How to Use Real Estate Word
Congratulations on joining Real Estate Word! Below are instructions that will help you make the most of this service. It’s important to note that you must receive permission before you send newsletters to past, present and future clients. If you don’t, you could get into serious trouble for spamming.
Getting Started
The first thing you'll want to do is log into your control panel using your email address and password by clicking "Login" at the top of the page. If you've forgotten your password, there's a link you can click on that will email it to you. Once you're logged in, you'll see a list of menu items which are explained in detail below:
Edit Profile
The "Edit Profile" section allows you to add your contact details, a photo of yourself, company logo and your own personal logo. You're also able to customize your own P.S. line, add a buyers link that will direct readers to your website as well as other items that will make your newsletter more personalized.
Newsletters
This is where you're able to customize your latest newsletter as well as view past issues. If you'd like to send someone an issue from your archives. , just click on "Send" and then enter their email address. Information on customizing your newsletter is discussed below.
Image Library
Here you will find various images to use for your optional articles and introduction logo. You're also able to upload your own images and save them to your library. Just make sure their file size isn't larger than 1 MB and that they're in .jpg format. Just click on "Add Picture" and then type in a description of your photo and then browse to where the image is located on your computer and finally hit the "Upload" button.
Custom Header
This feature allows you to add your own custom header. Most agents will have a graphic designer create a nice image which includes their photo, company logo and contact information which is placed upon nice background image.
Website Code
There are two features here: "add subscriber box" and "view newsletter". The "add subscriber box" code allows you to add a subscriber box so that prospects can automatically subscribe themselves to your newsletter. The "view newsletter" code allows them to view your most current newsletter. This is something you or your webmaster must do. As it can be a bit tricky, I've written out more detailed instructions on integrating your newsletter into your website.
Print Center
This feature allows you to print a copy or your newsletter should you wish to hand it out at an open house or send it off in the mail. When you first visit this section, a program will run which will temporarily removes the URL text, date stamp, etc. that appears at the top of your printed material so that your newsletter looks more professional. You can also size it so it fits onto two pages without any gaps by reducing font size, image size, etc. Once you're done, you can preview the newsletter before printing it.
Add Subscribers (Deluxe Edition)
This feature allows you to manually add subscribers. Just type in their first & last name as well as their email address. Remember that you must receive their permission before you send past, present and future clients newsletters. If you don’t, you could get in trouble for spamming.
View Subscribers (Deluxe Edition)
This is where you're able to view your current subscribers. You’re also to able to edit their email address should it change as well as remove them altogether. This section also shows you which people have unsubscribed and also which emails have bounced back.
Find Subscribers (Deluxe Edition)
This feature allows you to find a subscriber by either entering all or part of their email address, first name or last name.
Help Files
As you've probably guessed, you're currently reading the help file. If there's ever anything that isn't covered within this file, please send us an email and we'll answer your questions.
Import Subscribers (Deluxe Edition)
If you currently have a list of subscribers, you can use this feature to import them to avoid having to type them in manually. You must save them as a .csv file with the fields First Name, Last Name, and E-mail Address.
It’s critical that all fields be filled in; otherwise, they won’t import properly. This feature can be a bit tricky so I've created a special page on importing subscribers that goes into more detail. Please remember that you must receive permission before you send past, present and future clients newsletters. If you don’t, you could get in trouble for spamming.
Export Subscribers (Deluxe Edition)
This feature allows you to back up your subscriber list so that you can use them for other programs. It will be saved in a .CSV file which is an industry standard type of excel file as seen above in the import section. Please note that only active subscribers will be exported in order to prevent inactive emails and those that have requested to be unsubscribed from being re-activated.
Pre-set Delivery (Deluxe Edition)
This allows you to schedule your newsletter so that it goes out on the same date each month.
Email Tracker (Deluxe Edition)
This handy feature tells you who reads your newsletter, when they look at it and how many times they look at it. It's important to note that this feature is not 100% accurate as it requires the viewer to have their images turned on. It is however a good rule of thumb and provides some very interesting information.
Customizing Your Newsletter
Around the beginning of each month, you'll receive an email letting you know that the latest newsletter's available for editing. This gives you a chance to customize it with local local market stats from your real estate board, upcoming community events or you can even feature one of your listings. You don't have to publish your own material but if you'd like to, just follow the instructions that are emailed to you around the first of the month. Once you've been sent the announcement that your newsletter's reading for editing, log into your account where you'll see the following header:
Below, we'll go over all the different options you have when it comes to editing your newsletter.
Description
This is the section which describes the newsletter and appears in the subject line as well as the title. If you've customized your newsletter, you should change the description to reflect the new content.
The Introduction
The introduction section of the newsletter summarizes each of the articles so if you add, delete or edit any of the articles, remember to edit the introduction section of the newsletter accordingly
The Heading Line
This is the title for your article. It will automatically be included in your table of contents.
Changing the Images
Next to your article, you'll notice a dropdown box with an image below. This feature allows you to change or add an image to go along with your articles.
Using the "Restore Default" Option
If you have made changes to your paragraph and clicked on "Save", and then previewed the newsletter and decided you would like to use the original article, simply click on the link that says “Restore Default”.
Adding an Article
We strongly encourage you to add your own content -- especially local market summary stats that should be available from your board. To do this, just click on "Add Article". You can shuffle your articles up or down by using the red and green arrows. Don't forget to always save and preview your work.
P.S. Line
We use a standard P.S. line but you can change it to whatever you like. If you enter in the URL of your buyer criteria page under "Buyer Link" in your control panel , the P.S. line will take them directly to that page.
If you have any other questions, please send us an email.