3 Cost-Effective Mortgage Marketing Tactics

We all know that mortgage marketing can be a major expense. Whether you just started your business, or you have been around for years, you can’t afford to spend marketing dollars unless you know those dollars are going to work. While there are numerous marketing strategies to employ, consider one of these three marketing techniques that are effective and won’t break the bank.

Giveaways by Direct Mail:
Giveaways are nice because you don’t have to spend money multiple times. Instead, you invest in one nice prize and that’s it. Or you could even talk to another business about donating a prize in exchange for advertising or services. Sending past clients a mortgage postcard with some soft of giveaway prize for entering can stir up some new business or referral business.

There are two ways to conduct a giveaway. You can ask your customers to actually use your services- refinance your loan before the end of the year to win a holiday gift card (for example). Or you can ask them to promote you by retweeting you or sharing your information on Facebook. Both ways are very effective, so determine what you want to achieve before getting started.

Networking Matters
Networking doesn’t have to cost you anything. You can network through free, online sources such as Facebook, LinkedIn or other social media. These outlets require regular updates and constant interaction with your clients. Or you can attend in-person, networking events pertaining to your business. Some cities offer groups that are free to join, while others may require a small yearly membership fee. Either way, you get to interact, face-to-face, with potential clients or other professionals that can provide referrals.

By building up your connections, you are building your reputation. When people need your services, they will remember you. Keep in mind no matter the networking you choose to partake in, every person you meet is a potential new customer.

Websites
Your website is your chance to offer detailed information about yourself and your industry. For example, you can include your contact information, list of services and bios about your employees, but also information about how to refinance or find a broker. Your website allows you to become a source of information for your prospective clients. You will be portrayed as someone who knows what they are talking about and that helps build up the customer’s confidence in you.

These three techniques work. Because they cost so little (or nothing at all), there is no reason why you shouldn’t be using them. Start incorporating them into your marketing plans and see how quickly you benefit.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Using Charm to Win People Over and driving your success rate higher.

What does it take to be successful?  In any business you should always put you’re best foot forward.  In the mortgage business even if you are using mortgage flyers for direct mail purposes,  it is important on how your marketing material reads and what kind of an impression it gives potential clients.  For some people having personal charm is a great way to win people’s trust, however, this may not work for all.

There are a lot of things you could debate, but what about good old charm? The definition of charming is pleasing and delightful. When you think of the people you would most want to work with, would you hope they possess these qualities? Hopefully you are saying yes. Charming people easily engage with others and tend to attract opportunity. For some, this so-called charm comes naturally, while for others, it’s a learned skill. Regardless of whether you think you already exuberant charm or not, we’ve provided you some simple direction to get you going.

Smile. Such a simple gesture can charm people instantly. A grumpy face turns people off or makes you seem unapproachable. When you communicate, be sure to genuinely smile (without over-cheesing it). If you are having a rough day, don’t force the smile, but rather focus on something positive in your day or life so you don’t come off as sad or fake. If you appear happy, others will be happy too.

Dress to Impress. People will instinctively judge you based on your personal appearance, so it’s important to carry some sense of style. Your clothes should be clean, pressed and well groomed. Your hair should also be groomed, nails clean, you get the idea. By paying attention to these details, people will know that you care about the impression you make.

Eye Contact. Whenever someone is communicating with you, you must make eye contact with them. Even if you are busy at your computer, take the time to look up at someone if they approach you. People won’t trust you if they can’t look you in the eyes when talking with you. If you give them the time, they’ll feel important and appreciated, which will speak volumes of you.
Be Clever. Expand your repertoire of knowledge and anecdotes. People love to be around others that make them learn and laugh. You can easily entertain a crowd or small group with some humor and relevant stories. Pay attention to current events or industry information to incorporate into your conversations. People will enjoy your company and appreciate the insight.

Shake Hands. When appropriate, people respond well to physical contact. Upon meeting someone or seeing someone again, make it a point to offer them a firm handshake. If you are traveling internationally, be aware of the cultural differences that exist with a handshake. Physical contact can be interpreted differently, so make sure you understand the customs so you don’t offend anyone.
Show Interest in Others. Take the time to get to know others. Asking about what interests them will make them feel important and appreciated. They will develop respect for you, which could further lead them to become interested in learning more about what you like and do.
Exemplifying charm doesn’t take charm school to accomplish. Just a little practice and common sense will send you on your way to winning more people over.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Targeting Consumers in a High Rate Market Cash-Out Refinances with Mortgage Mailers

Recently, we had you follow along in a two-part blog about targeting consumers in a high rate market. We wanted to extend that series to part three to touch on the return of cash-out refinances.
Because home values are back on the rise, homeowners can once again use their home as a means to get immediate cash. Interest rates have climbed, yet home market appreciation has allowed consumers to use their home equity as a means to access cash. As home prices begin to increase, mortgage originators need to prepare for the return of cash-out refinances.

As equity rises due to market value appreciation, consumers can draw on their home equity via cash for things such as paying for a child’s education, starting a new business or consolidating debt. This can be done through a cash-out refinance. This type of refinance offers the following benefits:

-Immediate access to large amounts of cash
-Lower interest rates than home equity loans
-Allows for debt consolidation at a more affordable combined payment compared to revolving debt. -Its interest payments are tax-free and lower
-Could possibly replace older mortgages with higher rates
 
Most importantly, the loan origination process is familiar to the consumer and one they should be comfortable with. Here’s an example of how the cash-out works.

Joe has been dating his high-school sweetheart for years now and is ready to take the next step-marriage. He makes enough money to make ends meet, but the hefty ring investment is weighing on him and his pockets. He has been in his mortgage for three years now and the loan’s balance is $70,000. While housing prices have appreciated beyond his initial appraised value of $100,000, he built up $30,000 in equity. Joe decides to refinance his home (worth $130,000) and take $10,000 for the engagement ring.

Joe’s new mortgage must cover the balance of his old mortgage, closing costs and the $10,000 ring cost. With the cash-out option, this is possible. His new mortgage is $80,000 (before closing costs), his loan-to-value ratio has increased to 62 and he now has the capital to buy the ring. The cash-out refinance allows him immediate access to cash, which also means he can propose to the woman of his dreams according to plan.

Mortgage professionals must take advantage of the cash-out strategy and market its benefits to get more business. It’s time to revert back to needs based strategies in your marketing plans, and this is one way to satisfy both the needs of the lender and consumer. Mortgage mailers or direct mail campaigns can help target potential clients in an affordable way.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing advertising trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Marketing: Following up and how it will increase your sales

Everyday we interact with different types of professionals. These professionals can be anything from young entrepreneurs to experienced venture capitalists. No matter the level the professional may land, there is one common thread between them all-the art of follow up (or the lack thereof).

Normally after the first or second interaction with the said professional, you get a line that goes something like this: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working together. In the next week, I will follow up with (list of things to review).” From here, the results vary. The follow up (or again, lack thereof) goes one of three ways:

#1: The follow-through-ers.

The professionals that land in this group do exactly what they promise. If they say they will call you in a week about XYZ then they will. They demonstrate signs of being organized, diligent and focused. When you receive something from someone in this group, you are bound to pay more attention and process the information because it’s on track with what’s been agreed upon or promised. These groups of people prove to be more successful and enjoyable to work with.

#2: The ones full of excuses.

This group of people makes up for the majority of possible follow-ups. This group tends to be delayed or sends something that totally overlooks what was discussed or promised or gives reasons as to why they haven’t done said deed. This group demonstrates disorganization and laziness. However, sometimes this group sends a legitimate excuse for the delay in follow-up. But 80 percent of the time you can see right through it. We suppose you could at least give them credit for remembering they didn’t follow up yet.

When dealing with these so-called-excusers, you tend not to take the information as seriously. Or if you truly need the information they owe you, you may give them a second chance to redeem themselves with another follow up opportunity. If they fail a second time, you cross them off your list. This group is usually successful, but you never see their true potential.

#3: What follow up?

The remaining group is made up of the people who never bother to follow up at all. Not a single word. While annoying, consider it a time saver for yourself-you don’t have to waste your time working with them. If you run into them again, they will probably act like nothing happened and promise to reconnect with you. (Occasionally, they’ll remember and apologize for their ‘wrong-doings.’) This group never gets ahead and complains that they don’t understand why.

Which group do you belong to?

Even the follow-through-ers slip sometimes-no one has a perfect track record. But it’s a matter of how you conduct yourself when you do slip. Do you acknowledge your error and apologize?

Decide which group you want to belong to. Make it your personal goal to follow up with your clients when you say you will every time. You’ll be amazed at the opportunities that arise because of it.

2014 is perfect time to think about your marketing plan for the new year.  If you are in the mortgage field and need a new mortgage marketing plan, or if mortgage advertising has thrown you through a loop here at Titan we can assist you in finding a new way to perhaps approach your marketing strategy and increase sales.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Mortgage Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.

Let Humor Help Drive Your Direct Marketing Sales

When it comes to doing business, there are many aspects that you need to take into account to be successful. Customer service, hardworking employees and a great product are all important aspects to regard highly. However, your sales contribute to your bottom line. Without sales, your business would be non-existent. Regardless of what kind of business you are in having stellar customer service is key.  Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate professionals and many other types of businesses can benefit from knowing how to form a strong connection to their clients.

Coming up with creative ways to reach your audience can be a daunting task. With the right tools, your sales team can close more business. With the right system, your marketing team can nurture leads and guide them to a conversion. With the right message, you can push sales. A recent study by Nielson shows that humor can help drive sales. Add this information to your toolbox to contribute to your bottom line.
During the Nielson study, it was found that humor is well received by global audiences, not just social media audiences. The study revealed that 47% of respondents say they resonant well with advertising messages that incorporate humor. In a close second place, 46% of res-ponders said real-life situations drive them to act similarly after receiving an advertising message. Tied for third place, family-orientated, health-themed, and value-oriented messages were ranked by 38% of respondents. Your message, no matter the form of advertising, drives sales one way or another. Knowing this information, don’t be afraid to add some real-life humor into your next newsletter or direct mail piece. Share light hearted experiences that your audience can easily relate to and perhaps even chuckle alongside with you.

In the mass communication web that your audiences live in, your business needs to stand out in order to close business. Adding some humor into your marketing plan can help differentiate your product and services and leave a lasting impression on your targets. The best advertising messages will, in the end, drive sales.

And don’t forget about other opportunities to utilize the effectiveness of humor. In-person and over the phone interactions also open doors to tie in some humor with your customers. Relate yourself to buyers so they feel they are connecting with a person, not just a business. Incorporating a funny anecdote or sharing a funny story can help ease the flow of conversation, especially as you are trying to build trust with your prospective customer.

Test this strategy, but do it tastefully. Not every customer takes to humor in the same way, so make sure it provides a purpose. And don’t over do it. You still want to be taken seriously as a professional, so know where to draw the line of funny verse too much. As with all advertising, make sure that you test your message for effectiveness. If it doesn’t prove to be fruitful, then move on to your next message. But if you are looking for a new way to drive sales, try hitting the funny bone of your prospective customers.

Titan List is a full service Advertising and Design agency specializing in Direct Mail, Direct Marketing, Search Engine Optimization and Website / Graphic Design. Titan List has been around since 1998, and has a team of highly qualified individuals with experience in the marketing trends that fit your business. Unlike other agencies that source their work out, Titan List & Mailing handles the entire campaign in-house. Looking for a special list of data for your business? We can customize any data list for your company.