How Marissa Miller Mixes Graphics Skills with Real Estate + Etsy & YouTube Wins!
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Marissa Miller!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Marissa Miller…
Marissa’s journey began with a background in marketing and graphic design. After graduating with a major in business and a minor in graphic design, she initially worked in a graphic design job but eventually lost her passion for the field. Inspired by her cousin, who was a successful realtor, Marissa decided to transition into real estate. She found a job listing for a real estate agent and decided to pursue this new career path.
Marissa has now been in real estate for a little over three years. Her business is primarily referral-based, a lesson she learned early in her career. Understanding the importance of personal contacts and referrals, she built a strong network that has been crucial to her success.
In addition to her real estate career, Marissa leveraged her design skills to create an Etsy shop called Marissa Miller Designs. The shop offers customizable templates for real estate agents, including buyer guides and social media materials. To support her Etsy shop, she started a YouTube video series on how to customize the templates, combining her background in design with her real estate expertise. This niche focus proved successful, as referrals from people who already knew and trusted her generated more business than blind advertising.
Marissa also started producing physical newsletters at the beginning of her real estate career. She enjoys designing and writing the content herself, believing in the personal touch and impact of physical mail. Her newsletters, which include seasonal advice and local market updates, have been well-received by recipients who appreciate the tangible and valuable content.
Her YouTube channel features various types of videos, including Canva tutorials, walk-through videos, and lifestyle or renovation content. Marissa’s longstanding interest in video creation has contributed to the channel’s success, attracting leads and business opportunities. However, she remains cautious about potential scammy inquiries, particularly those directing her to communicate via WhatsApp.
Marissa actively builds a referral network with other agents across different areas, aiming to establish referral partners in every state. She uses social media to find and connect with similar professionals, understanding the value of having a wide network for client referrals.
From Milwaukee, closer to Green Bay, Marissa refers to the area as the Fox Cities or the Fox Valley. To make her location more searchable, she uses “Appleton realtor” in her bio, acknowledging that people from out of town or out of state might not recognize the term “Fox Cities realtor.”
Marissa emphasizes the value of building her business through social media without any cost. She highlights the importance of finding people on Instagram and interacting with them. One memorable client experience involved working with a young couple who found their home after seeing only four houses. Despite a last-minute challenge of installing handrails before closing, Marissa and her partner resolved it, showcasing their problem-solving skills and determination.
Expressing love for her area, Marissa praises its affordability, convenience, and diverse landscapes. She shares a surprising lesson from working in real estate: the importance of covering one’s bases and expecting the unexpected. Despite the negative perception of the real estate industry, she has encountered many good professional agents and learned to be selective about clients, valuing safety and professionalism.
Safety is a top priority for Marissa. She vets potential clients before meeting them, utilizing buyer consultations and other tools to ensure her security. Her goals for the year include focusing on social media for lead generation, growing her YouTube channel and Etsy shop, and partnering with local vendors for newsletters. Personally, she looks forward to summer, home improvements, and potential plans for getting a dog and a dishwasher.
Check out Marissa Miller:
https://linktr.ee/marissarealestate
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