It’s 2015, happy new year! If one of your new year’s resolutions was to focus on growing your real estate brand, look no further. We’ve got a bunch of great tips to get you on track for a successful 2015.

1. Set aside time
When it comes to growing your business, it’s easy to get stuck in the planning stage if you don’t set aside time specifically for this purpose. Real estate professionals are chronically busy, and as a result, anything that doesn’t feel like an immediate priority gets put off until you have more time.In reality, marketing should be a priority. Just like planting a tree, the best time to start focusing on your blog, your Pinterest account or networking is five years ago. The second best time is right now. Pick a day that will be devoted mostly or completely to marketing your business and stick to your schedule – you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Spend time on your database
Using a contact database consistently and with intention is essential for success in real estate sales. If you don’t already have a database, it’s time to start.

There are a lot of great tools out there for managing your contacts. Google Contacts is pretty bare-bones, but it’s completely free. Top Producer and Contactually both offer pared down free versions and come with more features once you upgrade. Look around for any new companies on the block offering innovative new features – you just might find something you love.

If you do have a database, take the time to update it as soon as possible. Database management isn’t the most exciting work, so it’s easy to put off until later, but getting this work off your chest will absolutely help you to start the new year off right.

3. Produce something useful
Email marketing is one of the best ways to keep in touch with your past clients when used correctly. When used improperly, email marketing is one of the fastest ways to send your past clients to somebody - anybody - else when it’s time to buy their next property.

If you’re sending the kinds of emails right now that read “new low rates!” or “listings in your area,” just like every other realtor on the block, stop immediately. If you were one of your own past clients, would this provide any real value to you?

Instead, focus on creating value in your communications. This could be almost anything tangentially related to real estate and the area you serve. New coffee shop opening up? Try it out, write a short piece talking about your experiences and finish off with information about how local businesses affect property values. This way, recipients of your emails will associate you with useful knowledge that is relevant to their lives and the local real estate market.

There are almost unlimited ways for you to expand your marketing this year, so treat these tips as your first step toward improved marketing in 2015.

Brought to you by our preferred Partner, HMS Home Warranty.  HMS is an industry leader with over 30 years of creating success for clients and providing peace of mind for customers.  To learn more clickwww.hmsnational.com.