When selling your home, the marketing strategy your estate agent uses can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers. A strong marketing plan helps showcase your property, generates interest, and ultimately leads to a quicker sale at the best possible price.
But how do you know if an estate agent’s marketing plan is up to scratch?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key elements to look for when assessing an estate agent’s marketing plan for your property.
Table of Contents
1. Property listings on top platforms
One of the first questions you should ask your estate agent, is where they list their properties. Most buyers start their search online, so it’s important that your property is listed on popular property websites.
Key platforms:
- Rightmove and Zoopla: These are the most visited property portals in the UK, so your home should be listed on both for maximum visibility.
- OnTheMarket: Another major portal that can increase your property’s exposure.
- Agent’s own website: Ensure your agent’s website is professional and user-friendly, with clear property descriptions and high-quality images.
Tip: Ask the agent how they promote properties across these platforms and if they use premium listings to boost visibility.
2. High-quality photos and videos
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to property listings. Buyers are much more likely to engage with a listing that has high-quality, professional photos. Some estate agent’s marketing plans also offer video tours, which can be a powerful tool in helping potential buyers visualise the space.
What to look for:
- Professional photography: Ensure the agent uses professional photographers to capture your home in the best light.
- Video tours: Ask if they provide video walkthroughs or 360-degree virtual tours, which are increasingly popular with buyers.
- Staging advice: Check if the agent offers guidance on staging your home to make it more appealing in photos and videos.
Tip: Don’t settle for blurry or low-quality images—professional photos can significantly increase buyer interest.
3. Social media marketing
In addition to property portals, social media is an essential part of modern property marketing. A good estate agent marketing plan should include platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn to reach a broader audience and generate more interest in your property.
What to ask:
- Social media presence: How active is the agent on social platforms? Do they regularly post property listings and updates?
- Targeted ads: Some agents use paid social media ads to target potential buyers based on their location, preferences, and browsing habits.
- Engagement: Look for an agent who actively engages with users by responding to comments and questions on their posts.
Tip: Ask the agent how they will use social media to promote your property and if they’ve had success with targeted ads in the past.
4. Email marketing and buyer networks
A well-connected estate agent should have a database of potential buyers, including those who have registered interest in properties like yours. Email marketing is a powerful tool to alert these buyers as soon as your home is listed, and should be included in any estate agent’s marketing plan.
What to ask:
- Email alerts: Does the agent send email alerts to buyers on their list as soon as new properties are available?
- Database size: Ask about the size of their buyer database and how they manage it.
- Tailored outreach: Check if the agent targets specific buyers who are actively searching for properties like yours.
Tip: An agent with a large, engaged buyer database can give your property an immediate advantage by directly reaching interested parties.
5. Print marketing and local exposure
While digital marketing is important, traditional methods like print advertising still have value, especially for local buyers. Some agents use flyers, brochures, and local newspaper ads to reach people in the area.
Things to check:
- Brochures and flyers: Will the agent create print materials like high-quality brochures or leaflets to market your property?
- Local press ads: Ask if they advertise in local newspapers or magazines that reach potential buyers in your area.
- For sale boards: A well-placed “For Sale” sign can attract local interest and help spread the word about your property.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of local exposure—many buyers start their search close to home, and traditional marketing methods can still make an impact. This can also be a factor when deciding between a high street and online estate agent, as they’ll have different strengths.
Final thoughts
Assessing an estate agent’s marketing plan is essential to ensure your property is promoted effectively and reaches the right buyers.
Look for a combination of online listings, high-quality photography, social media activity, and traditional marketing to give your home the best chance of selling quickly and at a good price.
Ready to find an estate agent with a solid marketing plan? Start comparing estate agents today to find one that can help you achieve a successful sale.
