Every morning now, I get my coffee, head for my computer and check email. And along with the overnight Active Rain comments, I find a bunch of stuff from area agents who are spamming colleagues with the latest information on listings, Open Houses and what not. While I'm usually pretty fast with the "Delete" button, once in a while there will be something to peak my interest.
One such message landed in my box this morning. It was about a new construction project in Virginia, complete with floor plan and location information. The plans looked fabulous, and I looked in the message for the price point. Um. Nothing. Nada. So was it free? Doubtful.
There was a link to the project's web site with a few more floor plans, pictures, architects renderings and other stuff, but no price point. Call for that.
Now, if you are spamming buyers, this strategy might generate a few calls or emails that would enable the spammer to "capture" email addresses or phone numbers. But if you are targeting your colleagues, you really need to make it easier for us.
Otherwise, "Delete"!
Some agents use this strategy wisely. They include address, photos, and, yes, price! If I have a client looking in the neighborhod and price range, I'll make a note and check it out on MRIS.
And remember, this little missive, this email that goes out with your name on it, will annoy many of your colleagues who resent getting spammed so early in the morning!
Yes, to you it's inexpensive marketing! To me, it could be something else.
Careful building of your 'spam' list should include more information than just an email. And marketing, in our business, should not include being annoying! Thanks for reiterating a point I feel can not be made often enough.
Hi Patricia, I couldn't agree more. Even worse are the solicitations I get from Nevada, California, New York etc. while my business is in a small area of Florida. Very annoying.
Patricia - Price is such an important piece of information. You'd think it would be there... :)
Hi Pat... GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT POST! I get these same e-mails all the time and often for areas or parts of the country that I have no clients for or interest in. To have to delete sometimes up to 30 of these e-mails a day is annoying and a waste of my time. It's just disrespectful that many do not include an "opt out" option or provide full information (price!) like you mention.
I'll never understand the listing spam. If I have a buyer looking for the spam house, I'll find it in MLS. Seems like a waste of marketing money to me.
I'm a broker in three states, not only do I receive a ton of "stuff", but, sometime it is the same thing over and over. I can deal with it and opt-out, but, send a receipt request and I am NOT a happy camper Lol...
I find that I get spam from all over the country. I only work in my market and have no interest in anything in Florida, North Carolina, Texas, etc., etc., etc. I am to the point that I won't even read those email because there are too many of them. And, frequently there isn't an unsubscribe option in the email -- very annoying. ~ Evelyn
Well said, Patricia. I get this sort of thing daily...often multiple times. Only rarely is it meaningful to me, except when in the local area.
Jeff
Hi Patricia. Oh my. I wish I could forward this to quite a few people who seemt to think I want them to send me these sorts of emails. :)
Patricia, Like Steve I get these e-mails every day and even for other states! Please! I just delete them but it is a waste of my time. I hope no AR members are sending this spam.
I receive tons of emails soliciting mortgage companies, training seminars, and lead generation kits. I usually delete them without even opening up the email.
It is to the point now if I get three e-mails from the same agent just announcing new listing I put them in my spam filter and ignor them for ever.
I agree with Terry on putting them in the spam filter. We had a new agent in our office who has been constantly emailing to all the agents in the office. The bad part is it gets duplicated because our office admin announces all new listings. I made a very nice comment to her and she took the hint and apprecaited my truthful input.
I have so much spam I can't read the stuff legitimate local lenders, builders, etc. send. I have to delete it all. At some times I have invited the spammers to AR to share info in a different less invasive way... most post a blog or two (kinda ) spammy and abandon... so spamming must pay off.