, using your discretion, small amounts probably wont get you in trouble. If you did this for a year straight on every bill you have on your hands, it might raise a red flag.
Christianne -- Thank you so much! I am glad you like them as much as I do. ;-)
Clint - Many great marketing ideas here... Time to start one of these campaigns.
Roland -- Thank you....Let me know which one of these you use and what happens as a result. Id be very interested!
This is great, Love the new ideas! Thanks for posting!
Clint, I thought your list was great. I love the mini business card in the sugar packet tray. Some of the rest I would try, and some I don't think I'd have the nerve. Great post!!
Savanna -- Thank you very much!
Barb -- Much appreciated! Like I said, some of these require a very bold person to attempt. :-) I know the sugar packet one works...I got that from an agent in Virginia that did it. :-)
Clint,
There is a fine line as marketers between coming across as tricky, cheeky and clever, and being taken seriously. These ideas are very creative and unique for sure. I like the fact that they exist in public spaces. You don't see a lot of that other than billboards and kiosks. It takes people off guard a bit which has impact. Good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Tim -- Agreed! I am intrigued with the idea of using this in a smaller market rather than huge urban settings...part of the reason I posted this was to see if someone to impliment these in their local markets. Thanks for commenting, brotha!
Clint: I will pick something and try it.. Will let you know.
Roland -- Sweet! :-)
This is an awesome post. Thanks for the creative ideas! It is always good to get more marketing food. Perhaps we'll try one or more of these tactics and see how it goes. What have we got to lose, right?
very cool!
Chris -- Thank you very much! Glad I was able to kick-start the brain things in your head. ;-) If you do some of these, let me know which ones so I can do a follow-up post on them. :-)
Marcus -- Thank you very much!
your right it's not for everybody, a few of the ideas are great
Michelangelo -- Yup. It's not for everyone. But, those that know how to use it make a mint off of it. ;-)
Great ideas.
This is a great post! Thanks! I'm going to try some of these!
OMG Clint I could hardly get past the tear away teeth!! Obnoxious, not at all. I often think "now why didn't I think of that?" when I see something clever like that. If you can work it into your business, more power to you.
I'm a HUGE fan of images and always try and use search terms in my blog post photos. But I think I might try a few of these out. And hope to think of some new ones that would work in my specific field...
Thanks, Clint!
Faye -- Thanks!
Julie -- Thank you so much! If you do, please let me know the outcome!
Dana -- I love the teeth. :-) One of the reasons I wanted to write this was because I did the rubber stamps on the dollars once...HUGELY successful. With regards to your specific niche, I dont know...but, try something. At least you can say you tried it, right? ;-)
I've never been one to shy away from trying something. Guess it comes from being an optimist. What do I have to lose, right? I love the rubber stamp idea...
Clint, how fun! I love the underground ideas - sneaking cards into magazines and books. Clever.
My gosh Clint - so many comments! I agree - very creative, I like the guerrilla marketing techniques. Lots of good ideas that are spurring more. Thank you!
Clint
This is the first time that I have heard of this type of marketing. I will seriously take a few ideas and give them a chance.
Thanks
"Creativity, energy, and time."
We have a "Guerrilla Marketing Tactics" Group here at ActiveRain. You should join and post this there, too.
Dana -- The rubber stamp idea is my fave.
Kathryn -- Me too! :-)
Pat -- I love guerrilla stuff. Anything to get people to think. ;-)
Jayne -- Wow! Well, let me know how it works for you, please!
Russel -- I didnt know that group exists!! Joining it now!!
Hi Clint,
I just love the teeth very creative. Just wanted to add my thanks for posting such great information. Also congrats on the featured post well deserved.
Sharon
Sharon -- Love the teeth too! Thank you, Sharon!
These are fabulous, and so simple but genius !
...love em !
Thanks for posting, I think most of us could take at least a few of these and do them ourselves !
Cheers Clint !
Sheldon
Sheldon -- Thank you very much! Im glad you like the post. I hope they work well for you!
Clint - I LOVE guerilla marketing stuff! Thanks for including the cool photos, buddy.
Jason -- :-) My pleasure!
Pretty good stuff. I've done almost all the above over the years and yes, it all works. I to have done very little advertising and we've been in business for almost 30 years. Sometimes just hanging around that long with a good rep will get you a lot of milage as well.
John & Janis -- Thank you so much! There is no substitute for doing your job well. I will completely agree with that statement.
Clint-
I love those gray areas! It's all about differentiation.
Ian -- "Gray" areas are fun to dabble in...;-) Just avoid "black" and "dark gray"...chances are that will get you into trouble. hahaha
Great post and well written. There are some really neat and cool ideas here. Don't know that I want to take them all on, but definitely worth thinking about. Can't bring myself to break the law.
Judi -- Thank you so much! Im not sure that any of it is breaking the law (except the stamping money thing)... ;-)
Paraphrasing the Joker from the Batman franchise (Nicholson not Ledger) "Where do you get these wonderful toys?"
Clint, how legal are these methods? In our association they are HUGE on disclosure. We could not get away with handing out cards with just a URL on them. Heck, they are monitoring our tweets, facebook pages and websites now.
Very great ideas Clint. I will have to bookmark thios one to refer back to later.
You've pointed out some excellent examples of Guerilla marketing which is proven for those who are daring enough to use it consistently. My sense is that many agents may not be that inventive or bold. In terms of the difference between marketing oneself and advertising I think it's worth pointing out that promoting the merits of an agent does not meet a very important criteria in modern marketing... specifically "what's in it for me?" Top producers have a track record of singing about their credentials and expertise. What I discovered is that most buyers and sellers don't choose an agent based on their professional merits. More often than not, they are comfortable with the agent who has a customer-centric mindset and who they believe will meet their needs and take care of them best.
Food for thought to all the agents under the burden of "selling" themselves and their services,
Joyanne
Clint - Thanks for the "Daring to be different" post. These are great low cost ideas...I will be testing these out. I especially like the $1 bill idea...that seems like it would get lots of attention.
Now THESE are some creative ideas! Very interesting - I hope I can be different enough to give a try.
Right on Clint... I totally agree, and the cool thing about our age is, it's not about being the supreme polished professional producer... It's about being creative and catching someone's attention as your examples demonstrate.
Clint,
Good post.
I hadn't thought of any of them. Actually, I thought of fliers and rejected them. But, very good ideas.
I like the money stamping. However in Canada, our smallest paper money is a 5 dollar bill. So, I'll use American, it's thjat simple.
Brian
I don't like the way you think...I LOVE THE WAY YOU THINK!!!! I am gonna get out and do some of this stuff!!! I am totally diggin' your approaches! Many thanks!
Jeani
I love the ideas about the temporary tattoos.
Holy crap- these are some great ideas. I love guerilla marketing- its fun, cheap and effective.
Clint there are fantastic! Way to think outside the box!
Love it love it love it - very creative and you're right there have been times i've been out and about and seen a website advertised and had NO idea what it was to so of course I went home and looked it up.
There are some great tips here. And I love the dentist wrap up there...
Clint - Thanks for the great list of marketing ideas and helping us think outside the box.
Great post Clint. I think these ideas will all get notice. People tend to remember different and if it is slightly annoying they remember it more.
BTW,I heard music in background here. Did I miss something new or have I finally gone over the virtual edge and am hallucinating?
Wow, Clint...great post. Love the ideas and I think the Virgin Atlantic ad was pretty creative! Funny what a bit of imagination will do - especially for generating business.
Thank you all for the wonderful comments!!! I can not tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you took the time to comment. Very appreciative!
Those of you that get these types of marketing ideas and are going to try them, please do me a favor and let me know how it works out for you!!! Id like to do a follow-up post to this one some of your exploits. ;-)
OHhh I love that phone number idea! Quite a few great thoughts, thanks for sharing and as always, great writing!
Lesley -- Yeah, the phone number one is sheer genius! Truly wish I could take credit for that one. ;-)
Clint...now you are thinking outside the box. Love your ideas..I may try some of them.
Rebecca -- :-) I hope it works out for you!
PURE GENIUS!
Paula -- Thanks!
Dang! These are some great ideas and I just might try some of them. Love the Mini Moo's!
Joan -- Mini-Moos make me happy. :-)
Great information!
Diana -- Thanks!
Good Ideas Clint! Thanks for posting this blog.
I also hand my card with the restaurant charge to the waiter/waitress after we sign the slip. It's amazing how many will say "I (or my friend) is looking for a place where you work.
You're Amazing!!
The Regan Team
"Come to the Beautiful North Georgia Mountains - God's first choice in real estate"
Inside the box is yesterday. Outside the box is today and the next day and the next etc.........Forward thinking is paramount in the world we live in!-Great post Clint
I particularly like the idea of taking over the phone number of an office that closed in the area. I never would have thought of that. With the market being as it has been and may continue to be for some time, I would expect that an office or two in my area may close. I am going to remember this one! Thanks for the post.
Brenda -- Thank you for reading it. ;-) You never know when you will find a client. Always be looking!
Craig -- Thank you, Craig!
Heidi -- I loved the phone thing. Again, I totally wish I had thought of that one.
A few weeks ago, I painted a sign that said: WILL SELL HOUSES FOR FOOD.
I stood on the corner, a newspaper reporter came to see what I was doing and I had a 4x4 photo and a half page article explaining that I was pledging to donate 5% of my commisions to a local food bank on page 2 the next day.
A few agents lost it... said I was degrading the profession. Seems Dr. and Lawyers don't do that... I always thought I was a salesperson.
Most agents supported it and I got 3 buyers and a listing that day. More are coming every day.
Thanks, for the post, Clint. I had stickers made with my website and logo, but I have'nt had the balls to put them out yet. A gentle reminder to just do it.
Vicki -- That is GENIUS!!! Congratulations on thinking way outside the box and showing everyone that daring to be different will lead to money in the long run!! NICE WORK!!! (You cant see this, but Im standing and applauding you!)
OMG! Some of this is about to placed on my agenda! Way to think way, way outside the box. Awesome.
Pat -- Glad I could help. ;-)
Great ideas and creative thinking. Thanks for sharing!
I had a great idea; (I had hoped more people would share some too!)
I created a "bookmark" with various pics and contact info on them & I inserted them into every Real Estate & Mortgage book in every public library in my city. It took a few weeks, because I didn't want to drive all over town constantly.
I've never been a big spender, so I've relied on creativity: I have tons of cheap ideas! (It also helps that my wife's company can print for me for free!) (If i do it in moderation)
Ditto what everyone else has already said - - thanks for sharing - - I have the first "to do" from your list all picked out to try later today!
Clint, Great ideas, and enforces that not everything has to cost 200.00 to accomplish. One of the funniest business cards I have ever seen was from an agent who had a picture of himself with his hair standing straight up and their eyes wide open, like a finger in a light socket look. The caption under the picture said working with agent so and so is a hair raising experience. Great example of "Guerrilla marketing"
Thinking outside of the box. That's what it's all about. Differentiate, differentiate, differentiate!
We snapped up the phone number for the only other commercial real estate firm in town when they went through a reorganization and lost control of the number. It has been hugely successful for us! That number had been marketed for over ten years as THE number for commercial real estate. Quite a boost for our start-up company.
Great Ideas, I have seen some of these things successfully work with no cost. Great Post!
Creative, outside the box ideas. Love it!
Great ideas there, sometimes it amazes me just how productive some people can become. In times like these it is more apparent then ever. When you don't have the money to spend or just plane money period it is hard to come by these days, every little thing can help. I utilize the discount and consignment shops and antique stores here in our area. Great tourist attraction and a quality flayer or tri-fold brochure can do wonders. Oh, yeah don't forget the restaurant's! Keep up the good work nice information for everyone!
Karen -- Thank you so much!! Love the doggy-cam idea!! Thats great!!
Holly -- My pleasure!
Shawn -- Same concept as the business cards in books. Its a good idea...and it will bring in clients. Nice call.
Terry -- Let me know how it goes!!
Dean -- I think I have seen that same card...Or someone that copied it. Great way to make your card memorable! Awesome!
Tony -- Agreed, Agreed, Agreed!
Tim -- Suhweeeeeet! :-) Thank you for the validation on this one!
Gary -- Thats one of the real neat things about this is that they are very little or no cost options.
Laura -- Thank you!
Keith -- Every little bit helps, Keith. And, thanks for commenting!
Thank you so much for a tremendous post! Low cost, high value, and something to make the world smile! Bravo. Am readjusting my stamp as we speak!!LOL
I like your ideas. I have always felt cost isn't directly tied to results.....
Fred -- You are very welcome! Stamp away!
Mark -- Cost is never tied to results...well, almost never. ;-)
Sharon -- Anything to get the creative juices flowing!
I'm not sure whether that's guerilla marketing, or just marketing spam.
Don't get me wrong, you have some pretty good ideas, but what's the point of getting your message everywhere if people are not looking for you. Now that I think about it most of the things you've described are more on the edge of interrupt marketing rather than guerilla marketing.
Really, that's just my two cents. I'm more of a believer in conversation marketing where you get your porscpects involved and engaged. 90% of what you've described here is quite the opposite of that. You're talking about canvassing areas with a message that no one is looking for just forcing your message on them.
Notice how the pictures you provided gave an insightful message. The egg crates on the conveyor- They are telling you they handle their packages with care.
The tear away teeth advertising the dentist office. that makes sense and gets attention.
How does anything you described tie into your business or what it can do for your porspects? I don't really see the relevance of sticky notes with a stamp on them making you a good choice for their agent.
With that said, I like the idea of using the business cards in the library books. You are providing RELEVANT information because you've targetted books that are in your "niche."
Thanks Clint, I'm a comic so I don't mind the spotlight or making a spectacle of myself. I also don't mind hecklers, lol.
Both hilarious AND smart. Thanks for sharing!
Clint, these are really good. I especially love the SlimFast ad. But the tear away "teeth" had me laughing. I love guerilla marketing because it's risky and creative.
Jonathan -- With all due respect, I understand your point. But, the majority of the marketing that people do to support their product is generic, inefficient and unaffective. Billboards for example. Incredibly expensive and have the potential to lead to little or no business.
These are merely examples of things you can do to bring attention to your site, your company, or your message. After that, it is up to you to engage in conversations with interested parties and move them into a postition to be able to work with you. Getting them to that point is the goal...by any means possible. If that includes a stiky note in a bus stop, then its a win, right?
Please understand that I am not discrediting anything you said about needing to engage with them and prove your worth on a conversational level. But, if you arent bringing people to your site or to your door, how can you engage them?
Vicki -- From one class clown to another....Bravo! :-)
Shannon -- Thanks!
Angelica -- Thank you so much! Yes, its risky. But it can be hugely rewarding.
Clint - These are great ideas and the most important lesson is to get out of a comfort zone.
I was involved in real estate marketing for 10+ years and am now selling but I'm marketing myself in the
traditional ways - something I would never have done for my clients! Thanks for the shake up.
Thanks for the kick in the ass post. Seriously. I used to be more exciting now I am getting boring. This weekend at my open houses we are drawing on the streets in chalk! Dab nab it, taking it to the streets.
Hey Clint,
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. Definitely, these are creative ideas to make yourself standout from the crowd. I'll look forward to hearing some more great ideas.
Sharon -- Thank you very much! And, you are welcome for the wake-up call. ;-)
Scott -- You are very welcome! Takin it to the streets!! Let me know how it goes! :-)
Mike -- Thank you very much! I am hoping to post a follow-up to this blog with some testimonials from agents that have tried some of these. ;-)
I have to agree with you Clint, the majority of marketing people do IS expensive and unproductive. The billboard is an excellent example of that, however what you've mentioned above is only 1/2 the picture of guerilla marketing.
Guerilla Marketing defined by Wikipedia: Typically, guerrilla marketing campaigns are unexpected and unconventional; potentially interactive[1]; and consumers are targeted in unexpected places.[2] The objective of guerrilla marketing is to create a unique, engaging and thought-provoking concept to generate buzz, and consequently turn viral
I can see how the ideas you've shared above are unexpected and unconventional, but how do they meet the objective? How do they provoke thought?
I think these ideas are a good primer, but they don't have the close that's required for guerilla marketing. I'm merely trying to point out that there's more to it than just having a sticky note with a website. What's the reason that anyone would visit that website rather than disregard it as trash?
What kind of conversions are you getting on these campaigns? Can you share real data with us?
How many visits does each post it bring to your page? How many of the visitors do you convert?
Clint,
Fabulous ideas! Thank you so much for sharing!
Kathy Opatka
You know what's great marketing is when someone formats their post so that I don't have to scroll to the right to read it.
Joathan -- I think every one of these examples is thought provoking. Ive seen them used to great success. If I saw a sticky note on a wall somewhere that had a website on it, I would immediately think to myself...."I wonder why thats there. What is this site?" And, I would look it up...Probably on my blackberry while standing at the bus stop. ;-) With regards to your specific question of what reason someone would visit the site rather than accept it as trash?? I cant attest for any one individual that would see it...that would be up to them. But, someone like me would view it. You never know what or where your next client will come from. :-)
I would certainly agree that the intent is to generate buzz. But, I would disagree that these concepts wouldnt do that.
In Missoula, there is a huge farmers market every Saturday. Gigantic! It is held in the center of the city at the old Higgins St. Railway Station. Along with it, there is a much smaller market held under the Higging St Bridge in Carras Park...roughly a half-mile walk from the larger market. The small market uses sidewalk chalk to draw attention to itself. Aarows and descriptions of products available, etc....And, routinely, that little market is more packed than the giant one at Higgins Station. Can I attribute that to the sidewalk chalk all over the city?? Probably not...but, can I discredit the sidewalk chalk?? Nope.
Kathy -- Thank you very much! And, you are quite welcome.
Great post Clint - I have a pad of post-it notes and I know how to use them! The funny little things always seem to work, don't they? :)
I have not tried any of these lately, but I can tell you we ask EVERY customer how they found out about us and adjust our fire as needed. We have left cards in our local Home Depot and had a few calls and closes from that.
Vince - DUCTZ
Great ideas! We have already infiltrated the library.
I love the teeth:) I am not so in your face except with blogs I guess, but I still love reading some of these!
Vince -- Ive seen all of these work to some degree. Being in the business that you are in...Id leave cards in every hardware store within 100 miles. ;-)
Stephen -- Thanks!
Courtney -- I love the teeth :-)
Absolutely LOVE it! Now I just have to get my wife (and real estate partner) to sign off on these great ideas. That won't be an easy task as she tends to be a bit more conservative than I am.
Mark -- Thank you very much! Conservative is good...My wife is conservative also. She is my righting wind in a blustery sea. ;-)
Great ideas and a great way to reach the internet generation who are becoming first time buyers.
Kryste -- Thank you very much! :-)
Great post!!! You are absolutely correct. Marketing is different than advertising and it is easy to forget that. The timing of your post is great as well because I have been thinking a lot lately about outside the box marketing and you certainly helped to get the juices flowing. Thank you for sharing.
Uplifting great ideas that are outside of the box !!!!
Shawn -- Thank you very much! Any time you need a creative kick in the shorts, Im here for you. ;-)
Michael -- Thank you!
You are good feature-boy, that's all I can say!
T
Tamara -- Uhhhh....Thanks. ;-)
These are great marketing ideas to set ourselves apart from what others are doing! Thanks for sharing!
Lisa -- My pleasure!
This is a great post. Great ideas and great comments. I will have to try some of them, though we don't have sidewalks here in the mountains, so that's out. As far as mini business cards in the sugar dish, why not have sugar packets made up with your name and website and leave those when you go to a restaurant!
Some excellent ideas...so easy... a "caveman could do them"
I love these ideas and when I see something cool like that, I always say "Why didn't I think of that?" When my daughter had her band, she used to put their CDs in the empty bins in the stores. The salespeople knew they were doing it, but left them alone. It was funny. Her business card now has a big bite taken out of it (the company is Big Mouth Media). btw, I've heard that photos should be tagged with key words, but what exactly does that mean? Just naming the file with appropriate words?
Amy -- Thank you so much! Great idea about the pre-printed sugar packets!
Victor -- Oooga booga..ugh. (Caveman for Thanks!)
Diane -- Love the business card!! And the CD distribution!! With regards to the photos...yes, thats all I do.
This is one of the best post I have seen by an advertiser who understand Web 2.0. He is light on selling, but I know he is selling. He gives good examples and gives me examples that may work specifically for me.
I am bookmarking this one.
The pictures are very amusing and you made your point. Where do you come up with these wonderful ideas?
Gene -- One of the best comments I have received in my blogging career. Thank you, sir. Very, very appreciative!
Carol -- A good portion of these I have used at one point or another. Ive seen some of them used...and some of them are just ideas that pop into my head when I sleep. :-)
Thanks for the great suggestions Clint! I am a big fan of "out of the box" thinking. That is why I am an Agent of Possibility !! I leave my unique business card everywhere! It stands out and makes people look! I love the ideas you have provided and plan to implement many of them in my marketing strategies!
Stephanie -- Youre quite welcome! Let me know how it goes, please!
Clint - This is probably one of the best posts I have ready this year ! My wife read it aloud this morning which I was astounded by the brilliance of it. Congrats !
Hey there stranger (or maybe it's me???) We do the computer thing :) and some others but just by reading this a few more popped in my head... I guess it's a good thing and YES the teeth idea is awesome... and I need to check a bigger re company just closed their doors here. Hmmm. ~Rita
GREAT post! I just completed my Vista Print order for 1500 business cards for only $22! Just a big headline, 800 number and website! Now armed and dangerous for sugar packet holders in restaurants, magazines in my dentist's office and hair salon, libraries, parking lots and where ever else I decide to drop them. Great idea with great timing. Let's go get 'em, Guerillaa! Lot of business out there for those that dare to be different!
I really like the business cards in books and stamping the money.
Clint, being completely original in marketing takes a mind that thinks out of the box. Clearly you possess one of those clever minds. Great post!
I love this stuff, but a lot of agents will think it is over the top. When I first got into the business I had 1000 name riders made with just my webiste and posted all over town. It was so cool.
Now I know what to do with all of those cute little moo cards that have just been sitting in my car :)
For years I have put my business card in books before I returned them to the library. But I love the idea of taking it a bit further and choosing business related books.
Thanks!
Very clever ideas that make the job of marketing FUN!
Christopher and Stephanie -- *humbly* Thank you! I dont know about brilliant, but its sure fun. ;-)
Rita!!! I have missed you, darling! I hope you are busy with clients and not just avoiding me. ;-) Get on that phone line thing!! ;-)
Rose -- Yes, there is a ton of business out there...you just have to be willing to go out and get it.
Mike -- Thanks! Let me know if it works out.
Risa -- Thank you very much, my dear!
Charles -- Yes, lots will think it is over the top. But, those that dont will get more clients from it. ;-)
Lisa!!! I have missed you too, darling!! Yes, you do! :-)
Carol -- No problem!! Have a great time!
Karen -- Marketing is fun....if you do it right. ;-)
Look at what the average real estate agent does and do the exact opposite and you'll be successful. That is how I have always felt and this fits right in with that.
i remember a guy back in the 70's who was an older man. he was an agent for one of the big brokers in town... i thought he was either heading to play golf or to a kids B/D party dressed as a clown. Nope, he wore bright checkered pants, bright colored jacket and some weird hat, had a cane and wore gloves.
turns out he was the top salesman.
thx for a refreshing post.
ron
Gary -- Yes....Yes it does. ;-)
Ron -- Love the story! :-) And, thanks for the contact on AR also...Keep kickin' it, brotha!
Wow! I hadn't though of about half these ideas. Brilliant!! Thanks so much for sharing! One question, though... is it legal to stamp your website on money??
Oops, I see my question was already answered.... ;-)
Kristen -- Technically, Yes. ;-) But, I dont think $50 is going to get you noticed. $500,000 might. ;-)
LOVE your gorilla marketing ideas.Talk about thinking outside the box, they really get the juscies flowing. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Clint,
I agree that guerrila marketing can be terrifically effective - and your ideas and suggestions are great.
But I'll emphasize one of your statements and refute another, if I may...
You are absolutely right - if you don't know the difference between marketing and advertising, get help. There are many creative people out there who will not only steer you in the right direction, but they can offer ideas, act as your listening post, and offer objective opinions. It's good to have someone who will offer a word of caution or a flat-out "No" at times.
And as a PR gal who's been at this for onto 30 years - believe me. There IS such a thing as bad publicity. It can ruin reputations, and erode confidence in your brand. So, no matter what campaign you embark on, give it the careful consideration it deserves.
And lastly, don't underestimate the power of social media (blogging, Facebook, AR and Twitter) as a critical adjunct of any marketing campaign you undertake. Clint is a prime example of this, and a role model for many in your industry.
Love ya Clint, awesome post! Keep on keeping on:-)
Clent,
I read tons of blogs but this one really stands out. I thought I was creative but don' hold a candle to you. You have deffinatly inspired me to get busy....
im surprised more agents aren't doing these things already, i have been placing my business cards in the business section of book stores for over five years now.
im surprised more agents aren't doing these things already, i have been placing my business cards in the business section of book stores for over five years now.
Thanks Clint; very clever and creative. It gets one to think outside the bun!
Linda Landry Exit Realty 1st Choice Tucson, AZ
Jill, Cathy, Don, Linda, Allen -- Thank you all for the kind words....and for the kudos. I am very happy you liked the post!! And, I hope it helps inspire more ideas from each of you!
Love the twitter / website stamp. Recently had a buyer client want to cancel a buyer agency agreement based on my facebook invitation, "It violated his confidentiality agreement"?? What?? Any similar situation?
Donna -- I have never heard of such a thing! I would love to hear more on this story, however...do you have a blog??? Write it out for us please~!
I'm not sure about the 'guerilla' naming. There is someone here on AR that has the sacrilegious type of thing going on and that's just too much for me! In your face funny is one thing but somethings go over the line. Good suggestions & congrats on the feature.
Lyn -- By definition, Guerrilla marketing is "an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget". Certainly all of the suggestions in this post fit that description. ;-)
I love your post! I am so happy to have found it. Great ideas...
Barbara -- Thank you very much! Im happy you did too. :-)
Clint, what a breath of fresh air. I read each and every comment and no one said it so I am going to. Our Homes & Lifestyle magazines are in all the grocery stores, some restaurants and our office. Anyone who picks one of those up is looking for a house. THAT is where you put your business card. In the Homes Magazine!
These are all great ideas. I actually have two of Dave Woodson's million dollar bills. Now I want some of my own...Dave, are you listening?
yea, yea....and the axample for realtors can be found where??
Evelyn -- Thank you so much! And yes, trade mags are THE first place I would put a business card. Im looking forward to getting one of those million dollar bills. ;-)
Michael -- Mike...bit of a narrow-minded view, isnt that? I dont think there is a single thing on this list that you can not do, at least in part, to help promote yourself.
these are some great ideas and i will try some of them. some others are i deliver pumpkins in the fall and basil plants in the spring to my farm area-people love it. i also have my dog-big black lab on my business card-many people told me not to do it-it worked and people recognize blue and me-that dog has made me alot of money.
Some Realtors get stuck in what has been done in the past, what costs the most, and forget to take risks. You have creative yet simple ideas that anyone can try, but it does require some jumping out of the comfort zone. The problem is we have been bombarded with advertisements since birth, that it is hard to stand out today. I am a runner and you always get a t-shirt at a race advertising the race. I thought why not advertise myself as a Realtor. It is a clever idea that has started to get me noticed at races. No P&S yet but definitely causing people to notice.
Clint, Great post. I teach to some of my clients your ideas, here's some more:
1. Real Estate/Mortgage Agents put a business card in the free directories for homes and apartments in the local food stores. These are replaced every week, so it's good to do this once a week (here there has to be at least 50 stores) Also, there are stands that offer "free" directories, love having someone do this in the "For sale by Owner" directories...
2. Have Restaurant owners put out a "drop in your business card for free lunch", what this means is that the owner who is giving the business card wants to be contacted. And because they did "give" their business card, use the information on the card for email campaigns on specials for the week, etc. Yes, some are going to say that it is spam, or that you can not fax that person... but because the business card was "given", it is perfectly legal. And always put a disclaimer on the bottom of whatever you put out that if you do not want to recieve any more info to fax/email saying as much.
3. Do not think about working inside the box, or outside of the box, draw your own box...
Cecile -- Love the pumpkin and basil idea!!
Nicholas -- Thank you very much...and yes, the boundaries need stretched for these. ;-) Nice job with the T-shirt idea...good idea.
Kenneth -- Thank you very much...and thank you for the additions to the list. I like the free lunch idea...good way to farm new prospects.
This post is creative/hilarious. I think that being outside of the box can usually be a great thing. My favorites: money cards and placing your cards in every book.
Mark -- Thank you very much! Im glad you found it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Hi Clint,
Great post! Lots of interesting and innovative ideas,
inspiring to make us all come out with some new
ideas of our own.
Thanks
Lydia -- That was the point. :-)
I love the pictures in your blog. Being different does draw more attention and makes it easier for others to remember who you are. Your marketing ideas are great. I appreciate your blog and I am sure it will help me in the future.
Iris -- Thank you so much for your kind words! If I can help in any way, please let me know!