Slogan Wanted: $50 if I use yours..

[Travis Munroe]

I am in the process of having 4 bus benches done up. I will start with 4 and see if it is really worth it.
IMO, the thing that can make or break this form of advertising is the creativity o the bench itself.

I am looking for a slogan with no more than 7/8 words that is somewhat aggressive, catchy etc.

Would you have "Member of The Top Ten Club" anywhere on the bench or do you as possible clients not care about that achievement?

A friend mentioned "Talk Is Cheap, Results Are Everything". This seemed to aggressive and maybe a bit arrogant.

If anyone comes up with something I use for design or slogan I will be glad to send $50 your way for your creativity.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

How about "There IS a difference" or "When a positive experience matters call Travis"

I would say use Top Ten...it confers a sense of accomplishment

[Travis Munroe]

TBH I like the second one but it might be because there are only 2 too choose from right now and others slogans always sound better than my own.

[DownhillGoat]

Does the average home buyer know what the top 10 club is?

I guess the biggest question is what do you do different than any (or most) other realtors? Your slogan should reflect that, and not be a run of the mill slogan that any realtor could use.

[CaptainCrunch]

Clients don't care that your top 10, thats a sales accomplishment, not a service accomplishment.

How about

The quickest trip to your new home.

If you were a texas highschool football player

Take it to the house.

[Bigtime]

My take on the "Top Ten" thing. It seems like all Real Estate places have these accomplishments that realtors put on all their cards/advertising (not too mention it seems like they just give these things away like candy):

-Million Dollar Club
-Top Ten
-Platinum
-Top Team
-Super Duper Awesome Real Estate Selling Person

I could care less about that, it just seems more like an ego thing to use at the annual realtors convention than anything that would ever sway my opinion when looking for a realtor.

Total aside, why do the big companies take out FULL 2 page ads in the Herald every now and then to announce these winners (Remax as one example)? What's the point?

[Table 5]

Wowee, $50.
Next time I need someone to sell my house, I'll offer you a kit-kat for your services.

[DownhillGoat]

-Super Duper Awesome Real Estate Selling Person
I think we have a winner.

[Lobotroth]

"Presiding Over Your Residing Needs"

[Traditional_Ale]

Wowee, $50.
Next time I need someone to sell my house, I'll offer you a kit-kat for your services.

Quoted for truth. $50 for a published slogan that will earn the op the kind of money he makes is a kick in the nuts. Seriously.

[Komskies]

"Better than Len T. Wong"

[CaptainCrunch]

He gave me $50.00 for this slogan, he'll pay you to sell your house.

[Winsor_Pilates]

"It's not debt, it's investment!"

sorry, had to...;)

[bizaro86]

When I see Top 10 or Million dollar platinum this or that, I go to "To busy to actually help me." Just my opinion, but I wouldn't put it on the bench.

Something like:

When Quality Matters
or
Getting you the best deal
or
The Experience that counts

Basically, what feature about yourself do you want to emphasize, why should someone choose you.

[Barnet Flame]

http://ricklimpert.squarespace.com/storage/dunp1.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1302789623643

http://ricklimpert.squarespace.com/storage/dunp2.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1302789653780

[afc wimbledon]

How about

'You are sitting on Travis Munroes face, no fugly's please"

[Caged Great]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v674/nhlwilldie/index.jpg

[Bill Bumface]

"Tired of waiting for the bus? Let me help you move closer to work"

"Travis Munroe. Up yours, butt-hole!!"

[afc wimbledon]

'If you lived here.... you'd be a hobo sleeping in a bus shelter'

[Frequitude]

Plenty More Wong


Really though, no top 10. That means nothing to an outsider. Not only do I not know what designation that is, I also don't know if its one of a thousand different types of recognition out there.

[bomba]

STOP


... if I got your attention that easily imagine what I can do with your house

[CaptainCrunch]

"Tired of waiting for the bus? Let me help you move closer to work"

"Travis Munroe. Up yours, butt-hole!!"


that is frackin brilliant.

[Travis Munroe]

ummmm, Im sorry (to those insulted by the $50 offer)...no need to post in the thread if you feel like your being ripped off.
Had a good chuckle at the flailing arms and debt slogans, perhaps we can combine it into 1 lol.

And thanks for the opinions on the top 10 thing. I couldn't agree more that these awards are handed out like candy. The million dollar club is no longer something that is given out.

[Travis Munroe]

Some real good ones, catchy as well. Might have to try a few different on different locations and see what works.
To avoid further insult I will give $50 to each slogan and not divide it by 4.:D

[CaptainCrunch]

In the day and age of the 350,000 condo apartment wouldn't selling three homes in a year get you into that club?

I mean, how many houses does a decent agent sell in a year?

[Barnet Flame]

I blew 50 bucks and all I got was this lousy slogan.

[Travis Munroe]

lol, million dollar club was about points. each sale depending on its value had points awarded. One needed a million points to get into the club.

[getbak]

Official Realtor of the Calgary Flames top unofficial fan discussion forum

[Table 5]

ummmm, Im sorry (to those insulted by the $50 offer)...no need to post in the thread if you feel like your being ripped off.

I felt the need to post because it was disrespectful to the industry and to those who write copy and headlines for a living. I work with those people quite a bit, and they deserve better than to have their work treated like table scraps. You'd be better off asking for a pro-bono favor.

[Notorious Honey Badger]

i say this to be helpful and not judgmental. if i was in the market for a condo i wouldnt use someone who posted a 50 dollar reward for helping with an ad on a hockey forum for his slogan. just my .02.

[Mtt48]

Let Travis lastname, area specialist, sell your home!

[jayswin]

I felt the need to post because it was disrespectful to the industry and to those who write copy and headlines for a living. I work with those people quite a bit, and they deserve better than to have their work treated like table scraps. You'd be better off asking for a pro-bono favor.

Yeah, but I see this as different. He's not asking professionals to use their expertise, he's asking a bunch of hockey fans to sit behind a computer and have some fun thinking up witty sign ideas, and if one of us comes up with a great one, we get an extra $50 in our pocket. I don't find that insulting at all. Especially considering most of us are being paid by our actual employers to come up with said slogan. :bag:

[jayswin]

i say this to be helpful and not judgmental. if i was in the market for a condo i wouldnt use someone who posted a 50 dollar reward for helping with an ad on a hockey forum for his slogan. just my .02.

Yeah, but that will be besides the point if someone comes up with something hilarious/awesome. If it's catchy and it works then who cares. No one's going to drive by a bus ad and go "haha, that's catchy, I like it, but it seems like something that was created by a guy on a message board, so I won't use him".

[Travis Munroe]

this thread is quite a simple concept. If you see no value in my service over this thread, well, there is nothing I can do.
Table 5, I understand your point and didnt look at it from that perspective. Point taken and i do apologize if you took it as disrespectful to your industry. I think you know that it was not intended like that. We all see hundreds of bus benches a day and a very small portion of them are actually eye catching.
As CP is quite the creative community I figured I would throw it out there...

[Dion]

Everything I touch turns to sold.

[Travis Munroe]

"Tired of waiting for the bus? Let me help you move closer to work"

"Travis Munroe. Up yours, butt-hole!!"

While I like it, I think this form of advertising will target drivers just as much as those who take the bus.

[Table 5]

Table 5, I understand your point and didnt look at it from that perspective. Point taken and i do apologize if you took it as disrespectful to your industry

No worries, I'm not offended just offering my perspective.

We all see hundreds of bus benches a day and a very small portion of them are actually eye catching.

Which is exactly why you need someone who knows what they are doing. I'm guessing you're spending a good amount of money on these bus benches, so you need to make sure they garner results. Why not spend a little more and make sure that your message actually has a lasting impression? A good ad will generate interest in your services and pay you back many times over.

[Table 5]

Yeah, but I see this as different. He's not asking professionals to use their expertise, he's asking a bunch of hockey fans to sit behind a computer and have some fun thinking up witty sign ideas, and if one of us comes up with a great one, we get an extra $50 in our pocket.

It's not just fun, it's his business. He's probably already spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on this advertising. Cheaping out on the actual message is going to cost him much more than just 50 bucks. It will waste his time and the money that went into purchasing the advertising space.

The message has to resonate and hold true. On my way to work, I keep seeing this bus bench of some dude advertising his real estate services... basically some pimple-faced teen with the generic tag-line of "a name you can trust". Right, you're fresh out of high school and I'm supposed to trust your vast experience. Probably paid $50 bucks for that too.

[OffsideSpecialist]

I saw one today with some dude's mug and then in giant letters beside it...

"WHY NOT?"

...I don't think you would want to use that one though

[Caged Great]

You can't tell from this photo, but I'm not wearing any pants.

[Bill Bumface]

Cenovus paid some firm a billion dollars to come up with "Cenovus" and a slogan of "Rigorous, Respectful, Ready".

For $50 I would have given them an obvious, and better one: "Ask your doctor about Cenovus"

[Bill Bumface]

$100k? holy crap, I was thinking a lot less than that....:eek:
http://cdn.nhl.com/oilers/images/upload/2010/09/ReadingGiveItAShot_LogoConcepts5.jpg

[Table 5]

Cenovus paid some firm a billion dollars to come up with "Cenovus" and a slogan of "Rigorous, Respectful, Ready".

With all those R's, they better be using a pirate as a spokesperson.

[Discoste]

These ads worked in the movie...for certain demographics

http://getyourbizsavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/real-estate-billboard2.jpg
http://getyourbizsavvy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/real-estate-billboard.jpg

[ricosuave]

"I helped Wannamaker, and I can help YOU!"

[evman150]

Everything I touch turns to sold.

A real estate agent out here uses that slogan from time to time.

He's an interesting character:

http://youtu.be/0rpP8gr1DjY

[Sliver]

It's not just fun, it's his business. He's probably already spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on this advertising. Cheaping out on the actual message is going to cost him much more than just 50 bucks. It will waste his time and the money that went into purchasing the advertising space.

The message has to resonate and hold true. On my way to work, I keep seeing this bus bench of some dude advertising his real estate services... basically some pimple-faced teen with the generic tag-line of "a name you can trust". Right, you're fresh out of high school and I'm supposed to trust your vast experience. Probably paid $50 bucks for that too.

Travis isn't asking for anything outlandish here and the $50 offer was nice I thought. In some ways, the people here are our daytime "buddies" and I think he was asking us as his pseudo-buddies and not looking for free professional services like how you took it.

With enough people thinking about it here we could get lucky and come up with something as good or better than something he could get by paying a marketing firm. Nothing wrong with asking...CPers ask the lawyers for help here all the time. Just yesterday or the day before Ktrain was coaching somebody on photoshop and I think he does that professionally.

A good seven-word slogan is difficult, though. As Mark Twain said, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one." You can get lucky and come up with something good right away on this Travis and hopefully CP can help, but this is also the kind of thing that could take a pro six hours. You never know.

I agree with Table 5 that the ad should be awesome or you're wasting your time. If you don't come up with something good, I have a friend who is a copywriter that is great at slogans but he'd probably cost you closer to $100/hour.

[Travis Munroe]

^^ you hit the nail on the head with the daytime buddies thing.
I actually feel that the crazy/creative minds of cp might of come up with something better than any professional.
Paying people extreme amounts does not mean I will get something better than paying someone $50 on CP.

[KTrain]

I understand where Table 5 is coming from with this. I'm not a huge fan of spec contests that ask a bunch of people to do work and only one person gets paid for it. Especially when the company/person has the potential to make thousands of dollars off that work. I'm not saying a slogan on a bus bench is going to make Travis a ton of money but the potential is there.

It would be comparable to me asking Travis and a dozen other realtors to write up the description of my house for MLS. Each of them spends time doing it, I pick one, throw away the rest and pay the person that won a pittance of the money I'll be making on the sale of my home.

I'll help people with Photoshop questions if they're easy enough to answer. Telling people how to copy/paste and resize an image is quick and is easily found elsewhere on the internet. It's not a skill that takes years to develop.

That being said, Travis I think you'll be wasting your money if you don't put together a marketing strategy for your company. You seem to be throwing as much as you can against the wall, hoping something will stick, when you could be more targeted in your approach to advertising.

[surferguy]

How about this...

probably too subtle but you get the idea...

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/ComoDesigns/GimmieShelter.jpg

[Winsor_Pilates]

Everything I touch turns to sold.
There's a guy here in Vancouver who has that on the back of buses. I think it's terrible personally, but I guess most slogans (mine included) are pretty cheesy.

[justkidding]

Your website does not look good in Firefox. I thought your slogan was "Your pal in real".



http://i41.tinypic.com/108fi1x.jpg

[Dion]

"My streets are paved with sold signs"

[Shawnski]

"Home is where my smart is"

[Sliver]

I understand where Table 5 is coming from with this. I'm not a huge fan of spec contests that ask a bunch of people to do work and only one person gets paid for it. Especially when the company/person has the potential to make thousands of dollars off that work. I'm not saying a slogan on a bus bench is going to make Travis a ton of money but the potential is there.

It would be comparable to me asking Travis and a dozen other realtors to write up the description of my house for MLS. Each of them spends time doing it, I pick one, throw away the rest and pay the person that won a pittance of the money I'll be making on the sale of my home.

If Travis offered his $50 on marketingforum.com where only marketing professionals hung out, I think your point would be valid. But he wasn't asking for the help necessarily of professionals; he was asking for anybody's help. Add to that the fact we all hang around posting on this board all day anyway, he was pretty much offering people $50 to do what we normally do for free.

I'll help people with Photoshop questions if they're easy enough to answer. Telling people how to copy/paste and resize an image is quick and is easily found elsewhere on the internet. It's not a skill that takes years to develop.

That being said, Travis I think you'll be wasting your money if you don't put together a marketing strategy for your company. You seem to be throwing as much as you can against the wall, hoping something will stick, when you could be more targeted in your approach to advertising.

I totally agree with this.

Travis, I think you need to remember what you're selling...you. You're not selling houses, you're selling your ability to broker deals between buyers and sellers. Don't waste your money and effort trying to attract attention to one house (e.g. your wacky-inflatable-arm-waving guy) as you stand too low a probability of that paying off.

This also goes for putting up listings on here. People will critique them and nothing good comes from that. If I was your client it would actually piss me off to read what we say about them. Interesting listings like multi-million dollar listings are worth posting, but your average house in Deer Run? What for? The probability of one of the maybe 40 people that check this forum out buying it are so remote that it makes it pointless to do.

Another issue you have to look at IMO is your deal with CP. First thing you should do is get powerful mod privileges in your sub-forum and remove from existence (not just mod edit) any negative posts that reflect poorly on you. This obviously has the potential to limit conversation, but I think the challenge of that will be for you as the moderator to foster a positive, constructive atmosphere here. If you can't, you need to think about this deal because as an outsider looking in, it doesn't seem to be working for you like it could.

As an example of what I'm talking about, take this post:

Wowee, $50.
Next time I need someone to sell my house, I'll offer you a kit-kat for your services.

You should be on that as fast as possible to delete it so it looks like it was never posted. It instantly derailed this thread right out of the gates to obliterate your message. After you removed it, you should have gone back to your OP, added a blurb like "Please note, I'm not looking to take advantage of any professional services...just thought we could all have a little fun brainstorming and maybe us amateurs could show those pros how it's really done." That would hopefully diffuse the concerns of those in the professional crowd. Then a PM to Table 5 thanking him for raising the issue would have finished off your damage control.

Those are just a couple of notes. But the point is basically an expansion of Ktrain's - you need to put a few bucks into talking to a marketing professional to come up with a clear and effective strategy.

[Table 5]

Travis isn't asking for anything outlandish here and the $50 offer was nice I thought. In some ways, the people here are our daytime "buddies" and I think he was asking us as his pseudo-buddies and not looking for free professional services like how you took it.

Which is why I think he'd be much better off asking for a favor as opposed to holding some sort of spec contest. People here are very generous with their advice indeed (Ive been the recipient of some good advice and tried to offer the same), but it's all under the guise of forum kinship. As soon as you put a monetary value to something, you're saying that's what it's worth, which is where things can get insulting. I know it sounds like I'm being picky, but this type of "hey, I'm doing you a favor" type of spec work is pretty rampant in the industry.

And like I said, spending all that money on advertising, and then cheaping out on the actual message is just poor strategy. I'd be willing to bet investing in Ktrains friends services for a couple of hours would get him results that would pay off many times over.

In the end, you get what you pay for, and so far, he's getting exactly that.

[Table 5]

You should be on that as fast as possible to delete it so it looks like it was never posted.

They may take my words, but they'll never take... MY FREEDOM!

[normtwofinger]

...

[GreatWhiteEbola]

I will not write a stupid slogan on this bench, I will sell your house...for a large percentage with as little effort as possible.

[Travis Munroe]

Silver,

I agree with most of what you said and know I need to set up a follow up meeting on my sponsorship as it is something I am in for the long haul.
Not only would deleting certain posts be beneficial but being able to completely delete certain threads once they are dated.
I am the type of person who is always looking to one up the next real estate agent in terms of creativity. This often comes with stupid ideas such as the inflatable arm but it also is what allows me to find some not so dumb ideas that end up working out.
Having my listings on cp has been a positive. While you may not like to read what people say about your property, it is general feedback. Feedback is one of the most important things when trying to sell a property so that adjustments can be made. (no the ceiling fan is not coming down at deer run).
Posting my listings has also brought about great discussions on the area/building. The ArriVa listings thread was quite informative.
Lastly, with the amount of traffic that CP has I see no reason not to go for that extra exposure. Open houses are said to have less than a 2% chance of selling a property. Does this mean that they shouldn't be done? It doesn't matter if there is a 1% chance or a 50% chance I think it is important to try everything.

[bizaro86]

I don't agree with increasing moderation here, since your goal should be to build a community of people who will actually use your services, which is actually a pretty high bar.

The thing with real estate agents is that there are tons of them, and it's a big decision. If I was walking down the street and saw a corner store, I might walk in and buy an ice cream on a whim. If I was walking down the street and saw your bus bench, that wouldn't get you on the list if I was selling my home.

Instead of trying to build name awareness with a huge amount of people, you're better off being the #1 choice of a niche market. (ie realtor to CP users, on here). If you got all the RE transactions of CP members that would be a great living. If you were everyone in Calgary's 4th choice, you'd be bankrupt.

That's why bus bench's work better (IMHO) for someone who is trying to be an area specialist. The neighbourhood I live in has one realtor who always has his ad on 1/2 the benches, with "neighbourhood specialist" on it. Since it's repeated so often, people begin to believe it, and he gets a lot of listings in the area, which reinforces that impression. Thus, he's become one of the top choices in area (a niche), even though he's actually a terrible realtor. (I've dealt with him, which is why the realtor/neighbourhood will remain nameless.)

Go deep with a niche, not wide with your advertising.

[hkstylez]

"Finding homes for families like yours"
"A Trusted Name in the Business since [insert year here]"
"Looking for a realtor? Call me today!"
"Your Business/Best Interest Is My Top Priority"
"The name you can bank on"

[Superflyer]

While I like it, I think this form of advertising will target drivers just as much as those who take the bus.

So how about something like -

Why are you sitting in traffic when you could have been home already?
or
Rather be stuck in traffic then your house, I can help.
or
A better home awaits, you're worth it.

[puffnstuff]

I know where you'll live

[troutman]

"Friend of troutman"

[awildermode]

your sig is about the size of a bus bench, use that

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u185/awildermode/Sad-Munroe.jpg

[Clarkey]

"I love you long time."

[Shawnski]

The
Realtor
Always
Valued
In
Sales

[Travis Munroe]

I appreciate all the advice.
My biggest debate within myself has been the 1 area vs throughout the city.
Throughout the city would be ideal for more exposure although as mentioned it might be "4th choice" exposure.
I think that my mind is made up on targeting a specific area although I do like the the slogans related to being home already which would need to be placed on a main road outside a community.

I also like the straight to the point slogan mentioned above "Need A Realtor? Call Me Today". What are your thoughts on that one? Lastly, would you use the term call? I find that at least 80% of my business is initiated through email. Are people more comfortable sending an email? I know that I prefer email in most situations when inquiring on a service. It would be different to say "Email Me Today" but perhaps I would seem as a very impersonal individual.

Thanks again to the contributions!!!!

[Travis Munroe]

your sig is about the size of a bus bench, use that

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u185/awildermode/Sad-Munroe.jpg

I am not sure if this was a joke but I also could see something similar. I do like the color combination and would get rid of the cartoon character for an actual picture A bus bench is a bit higher and with the subtraction of CP Realtor and the addition of my phone number ..... hmm

[JiriHrdina]

What makes you different from other realtors? Do you have an identifiable point of difference?

[jayswin]

I appreciate all the advice.
My biggest debate within myself has been the 1 area vs throughout the city.
Throughout the city would be ideal for more exposure although as mentioned it might be "4th choice" exposure.
I think that my mind is made up on targeting a specific area although I do like the the slogans related to being home already which would need to be placed on a main road outside a community.

I also like the straight to the point slogan mentioned above "Need A Realtor? Call Me Today". What are your thoughts on that one? Lastly, would you use the term call? I find that at least 80% of my business is initiated through email. Are people more comfortable sending an email? I know that I prefer email in most situations when inquiring on a service. It would be different to say "Email Me Today" but perhaps I would seem as a very impersonal individual.

Thanks again to the contributions!!!!

I would just put "Contact me today" or "Contact today" whichever you think sounds better. Then you're covering calling and emailing. Although, in reality, I don't think saying "call today" or "email today" or "contact today" really matters too much. As people will contact you with their preffered method, regardless, as long as your email and phone number are in the ad.

I doubt anyone will go "geez, I prefer email, but his sign says "call me", so I'll just use a different realtor.

[bizaro86]

I also like the straight to the point slogan mentioned above "Need A Realtor? Call Me Today". What are your thoughts on that one? Lastly, would you use the term call? I find that at least 80% of my business is initiated through email. Are people more comfortable sending an email? I know that I prefer email in most situations when inquiring on a service. It would be different to say "Email Me Today" but perhaps I would seem as a very impersonal individual.

Thanks again to the contributions!!!!

I would mention buying and selling, something like:

Buying or Selling a Home? Contact me Today!

It's unbelievable to me how many people (especially first time homebuyers) don't know that they can get their own buying agent that the seller (typically) pays for. It's a great deal for a first time buyer.

Followed up with phone/email. Having email on there is great for people who prefer it. I hated calling realtors who had some number at an office with 100 agents, who would page it out and have me called back.

[DownhillGoat]

I also like the straight to the point slogan mentioned above "Need A Realtor? Call Me Today".
What makes you different from other realtors? Do you have an identifiable point of difference?
With a slogan like that? Nothing. (My apologies to the poster with that suggestion, I'm only using that as one of many examples). This is my issue with most realtors/realty advertising. There's very few signs/slogans that make one stand out from the next. Why shouldn't I call that guy on the bus stop sign across the street today? His sign says to call him right away.

I like the idea of targeting one area/niche, and build a slogan around that. It doesn't have to be catchy, just to let me know that if I'm in X demographic, you're the go-to guy.

I do like the color combination and would get rid of the cartoon character for an actual picture
Here's an off-topic question, if you don't want to answer here feel free to shoot a PM. What is the point of realtors (or car salesmen, for that matter) using a picture at all? The homes section of my local newspaper looks more like a yearbook than ad space. I could care less if you look like the elephant man as long as you can sell my house and I don't get screwed in the process.

[bizaro86]

Here's an off-topic question, if you don't want to answer here feel free to shoot a PM. What is the point of realtors (or car salesmen, for that matter) using a picture at all? The homes section of my local newspaper looks more like a yearbook than ad space. I could care less if you look like the elephant man as long as you can sell my house and I don't get screwed in the process.

What graphics are they supposed to use, clipart with a dollar sign transposed over a house?

It's the same problem you mentioned, it's hard to differentiate yourself. At least with a face to the name it makes it more likely people will remember it.

Realtors are a personal service, the best way to advertise is to do a great job and get referrals. Advertising itself is tough, which is why they're all so similar.

[DownhillGoat]

What graphics are they supposed to use, clipart with a dollar sign transposed over a house?
That'd make about as much impact, IMO.

Or a logo. Like Prince. ;)

[JiriHrdina]

"I'll sell your home for a smaller commission".

Now that would make me call.

[troutman]

oXA6CLTDekw&ob=av2n

[Madman]

If you are using an email, I would suggest getting your own domain.

Nothing against Gmail, but it just doesn't scream professional to me.

[Travis Munroe]

"I'll sell your home for a smaller commission".

Now that would make me call.

Commissions are always negotiable ;) just not allowed to be publicly advertised within certain/most major brokerages

[Hilch]

If you are using an email, I would suggest getting your own domain.

Nothing against Gmail, but it just doesn't scream professional to me.

I hate to pile on but this was the first thing I noticed when I saw your signature for the first time. I would never use a professional who used gmail, hotmail, yahoo or any free service. Shaw would be better but even then I would wonder.

And shorten it! You gotta remember people are driving by or walking by when they see your advertisments. travis@realtorone.com is simple and easy to remember. I hit reply and already forgot what your email address is.

edit: And speaking of your signature it is WAY too busy, so if you do a bus bench make it simple.

[4X4]

People hating on gmail? I'd rather use gmail than shaw or telus or anything else. If someone didn't do business with me because I paid for crap instead of using free awesomeness, then I'm probably better off.

But I guess you can pay for a domain and route it through gmail, so maybe that's the thing. Whatever.

As far as a slogan goes, it's better to use nothing at all, than something really cheesy or contrived. For example, there's a bench in marda loop for a realtor Mark Doll. His slogan is.... (get ready to facepalm) ...."You deserve a Doll house". Really? REALLY? Oh, I get it. Your name is Doll...Doll house....How clever.

[FlamesKickAss]

"Discover A Positive Experience"

[malcolmk14]

You wouldn't ____ without ______, don't buy/sell your house without Travis.

[ken0042]

People hating on gmail? I'd rather use gmail than shaw or telus or anything else. If someone didn't do business with me because I paid for crap instead of using free awesomeness, then I'm probably better off.

Yes, the free email services for the longest time have been seen as "disposable." To me it just screams "I haven't been doing this long enough to setup a website yet." Either than or somebody who doesn't use computers much. If you are selling something on Kijiji and you get a response from a Hotmail account; are you saying that doesn't give you a little bit of concern?

I like the previous suggestion to contact you; I would say make sure you have your phone number, email, and website. Then have something like "Let me show you why I should be your realtor." Of course be ready for when people call.

[Winsor_Pilates]

People hating on gmail? I'd rather use gmail than shaw or telus or anything else. If someone didn't do business with me because I paid for crap instead of using free awesomeness, then I'm probably better off.

But I guess you can pay for a domain and route it through gmail, so maybe that's the thing. Whatever.

Bingo
You can still use gmail but set up google apps to create an email with domains you own. If you own a domain anyway (which every Realtor pretty much does) it is no cost and matches up with your web marketing anyway.

[V]

^^ you hit the nail on the head with the daytime buddies thing.
I actually feel that the crazy/creative minds of cp might of come up with something better than any professional.
Paying people extreme amounts does not mean I will get something better than paying someone $50 on CP.

Well, if you hadn't insulted everyone in the profession before, this sure as hell did it.

[Prototype]

I would split your order in two...

"Don't let your dream home pass you buy"
"Don't sell your home short"

The "mistake" in the first one might catch some eyes... but might be catchy enough that people will remember it.

[surferguy]

Bingo - you are a troll!


FYP


Furthermore - As far as the email bus bench contact issue. Yes a long email stinks to have to remember. QR codes are the way to go!

http://www.qrstuff.com/index.html

get that on your bench for the win. I second and third the idea of your own domain. Build that brand! For the 75-100 bones per year it will cost you to make that happen it is a must.

[Boblobla]

You wouldn't ____ without ______, don't buy/sell your house without Travis.

#### a hooker without a condom?

[Travis Munroe]

FYP


Furthermore - As far as the email bus bench contact issue. Yes a long email stinks to have to remember. QR codes are the way to go!

http://www.qrstuff.com/index.html

get that on your bench for the win. I second and third the idea of your own domain. Build that brand! For the 75-100 bones per year it will cost you to make that happen it is a must.

I used QR codes for a couple months and felt it would be a fad .... glad to hear that some people do use them!

[Winsor_Pilates]

I used QR codes for a couple months and felt it would be a fad .... glad to hear that some people do use them!
Same. I've also used text for info services on listings on streets with lots of foot traffic & been very underwhelmed by the response.
Expected more people to use the text/qr codex but get very little response.

[Travis Munroe]

Same. I've also used text for info services on listings on streets with lots of foot traffic & been very underwhelmed by the response.
Expected more people to use the text/qr codex but get very little response.

Ya I gave the text thing a shot and quickly dismissed it from the strategy.

[stampsx2]

'If you lived here.... you'd be a hobo sleeping in a bus shelter'

This one. Take this one. But 'If you lived here.... you'd be a hobo sleeping on a bench'

[Barnet Flame]

It's not just fun, it's his business. He's probably already spent hundreds or thousands of dollars on this advertising. Cheaping out on the actual message is going to cost him much more than just 50 bucks. It will waste his time and the money that went into purchasing the advertising space.

The message has to resonate and hold true. On my way to work, I keep seeing this bus bench of some dude advertising his real estate services... basically some pimple-faced teen with the generic tag-line of "a name you can trust". Right, you're fresh out of high school and I'm supposed to trust your vast experience. Probably paid $50 bucks for that too.

That is $51 too much.

[Barnet Flame]

I appreciate all the advice.
My biggest debate within myself has been the 1 area vs throughout the city.
Throughout the city would be ideal for more exposure although as mentioned it might be "4th choice" exposure.
I think that my mind is made up on targeting a specific area although I do like the the slogans related to being home already which would need to be placed on a main road outside a community.

I also like the straight to the point slogan mentioned above "Need A Realtor? Call Me Today". What are your thoughts on that one? Lastly, would you use the term call? I find that at least 80% of my business is initiated through email. Are people more comfortable sending an email? I know that I prefer email in most situations when inquiring on a service. It would be different to say "Email Me Today" but perhaps I would seem as a very impersonal individual.

Thanks again to the contributions!!!!

I like the straight to the point strapline. What can initially sound fun and witty can very quickly become cheesy and grating. I think 'call' is ok or you could go for 'contact'. I know it sounds dull, but people are after what is a professional service and when I want a professional service I want someone who I can trust and if I think their communication is flippant or cheesy, I won't trust him.

[DownhillGoat]

I like the straight to the point strapline
"No cheesy slogans, just professional service." :D

[Barnet Flame]

As for specialising in a particular area:

http://blog.redfin.com/sandiego/files/2007/10/cookie_kwan.png

Stay out of the West Side!

[Sr. Mints]

Your sig is too cluttered for a bench ad: too many fonts, too many colours, and it's not easy for the eye to follow. How is someone driving by at 40km/hr supposed to get through all that? But I agree that the colour scheme is solid and can be worked with.

Copy... As others have said, you have to figure out the message you want to put out there, but first you have to figure out how you want to market yourself.

Based purely on my own anecdotal observations, you've done a better job than many other realtors I know of to reach out and form a connection with a community. Why not use that?

You want your message to be short, bold and to the point. Not too complicated, not too clever--but you want it to be reassuring and strike a chord. It has to connect with people in that split second when they see your bench on their drive home from work. And you want your message to stay with them, or be easy to recall when the time comes to buy or sell.

It can never hurt to start simple by brainstorming what you want to say:

Real Estate Agent
Committed
Calgary
Motivated
Different
Casual
Results
Etc., etc.

String some of those thoughts together.

Travis Munroe
Passionate Realtor, Passionate Calgarian

[Imported_Aussie]

This is to go on bus benches right?

"Travis Munroe: getting Calgarians home"

"Helping people find their way home"


I think emphasis on the word "home", as it personalizes a property, is a big one.

Also, the advice about the email/domain that others have mentioned is spot on: it should look as clean, simple, and legit/reliable as possible.

People don't look at these ads for a long time: you need a quick snag

[getbak]

Your sig is too cluttered for a bench ad: too many fonts, too many colours, and it's not easy for the eye to follow. How is someone driving by at 40km/hr supposed to get through all that? But I agree that the colour scheme is solid and can be worked with.
That's the big thing. People driving by might remember one thing from a bus bench, and that will probably only be after they drive past it every day for a month. Ideally, you want that one thing to be your name.

No one will remember a phone number or email address, but if they remember your name, they can always find you on Google or in the phone book (do they still make those?).

A witty slogan can be good if it helps people remember your name, but the danger is that if the slogan is too witty, it's all people will remember. Back in the 80s, "Where's the Beef?" was probably the most famous ad slogan of the time, but even though everyone was saying it, a high percentage of people couldn't remember that it was an ad for Wendy's, so they didn't benefit from their great slogan.

I'd keep it simple with a photo on the left side of the bench, and on the right something like:

Buying or Selling?
Contact
TRAVIS MUNROE
tmunroe.com

The biggest mistake advertisers constantly make is trying to convey too much information in an ad. One strong image and one strong message will always be better than trying to say everything at once.

This is a video that was produced a few years ago by the in-house designers at Microsoft, who were annoyed by constantly be forced to create cluttered busy packaging for their products, rather than the clean designs that Apple had for their stuff...

aeXAcwriid0

[Travis Munroe]

Great points everyone.... I appreciate them all and try to give back to cp in any way possible.

For the email address. I have taken the advice of a number of you and the new email is info@tmunroe.com which is forwarded to my gmail so I can still use that platform.

The point above about the "wheres the beef" slogan and trying to convey too much in a single ad was great advice.
:beer::beer::beer::beer:

[surferguy]

good work on the personal domain!

[Scotian Lotion]

I would suggest using the word "Integrity" somewhere if possible (assuming you have it).

.. and as shallow as it seems, it's your picture, that most people are going to look at on a bench ad. As long as you don't look like a sleezy car salesman, you're half way there.


I just sold my house privately and, as you probably know, I received over a dozen Realtor phone calls a day, for 3 weeks straight. They all had some filthy tactics, but the ones that showed respect for my choice are the ones I let in my home to look at it... so yea, I'd stay away from anything that comes across as aggressive or greedy.

People hiring you need to know you're working for their best interest... so I think 'Integrity' gives people some comfort in hiring someone who will get them results they can feel good about.

[Kybosh]

What I would like to see from a realtor:

"I work for 0.01% commission but put in 100% effort."

[Travis Munroe]

I would suggest using the word "Integrity" somewhere if possible (assuming you have it).

.. and as shallow as it seems, it's your picture, that most people are going to look at on a bench ad. As long as you don't look like a sleezy car salesman, you're half way there.


I just sold my house privately and, as you probably know, I received over a dozen Realtor phone calls a day, for 3 weeks straight. They all had some filthy tactics, but the ones that showed respect for my choice are the ones I let in my home to look at it... so yea, I'd stay away from anything that comes across as aggressive or greedy.

People hiring you need to know you're working for their best interest... so I think 'Integrity' gives people some comfort in hiring someone who will get them results they can feel good about.


Thank you and congrats on the sale. It does work for some people and I 100% respect those who try. Fact is most end up hiring a realtor so being pushy while they try to sell on their own is a near guarantee they wont consider you if it doesnt sell.

[Scotian Lotion]

Fact is most end up hiring a realtor...

I agree.

Though in the town I sold in, an agent with a faint pulse, can sell a house in less than 5 days just due to the exposure they can provide with the Realtor listing vs. private sale.

It took me 22 days, and NONE of my traffic came from the internet. It was all from signs out on the streets and having Open Houses that were well signed in the community.

Private Selling would be easy if regular people had access to the same tools as Realtors to provide exposure to the massive buyer pool.
Sure, we can do MLS now, but it's not exactly the same thing, as you know.

That said, I'd love to get in to Real Estate. My buyers were working with an agent and the back and forth mindf*** of the negotiation was a rush. In the end, I got the agent to take the hit, so I could net my bottom line.

He took $9000 including the HST, flat rate, on a $400000 transaction. When I got him to include the HST, that is when I felt victorious. It killed him inside to take less than 2.5%.

[squiggs96]

I love I'm late on this one, but you need to come up with something along these lines.

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/535167_10150703291228785_199031838784_9605526_2012 212441_n.jpg

[Travis Munroe]

that cant be real lol, The slogans in I love you man were at least funny...this one is just awkward.
I still don't have a slogan but did take the suggestion right away on a @tmunroe.com email which, looking back should have been a no brainer.

[Madman]

I still don't have a slogan but did take the suggestion right away on a @tmunroe.com email which, looking back should have been a no brainer.
You can send me the $50 via PayPal or Bank Draft.

[squiggs96]

that cant be real lol, The slogans in I love you man were at least funny...this one is just awkward.
I still don't have a slogan but did take the suggestion right away on a @tmunroe.com email which, looking back should have been a no brainer.

It looks like it might be real, and that he got fired for it. There are links to the original story from the link below.

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/rich-will-wanket-fired-over-masturbation-ad-12125

[Caged Great]

Travis Munroe

"Will definitely wear pants at every open house"

[Madman]

Travis Munroe

"Will definitely wear pants at every open house*"
*May not actually be wearing pants