Social media posts, user-friendly websites, and other digital tools are keys to a quality marketing campaign in almost any business.
In the real estate game, embracing the ever-changing technological advancements is key to providing your clients the best results, explains Ben Imrie of iMuskoka.
Digital options for real estate listings and transactions have been incredible tools through the course of the pandemic. As the world and marketing is changing and developing at a very fast pace, it’s important to remain current.
“Continuing to stay on top of what can be used to maximize exposure of your listings is a matter of practice for us,” he says. “We’ve strengthened our social media brand over the years, while adding new tools as we move forward.”
One of those new tools is their digital brochure, which can be viewed on their website or sent via email to their clients. It includes video, 3D photography of properties, market statistics and much more.
“The nice thing about the digital brochure is we modify, edit and improve it in real time, and it changes everywhere unlike a print brochure,” says Ben.
As well, more QR Codes have been implemented to increase the convenience for buyers seeking more info on properties they like.
“The world is adapting to QR Codes. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, people are using them,” he says. “Whether it’s to learn more about a product, or get a full view on a property, they’re a useful way to get information quickly to the public.”
The iMuskoka team were and remain digital pioneers in Muskoka’s real estate market. They were successfully using technology in their marketing strategies well before the pandemic forced others to get on board.
As such, they continue to raise the bar in the real estate game while providing those listing with them exposure to potential buyers from around the world.
Ben describes it as “real estate 3.0” and combined with the 40-plus years of experience the team brings to the table, it’s a key reason they have seen tremendous growth.
The growth includes Robin Goodwin, who recently joined Ben, his brother Dan Imrie, and brothers Taylor and Kyle DaCosta. Each team member is a real estate professional, dedicated to their chosen careers.
“We are focused on being the best at what we do,” says Dan. “This includes searching out professional development opportunities and keeping up on the latest digital tools to best represent the properties we sell.”
History of digital excellence
Long before the pandemic hit, the iMuskoka team were working with an advanced website that includes virtual property tours and in-depth information on each property.
“It provided an opportunity for buyers from outside of Muskoka to examine cottages without leaving their homes or offices,” says Ben. “Properties are recreated to scale in 3D, with important details labeled that buyers and showing agents may not be aware of.”
Compatible with any computer or mobile device, the virtual tour is extremely user-friendly. Providing detailed views of both the interior and exterior – features such as foliage and waterfront are vibrant – buyers can also view what the sunset or sunrise looks like and see in-depth detailed descriptions of specific items in cottages. In some ways it may be even better than visiting the property in person.
The website features high-quality digital imagery, interactive live chats, virtual reality tours and more. It’s a boon to both sellers and buyers.
Sellers benefit from their digital presence, which has seen the team’s serious potential buyer database grow exponentially over the years. They have thousands of qualified, active buyers from the United States and the GTA, as well as Europe and China.
“When buyers end up visiting, you know they’re very serious about the potential purchase at this point,” says Ben. “They’ve already done most of their due diligence prior to the visit.”
It’s all part of embracing the current digital marketing tools to best represent their clients.
