Get Your 2025 Marketing Business Plan Ready with this NorthstarMLS Checklist

The following was published October 17, 2024, as a guest blog for the Minneapolis Realtors® Association here.

Now that we’ve entered the fourth quarter of the year, we know that many of you are using this time to reflect on the year that is nearing completion and considering the changes you want to make to your business practices and what new approaches you’ll want to try in 2025.

Much of that is about marketing.

Since NorthstarMLS provides much of the technology and information you use to market your business, here’s a checklist of items to make sure your 2024 year-end is strong and 2025 is off to a great start!

We’ll start with two new NorthstarMLS tools specifically designed to provide you with new ways to reach prospects and clients directly from the MLS. Then we will shift to some basic housekeeping to ensure your contact information is correct with the State and associations, and your brand is current for reports you generate using other NorthstarMLS offerings.

1. Take your listings farther with AdBuilder digital campaigns.

AdBuilder is a powerful new MLS marketing tool that helps your listings receive maximum exposure across multiple platforms, including social media, search engines and more. Advanced targeting capabilities ensure your ads reach the right audience, helping you generate more leads and close deals faster.

AdBuilder helps you build your brand with tools to create stunning, professional listing ads—including standout video ads—that reflect your brand’s identity on Facebook, Instagram, Google and Bing. Customize your ads to showcase your unique style and stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Easily accessed and managed from your listings in Add/Edit, AdBuilder streamlines your workflow and saves you valuable time. The integration allows for effortless synchronization, ensuring your ads are always up-to-date and ready to attract potential buyers.

NorthstarMLS subscribers also have access to SphereIndex™, a digital marketing analytics tool and its SphereBuilder™ digital marketing platform.

You set your budget for each AdBuilder campaign based on your objectives and performance estimates and NorthstarMLS subscribers can get a 20% discount on orders when using the code NORTHBLOG20.

2. Add direct mail advertising to your marketing efforts.

Earlier this summer NorthstarMLS introduced PostcardMania, which provides comprehensive solutions for your direct mail marketing needs, helping you effectively reach your target audience and generate leads.

From customizable postcard designs to targeted mailing lists and integrated marketing campaigns, PostcardMania provides comprehensive solutions for your direct mail marketing needs, helping you effectively reach your target audience and generate leads.

Now is a great time to be thinking about the holiday or New Years mailer, right? Get it done now with PostcardMania and get 10 cards free with the code STAR10.

3. Update your licensing information.

Make sure the MN Department of Commerce (and/or Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) if you hold a Wisconsin license) has your correct name, broker and contact info.

If you’ve changed brokerages this year, it’s important that your current information is available. For Minnesota licensees, go to https://www.pulseportal.com/ and select Minnesota Department of Commerce and Real Estate from the drop-down menu. Additional options will appear. Under Licensing Services, select Change Contact Information and follow the prompts.

For Wisconsin licensees, visit https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/Professions/RESalesperson/Default.aspx and follow prompts to review your information.

While checking these out, it’s also a good idea to review your license status and make sure you are current or have everything ready for your next renewal period.

4. Check your local association profile for correct contact information.

Your contact information appears publicly on any Find A Realtor search offered on your local association’s website. Changes made here will be reflected in your state association, NAR and NorthstarMLS contact information.

5. Verify you have a current company logo and contact information in NorthstarMLS reports.

Of the products NorthstarMLS provides subscribers to access the MLS, manage listings, find market stats and listing data, and connect with clients, these offer marketing personalization options:

Access Your MLS

Product	Marketing + Branding Options
Matrix	Branding for header and footer on reports
Paragon	Branding for header and footer on reports
Flexmls	Branding for header and footer on reports

Manage Your Listings

Product	Marketing + Branding Options
Add/Edit	Marketing through PCM & AdBuilder, no print features
RentSpree	Branding page
ShowingTime	Headshot
Transaction Desk	Create a transaction template using your own custom materials

Market Stats & Listing Data

Product	Marketing + Branding Options
Realtors Property Resource Reports	Image, broker and contact info
NeighborhoodIntel	Headshot, company logo

Connect with Clients

Product	Marketing + Branding Options
MLS-Touch	Headshot, company logo, colors
OneHome	Headshot, company logo, colors
HomeSpotter	Headshot, company logo
PostcardMania	Paid Agent Marketing Campaigns
AdBuilder	Paid Agent Marketing Campaigns

For many of these tools you can create and print or email reports that include your name, contact info and in some cases photo and company logo.

6. Update your old headshot.

For those of us who have been putting off getting a new headshot, here’s the sad reality: The recommended update period is every two years. However, consider updating more frequently if you experience significant changes in your appearance, such as a new hairstyle, a change in weight, or if you’re moving into a new role. Keeping your headshot current can help maintain a professional image, especially on your company website and platforms like LinkedIn.

Not sure when or where you are going to get this done? Plan on joining NorthstarMLS for our second 3iCon: Innovate. Impact. Inspire. conference in October 2025. We’ll have professional photographers on hand along with a day filled with dynamic presentations and enlightening discussions that explore cutting-edge technologies, emerging trends and forward-thinking strategies. Watch for more details in 2025—we look forward to seeing you there!