How a 22-Year-Old Built a Successful Real Estate Marketing Agency with Zak Merezhko
“First, think. Second, believe. Third, dream. And finally, dare.” - Walt Disney, Animator and film producer
How a 22-Year-Old Built a Successful Real Estate Marketing Agency with Zak Merezhko
In a recent episode of the REI Hacker podcast, host Benson sits down with Zak Merezhko, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, founder of Investor Level Up, and author of Lead Magnet Theory. Zak shares his journey from Russia to the U.S., where he transitioned from hockey to entrepreneurship, ultimately building a marketing agency that helps real estate investors generate inbound leads.
The conversation covers Zak’s background, his approach to digital marketing, and insights into ethical business practices and the future of marketing in real estate investing.
Zak’s Journey: From Hockey to Real Estate Marketing
Zak’s story begins in Russia, where he grew up before moving to the U.S. to play hockey. After stepping away from sports, Zak explored entrepreneurship, starting with e-commerce and digital marketing.
His exposure to real estate investing came through online influencers like Pace Morby and Jamil Damji, inspiring him to pivot to the industry full-time in 2022. By combining his marketing skills with real estate investing, Zak carved out a niche that allowed him to help investors scale their businesses through effective marketing strategies.
Founding Investor Level Up and Writing Lead Magnet Theory
Building a Marketing Growth Agency
Zak founded Investor Level Up to provide real estate investors with tailored marketing solutions. The agency focuses on inbound lead generation, helping investors establish strong acquisition systems.
The Lead Magnet Theory
Zak’s book, Lead Magnet Theory, embodies his philosophy of inbound marketing. It highlights the power of creating narratives that naturally attract potential clients. By focusing on storytelling and delivering value upfront, Zak’s approach helps investors pre-sell their services, making conversions more seamless.
Sales Skills and Ethical Business Practices
The Role of Sales in Real Estate Investing
Zak emphasizes that strong sales skills are essential for success in real estate investing. He recommends resources like Pace Morby’s sales training to improve negotiation and deal-closing abilities.
At the same time, he notes that effective inbound marketing can complement these skills by bringing in pre-qualified leads, reducing the need for aggressive sales tactics.
Ethical Practices in Real Estate
Zak is passionate about maintaining ethical standards in real estate. His agency encourages clients to prioritize win-win solutions and collect testimonials from satisfied sellers. This focus on integrity builds trust and strengthens long-term business relationships.
Practical Tips for Inbound Marketing
Zak shares actionable insights for running successful ad campaigns:
Platforms: Use Facebook, Instagram, and Google Ads to maximize reach.
Budgets: Start small and scale as you refine your campaigns.
Quick Responses: Respond to leads promptly to maintain interest.
Work-Life Balance: If juggling real estate with a full-time job, create systems for efficient lead management.
Preparing for Exit Strategies
Zak and Benson stress the importance of knowing your exit strategies before engaging with sellers. Common strategies include:
Wholesaling
Fix-and-flip
Creative financing
Novations
Zak highlights the need to either master these strategies or build connections with experts who can assist. Being prepared enhances credibility and ensures smoother transactions.
The Future of Marketing in Real Estate
Zak predicts that personal branding, storytelling, and a consistent social media presence will drive the future of real estate marketing. He also sees potential in AI for improving ad targeting and efficiency, enabling investors to connect with their ideal audience more effectively.
Key Takeaways
Inbound Marketing: Craft narratives and strategies that draw clients to you naturally.
Sales Skills: Balance strong sales abilities with a steady flow of inbound leads.
Ethical Business Practices: Prioritize win-win outcomes and build trust with sellers.
Preparedness: Understand or outsource exit strategies to handle deals effectively.
Future Trends: Embrace AI, personal branding, and storytelling to stay competitive.
Zak Merezhko’s journey highlights how a mix of strategic marketing, ethical practices, and forward-thinking can create a thriving business in real estate. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to scale, his insights offer valuable lessons for modern investors.
Listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on Zak’s strategies and vision for the future of real estate marketing.
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