Create an Area Tour

May 28, 2010

Want to really be a local area expert?  Try creating an Area Tour for the subdivision, community, town, or city you service.  Once you have the Area Tour, you can use the new Additional Resources linking tools to add it to each of your listings.

You can easily showcase an area just with photos, or if you have a map you would like to use, you can make it an interactive map tour. Click Here for an example of an Area Tour created by the first official customer of FloorPlanOnline in the US, Linda Cone of the Cone Team. See more of Linda at www.KansasCityLifestyles.com.  Note – we provide both a widescreen version of the tour and a portrait version.  By default people get the widescreen – except some users with a very narrow screen will get the portrait version.  In this case, I think the portrait version works good for a map tour…so I used that.  Just change the 1 to a 0 to see and use the portrait version at the end after ws=  http://www.seetheproperty.com/presentation_v2/presentation.php?order_id=8606&mode=branded&ws=0  We will be adding some Map tour types in the future…but for now, you can work the system this way.

To see a tour with the Area Tour (and a lot more Additional Resources), click here.

How do you add an Area Tour to your tours?  It is simple.  First, just create a new tour for the area you would like to showcase.  To create a self service Area Tour with photos, it is just $29 for a year of hosting.  Just select the tour option for Photos only.  To add a Map, select the FloorPlan and Photos option.  That is just $59 for the first year to create the map and tour, and then $29 a year thereafter.

One you have the Area Tour, just login, go to Manage Orders and then click the Edit link under Order Form (or Edit Tour then edit Property Details).  Scroll down to the section where it says Content Display Options.  Under the Additional Resources column, select the +Add Custom Resource button.  Then just type in text for how you want it to show on your tour, and then the link to the Area Tour, such as www.floorplanonline.com/8606 (or www.seetheproperty.com/8606 works too).  Then select the button to add it.  Just make sure the box is checked for this Area Tour, go to the bottom and save.  For your next tour, this resource should be checked.

If you service different areas, you can add multiple area tours, and just select the one needed for your particular listing.

Also, you can use the Additional Resource tools to add links to your website, your blog, your MLS search page, and more.  The more you put links back to your website, the more “Google Juice” you get…and we both get.  Just check out the link above to the listing with the Area Tour for an example.

New Sign Rider Process

May 2, 2010

I am pleased to announce we have changed our sign rider process, for the better.  In the past, we acted as a middleman to place orders with a sign vendor.  Now, we are directing you to ABetterSign.com, a Georgia company that can ship signs anywhere in the United States.   The benefits of this arrangement are many:

• Lower Price – signs are now $10.40, so with shipping, you can get a sign for around $20.  We do not make any money on the sign….so you save at least $10 a sign.  Plus, since we are no longer the “merchant” there is no sales tax.
• Higher Quality – we have narrowed the material choice to a new Duraplast material which is a solid plastic sign that is similar to wood.  No more corrugated plastic!  It is a very nice, solid material and will stand up to a lot of weather.
• More Customization – now, you can pick from different templates and customize the sign EXACTLY to how you want it.   You can upload an image of the house, of you, or just have a direct link to the virtual tour. You can also pick different sign sizes and colors. How it looks is up to you and they have an easy to use online design tool.  You can save your initial design and then reuse it for different tours in the future.

The new process might take a few more minutes, since you will need to enter your shipping and billing info with Abettersign.  But you can save your information by creating an account.   Overall, we think you will be much happier with the end product at a great price, and that is what matters most!  If you want to save even more money, get a few signs with www.FloorPlanOnline.com/_____  and fill in the blanks with numbers that can be resued.

Why get a sign rider? According to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers 2009 report, 59% of respondents quoted the Yard Sign as an information source used frequently or occasionally.  Of course, 90% said the Internet was used as a source!  We provide a basic mobile tour for every listing….so let people see some basic info while they are driving by….which can lead them back to you!  Plus, it can save on printing costs with flyers if they can get the basic stuff at the “point of browsing” without a piece of paper. And did I mention, it is greener too!

To place a sign order, just select Order Now once you confirm a new tour order, or go to Manage Orders, and click the “view” link under Tour Upgrades, then the Order Now button for Sign Riders.  A new web page will open to ABetterSign.com and you can create your new sign!

New Listing Tools Posted

February 22, 2010

We are pleased to announce the addition of two great listing tools for you to use under the Tools menu option from our main website.  We have added 14 different company branded Listing Presentation Templates as well as a generic presentation you can use to customize for your own brand if we do not have it listed.  Just make the applicable edits to the different pages and save.  We provide both a PowerPoint and Google Docs version.  You can either print the materials out, or save to your computer and take your laptop with your and use as a tool to showcase how you will use FloorPlanOnline to market the seller’s home! you can also embed the Google doc version right into your website, just like below…so you can provide some key information to users browsing your site.

In addition, we added two printable one-page handouts on FloorPlanOnline under Tools>Marketing Downloads.  One is for the Seller that you can leave as a handout and the other is something you can print out and hang up at your office.

Agents that have incorporated the FloorPlanOnline Marketing System into their listing presentations often get the listing – EVERY TIME!  It can help demonstrate to the Seller that you know how to market a home, and in the most important place – ONLINE.  After all, 96% of buyers in the key buying group use the Internet to search for homes.  Don’t let your seller’s home be left out!

If you do not see a version for you company, just let us know and we can try to customize something for you.  Just use the form below or on the Listing Presentation Template page.

FloorPlanner Tool…Sneak Preview

January 22, 2010

Hi FloorPlanOnline users.
I wanted to give you a sneak preview of a floorplanner tool we are working on and get your thoughts. Can you review the tool below and then complete the poll on what you think. We are working to bring this, and some other exciting enhancements, to our tours soon. The embedded version is below, or Click Here to see the full screen version (so the icon library is not over the plan as in this embedded version).

Tweet Privately Now!

October 14, 2009

Twitter launched a built in tool that makes private conversations on Twitter possible. Most people use Twitter for comments and questions that are relatively public. Tweets can be seen by followers and easily found when searched. Sometimes you may not want the world to know about your tweet, and it is intended for one single person – like “Billy, Do you want to meet at Goose Island Brewery after work for a beverage?” Twitter created Direct Messages (known as a DM) to be a private tweet that is not seen by all your followers. In a way Twitter DM’s are more like email than Twitter. You still have to limit your message to 140 characters, however you can save delete or privately respond like a good old fashioned email.

DM’s are easy to use. When you write a tweet that is intended for one person include a “D” to start the message followed by the persons Twitter name and then the message. So my example from above looks like:
“D @billyblob Do you want to meet at Goose Island Brewery after work for a beverage?” The message will be privately delivered to Billy. I would improve the message and include a link to Goose Island Brewery, so Billy can learn more about the place. @gooseisland is the Goose island Brewery twitter name, so I would insert it in to the direct message like this:
“D @billyblob Do you want to meet @gooseisland after work for a beverage?”

There is a second way to send a Direct message that may make the process more easy to use. From your twitter page, click “Direct Message” on the right side of your screen. You will see the words “Send _______ a direct message”. A drop down box at the top of the screen that allows you to select individuals from your Follow list. Select their name and enter your message, then click “send”.

Following all your direct messages can get a bit tricky using the simple but effective built in Twitter tools. To manage my twitter Ive been using Tweet Deck or @tweetdeck. Its a quick Download at http://www.tweetdeck.com/ that allows you to view messages in movable columns. I follow my DM’s in one collum, my mentions (where someone includes @fpo in a message) in another and then can track trending topics or conversations in several other columns. Tweet Deck allows for easy to follow DM tools. Simply mouse over the avitar (photo) of whom you wish to DM, look for the envelope icon (it is the icon for a DM in Tweet Deck) to pop up and click it.

Try posting your FloorPlanOnline Tour to Twitter using the blue “T” button at the bottom left of the tour. Send a DM with the tour link to the seller, so they can share the tour link on twitter with their network!

If you would like to test your new DM skills, Tweet a direct message Hello to D @FPO
Tweet ya later!

How to Create an Effective Video

October 7, 2009

Based on a recent survey, we received several comments about the video. So, I thought I would share some ideas on how to make a really effective video.  We will also work to change how we do some things in production so what you get as a draft has some of these things taken into account.  So please look at the tips below and try to incorporate them into your next video. You can see an example of a video by clicking here.

1. Try to keep the video under 2 minutes. 1-2 minutes is ideal.  This means if you have a video with 5 seconds for each photo, a 2 minute video will be 24 photos.  Most people will not sit through a 4 minute video.

2. Adjust the time sequence of photos. Did you know you can change how long a photo shows during the video?  Just go to Edit Video from the Tour Editor menu (Manage orders>Tour Editor>Edit Video) and then select Edit Transition on a photo.  The default time period is 5 seconds per photo.  If you want a faster, more upbeat video, change it to 2 or 3 seconds.  You can even apply the time sequence to All Photos and then adjust a few more important photos to show for a longer period (see screen shot at right).   For an example of a video that speeds it up, click here.

3. Add text to each photo to help explain the scene. Just select the Edit Text button at the bottom of each photo to add a photo name and add a text description.  The name shows in the photo gallery view, the description shows on the video itself.

4. Select Different Music. We have over 200 song choices across different genres.  We are working to add more music with some vocals/more Indie type feel. You can change the music under the Music Selection section on the Edit Video page.  Stay tuned for more music …

Can I use my own music from CDs I own? Short Answer: NO. Long Answer: We currently do not allow you to upload your own music – the reason is copyright issues.  All songs are copyright protected.  ANY use of a song in a real estate “For Sale” tour would be considered for a “commercial purpose” and therefore subject to copyright laws. If you have not properly licensed music, then you would be in violation.  EACH violation can have both actual and statutory damages….statutory damages run $750 PER occurrence. Read more at the US Copyright Office.  So, it is not worth the legal risk…to you or us.  Also, to license a top artist’s song is prohibitively expensive – thousands of dollars.  Therefore, we have to license music from stock music libraries and royalty free sites.  ALL of our music on the tours has been properly licensed.   At some point we may allow you to find and license your own music and upload it to your account…but we will require proof of a valid license.

We are working to add more improvements to the video part of the tour, including larger/crisper photos, ways to create a real video file with uploads to YouTube, and some new music.   We welcome any comments you have by sending us an email using the form below.

Thanks for reading…
Kris Cone

Why Your Company Should Syndicate Listings

October 2, 2009

There has been a lot of discussion about virtual tour companies syndicating tours to companies like Google, Yahoo, Trulia, Zillow, etc.   When it comes down to it, the real estate broker/company really should be doing this work for you, the agent.   According to Spencer Rascoff of Zillow, they put a hierarchy on listing syndication, in the following priority:

1. Agent Posted Listings
2. Office (Broker) Posted Listings
3. National Office Posted Listings
4. MLS Posted Listings
5. Virtual Tour Company/Other Syndicator of Listings

So, as a virtual tour company, we are put at the bottom, and rightfully so.  The Office (Broker) or national company should have the most up to date listings along with your branding information (name, logo, contact info, etc).   If an MLS posts a listing to one of these national real estate sites, it will likely not have your info. PLUS, if they do include a virtual tour link, it is likely the unbranded virtual tour that does not have your info on it.   If we as a virtual tour company post the linking, it is not synchronized with the MLS, which can cause problems.

We can help.   If your broker or company needs help doing listing syndication to various sites, we have a team of technical experts that can help.   We could even do some of the development for you.   Also, it is important to include as much information as possible in your feed, including any virtual tour links.  I know in talking with Zillow, you can include virtual tour links into the data feed to them.   Ditto for Google Base.

-Cheers,
Kris Cone

Get Connected, Stay Connected

September 11, 2009

Introducing a new coaching service by FloorPlanOnline’s resident social media expert Chris Drayer – the Get Connected, Stay Connected Program.

Get Connected, Stay Connected is about getting you and your business more exposure online, where 90% of people search for homes. Today, being online is as important, if not more important, than putting a sign in front of the house. You can leverage the power of social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and others to connect with your network, extend that network, and maintain the connection.

In addition, the coaching service will teach you about other sites you really should be using and how you can become a local expert in your area. Many agents are not putting 100% of their marketing efforts online, and decreasing their costs dramatically, while increasing their overall business.

To learn more, just complete the email request below and Chris will follow up with you to schedule your first coaching session.
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Get More Listings & Sell Better

September 9, 2009

Use FloorPlanOnline to GET MORE LISTINGS, MAKE MONEY & SAVE TIME!
It’s no secret that print advertising is being eclipsed by Internet advertising, and for good reason..It’s simply more effective and less expensive!  Not to mention newspapers are going the way of the dinosaur. Not only is it the Internet the preferred method where buyers look for homes, but it’s also where they look for agents. Unlike print, Internet advertising is not a one time expense. It’s an investment which can be leveraged to get more listings, attract more buyers, and sell homes faster.

With the FloorPlanOnline Marketing System, we can GET you More Listings and Make you More Money. Here’s some ways how.

1. Get the listing every time. The more listings you have, the more you make. Our agents that showcase the FloorPlanOnline system at listing appointments typically walk away with the listing, in many cases, 100% of the time! You can use this generic listing presentation and download to your computer as a PowerPoint (ppt) file, or make a copy (File, Save as) and edit it and print it out as a PDF file.  Click here to download this template.

2. Register and use the Demo House as a tool at your nest listing appointment - after all – if all the buyers are online, shouldn’t you show your sellers you are too?

3. Consider using a “Menu of Services” approach to help you manage commission erosion (i.e., show your 3 levels of commission with what services the seller gets for each level, with the FPO presentation being at the highest level!! It works!)

4. Utilize “See Interactive FloorPlan” in all your marketing venues. We know from experience that people are intrigued by this term and that your use of this term throughout all your advertising and marketing will help drive traffic to your websites. Then, once you’ve got them there, the FloorPlanOnline concept will keep them there longer. And, isn’t it your experience that, “The longer they are there (whether physically or virtually), the more comfortable they become with the notion that this might be the right property for them!“

5. Email the Tour – Use the Email Tour feature to send the unbranded tour to a database of showing agents whom you want to see your listings. Have the seller send the branded version to their sphere of influence asking them to help sell their home by forwarding it to anyone they feel might be interested in seeing their home. And, send the branded version to the buyer after the closing congratulating them on their purchase and suggesting that they forward it to all their acquaintances so they can also share in the joy they are experiencing. Each tour has an email tour button. Click it and copy and paste your email addresses into the “To:” field on the form.

6. Flyer Creation and Printing. Our Enhanced Flyer Templates allow you to add a creative touch to simply and quickly create stunning property flyers. Print them yourself or use an online printer.

7. Neighborhood “guerilla” marketing. Use the Offline Tour and burn copies of the tour to CDs. Distribute it to neighbors of the seller (or have the seller do this). Also, give extra copies to the seller to distribute to at least 25 people they know. Chances are they may have friends that want to move right in! You can even create a self promotion tour and use that for mailbox campaigns.

8. Buy a Vanity Domain Name & Sign Rider. Create a truly custom website for the property with the tour link as the property address. For example, www.111AnyStreet.com goes to a virtual tour! With the street address as the name of the tour, it will also be easier to find via search engines.   Add a sign rider so drive-by buyers can get right to the tour content using their mobile devices! Just go to Manage Orders, then click the view link under Tour Upgrades to buy a Vanity Domain and sign riders.

9. Be the local expert. Create a Basic (do it yourself) area tour and add it to your listings under the More Info section on each order from. You can also put separate links to your areas tours on your website. Whether you create a simple photo tour or a more detailed Interactive FloorPlan tour with a plat map, subdivision map or area map, it is a great way to showcase an area. Add a vanity domain to make it really pop! Like www.oxfordct.info. Get your chamber of commerce to use it for their business too!

10. Feature Your Listings. Each account comes with a Featured Listing Page that has all of your approved tours on them. Add this page to your website and email tagline (like Click here for my current listings). You can even buy a vanity domain, such as www.hometeamct.info, to make your Featured Listing page a mini website of you!  Just go Manage Orders, then click the “view” link under Marketing Materials for your featured listing page button.

11. Open House Tools. Bring your laptop to the Open House and have the tour playing. Print off Flyers and FloorPlans and burn the tours to CDs for those that visit the property. They make great handouts, it is inexpensive marketing for you and will make a very positive impression on everyone. Remember – the Internet, referrals, yard signs and open houses are the primary means for getting new clients!

Bonus Tip…Closing Gifts. Give a lasting memory to the buyer and seller by burning the tour to a CD. Oh, it also gets your name and number in front of them…

Order today, or call us at 866-810-3816 or send us an email.

Why you should be on Zillow

September 9, 2009

I attended the Seattle REBar event yesterday, and listened to Spencer Rascoff of Zillow talk about why real estate agents should put their listings on Zillow.   I agree it makes sense, and here are the main reasons.

1. They are a top 1 or 2 real estate site now with OVER 8 million unique visitors and it is growing over 70% year over year – you will never get that many people to your site.  A study by CAR showed that 55% of California Sellers use Zillow.

2. About 2/3rds of buyers are on Zillow to buy/sell NOW.

3. Can post your listings for free – there are broker feeds (they suggest this), agent manual or tour companies can post (we will be adding this soon).  Virtual tour links come through the feeds if the process is set up correctly

4. Zillow is mobile.  Their iPhone application has been downloaded over 700,000 times, by far the most popular application in any category.  On weekends, 20% of Zillow’s traffic comes from iPhone users – 20%!   FloorPlanOnline just launched a multi-device, mobile optimized site…so now basic content can be seen on virtually any mobile device.  So upload your listings and include the foorplanonline.com link.

5. Use the Zestimates as a tool to show your real estate expertise.  Zillow admits and clearly publishes the fact that the Zestimate is just an estimate…and with better data it can get better.  This is where you can use your expertise as a Realtor to explain why you would price a home or why the Zestimate is not correct.  Also, when you list a house for sale on Zillow, the Zestimate falls to the bottom and what is most visible on the map and property details is the listing price.

PS. Join their Advice forums and be the local expert for consumers in your area.  Just watch the hard sell, as people want information, not to be inundated with hard sales pushes.

-Kris Cone, FloorPlanOnline.com