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People Prefer to Watch than Read

Published
by
NDG
on February 9, 2010
in articles, e-marketing, new home sales marketing and real estate marketing
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Sarah Yaussi of Hanley Wood, publishers of Builder magazine and many other publications that serve the residential and commercial construction industry, recently attended the IBS 2010 show in Las Vegas where she saw NDG Companies President Tom Nelson’s presentation on online marketing for homebuilders, developers, and realtors.

“I ran across this factoid on page 15: Google and YouTube are serving 10 billion videos a month. The take-away was that people online would rather watch than read. So, I’ve been taking this insight to heart of late, even purchasing a FlipCam pocket video recorder and shooting some video on my own with the intent to integrate more of it into my news stories and blogs.”

Sarah then shares “lessons learned” from her experience with video, which are good recommendations for everyone beginning with online video production. Click here to continue reading Sarah’s blog and see her new video experiment results.

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NDG’s 2010 Online Marketing Fundamentals

Published
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NDG
on February 3, 2010
in advertising, articles, e-marketing, new home sales marketing and real estate marketing
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Connect the Dot.com’s in Your Online Marketing

for Homebuilders, Developers, and Real Estate Brokerages

A Step-By-Step Process to Staying Focused and On-Track in Today’s Market

NDG is sharing a roadmap with our clients and friends this year. It’s a roadmap to achieving online advertising and marketing results in 2010. In seven steps—steps, which we admit, are complex, and which take time and dedication to achieve—NDG will show you how to lay the groundwork for online real estate marketing and sales success this year. We’ll share one step per post, starting this week with:

Follow the Content Path: The Fundamental Components Required for Integrating and Flowing Your Data

What to do, where to do it, and how to make it all work together: Revealed below is NDG’s online integration map for flowing data (content) throughout the fundamental online marketing components for Homebuilders, Developers, and Real Estate Brokerages.

dataflow3

1. Utilize a Branded, Adminable, and Content-Driven Website

What does “Adminable” mean?

This term simply means that your website is easily updated with new content by non-programmers via a Content Management System (CMS) that allows you to modify the content on your website without the help of a programmer.

What does “Content-Driven” mean?

We mean that fresh content is critical to your success, just as gasoline is required to make your car’s engine go: Community Listings, Inventory Homes List, Customizable Interactive Floorplans, Product Photography, Customizable Driving Directions to Sales Centers, Homeowner Testimonials, etc.

2. Utilize a Customer Relations Management System  (CRM)

What is a Customer Relations Management System?

Software that helps organize, manage, automate, and ensure the quality of your company’s interactions with both sales prospects and buyers.  Utilizing a CRM system will help you convert browsers into buyers.

3. Export XML Data Feeds from your CRM to 3rd-Party Referral Websites

What is an XML Feed?

This is the programming code that feeds YOUR HOME LISTINGS into third-party referral websites such as NewHomeSource.com, Trulia.com, or Move.com, etc., automatically, ensuring your listings on these websites are current and accurate—without having to manage the data manually.

4. Connect with Social Media Platforms

What are Social Media?

These are the online communities, websites, and platforms (such as Blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc) that allow people from any location on the planet to come together to share common interests. Social Media are today’s public relations.

5. Acquire and Analyze Website Analytic Performance Data

What are Website Analytics?

The hard numbers from your website and other online components that tell you who is interacting with you, or not, and why, where, when, and how. The proof is in the numbers, and the more you know and understand, the more you’ll be able to refine your approach and modify your outreach to create the greatest results.

By utilizing each of these fundamental components, and by properly flowing your content and data through them in the correct order, you can ensure that your online resources are structured for maximum efficiency, that no (or at least few) opportunities for exposure and connection with the right prospects are being missed, and that you are poised for the most return on your investment.

Next week we’ll discuss the fuel that makes this online engine run: CONTENT!

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NDG’s Red Hot Online Marketing Strategies from IBS 2010

Published
by
NDG
on January 25, 2010
in advertising, e-marketing, marketing, new home marketing, new home sales marketing and real estate marketing
. 0 Comments

A huge thank you to all who attended the Red-Hot New Home Sales and Marketing Solutions seminar with Myers Barnes and Jim Adams at this year’s International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. We appreciate your time, and we’re confident that if you employ the tactics we outlined in the program, your team will achieve online marketing success in 2010!

We know it seems overwhelming but, with a solid plan of action, and a commitment to seeing it through, your online presence will begin to pay measurable dividends.

IF YOU MISSED THIS YEAR’S SHOW: A complete PDF of the Red-Hot New Home Sales and Marketing Solutions presentation is now available for you to download at your convenience here.

And of course if you ever need help, NDG stands ready to create real solutions to your online marketing and advertising problems. You can reach us anytime at our website, on our Facebook Fan page, or by calling (877) 889-1848.

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We Wish you the HAPPIEST of HOLIDAYS

Published
by
NDG
on December 17, 2009
in Fun at NDG
. 0 Comments

From all of us here at NDG Communications, we wish you a very happy, healthy, and joyful holiday. We hope you can take some time to spend with family and friends, relax, and prepare for a brighter and prosperous new year. And if you’re ready to turn over a new leaf and GET REAL with your marketing and advertising, we’ll be here for you after the break.

We wish you the Happiest of Holidays, and a Happy New Year to all.

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Get Red-Hot New Home Sales & Marketing Solutions at the 2010 International Builders Show

Published
by
NDG
on December 10, 2009
in advertising, marketing, new home marketing, new home sales marketing and real estate marketing
. 0 Comments

Join New Homes Sales Expert Myers Barnes and NDG Communications President Tom Nelson at the 2010 International Builders Show for a fast-paced, results-oriented sales & marketing download.

Prepare to ignite your selling power with sensible solutions and a bold line of attack for your sales and marketing organization. Learn the techniques that will propel you to success in the new marketplace, along with remedies for overcoming hardship economies.

Wednesday, January 20th at 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, South 220

Click Here to Learn More about NDG at the 2010 International Builders Show.

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NDG Goes for Gold at the Nationals Awards

Published
by
NDG
on December 3, 2009
in Awards and advertising
. 0 Comments

The Nationals are the National Sales and Marketing Awards for the Real Estate and Homebuilder Industries. Now in its 28th year, The Nationals Awards Show pays tribute to superior new-home sales and marketing achievements by marketing professionals, homebuilders, and associates.

Silver Award Winners are the top vote recipients in each category and are the finalists for the Gold Award, which will be announced and presented January 19, 2010 in Las Vegas.

NDG Communications has received a Silver Award for Best Internet Marketing Campaign for K. Hovnanian Homes’ Pounce Before the Bounce campaign, and a Silver Award for Best Marketing Promotion by an Associate for the Myers Barnes Thrival Kit.

NDG  is proud to share this recognition with our clients, and proud of the work we have done for them this year. We look forward to seeing you all at the International Builders Show in January for the Nationals Award Show.

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A Time of Thanks

Published
by
NDG
on November 25, 2009
in Fun at NDG
. 0 Comments

In a year of the “Great Recession,” slumps in the housing industry, and rising unemployment, daily life has been challenging to say the least in 2009. As we all prepare to share another Thanksgiving with our families and loved ones, I still believe that, as Americans, we have numerous “silver linings” despite the current economic conditions and conflicts our country is engaged in abroad.

  • Regardless of your stance on our government and its policies, The United States of America is the GREATEST country in the world.
  • First and foremost, we are FREE. Free to prosper, worship, speak, protest…whatever you choose.
  • Capitalism—for all its faults—is still the best economic system in the world and provides all Americans with an opportunity to prosper.
  • And while I acknowledge that many American families are struggling this year, our struggles still do not compare with the extreme poverty, famine and strife that many Third World countries endure daily.

Most of all, I am thankful for that 19-year-old American Soldier, who is in harm’s way and willing to die for the cause of freedom. Their sacrifice allows you and I to celebrate with those we hold dear. Regardless of your politics, opinions or thoughts on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, our troops deserve the respect and appreciation of all Americans.

So before you watch the game tomorrow, or join hands in prayer at the table around your feast of turkey and trimmings, please consider those brave patriots of our military who are standing watch, so we can enjoy a holiday.

On behalf of myself and everyone at NDG would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Tom Nelson

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CRITICAL HOUSING INDUSTRY NEWS

Published
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NDG
on November 5, 2009
in articles, new home sales marketing and real estate marketing
. 0 Comments

In service to our clients and partners in the real estate industry, NDG Communications often shares important news and research on our blog. Today the United States Senate announced that the homebuyer tax credit will be extended and expanded, and we present this exciting news here to keep you abreast of the facts as they develop.

Senate Acts to Extend Aid to Homebuyers; Passed $6,500 Tax Break; Headed for Quick Vote in House

Buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years would be eligible for tax credits of up to $6,500. First-time homebuyers—or anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years—would still get up to $8,000.

To qualify, buyers have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30. The credit would be extended an additional year, until June 30, 2011, for members of the military serving outside the United States for at least 90 days.

The bill is HR. 3548. “This is probably the last extension,” said Senator Johnny Isakson of Georgia, a former real estate executive who championed the credits. The new $6,500 credit for existing homeowners “is going to help us boost what is the problem in the U.S. housing market today and that is what is called the move-up market,” said Senator Isakson.

The credit is available for homes purchased at under $800,000. [The bill] doubles the income ceiling for qualification to $125,000 for individuals. The credit would be phased out for joint filers with incomes above $225,000.

The measure also strengthens the ability of the IRS to stop people who are not eligible for the program from filing fraudulent claims.

“Buyers right now have an incentive to hold off, not knowing whether the credit will be extended,” said Lucien Salvant, spokesman for the National Association of Realtors.

About 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the credit through August. The National Association of Realtors estimates that 350,000 of them would not have purchased their homes without the credit.

ALL MATERIAL HERE EXCERPTED AND ADAPTED FROM ARTICLES by STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer, 8:53 a.m. EST, November 5, 2009, and by JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer, 1:20 a.m. EST, November 5, 2009.

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NDG at GALA 2009

Published
by
NDG
on September 30, 2009
in Awards
. 0 Comments

The mavericks and mavens of the D.C. region’s real estate industry gathered at the Ritz Carlton in Tysons Corner last night for the first Great American Living Awards show. Combining the best of MAME and MONUMENT award shows of the past, GALA 2009 celebrated excellence in real estate marketing, design, architecture, and sales.

It was a big night for NDG Communications, who received numerous industry accolades, including Best Marketing Campaign for Mid-Atlantic Builders at Beechtree in Upper Marlboro. Here are some highlights of NDG s haul at GALA 2009:

• Best Brochure for an Individual Community: Granite Hill (Steuart Kret Homes)
• Best Associate Website: www.NDGCommunications.com
• Best Marketing Campaign for an Individual Community: Beechtree Villas (Mid-Atlantic Builders)
• Interactive Campaign Award of Merit: Argent Condominiums (Perseus Realty)

In addition to the awards, NDG’s President Tom Nelson was also acknowledged for his personal contribution toward the success of the event. “Everyone at NDG deeply appreciates the praise received from our peers,” said Nelson, “and we’re very proud to share this recognition with our clients.”

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GUEST BLOG: Why Do We Need Email Marketing if We Have Social Media?

Published
by
NDG
on September 4, 2009
in real estate marketing
. 0 Comments

The following is a guest blog from our friend and colleague Mike Lyon over at DoYouConvert:

Many of you are squeezing social media so hard that you have forgotten about the old-fashioned email marketing campaign. Are you thinking, with all of these status updates, tweets, article postings, video sharing, and more—we just don’t need the email campaigns like we used to?

Lately, I have received an increase in requests to speak to homebuilders about using social media to generate new home sales. It’s the topic du jour. In my presentations, I always start with this thought:

Even though we are here to talk about social media and how you can leverage that network, the bottom line is, homebuyers are not going out to search for a home on Facebook. You must have a solid foundation and a bulletproof online sales program, before you invest all of your time and effort building a social media campaign.

One of the key Internet marketing tools in your Online Sales Program is your email marketing. If you aren’t sending out monthly campaigns to potential customers, realtors, and past customers, you are missing valuable opportunities.

But Mike, we have 1,000 followers on Twitter and 400 Facebook fans. They all see our stuff, is the response I get. But does your post stick around? No, which is why email campaigns are so great.

Let’s look at some of the benefits of this traditional form of marketing (funny that email campaigns are now considered traditional).

Email campaigns are targeted. Unlike a tweet, you can guarantee that email recipients almost always see the subject line. Your challenge is to make that subject line engaging enough for the recipient to want to open it.

Email campaigns are more permanent. When the email is in someone’s inbox, they have to delete it to get rid of it. A Facebook status update or an article will disappear on its own. So, in this case, an email lives until the recipient takes action.

Email campaigns have more real estate. Emails offer more space to talk about your message link to other information, and add enticing images, which is much more powerful than the 140 characters allowed by Twitter. You can track effectiveness with email campaigns. Tracking an email’s effectiveness is easier and less time-consuming than tracking the ROI of social media.

You can take action with email campaigns. With a targeted email message, you can actually see who opens and clicks through to the specific link. When you drill down into that data, you can then pick up the phone, call the prospect or realtor and talk about the subject immediately. Very powerful stuff!

If you really want to go old school, look at direct mail. When done correctly, it can still be very effective. Like a diverse portfolio, you must always keep your marketing program well rounded. Just because there is a great new technology or a new advertising medium, it doesn’t mean the old method is useless. You always have to look at the return on time and investment to determine its value for you or your company. What old school methods still work for you?

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