With internet marketing now the most critical part of a real estate agent's promotional campaign (either to win listings or sell them), comes more and more information on how to set yourself apart from the crowd in a crowded marketplace.

The Melbourne Age ran a recent article ("Online is the new position, position, position') outlining what some leading agents there are doing. You will find no disagreement from aussiehome.com, who are always banging the drum of online marketing (it's what gets us up in the morning) - putting the power of the media back in your hands.

The main take aways from this are:

1. A new breed of real estate agent, tech savvy, up with the latest online techniques

2. Brands themselves using online marketing - active on facebook, twitter, youtube...

3. Use of blogs

4. Makes sure their web sites are high on Google ("SEO" - search engine optimisation)

5. Makes sure their own web site is up on Google real estate

How do you measure up on this checklist?

Please CONTACT US for help, come to one of our courses, read and also FOLLOW THROUGH on the advice we give here.

(Photo + story: Melbourne Age, 25th Aug 2009)

Announcing more courses in facebook, twitter and internet marketing - presented by Charlie Gunningham, at REIWA Learning - learn what all the fuss is about, how to actually USE social media, and rack up your CPD points. Book through REIWA Learning - click on the buttons below to take you through to the sites.

4 hour morning course (4 CPD pts) click here for more info... 

3 hour afternoon course (3 CPD pts) click here for more info...

Full day course (7 CPD pts) click here for more info

Some dates booked out already, hence alternative dates given.

Past attendees have said: " Easily the best course I've ever been on "  ... " a great presentation by someone expert is his field " .... " fantastic course, I reckon I have saved myself $20,000 in advertising costs! "

PLUS - Charlie will be speaking at the REIWA Conference, Fri 30th Oct, Burswood - in a panel session on SOCIAL MEDIA - see you there!

Now, some unsettling news... and a salutory tale:

A few weeks ago Rob Druitt contacted us about someone having bought his web name (robdruitt.com.au and robdruitt.com), pointed it to another web page with some real estate links on it and we referred him to our IP lawyer at Wrays.

Wrays  uncovered the person’s name and that he had not only bought Mr Druitt’s name as a web address (who we need not remind you is the current President of REIWA), he also has bought about 30 others, including some prominent aussiehome.com clients (we've contacted these people directly).

Our position would be that if your name has been taken as a web address by this person, please feel free to contact Rob Druitt for the latest update in the situation. We expect all to be resolved soon and the domain names handed over to their namesakes.

While it is relatively easy to go to a web domain name purchasing website to buy domains, when you do this for prominent real estate agents (or anyone) who have their own profile, then the legal position is clear. To check whether your name is available or taken, you can go to somewhere like http://www.netregistry.com.au/ and enter your name to see if the .com.au is available.

Even if you're not thinking of using it, our advioce would be to grab it and (at least) point it to your web site address - we can help you do this if you like. Contact US if you'd like more information on this.

It's a well established fact that real estate agencies are changing the way they think about their window displays. Technology is rapidly replacing window cards with large format digital displays taking their place. Digital displays attract more interest from buyers and prospective vendors and have greater selling power than any other out-of-home media.

A correctly installed system will quickly establish you as a market leader in the neighbourhood, significantly boosting your agency profile. A digital display system allows you to offer sellers a real competitive advantage and a leading publication even goes as far to suggest they improve staff morale!

aussiehome.com have teamed up with Australia's most advanced digital display provider, Crystal Display to offer agencies a unique opportunity to receive the full benefits of a digital display at a discounted price. Crystal Display are offering 20% off on their four year Partner plan to existing aussiehome customers.

Call Crystal Display today on 1300 51 77 48 for your obligation free consultation and mention this enewsletter to receive your aussiehome discount.

Establish your agency as a market leader with a Crystal Display and experience the instant results, you'll be happy you did.