So you’ve entered homes in one of the tours, now what? Whether you’ll be participating in the Parade of Homes, Remodelers Showcase, or Artisan Home Tour, home tours give builders and remodelers like yourself the opportunity to reach consumers directly and advertise your business to potential new clients. Our home tours get thousands of visitors over their various weekends, but you want to make sure your home is at the top of every tour-goers list. Maximize your marketing efforts with these five tips.
1 Pitch Your Story
Housing First Minnesota’s home tour guidebooks feature editorial stories that range from design trends to homebuying tips to homebuyer stories. Have a unique story to tell? Submit a story proposal! By participating in editorial pieces, you help establish your brand authority and can give consumers a look at what it’s like to work with your team.
Remember, content is planned months in advance, so be thinking ahead. Along with clear, descriptive details on what makes your story unique, don’t forget to include images! Providing high-quality photographs allows us to visually interpret how the story might fit in with the rest of the content mix. Contact laura@housingfirstmn.org for more information.
2 Add On Marketing Options
Grow your audience and connect with your consumers through email, social media, and blog advertising options! From sponsored blog posts and advertorials within the guidebook to social media takeovers and email partnerships, there are advertising options to fit any budget. Advertising through the well-known Parade of Homes channels can enhance your own efforts marketing homes on the tour. Contact brad@housingfirstmn.org for more information.
3 Submit Photos for Social Features
Pique the interest of tour-goers and convince them to stop by your home through alluring photos. If you have photographer permission, fill out our online submission form and upload your home images. Getting featured on the Parade of Homes social channels is a great way to get even more potential free promotion of your homes. Contact sarah@housingfirstmn.org for more information.
4 Secure a PR Feature
Do you have an innovative or trending feature in your Parade Home? Is your home pre-sold to fantastic buyers who aren’t camera shy? Fill out our online PR form! We might pitch your story for news segments about the Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase. We’re always looking for homes that are camera-ready a few weeks before the tours start and need flexibility when scheduling with news outlets. Contact katie@housingfirstmn.org for more information.
5 Post Content Like Crazy
We live in a digital world. If you’re not maximizing your social media presence, you’re missing out on thousands of potential views, local followers, and potential new leads. Leading up to the tours, post photos, videos, or blogs related to your homes. Tell your audience to mark their calendars and make sure your home is on their tour list. Throughout the tour, make sure you’re posting photos and videos and taking advantage of the personalized graphics we provide. Bottom line: market your home as much as possible!
Upcoming Home Tours
- 2022 Fall Parade of Homes: Sept. 10-Oct. 2, 2022
- 2022 Fall Remodelers Showcase: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2022
- 2023 Spring Parade of Homes: March 4-April 2, 2023
- 2023 Spring Remodelers Showcase: March 31-April 2, 2023
- 2023 Artisan Home Tour: June 9-25, 2023
