gregorygarver.com

kb · Joined: 05 Feb 2005 Posts: 3

I recently started up my own business where I sketch residential homes. I have attracted a couple real estate agents using craigslist (they want to use the sketch as a settlement gift for their clients). But, I want more agents !! Craigslist only gets me so far, so I've been emailing agents that live in my state directly with all my information, website, samples, contact info etc... (i've found their info online) . This is the only way I feel I can directly market to them. Is this bad? I'm not sure how else to let them know about my service.** I try to keep the email as personal as I can.. using their first name, not just "to whom it may concern".. etc... ** I like the open house idea!

Don · Joined: 11 Feb 2005 Posts: 7

I think it is fine. Good for you for being so resourceful. There are some spam laws but i think as long as you keep your mailings small or even personal you will have no problems. Good Luck.

Stacy7876 · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 4

I truly appreciate your concern. However, I’m married to a real estate agent. You’re talking about a group of people who has no problem calling and sending mailers to anyone in the phone book on the hopes that 12 years from now they’ll call that agent when they need representation. I doubt you’re sending those agents even a fraction of what they send out. Smile

You might want to visit open houses on Sundays to speak to the agents directly. Exchange business cards with them.

GeraldS · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 8

What you're doing is sending spam. A better way would be to design and send a brochure to these people. You can design and have it printed at http://www.vistaprint.com/vp/ns/splash/splash_brochure.aspx?xnav=TsrItem&xnid=aBrochuresMarketingMaterials&dng=1061557

KandiT · Joined: 01 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Unfortunately, I have to agree with the above poster. That is SPAM and it is illegal.You should look up the "Can SPAM Act" so that you will know that what you are doing could get you into trouble.I DO know that if I were the agent or the agency getting these emails I would delete the email and add you to my blocked senders list, simply because that is where all the SPAM emails get sent when I get them.It is not good a good practice at all.I commend you for worrying about it though! It shows me that you want to do the right thing!

daniseb · Joined: 06 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Why are you stopping at marketing to only realitors.If you have a good talent show every one.Their are alot of people who would like to have a hand drawn picture of their home or business place.If you start your own web site,people can send you a photo and you should be able to hand draw it from there. My webb site was free,and there are alot more for only a few dollars a year like yahoo geocitys,and yahoo local has a page to free..http://atdanisesden.ecrater.com Go there and sign up.