Marketing Before Product Launch

[oliver27]

Hi all,

Looking to gain customers before we officially launch. Property related website. We believe having customers/properties on our site before we launch will help greatly, and instill confidence in others. 0 X customers/properties listed on our site at launch will mean an uphill battle. We want to begin the uphill battle before we go live!

Is there any advice you could provide? Has anyone else been in a similar situation, and if so, what have you done?

Thanks

 

[Bart Simpson]

It is a good thing to list your clients on the site. Anyone who would want information about you would come to the site looking for it.
However, since the website isn't launched yet how would you gain the customers that you would list later on?

 

[mobile-marketing-online]

Why don't you run some type of facebook promotion asking realestates to list initaly some of their houses that haven't yet sold and finding the hardest to sell. You can start your stock off using a unique and strategic approach, and rally off a ipad each week or month to whoever shares your page the most.

 

[telemax]

Hi all,

Looking to gain customers before we officially launch. Property related website. We believe having customers/properties on our site before we launch will help greatly, and instill confidence in others. 0 X customers/properties listed on our site at launch will mean an uphill battle. We want to begin the uphill battle before we go live!

Is there any advice you could provide? Has anyone else been in a similar situation, and if so, what have you done?

Thanks

There is no easy way of doing this. Personally, I'd ring up every Estate agency (if that's who you're aiming at), starting with local ones with a view to giving you a try. Lots of rejection, Lot of hours but you could probbly dig some good customers out from it.

 

[oliver27]

Thanks guys, some good ideas.

We were thinking about doing an e-shot to relevant audience, but dependent on the result of this, may have to get on the phone like you suggested. Like you've said, there probably isn't an easy way to do this, so will just have to get cracking.

Thanks again

 

[TelesMedia]

Hi Oliver,

How are you going to know who to e-shot ?

Anthony

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Free or half price listing just to bulk out the site? Then charge the normal rate once launched properly?

 

[JonathanSEO]

What kind of properties are going to be on your site?

Telemaxs idea probably the best. Obviously nobody will pay to list on a new site though with zero traffic so you'd likely have to do it for free.

I'd imagine there's nothing to stop you simply listing ones that are already listed on other sites? Makes it look like you're already up and running then. I doubt anyone will complain about free exposure and if they do you can just take it down.

You can start your stock off using a unique and strategic approach, and rally off a ipad each week or month to whoever shares your page the most.

There's nothing unique or strategic about giving away iPads for meaningless likes / shares.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

I'd imagine there's nothing to stop you simply listing ones that are already listed on other sites? Makes it look like you're already up and running then. I doubt anyone will complain about free exposure and if they do you can just take it down.

Im sure Tesco tried this when they had a go at being an estate agent. They were threatened with legal action and quickly removed them.

 

[JonathanSEO]

Im sure Tesco tried this when they had a go at being an estate agent. They were threatened with legal action and quickly removed them.

Purely because they were Tesco though, a company that big gets scrutinized.

Plus they were trying to muscle in and cut out the estate agents not help them. Cleverly billed it as an advertising portal.

If this website advertises properties and the estate agency that's selling them too then I can't think why they wouldn't want to be on there. Like a free Right move. Need to find out from the OP.

 

[Esk247]

I wouldn't drag the information from someone elses site to be honest, you're asking for trouble. Chances are those agents took the photos of the property and have negotiated with the home owner, they may even be the sole agent for that seller, you risk being black listed.

E-shot, probably won't have any effect, estate agents don't read things like that, they're busy with selling houses or appointments.

Call them or find a way to network with them on a more personal level. You need their attention for 5 minutes.

 

[Normansmith]

How about the owner listed sales sites, Preloved, Gumtree, Craigslist and Vivastreet these are listed by owners, usually to cut out the estate agents commissions.
See if they would be interested in a listing ? not upsetting anybody if you try that !

 

[oliver27]

Thanks for all the ideas. We are going to be a completely free service for landlords to let their property. And we already have a cash referral scheme. So can't half price it or whatever. May be a good call for prize, but this seems a bit gimmicky. I think the main thing people would want to be assured of is trust.

I think maybe a personal email message setting it out clear and honestly may be the best approach?

 

[bharatbooks]

Marketing before launch sounds good., Real estates business is mostly depends on the contacts and good relationship with the customers, now it is up to you how youre going to make it. For the per-advertisement social media would be the great way.