Zanola at the 2015 International Builders’ Show – Part 2

My second day at the International Builders’ Show was just as packed. I was very thankful for the IBS Power Bar to take a breather and recharge my phone (and myself) while I organized my notes.

The first session I attended was about how to use content marketing to boost website traffic and improve search engine rankings. "Content is King:  Drive More Traffic, Leads & Sales with Content Marketing" was taught by Kristi Allen, co-developer of the My Home’s Story app and Meredith Oliver, founder and president of Creating WOW. This session went over strategies to create content, how to leverage existing content, real-world examples of what types of content has worked for builders, and how to measure and track results with Google Analytics and social media tools. This session gave us some great ideas for types of media that would work best for driving traffic to our clients’ sites, and how to focus our communication with right timing and a tailored message.

"Go Mobile:  15 Reasons You Need Mobile Marketing Now", taught by Jimmy Diffee, co-founder and creative director of the Bokka Group and Troy Reierson, director of sales at Zillow.com. This session explored successful mobile marketing campaigns. Mobile has overtaken the PC in the past six years, changing how we think, shaping the future, and changing the way we do business. Mobile marketing is a direct line to prospects, and is necessary to be found by customers.

We are excited to dive deeper into our notes in future blog posts, and implement strategies we’re learning for our clients. If you are looking for ways to boost (or establish) your digital presence the right way, contact me at rballard@zanola.com.

Retirement Gone Wild

If you want to keep your finger on the pulse of the reenergized retirement housing market, follow the folks at RPI Media.

RPI targets homebuyers through their publications and annual expos for retirement communities and resorts. The RPI expos offer these communities an opportunity to meet new prospects and develop relationships with established contacts. RPI is reporting the best turnout at their ideal-Living expos since 2007.

One of our longstanding clients, WindRiver, a residential resort community on Tellico Lake in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, will be participating in seven ideal-Living expos from January through March. If you happen to be in attendance at one of these expos, we encourage you to drop by and see what WindRiver is all about.

By Joe Zanola

Zanola at the 2015 International Builders’ Show – Part 1

After last year’s neck-breaking pace at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas, I was ready this year, fully hydrated with comfy shoes on.

The first session I attended had a wealth of great information for our builders and city and community planning clients. "Creating Community:  What Buyers Really Want and How You Can Deliver It” was taught by Chris Grady, principal and senior land planner at Kephart, and Michael Medick, registered architect and urban planner at BSB Design. I will be exploring this session in more detail in a future post, but as a snapshot, I liked this statement that sums up what buyers are looking for right now – a community to “grow up and old in place.” 

I also attended “Digital Marketing Delivers: How to Create Engagement and Build Competitive Advantage,” taught by Mitch Levinson of Marketing RELEVANCE, Kelly Fink of The Providence Group (Atlanta’s 5th largest builder), Janette Hawkins of Keystone Custom Homes (the largest builder in central Pennsylvania), and Corrine Bachman of French Brothers Inc. This presentation was full of strategies and tips for harnessing the power of the digital marketing platform and using it for your and your clients’ best advantage. In sales, the website is the most powerful tool you have, and leveraging it to work for you can create immeasurable (and many measurable) benefits. 

We are excited to dive deeper into our notes in future blog posts, and implement strategies we’re learning for our clients. If you are looking for guidance in community planning and building a neighborhood, or are hoping to take advantage of digital marketing resources available, contact me at rballard@zanola.com.