Consulting Membership Site For Real Estate Agents?

[KirkEisele]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking for some feedback on an idea I'm considering implementing. I feel like I meet a lot of real estate agents who are looking for advice on how to market online. In general though, they don't have the budget or time for a full web marketing implementation on the level we would do for a local gym, car dealer, etc.

So, I'm thinking about creating a paid member site where agents could subscribe on a monthly basis, post their real estate specific questions, etc. and get answers back from qualified pros who understand internet marketing and real estate practice. Ideally, the site would be a full social site to facilitate discussions between the agents themselves as well as serve as connections for out of area referrals.

I have two main areas that I'm seeking feedback on:
1) Is this idea a good one or are agents unlikely to see the potential value. Monthly subscription rates would be somewhere between 20 and 50 dollars...
2) If it is a good idea, how could it most effectively be presented to agents in a credible way that they would respond too? I perceive them to be very busy focusing on client acquisition and service making it difficult to get their attention. How in the world do I profitably reach and convert them to customers without losing my shirt in advertising/marketing costs? (So many AREN'T active online but want to be. I may not reach them online as a result.)

Thanks in advance for any feedback and thoughts you are willing to share.

Kirk Eisele

[ritty]

Hi Kirk,

Sounds like a great website you're working on! Maybe call them or send a postcard to get them interested! Online yellow pages may be a good source for leads! Let me know how it goes, keep me posted!

Thanks,
Keith

[Karri]

I would think that their assistants might also be gatekeepers to the "getting online" process. i.e. the assistant in the end may be the one doing much of the legwork once the agent does decide to pursue an online strategy. In fact, there is an entire cohort of virtual assistants/online business managers who specialize in working with/supporting real estate agents.

You could offer a dual/team membership to the agent and his/her assistant so they could climb the learning curve together. Many VAs are already very adept at web marketing support.

Something to consider when packaging your offering

HTH,
Karri

PS: And YES, I do believe more and more REs want to leverage the web, at least the progressive thinking ones.

[east2west]

Sounds like a good niche market to me.