The use of bandit signs can be an effective tool to your marketing campaign.
The strategy: placing yard signs at corners of major roads and at shopping centers to advertise you are buying houses. This is one of the most controversial marketing strategies within the investment community.
If you ask 100 real estate investors what they think about bandit signs, 50 may tell you they are illegal. They will say they damage the good name of investors, as the signs clutter our communities and create trash.
The other 50 will tell you they buy many houses based on the signs. They buy homes that were eyesores to the community, renovate them, and bring new families in. They are able to pay back taxes to the city and create better subdivisions, one house at a time.
Online blogs show a similar mix of people who hate bandit signs and some who love them. The final decision is yours.
Bandit signs may be illegal to place in some cities or counties, so before using this strategy, consult your local laws and regulations. Some cities allow them if you get a permit; others do not. Do your own due diligence.
Types of Bandit Signs
Two types of bandit signs are readily available. The ones printed with nice fonts create an image of level of a company or expert in the field providing a service.
The other type is the handwritten sign that conveys a more amateur look, like a person trying to buy a house.
You need to test which sign will provide the best results in your town. If you are thinking of handwriting your signs, make sure to use a Magnum Sharpie®. Depending of the number of signs you are placing, writing your message may take you several hours; it is time consuming.
As you have more cash to spend on marketing, you can always print the signs by using a nice font or use a “handwriting” printed font, so you can save time.
The next step is to determine what size of sign to buy. You can usually get bandit signs in 18 x 24 inches or 12 x 18 inches. The larger the signs, the more exposure they get. If you want to make the most of your budget, 12 x 18 inches works well.
Another way to save money is to buy 18 x 24-inch signs, then cut them in half across their width, to create two 9 x 24-inch signs. Out of 100 18 x 24-inch signs, you can make 200 9 x 24-inch signs.
You can use H-shaped wire metal frames or wooden stakes. As with doubling your signage, buy 30” metal frames, then cut them in half, to 15 inches, so once again you can double your supplies.
Some national companies that sell signs are Dirt Cheap Signs or SuperCheap signs, but if you use a local supplier in your town, you can reduce your costs.
When you are buying the signs, make sure the corrugated flutes are vertical, if you are using the metal wires. Horizontal flutes are better if you are using wooden stakes.
Bandit Signs — Message
Avoid writing your address, website, or cell phone number on the signs. Use a Google voice number or number for a virtual phone. For the message, the simpler the better:
- We buy Houses
- We Buy Houses Fast
- I Buy Homes
These are always the ones that produce the best results, but you have to test your market to see which message works the best.
For more Tips on Bandit Signs check our Podcast about How to generate leads using bandit signs
Research Before Driving
Print a map from Google and highlight all roads where you anticipate placing the signs. Start with 50 to 100 signs a week for at least three months to see results.
Do not place 25 signs for a week and expect to get calls. As with any marketing plan, your sign marketing requires persistence and consistency. Place signs on Fridays after 8 p.m. or Saturdays at 5 a.m. The fewer cars on the road to see or interfere with your work, the better.
Place the Signs
Pick large shopping centers with large anchor stores, and intersections of major roads. Place 2 to 4 sings per corner. Try to place the signs outside the city right -of-way, which can vary but is usually at least 20 feet from the roadway’s center for double-lane roads.
You have to decide if this strategy is right for you, especially if you know the city may be looking for you and hoping to discourage you from placing signs. Bandit signs can be a great strategy to generate leads, not only to buy houses, but to sell or rent properties as well.
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