Marketing Strategies for Dummies?

[Bart Charkow]

Hey all!  Quick synopsis of my background; contractor for ten years as well as six years of estimating multi-million dollar construction projects.  In addition to this, I have been investing in residential properties for the last three years having closed approximately twelve deals and have two currently on the market and three in the works.

Having said all of that, I struggled with finding these deals.  It took a lot of legwork (common practice and not afraid of it) to get these properties however I found that more seasoned investors have a much easier time in finding these deals.  Most of the investors I work closely with have simply networked over the years and created a book of business.  I, unfortunately, have not networked as well.

Long story short (or so you thought), I am looking to understand the best/worst techniques in marketing for real estate.  I am looking to market directly to homeowners either looking to sell (free and clear), in foreclosure (short sale) or estates.  I have absolutely no idea what marketing strategies work and what don't.  I am willing to invest anywhere between $2-$3K a month for approximately three months for a marketing campaign but I have absolutely NO idea where to begin.  I am looking to do anything/everything (social media campaigns, EDDM, email blasts, etc.).

Can someone fill me in on what works and what I should avoid, what I should look into,  and any marketing agencies that I may benefit from, etc?  I am a sponge, soak me.  I am on Long Island, New York.  Thanks in advance!