The primary marketing focus of most home staging professionals is on real estate agents.—and for good reason. These individuals are in a uniquely valuable position for home stagers, being able to provide a consistent flow of business once they believe in the value.

But you don’t have to be reliant solely on agents to generate business. In addition to brokers, realtors, and other gatekeepers many home stagers have found success by marketing directly to homeowners,. Below are three ways that you can accomplish this.

1) Build a social media presence. Social media sites, particularly Facebook, are a great way to connect with homeowners. Because Facebook is such a visual site, pictures do very well in terms of generating exposure. Post pictures of recent jobs, projects, or ideas. Keep in mind that posting content alone doesn’t accomplish anything—you also need an audience.  Invite comments plus ask friends and family  to spread the word encouraging their friends and acquaintances to connect via Facebook.

2) Get out in the community. Another great way to reach homeowners is simply to become more visible in your community. Look for an opportunity to participate in a cause or an event that you believe in—providing food for the less fortunate, cleaning up a local park, or whatever suits you best. Consistently supporting and participating in such events will dramatically improve visibility in your community.

3) Focus on referrals. There is arguably no greater marketing tool known to man than generating sincere referrals. Homeowners will take sincere word-of-mouth recommendations from their friends and family members much more seriously than other form of marketing. So whenever you’re working with a homeowner, understand  it’s not just one job—it’s a highly valuable marketing opportunity. Provide excellent service and do everything you can to turn the homeowner into a “raving fan” of your business. If you’re successful, the word WILL spread amongst your target customers!

Building relationships with real estate agents and brokers should be an important part of your marketing strategy. But don’t become reliant solely on them. The strategies we’ve discussed here today will help you connect directly with homeowners in your market.

Please get in touch with me today if you’d like to learn more!