We've been fortunate in the Charleston SC real estate market that we haven't been hit as hard by the real estate downturn as some other places. That said, we have seen a decline in sales and prices, and as a result, some attrition amongst our ranks.

That said, some Charleston SC real estate agents are managing to survive, and even thrive. If you are a Charleston SC real estate agent still actively trying to close business, it is important as ever that you have effective marketing. This is the lifeblood of any real estate business, and can help get you through lean times--keep in mind that there is less competition these days. Yet, many Charleston realtors have scaled back marketing. For those looking for better solutions, and cheap ones, keep reading.

With over 80% of home buyers utilizing the internet in their search, it vital that agents have a web presence---especially newer agents. If you do not have at least one website, then you are probably not doing any business. In todays market, your web presence must go beyond a website---there is blogging, social networking , and search engine optimization. That is a lot of technology to keep up with, especially if you aren't the most tech savvy person to begin with.

The problem with most real estate websites is flexibility. You get a basic template, and you might be able to change the text around, but that is it. You end up with a basic site--or you can spend a good chunk of change and get a pretty site. But what real estate agents need from their websites is effective lead generation--give me an ugly site that pulls leads over a pretty site that does nothing anyday. How effective is your site at pulling leads?

Wouldn't it be nice to be able to create multiple real estate websites to attract various types of prospects? Websites that you have control over the look and content?

To effectively capture leads, you need effective marketing. You can create your own and hope that it works, you can search the net for different ideas, or you can hire someone or company to create it for you. But wouldn't it be better if you had campaigns ready to go, right out of the box--you could be working leads right away, instead of working out a system.

Trying to build a real estate business can be a full time job in itself. You also have to keep track of leads, prospects, and clients. You have to communicate and follow up with all of them---if you do not follow up with a lead it will never become a prospect. Don't follow up with a prospect, they will never become a client. And no client equals no closing, which leads to no pay.

If you are a Charleston SC real estate agent looking for solutions for effective real estate marketing, real estate websites, and do not want to waste time searching the internet for solutions, or, you have searched and found many possibilities but want to avoid paying an arm and a leg only to be disappointed and stuck in some contract, then here is something you owe it to yourself to check out.

This is a one stop solution that integrates real estate websites (unlimited), real estate marketing campaigns and real estate marketing systems and tools, social networking, seo, blogging, contact manager, autoreponders and a forum of agents across the country (and world) sharing ideas, business tips, and marketing tips. All this in one package so you can work in your business, not on it!

You are probably thinking it is expensive (it's not)

You are probably thinking it requires a long term commitment or contract (it doesn't)

You are probably thinking that if this is so great, everyone will have it and it won't be effective....however, once you sign up, you are granted your own exclusive market....no one else can share that market, so all of the marketing, blogging, and seo juice in that market is yours. The power of this is amazing, and highly effective.

Simply take a look in better detail at my webpage that will better describe the Busy Agent Pro system (BAP). If you are a Charleston SC real estate agent, or a real estate agent anywhere, look no further for the best solution for real estate marketing systems and real estate websites.

Jeff McIlhenny is a licensed Realtor with Weichert Realtors Palmetto Coast in Mt Pleasant SC and serves the entire Charleston SC real estate market. He can be reached at 843-452-2953 or jeffm@weichertpc.com.