How and where to Market?

[Bhairavi Patel]

Hi all!

I am action mode and am inviting success into my world! Thank you all for being so supportive and sharing stories about your success. It's incredibly uplifting and inspiring!

A few questions,

I am beginning to market right now and I understand that marketing is a HUGE part of success. Once I have chosen an area to market, how do I do direct mail? I've heard of this, but what does it entail? Do I blast an entire zip code? What's the best method in your opinion (postcard, letter, brochure, etc)? Do I drive for dollars and gather property listings and mail them directly? Do I focus on for 'sale by owner' listings? Am I allowed to direct mail properties that have been listed by an agency? How can I increase communication my target population? 

Thank you for your anticipated help. Here's to not being a victim of analysis paralysis! 

[Rick Pozos]

There are several podcasts that deal directly with marketing here on biggerpockets that answer those questions directly. 

My opinion: Do all that you mentioned. I do. I drive for dollars at least once a month to add some names and addresses to my list. I send out postcards every month. I have sent letters. 

The first thing I would do starting off, market yourself to all your friends, family, neighbors and anybody who will listen to you. Leave your business card with a good tip everytime you eat out. Let everybody that you come into contact with know that you are looking for people who are behind on their mortgage, taxes, inherited a home, tired landlord, or anybody who needs to get out of their house quick.  And that you can help them by buying their home.  This, of course, would be in addition to sending out postcards, letters, etc.

The phone should start ringing very soon.