Mass Mail Marketing - What works?

[Lisa Beard]

I am just starting to manage other vacation rental properties in my area, and have a targeted list of owners I would like to reach out to. What have you found that works best in trying to gain additional business (or even getting someone to sell off market)? A few ideas I have heard are handwritten addresses (which would take forever, but I'm open), including something like a keychain or koozie with your logo, personalized letter, etc. Any ideas? Approximate lead conversion rates? Thank you!

[Jaron Walling]

@Lisa Beard We had some success with hand written envelopes and printed letters. We signed each letter and it's personalized to the neighborhood but it's very time consuming. I've mailed hundreds of targeted letters to distressed property owners, but I don't think a keychain is going to convince me to call you. That's just my opinion. 

I know owners are opening and reading personalized mail but from my experience it's painfully hard to get responses. Text messages, email, and Facebook targeting is the wave of the future but it's expensive. 

Honestly I'd focus on networking and making organic connections with people. It sounds stupid but it's the easier/cheaper way to find more properties and grow a management company if that's your goal. Start telling current STR owners to give your name out. Build a website. Build a brand and make it easy to contact with you. It's no different than the roofer I've hired a few times. Other than a simple website with his contact info he spends ZERO DOLLARS on marketing. He does good work at a cheaper price and everyone recommends him. It's a constant loop of projects and phone calls from other investors looking for work. He created a funnel by answering his phone, communicating in a timely fashion, and busting a**.