Pat Zaby's
DIGITAL EDGE FOR REALTORS
Strategies that keep your clients coming back—and referring more. Tips and tools to strengthen your real estate connections.

Monday, April 28, 2025

We've all heard the classic sales truth: "People do business with those they know, like, and trust." And while that's absolutely true, there's a fourth element that often goes overlooked and it might be the most critical one in today's crowded marketplace.

That element is proximity.

No matter how skilled, knowledgeable, or likeable you are, if you're not consistently present in people's lives, they won't think of you when they're ready to act. The simple fact is: people don't always do business with the best agent...they do business with the one who's top of mind at the moment a need arises.

And top-of-mind awareness doesn't happen by accident, it happens through intentional proximity.

Think of proximity as the act of staying close...digitally, socially, professionally—to your sphere of influence. It means showing up in their inbox with helpful updates, appearing in their social feed with value-driven posts, engaging with their content, sending birthday wishes, or sharing a helpful homeowner tip. It's not about hard selling—it's about being visible and relevant often enough that when someone thinks "real estate," your name comes to mind first.

Here's the hard truth: someone in your sphere may know, like, and trust you—but if they haven't seen or heard from you in six months, you're out of the running. Another agent who's stayed in touch just might win their business, not because they're better—but because they're closer.

The Takeaway

If you want to earn more business, don't just work on being known, liked, and trusted...work on being remembered. And that comes from staying in proximity to the people who matter most.

Make it your mission to show up, add value, and stay visible. That's how trust turns into action and how relationships turn into results.

That's where InTouch Systems can help.  We'll automate your digital marketing—emails, social posts, website updates—so you can stay top of mind with your sphere without spending your nights and weekends doing it yourself.

Let us handle the routine... so you can work smarter, not harder.

Monday, April 7, 2025
  1. Top-of-Mind Awareness - Regular communication ensures your name is the first one people think of when they need real estate services.
  2. Strengthen Relationships - Consistent contact builds trust and reinforces your connection with clients and prospects.
  3. Stay Relevant - Regular updates keep you visible in a competitive market where people can easily forget you.
  4. Nurture Repeat Business - Past clients are more likely to work with you again if you stay in touch consistently.
  5. Generate Referrals - Consistent communication encourages past clients and prospects to refer you to friends and family.
  6. Showcase Expertise - Regularly sharing valuable insights demonstrates your knowledge and positions you as a trusted resource.
  7. Educate Your Audience - Provide helpful information about market trends, home maintenance, and buying/selling tips to keep your audience informed.
  8. Build Your Brand - Consistent messaging strengthens your personal brand and distinguishes you from competitors.
  9. Humanize Your Business - Sharing personal updates and authentic content helps people see you as approachable and relatable.
  10. Engage on Social Media - Social media platforms encourage interactive conversations, making your communication more dynamic and engaging.
  11. Leverage Automation - Tools like InTouch can simplify email and social media management, ensuring consistent outreach with minimal effort.
  12. Increase Market Reach - Regular posts and emails help you connect with a broader audience and expand your influence.
  13. Lead Nurturing - Consistent follow-ups ensure that warm leads stay engaged and are more likely to convert.
  14. Promote Listings - Highlight your active listings to remind your audience that you're actively helping buyers and sellers.
  15. Drive Website Traffic - Use email and social media to link back to your website, blog, or property listings, increasing engagement.
  16. Adapt to Changing Preferences - Stay top-of-mind as people's real estate needs evolve over time.
  17. Show Appreciation - Regular communication provides opportunities to thank past clients and recognize their loyalty.
  18. Combat Competitor Outreach - Consistent contact ensures your audience doesn't turn to another agent simply because they stayed in touch.
  19. Highlight Success Stories - Share testimonials and success stories to build credibility and inspire confidence.
  20. Remain Memorable - In a crowded industry, consistent contact helps you stand out and be remembered when it matters most.

Consistent communication through email and social media is not just a marketing strategy, it's an essential part of building lasting relationships and driving success in real estate.

It costs 5 times as much to get a new customer as it does to keep an existing one.  Start with the people you've sold and the ones who already know, like and trust you and increase your list from there.

If you don't feel you have the time or resources at the current time, InTouch Systems can help you by producing an impressive newsletter and daily social media posts Monday through Friday.  Explore our website and all the examples, then, take a trial or schedule a personal demonstration.

It could be the best thing you do for your business this year.

Monday, March 24, 2025

In today's digital age, consumers turn to the Internet for almost every aspect of their lives, and the real estate industry is no exception. Whether they're looking for a new home, researching neighborhoods, or seeking a trusted real estate agent, the Internet is their go-to resource. This reliance on the web presents a crucial opportunity for real estate agents to establish a strong online presence. However, it's not just about having a website; it's about being visible, credible, and responsive in the digital realm.

Cultivating Trust through Online Visibility

Consumers are naturally cautious when it comes to significant financial decisions like buying or selling a home. They seek reassurance and validation, and one of the first places they look is online. Imagine a prospective client trying to find information about a real estate agent but encountering nothing - no website, no social media presence, no reviews. This absence of information can be just as suspicious as encountering negative reviews or red flags.

Transparency and Trustworthiness

In the absence of an online presence, potential clients might question your legitimacy or wonder if you have something to hide. They might even turn to other agents with a more robust online presence, simply because they appear more transparent and trustworthy.

Building an Online Presence that Inspires Confidence

To build trust and inspire confidence among potential clients, real estate agents must actively manage their online presence. Here are some key strategies to consider:

  1. Professional Website: A well-designed, user-friendly website is your digital storefront. It should provide information about your services, showcase your expertise, and make it easy for visitors to get in touch.
  2. Active Social Media: Maintain an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Share informative content, engage with your audience, and respond promptly to inquiries.
  3. Online Reviews: Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Yelp, and Zillow. Address any negative reviews professionally and constructively.
  4. Content Marketing: Create and share valuable content on your website and social media channels. This can include blog posts, videos, infographics, and more. Establish yourself as an authority in the real estate field.
  5. Consistency: Ensure that your branding, messaging, and contact information are consistent across all online platforms. Inconsistencies can lead to confusion and erode trust.
  6. Prompt Communication: Respond to online inquiries and messages promptly. Timely responses signal your commitment to client satisfaction.

Having no online presence can raise suspicions and deter potential clients. Real estate agents must embrace the digital landscape, actively manage their online reputation, and leverage the Internet to build trust and credibility. In doing so, you not only reassure consumers but also position yourself as a reliable and knowledgeable partner in their real estate journey.

InTouch Systems can help you to build and maintain your digital presence with daily postings to social media networks, weekly blog postings, and direct email newsletters and more.  Go to www.InTouchSystems.com.

National Trainer Pat Zaby

Pat Zaby is a distinguished leader in the real estate industry, serving as a charter member of the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC) and a past national president. With a career spanning over five decades, he has been a senior instructor since 1983, earning recognition as a national speaker, author, and developer.

His extensive contributions have established him as a respected authority in the field. As the co-owner of InTouch Systems, a digital marketing company, Pat continues to provide valuable insights and resources to real estate professionals, helping them thrive in an ever-evolving market.

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Achievements

  • Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Residential Real Estate Council
  • Over 200 articles published in national real estate periodicals
  • Senior instructor for the Residential Real Estate Council
  • Convention speaker at the NAR® and numerous franchise and state associations of REALTORS® for over 25 years
  • Past President, Residential Real Estate Council
  • Past President - REALTORS® National Marketing Institute®
  • Recipient of Omega Tau Rho, National Association of REALTORS®
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