15 Ways to Generate Motivated Seller Leads: #10

Bandit signs are essentially hundreds of mini billboards.  Better than billboards, you can target place the bandit signs at high traffic intersections in your prime interest areas without the cost and long-term commitment. Bandit signs are truly one of the best ways to reach a mass audience.

For the best results your signs should all say the same thing.  They should also ALWAYS be un-cluttered, easy-to-read statements that create an emotional call to action reaction.   Your signs need to supply a phone number and an easy to remember lead capture URL .

I suggest simple and direct statements like “AVOID FORECLOSURE,”  “SELL FAST- NO STRINGS,” “OUR TEAM BUYS HOUSES,” “WE BUY HOUSES,” or “(YOUR NAME) BUYS HOUSES.”  I also suggest using a color scheme that will differentiate your signs.  I am known for my signs, not just because of the message, but the color.

The phone number you supply should either be answered 24/7 by someone scripted and trained to convert the caller.  There are answering services or virtual assistants that are extremely cost-effective and will keep you from losing potential leads.

If you are not using an answering service and cannot take the calls yourself, you may want to consider a lead capture phone system.  We have used a “FREE Recorded Message” system that captures the caller’s phone number and triggers us immediately by text so that we can call them right back.

Any web address you provide should be a squeeze page that matches the message of your bandit signs.  Be certain to offer something of value to anyone who visits the page and opts-in.  We receive any opt-in visitor leads immediately by email so that we can call them back before they have even left their computer.

Bandit signs can be pricey.  Search for a reasonable price.  In this market, you may be surprised to find a locally owned sign shop that will happily match or beat any on-line prices.

Agent TIP:  If you are placing bandit signs with intent to provide marketing services to the leads you generate, make sure the signs are in-line with your REC advertising rules.  As an agent and investor, my investment entity is responsible for the signs.  That investment entity refers any leads to my licensed team if they do not meet investment criteria.

To determine where to place your signs:  Map out the highest traffic areas in the areas that you prefer to generate leads or are already spending money to generate leads from.   There are many online sites you can go to research traffic patterns.   I do not suggest placing your signs inside any subdivisions or tight-knit communities.  It is best to place the signs on busy streets that lead to the neighborhoods you like to work in.  Placing signs near heavily trafficked shopping centers will always increase your response rate as well.

To save time and money placing the signs, consider an intern or paid-at-close team member that is will place the signs on a set schedule of days and locations.

Be prepared to lose some signs in the process.  Both the sign police and your competition will take them down.  If you get a call from the authorities, always play the ‘ignorance is innocence’ route and be polite and compliant.

Referral TIP:  When your team members or you are driving around and note competitors’ signs, write down their number and web address.  Call them and let them know what servicers you supply.  Often, your competition is searching for easy or equity deals.  They may happily refer their short sale leads to you.  Even better, they may have interest in discount deals you find.  Remember….”Monetize Every Effort”!

To Your Short Sale Success!

Amy Ransdell ~ Atlanta's Short Sale Expert