Television Advertising

Another agent asked me awhile back what you do for advertising if you're not going to do print ads. It was a good question and I believe I ruminated on that previously in this space.

But a new option has presented itself recently. And I'd like to ask for your input on this one.

My broker has worked hard to negotiate some amazing rates for TV commercials through a local cable provider. The rates are low enough that they do truly make it affordable.

The question is, how effective is it? Do you still watch TV commercials? I know at our house, ever since TIVO came in the door, TV commercials are out! (Although we still stop it for the Apple Mac ads!) I suspect we're not the only ones who have changed their TV viewing habits.

And, let's face it, affordable means we're definitely not airing these in prime time.

My understanding of any form of advertising is that only with repetition can you truly expect an ad to have any impact. While these are affordable, how many would you have to run in order for it to really register in people's minds?

The big upside I see here is walking into a listing appointment and telling a seller that I can put their home on TV. Sellers like big, splashy marketing ideas, often regardless of effectiveness. (Let's face it, there's a fair amount of desperation out there right now!)

I'm still trying to determine whether to take advantage of this opportunity. But, meanwhile, I'd appreciate your input. What do you think? I'd welcome your input!

RE: Television Advertising

Julie,

 I tried TV advertising in the spring for a new listing, it ran for two weeks and was aired four times. Because I have cable and not satellite I never saw it but my sellers did and they were impressed. But no response from that ad infact we just removed the listing because no traffic. Jane also tried TV ad and no response. Guess I still watch ads because I have seen Michelle Perkins.

                                          Nancy

RE: Television Advertising

 Ineffective!!!  I don't watch TV often and if when I do,  I would consider "home" advertising on TV as a desperate way to grab my attention to puchase a home.   Let's face it......if someone is REALLY interested in buying a new home, they will go looking for the listings.  I personally think the chances of selling a home on TV advertising is about as good as winning the lottery.  I wouldn't completely rule it out, but I think there is a better way to spend advertising money. 

On the other hand if there was a time during the day when ALL listings were posted, such as the MLS booklet and it could be viewed during certian times of the day, I might see this as far more professional and tune in, if I were in the market for a new home.

RE: Television Advertising

Patti & Nancy,

Thanks for your comments! I also received a private e-mail from an agent who had tried TV advertising over a longer period and has not yet found it effective. (Not one call off an ad.)

She's trying again with professionals writing her copy, but based on some of what I'm hearing maybe it's not the material that's the problem but the medium.

Patti, you have a good point about siting down to watch a block of time where there are multiple homes shown. Everyone's looking to maximize their time. And, again, I think the internet wins hands down in that scenario.

Thanks for your input!

Julie

RE: Television Advertising

RE: Television Advertising

Pavel,

Good points. I wonder if most real estate agents are capable of producing such an ad without expensive professional help. And, at that point, I'm back to wondering about the effectivenss, or rather, the cost effectiveness.

Thanks for your comments!

Julie