Almost all potential home buyers nowadays use the internet to research and locate the home of their dreams. The convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home far outweighs the more traditional method of driving around town in circles looking for houses for sale.
However, many Alexandria and Arlington realtors are increasing—rather than decreasing—the amount of signage they're using to promote both their business and open houses.
That really doesn't make sense—or does it?
Read on to learn more about why realtors in the Alexandria and D.C. area focus a significant portion of their marketing budget on various forms of signage.
Open Houses (Virtually-Speaking)
Several Alexandria and Arlington realtors are still holding open houses—despite the ongoing pandemic and social distancing rules. However, instead of doing it in person, there's a slight twist; they're now taking advantage of technology and holding virtual open homes.
They'll often have one of their office assistants use their high-end iPhone or Android to host a live showing over the internet. The 5G cell phone service allows for a high-quality video to be transmitted and viewed live on one of many different channels such as YouTube, Vimeo, and even the realtor's website.
As part of the show, realtors will often string up large
banners and posters that have their names, contact info, and a website URL. This keeps the agent's brand and contact info prominently displayed throughout the entire virtual house showing.
Wayfinding, Yard, and Lawn Signs
Yard and wayfinding signage still attract the attention of a large number of people as they go about their daily routines. Wayfinding signage is especially helpful even though almost everyone has GPS and Google Maps on their phone. Despite the convenience of GPS technology, it's still much easier to follow a breadcrumb chain of signs to the house for sale. It also allows passersby to learn of a recent home for purchase in a neighborhood.
Yard signs are still the bread and butter of realtors. Some will promote their business, while others will list the important selling points of a home, such as a big backyard, large master bedroom, or new roof. The relatively inexpensive cost coupled with how lightweight and portable they are, make them an important part of any realtor's marketing toolkit.
A-Frame Signs
A-Frame signs or
sidewalk signs can help promote an open home or provide wayfinding directions to local pedestrians. Thanks to their durable construction, these signs can be used over and over again. Magnetic, chalkboard, and dry erase are just three of many different options to choose from.
They're relatively lightweight and can easily fit in the trunk or backseat of a car. Best of all, they can withstand almost anything that mother nature throws at them, including wind, rain, snow, and the ever-present Alexandria sun. UV-resistant inks and materials will allow these signs to look as good as new for many years to come.
Magnetic Car Signs
Pound for pound,
magnetic car signs offer the biggest bang for your advertising buck out of any signage option. They can generate thousands of free impressions every single day as you drive to an open home and park out front in the driveway.
Magnetic signs won't mar or damage your car's paint, and you can easily peel them off at the end of the day. Brightly colored inks and vivid graphics will command attention as you drive down the street.
Some realtors will take it a step further and add a picture of themselves to their car magnet. This creates a profound psychological effect and allows people to form a subconscious personal connection without even realizing it.
Direct Mail
While
direct mail is technically considered "marketing," and not "signage," it's making a massive resurgence amongst real estate professionals in the Alexandria area. Realtors realize that many of their competitors focus their efforts on online marketing—leaving the mailbox of prospective clients wide open.
Some realtors are using
Every Door Direct Mail from the U.S. Post Office to canvas and blanket entire neighborhoods with promotional
flyers. It allows them to select a pre-determined geographical area wherein the post office will deliver their postcards or newsletters to every single house.
Real Estate Signage in Alexandria and Arlington
The real estate market in Alexandria and Arlington is on fire and showing no signs of stopping. If you're looking to promote your realty business, consider allocating a greater portion of your marketing budget towards signage and direct mail.
If you're ready to get started or would like to learn more about the real estate signage and marketing services that we offer, give the professionals at AlphaGraphics Alexandria and Arlington Va. a call at (703) 549-2432 or
contact us via our website.