I have a domain name XYZcountyappraiser.com. and a gmail account of
xyzcountyappraiser@gmail.com. I honestly have been too busy to work those much the last 2 years, but have every intention on beefing up the website to start diversifying my practice some this year, as I do think this ample harvest of late will not last forever.
I think business cards handed out in abundance with this info on it all works together well. Its like a plumber. You never need one til you need one, but when you do, unless your family member/friend is a plumber, you will go with one that has ANY semblance of a recommendation, even just a business card. With a good website on that card, maybe that need will turn into an order.
The other thing to consider is direct advertising--is there a niche you could fill in your market, such as some short-form pre-listing appraisal for a reduced fee, that could generate some business? Heck, go door to door with special business cards that say you specialize in valuing homes in that neighborhood. Create 50 different business cards for each area you want to cover. Leave them on people's doors, and if they are in the yard, talk to them. I do recommend cash up front always on private work, for obvious reasons.
It is easy to rely on lender work when it is abundant, but I think we would all do well to start thinking about how to keep a leg up on the competition should times change...it is also worth considering the question: "Yes things are good now, but could I be making even more money somehow doing valuations?" It is worth thinking about.
