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I know that you are not allowed to directly advertise (I mean in your post like "Hey I'm a Realtor call me 123-555-5555") but you are allowed to do certain things like answer questions, create blog posts, etc.
Can you have a signature line with your info in it as long as you are not directly asking for a call?
I've seen some agents just use their real name as their username..
Is there a thread that says what is allowed and what is forbidden?
Also has anyone used City-Data as a lead source? Meaning you answer lots of questions with thoughtful, value-added responses and received clients from it or is that a long shot?
I know that you are not allowed to directly advertise (I mean in your post like "Hey I'm a Realtor call me 123-555-5555") but you are allowed to do certain things like answer questions, create blog posts, etc.
Can you have a signature line with your info in it as long as you are not directly asking for a call?
I've seen some agents just use their real name as their username..
Is there a thread that says what is allowed and what is forbidden?
Also has anyone used City-Data as a lead source? Meaning you answer lots of questions with thoughtful, value-added responses and received clients from it or is that a long shot?
No solicitation of business. You will be tossed.
Answer questions, and be a member of the community.
Always use your real name, IMO. I do everywhere I go.
Like just about every internet forum out there, City-Data has a TOS (Terms of Service). You can find it here. Read it to find out what you can and cannot do. Soliciting in any way, shape or form is absolutely forbidden.
Here's one pertinent paragraph (out of many), and trust me, they mean it.
"Real Estate Agents and other businesses will not advertise their services nor solicit business in their posts. Create a free business profile by going to http://www.city-data.com/profiles/add and fill out your forum profile instead. Do not include links to your websites, MLS listings, etc. in your posts. Do not try to push the envelope by attempting to hide your intentions. Do not solicit business by DMs. Show your knowledge about the area and help people and you will get leads naturally. Real estate agents should join the usergroup for them here: http://www.city-data.com/forum/profi...editusergroups. It will set your user title and add an icon next to your name, so you will get free advertising with your posts."
C-D being as strict as they are on this is one reason for the success of the forum.
No signatures in your post. I do not use my real name as my screen name, but it's in my profile. I use my neighborhood name so when I answer questions in my area, they know I live here and should have accurate information.
And yes, I've received many clients from people contacting me out of the blue asking for help in the area. It's not really "bonus" business because I'm spending time here to answer questions and time is money, so I'm technically spending marketing money to market myself and my knowledge here.
Also has anyone used City-Data as a lead source? Meaning you answer lots of questions with thoughtful, value-added responses and received clients from it or is that a long shot?
What happens to you depends on what you give into the community. It really is that simple. If you give thoughtful, reasoned responses you will be paid back for your time spent. If you regurgitate a sales pitch or sound like a NAR commercial, then you'll get eaten alive by the consumer crew on here. So whether or not it is a long shot depends on how you decide to interact on here.
I originally discovered City Data because I noticed traffic to my blog coming from here. When I checked, one of my clients, unbeknownst to me, had given me a glowing recommendation with a link to my blog in his post. He is now deceased but the post lives on and I continue to get traffic and clients from that one mention.
If you want to read the complete Terms of Service, click on the signature of most moderators. You can click on the TOS in my signature if you'd like to.
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