Everyday we have discussions with builders about online marketing performance. From setting benchmarks to ongoing measurement, our experts can provide unique insight into a builder’s online marketing iniatives. One of the most common questions we receive is — What can I do to improve my performance? We always start the discussion with builder data — what elements are you including with your listings and what can you add to make them even better. We recently performed some analysis on builder data across the BDX network and below are some of our findings. Here are our top five ways to see a lift in your leads and click-thrus.
Month: August 2011
Hot Homes and Marketing Copy: Need Ideas?
Did you know that including hot homes for your communities can increase your leads by 17%?
Maybe you already know you should be adding Hot Homes for all of your communities, but you’re running short on ideas. I mean, how many ways can you say “fantastic” or “special”, right? Maybe you’re struggling for ways to promote a home plan as “hot”. Or what can you say about a spec other than that it’s “gorgeous” or “ready to move in”?
New Home Source, Move New Homes and our distribution partners bring in the prospects, but what can you say that will motivate them to take action? … To make that leap from viewing results, to clicking on your listing–to asking for more information?
The key is to communicate scarcity or exclusivity – or better yet, both. You want your prospect to feel like they’ve found your home or community just in time and need to act fast; or to know that your product is their only choice to receive the promoted exclusive benefits.
To get your creative juices flowing, take a look at these example Hot Homes listings:
Got Specs?
- Best lot, same price. Hurry, this just-finished Clark plan is on a giant corner lot
- Lovely, mature trees grace this just-built home in Ranchland Villas
- Just Reduced to sell fast! This home won’t last long at this price. Come talk to us about this home and two other just-finished inventory homes with special pricing
Plan Homes?
- See the jaw-dropping pictures of this plan. Shows like a model…because it is! Come tour our exquisitely decorated model home today.
- Exclusive alcoves and architectural features. This plan features unique details not usually found at this price
- The Geneva, Lowest cost per square foot offered in Sunset Estates. Terrific value for a ton of family living space.
Lots?
- Only one more Golf lot! And this plan has just the right patio setup to take in the view
- Closing Out! This is the last, Eklund to be built in Copper Junction. 3-car garage for your boat, RV, or workshop!
So get started today! As always, if you need help or training, we’re an email away at support@thebdx.com.
—————————————
Paul Gruber, Senior Product Manager, leads product planning and development for BDX’s Consumer Products and Websites including www.NewHomeSource.com and Move New Homes
Virtual Staging – Your Secret Weapon in Competing Against Resale Homes?
When potential buyers are looking at your community, they really need to be able to envision themselves living in their new home. And while resale homes are usually fully styled complete with furniture and accessories, without building and furnishing dozens of model homes, it’s impossible for a builder to compete. Or is it?
The latest developments in technology have made it easier and more cost effective than ever to “virtually stage” your new homes
And Virtual Staging could really pay off. Did you know:
- Staged homes sell for up to 17% more than vacant homes.
- Vacant homes usually take twice as long to sell.
- Traditional Staging costs thousands in furniture rentals & damage/touchup
- Virtual Staging gets you 80% of the benefit at 10-20% of the cost
- You can even virtually stage the same room in multiple styles to suit your buyer
Here are some before and after examples to show you the dramatic effect virtual staging can have.
From This: 
To This: 
From This: 
To This: 
For more information about virtually staging your plans, contact BHI Media at info@bhimedia.com
3 P’s For Competing Against Resale Homes: Placement, Positioning, and People
All builders face the challenge of competing against resale homes, particularly in this economy when foreclosures beckon the deal seekers. However, it’s clear that new homes have many advantages over resale homes and the following strategies can help new home builders stay competitive. In following the three “Ps” — placement, positioning, people — be where home shoppers search, proactively position your homes and communities, and know your target market. For more on the topic, click here to download our latest whitepaper: Competing Against Resale Homes Whitepaper
BDX Releases New iPhone App For New Home Search
NewHomeSource.com iPhone application allows users to search thousands of new homes across the country, save favorites, and get driving directions and builder contact information
NewHomeSource, the nation’s largest online resource for new homes, announced today the release of their new iPhone application. The free application is now available in the iTunes app store and allows consumers to search thousands of new homes from hundreds of leading homebuilders across the country.
“We developed this iPhone App because today’s new home buyers are on the go and using smartphones more than ever,” said Tim Costello, CEO of BDX. ”Whether they’re on the road or just away from the computer, it’s all there: photos, descriptions, maps, videos, interactive tours – everything a buyer needs to find their new dream home.”
Developed by Builders Digital Experience (BDX), NewHomeSource.com is the #1 new home website[1]. This application puts the largest selection of new homes, new home builders, and new home communities in the world at a homebuyer’s fingertips on their mobile device. Click here to read more.