Blog

Setting out as a real estate investor? Congratulations. 

But what could go wrong? You’ve heard the horror stories from friends, family, or people you see on TV, but you’re determined to prove them wrong — and get rich.

But before you jump in with both feet, it helps to learn some lessons from those that failed first. From slacking off on research to underestimating respective costs, we’ll cover a handful of pitfalls that could tank your property investment efforts. Most importantly, you’ll learn a proven trick around each of these challenges and increase your odds of success. 

Let’s get started with some numbers.

How Many Real Estate Investors Fail?

There’s no universal way of figuring out this number, but a Biggerpocket post estimates that 95% of aspiring real estate investors never purchase a property.

So what’s going on? 

There are plenty of reasons to consider real estate investment. Perhaps you want to build an investment portfolio that will help you retire early, or you’ve got a ton of cash and want to see what happens when you sink your money into something substantial. Either way, it’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself into—and there are plenty of ways that getting setting out can go wrong.

10 Reasons New Real Estate Investors Fail

Here are some common mistakes beginner real estate investors make:

• Lacking a meaningful “why” and “how”
• Insufficienct education
• Poor market research
• Taking too much risk
• Poor negotiation skills
• Analysis paralysis
• Understimating costs
• Not knowing when to pull the plug
• Trying to to it all by on your own
• Being impatient

1. Lacking a meaningful “Why” and “How”

One of the main reasons beginner real estate investors fail is working with a vague business plan. If you don’t know why you’re doing it, or if your reasons need to be more robust or precise, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to stick with it through the rough patches.

Having a plan doesn’t mean seeing into the future. It’s about setting the direction for your venture and outlining the steps to realize your investment goals. A solid real estate business plan includes: 

• Company values and mission
• Short-term and long-term goals
• SWOT analysis 
• Best investment strategy for your property choices and goals
• Potential marketing efforts
• Applicable costs and financing options
• Backup plans and exit strategies

2. Insufficient education

Failure to invest in the necessary education means you’ll never know if your approach makes sense. You keep running in circles rather than raking in profits and taking lessons. Plus, the market is constantly changing. So, if you don’t know how to keep up with it—or worse yet, if you don’t even know where to look for information—you could invest in properties that aren’t worth what they once were.

You can get most of the information you need online for free. That includes YouTube videos by successful investors. They’ve made mistakes along the way, just like you will, but they’ve also learned from them (and so will you). Other lower-cost alternatives for new real estate investors include library books and local meetups. 

3. Poor market research

The market is your playground—the more you learn about it, the better you can play. 

Without market research, you could invest in a poorly performing property. An attractive price tag or a property might tempt you, but you could end up overpaying if you don’t know how much comparable properties are fetching.

Real estate investing can be very profitable, but only if you do your homework and take the right step:

• Understand the local market. Right from the listing prices, how much rent you can charge, demand level, and whether or not there are any incentives or programs in place that would benefit your business.
• Understand economic trends.
• Familiarize yourself with the legal and financial implications of real estate investments (which vary from state to state)

4. Taking too much risk

The world of real estate investing is full of opportunities for those willing to flex their risk-taking muscles. But frustrations are likely if those risks aren’t calculated correctly or weighed against short-term gains versus long-term goals. For example, if you were to put all your money into just one investment and lose it all to a bad deal or poor timing, then you’d be out of luck and probably bankrupt. 

You need to be smart about how you approach real estate investment. So many variables are involved: the economy, market trends, local regulations and politics, construction costs and timelines—the list goes on and on. 

While certainty is limited when it comes to investing, there are some things we can do to increase our odds of success. Learn more about reducing real estate investment risks. 

5. Poor negotiation skills

During real estate transactions, you’re always bartering. And the last thing you want is to make it easy for people to take advantage of you. Proper negotiation comes in here. It’s what gets real estate deals done satisfactorily. 

Whether it’s a buyer and seller coming to terms with a price or hiring a professional team, creating win-win scenarios is critical. But can’t just assume that everybody will get what they want in every deal, so you have to be prepared to compromise. Even if both parties aren’t delighted with the outcome or solution reached during negotiations, at least they got something.

Consistency is the secret sauce when mastering real estate negotiation strategies. The more you do it, the better you’ll identify what works and what doesn’t for different types of people (and real estate properties).

6. Analysis paralysis

It’s a classic story: you’re a  beginner investor who spends too much time analyzing options but never takes the plunge. You’re worried about losing money. So you wait for the perfect moment. One month goes by. And several others after that. And then, one day,  you look back at all the time (and potential money) you’ve lost because of your fear. And all of a sudden, it hits you: “I could have been investing in real estate since I first got into this!”

Understandably, you want to make sure you’re making the right move. But as with any investment field, you don’t have to get everything perfect from the beginning—you’ll learn by acting. But again, don’t rush into things; look at each step as an opportunity for learning and growth.

7. Underestimating costs

Let me break it down for you. 

A typical investment property requires about $543,000. The estimated 20% downpayment is $108,720.  That’s before we even get into maintenance or taxes. That can be a huge obstacle, especially if you’re buying in an expensive market like Newbury Park, San Francisco, or New York City.

And then there are all the closing—attorneys, insurance, title deed…you name it. If you don’t have enough cash to cover these expenses, your business plan is DOA. Consider also unexpected costs. You should also understand how loans work and how they can impact your ability (or inability) to make payments on time. 

Bottom line: ensure your finances are in order before you sign on the dotted line. 

8. Not knowing when to pull the plug

It’s easy to get carried away by the rush of excitement when dipping your toes in real estate investment. After all, there’s nothing like the feeling of making a deal that will make you money—and maybe even change your life.

But things rarely work out exactly as we hope. 

So, what happens when you realize your investment isn’t as promising? One of the biggest mistakes you could make is holding on to such ventures for too long. And this can happen for two main reasons:

• Being too optimistic. You want to see the project through until completion, hoping things will get better in the future.
• You feel guilty about walking away from a project because of how much work and personal sacrifices went into getting it off the ground.

It’s essential, not only for your finances but also for your mental health, to recognize when an investment isn’t working out and cut your losses early enough.

9. Trying to do it all on your own

Another reason new real estate investors fail is trying to be a jack-of-all-trades.

It’s tempting to think that handling everything yourself will save you money, help you gain more experience faster, or save you the hassle of delegation. But the truth is, if you don’t have a team that can help fill in the gaps (whether legal or accounting advice) or provide mentorship and guidance on making informed decisions, you could be setting yourself up for frustrations..

Delegating tasks to professionals—whether an accountant, an attorney, or a property manager—often makes sense in property investment But while it’s important to keep tabs on your investment portfolio so that nothing slips through the cracks, there’s such a thing as being too hands-on. Micromanaging everything will end up frustrating everyone involved and slowing down progress. 

Work with a mentor, too— it’s like having a safety net underneath you. Along with being your source of inspiration and motivation, they can help you stay patient by providing guidance and perspective,

10. Being impatient

The cost of impatience is high for real estate investors. It can lead to a higher purchase price, leaving less money for renovations and other associated costs. When you rush into buying a property without doing proper due diligence, you could spend thousands more than necessary. Such scenarios could have you feeling a loss of control over what happens next in your venture and life, leading to emotional distress. 

It takes time to learn the ropes of real estate investing. You want to take your time with decisions with your money, taking care not to expect too much too soon.

Patience goes beyond waiting until something happens. It also involves knowing how best to handle things that don’t go according to plan. That’s especially when those plans include setbacks like losing money due to unforeseen circumstances such as market fluctuations.

Bottom Line

And folks, I hope this list helps. You’ll want to research different approaches to real estate investment, look into your legal rights and obligations, and build a network of trusted professionals to work with you. 

Sure, it might take a while to get your feet wet. But with the proper knowledge and undying consistency, you can make it happen. 

And if you fail? That’s not necessarily a bad thing—even the most seasoned investors run into trouble from time to time. The key is to learn from your mistakes. 

All the best in your new venture!

You’re hunting for the best mid-range smartphones in Kenya and want something suitable for your needs without paying through the nose. But what’s worse than paying for a lame phone is getting ripped off. And that’s where this compilation comes in.

We’ve taken the time to analyze the Kenyan market and compile the five best contenders for mid-range smartphones worth your money. These options have everything from incredible cameras to FHD screens to long battery life, so no matter what you’re looking for, there’s something on this list that will catch your eye. After all, a capable yet affordable piece of technology is the kind of luxury a techie can’t resist.

So, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the show—you’re in for a treat!

5 Best Mid-Range Smartphones in Kenya in 2022

1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10s

Price: Ksh 25,699

Xiaomi Redmi 10s is a conversation starter that your friends will idolize. It has a lot going for it, delivering an impressive display experience paired with an excellent design that reminds us of its sibling, the Poco X3 GT. Its color options are broader, ranging from Onyx gray, Oceanic blue, Pebble white, and Starlight purple. A responsive edge-mounted fingerprint scanner backed up by face unlock allows quick and secure access to your phone.

The AMOLED is a welcome addition for buyers looking for something brighter or crystal clear than most LCD panels. Plus, it’s a 6.43-inch dot display, meaning you’re getting an edge-to-edge screen without any annoying water-drop notch. Full HD+ resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels offers a pixel density of 409 PPI, so you benefit from better viewing angles and crisper images. 

The lack of a pre-installed screen protector is disappointing, but we appreciate that Xiaomi included Corning Gorilla glass which should keep your screen safe from everyday wear and tear.

The Redmi 10S device runs on Android 11 with Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 launcher out of the box. And while you don’t expect an ultimate powerhouse at this price point, the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset backed by 6 GB or 8 GB RAM makes it a joy to use. The 64GB or 128 GB internal memory will let you store all your photos, videos, and apps with little to worry about running out of space.

Another notable feature is the inclusion of a quad-lens camera setup on the rear panel of this best smartphone in Kenya. You can expect the 64MP primary sensor to perform well in most lighting conditions. And you can also take advantage of AI image processing for better results in difficult lighting conditions or when shooting fast-moving objects. Plus, it can record 1080P videos at 60fps with the option to add a slow-motion effect. There’s also a 13MP front camera that tops out at 1080p@30fps videos. 

Xiaomi packed plenty of features and toggles into the comprehensive control center on this device. Plus, you can customize your experience with various themes available in the Mi Theme Store.

The stereo speakers churn out superb audio quality, and the 5000mAh battery (paired with 33W fast charging) should keep you going all day long.

Tagline: Best pixel density

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.1 x 7.5 x 0.8 cm
• Display: 6.43-inch, 1080 x 2400 pixels, 409 PPI, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, AMOLED
• OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G95, octa-core, Mali-G76 GPU
• Camera: 64MP main, 13 MP selfie, 1080p@30/60fps
• Storage: 6/8GB RAM, 64/128 GB ROM
• Battery: 5,000mAh, non-removable, Li-Po, 33W fast charging
• Water resistance: IP53
• Extras: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.1, USB type-C, NFC

2. Tecno POVA Neo

Price: Ksh 16,298

POVA Neo is a more budget-friendly version of the POVA 2, but it still packs all the bells and whistles to keep up with your everyday needs. It’s sleek and stylish, but don’t let its looks fool you: it packs some serious hardware to keep your game on point.

In terms of design, it’s pretty much like most 2021-22 smartphones out there—a rectangular block with rounded corners. You’ll find the power button and volume keys on the right side of the device, while the SIM card tray is nestled on the left. The bottom houses a USB Type-C port, microphone hole, speaker grille, and 3.5mm audio jack. It sports a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. Plus, it’s available in three colors: Powehi black, Obsidian, or Geek blue—each is a sleek and sophisticated standout that adds flair to your style. 

Based on Android 11 with HIOS 7.6, the POVA Neo is ready to deliver an unmatched experience right out of the box. And with an Octa-core 2.0 GHz processor and an ET Engine powering its high-refresh-rate graphics and dynamic control adjustments, you can expect it to handle demanding games like Call of Duty and PUBG seamlessly. 

With this best mid-range smartphone in Kenya, you get a 6,000mAh Li-Po battery replenishable in two hrs with the stock 18W fast charger. That’s good music to the ears of impatient, heavy users. 

A 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM combo means you’ll never have to worry about slow responses or running out of space for files or apps. And if that’s not enough for your needs, this best smartphone in Kenya supports memory cards up to 256 GB in size. Plus, the integrated phone cloner will let you move data from an old phone onto a new one hassle-free.

POVA Neo has a 6.8-inch dot-notch display with 720 x 1640 resolution, 263-pixel density, and 83% screen-to-body ratio. That’s pretty enough to give you an immersive experience, but it might be dimmer in direct sunlight. The notch houses an 8MP single-lens, dual-flash camera backed by a 13MP dual-lens, quad-flash rear camera.

And did we mention this best mid-budget smartphone in Kenya has an integrated voice changer? Yes, that’s right. And whether you want to sound more like an alien or a chipmunk, we won’t judge.

Tagline: Best battery, largest display

Specs:

• Dimensions: 17.1 x 7.7 x 0.9 cm
• Display: 6.8-inch, 720 x 1640p, 263 PPI, 480 nits, 120Hz, IPS LCD
• OS: Android 11, HIOS 7.6
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G25, octa-core, PowerVR GPU, ET Engine
• Camera: 13MP quad-flash main, 8MP dual-flash selfie, 1080p@30fps
• Storage: 4GB RAM + 64GB ROM
• Battery: 6000mAh, non-removable, Li-Po, 18W fast charging
• Extras: Rear fingerprint scanner, Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm audio jack, USB type-C, OTG, 

3. Xiaomi Redmi 10C

Price: Ksh 19,599

If you’re looking for something that’s incredible value for money, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is right up your alley. 

Available in Ocean blue, Mint green, and Graphite gray, this best smartphone in Kenya has everything you need to stay connected and entertained. Its rear-mounted fingerprint scanner is rear-mount can be hard to reach, and that’s where face unlock comes in handy. The textured back casing feels fantastic in hand and makes it easier to grip the phone. 

Redmi 9C’s successor features a 6.7” IPS LCD with a water-drop notch and a resolution of 720 x 1650 pixels which isn’t as bright outdoors as flagships but still decent enough to get your work done indoors without straining your eyes. 

A 60Hz screen refresh rate is standard at this price point but ensures the phone handles typical tasks just fine. A 5000mAh battery will last through hours of binge-watching, and the powerful speaker brings life to every sound. All these work together to bring you an immersive entertainment experience without breaking the bank.

Read Mode safeguards your eyes against harmful, sleep-depriving rays while reading or watching videos at night. And then there’s that 3rd Gen Corning Gorilla Glass that keeps the screen clear of scratches and scuffs. 

The camera module isn’t as striking. But looks can be deceiving as it houses a 50MP rear camera with Night Mode, HDR, Panorama technology, and 1080P video recording capability. The selfie camera is subpar at 5MP, but you could improve the results with GCam.

Redmi 10C runs on Android 11 and MIUI 13 platforms powered by a Snapdragon 680 processor, offering similar performance as Redmi Note 11 but at a lesser price. The RAM is 4GB, which means faster typing speed and loading times across demanding apps like inventory management apps. An integrated extension feature can boost its size up to 5GB if needed. You get two options for internal storage: 64 GB or 128 GB. 

Tagline: Best processor

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.9 x 7.7 x 0.8 cm
• Display: 6.7-inch, 720 x 1650 pixels, 268 PPI, Corning Gorilla glass protection, IPS LCD
• OS: Android 11, MIUI 13
• Processor: Snapdragon 680, octa-core, Adreno 610 GPU
• Storage: 4GB RAM( expandable to 5GB), 64GB ROM
• Camera: 50MP main, 5MP front, 1080p@30fps
• Battery: 5000 mAh, Li-Po, non-removable, 18W fast charging
• Extras: 3.5mm audio jack, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, rear-mounted fingerprints, USB type-C

4. Samsung Galaxy A03s

Price: Ksh 14,249

Galaxy A03s is an excellent choice if you’re gasping for an affordable yet solid Samsung phone. It comes in black, white, red, or blue, so choose whatever works best for your style.

Its design is decent, with an all-black tapered plastic casing. At the front sits a 6.5-inch, 1600 x 720 IPS LCD panel surrounded by quite a chunky black border and packs around 270 pixels per inch (PPI). That definitely won’t blow you away with its clarity, but it’s a decent viewing experience overall. The water-drop notch and higher screen “chin” leave you with ample screen real estate.

A03s is among the few best smartphones in Kenya under 15k with a power button that also serves as the fingerprint scanner. It’s fast, accurate, and a welcome leap from the rear-mounted scanners synonymous with many rivals in this price range.

Samsung crammed a 3GB Ram and Mediatek Helio P35 processor into this little guy. It’s fast enough to handle anything you throw at it while still being efficient enough to keep battery life high. Plus, you get 32 gigabytes of internal storage—about 19 GB of which is usable, which is still sufficient to keep all your favorite files close by. There’s also a 4GB model with 64GB RAM if you want more space! 

This best mid-range smartphone in Kenya packs a triple-lens rear camera setup comprising a 13MP primary camera, a 2MP depth camera, and a 2MP macro camera. And if you want to take more than just photos, the A03s’ 5000mAh battery gives you plenty of juice to keep going all day. Plus, it supports 18W fast charging. Unfortunately, it comes with a 5W charger that takes 4 hrs to refill the battery. 

Tagline: Most affordable

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.4 x 7.6 x 0.9 cm
• Display: 6.5-inch, 720 x 1600 pixels, 270 PPI
• OS: Android 11 (Upgradable to Android 12)
• Processor: Mediatek Helio P35, octa-core
• Storage: 3/4 GB RAM, 32/64 GB ROM
• Camera: 13MP main, 5MP front, 1080p@30fps
• Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable, 15W fast charging
• Charging duration: 4 hrs (with the 5W stock charger)
• Extras: USB type-C, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm audio jack, dual sim, 4G 

5. Tecno CAMON 19 Pro

Price: Ksh 35,399

The new kid on the block, Tecno Camon 19 Pro, is a big chunk of awesomeness, standing out with a flat body design and tempered glass, silk matte finish back. But don’t mistake the slimmer profile for a lack of power. Running on Android 11, Mediatek Helio G96 chipset, and HIOS 8.6, this best smartphone in Kenya is as fast and reliable as you’d expect from a premium product.

It comes with a 6.8-inch AMOLED dot display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making scrolling and swiping through websites or apps noticeably smoother. And with 1080 x 2460p resolution, you can better stream 4K content from Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube (just ensure your internet connection is fast enough).

Something else stands out: the versatile camera setup. It includes a 64MP primary camera rated for 60X zoom, which works well for distant objects. And while the detail isn’t as impressive, that shouldn’t compromise your experience.

OIS+EIS stabilization on the 50MP portrait lens makes for more refined videos. Sure, you don’t expect to get away without some shaky movements here and there, but that’s preferable to software-based stabilization techniques that may introduce artifacts into your recordings. Completing the arrangement is a 32MP punch-hole front camera that captures skin tone with plenty of contrast. Video recording tops out at 1080p on both rear and front cameras.

Audio-wise, you get FM radio, the old-school 3.5 mm headphone jack, and a loud mono speaker with no bass. BT 5.0 ensures distortion-free connections with Bluetooth home theater receivers and other BT-enabled devices.

The battery life is respectable: 5,000 milliamperes hours gives you 6-7 hours of gameplay between charges. And when it gets drained? No worries—the provided 33W fast charger should refill it within 65 minutes. Last and undoubtedly not least, you get a staggering 256 Gigabytes of internal storage. 

Tagline: Best internal storage, highest refresh rate

Specs:

• Dimensions: 16.7 x 7.5 x 0.85 cm
• Display: 6.8-inch, AMOLED, 1080 x 2460p, 395 PPI
• OS: Android 11, HIOS 8.6
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G96, octa-core
• Storage: 8GB RAM, 128/256GB ROM
• Camera: 64MP main, 32MP front
• Battery: 5,000 mAh, non-detachable, Li-Po, 33W fast charging
• Charging duration: 65 mins
• Extras: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, NFC, GPS, USB type-C 2.0

So, you want to invest in Newbury Park, CA, real estate but don’t know where to begin. This blog should get you started.

Newbury Park is a charming community in Ventura County, California, and the next-door neighbor of Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks. With a wide range of properties available at different price points, the city’s housing market harbors several opportunities for your dream home or property investment. But that extends beyond exploring buildings. You also want a safe, supportive, and sustainable community you can afford and is close to the necessary amenities.

Keep reading for more on Newbury Park, including:

• Real estate market
• Amenities
• Weather
• Dining and shopping scenes
• Leisure spots
• Cost of living

Overview of Newbury Park, CA

If you’re looking for a welcoming suburb where the sun shines 273 days a year and where you can enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, Newbury Park is your place! It sits in the southeastern part of Ventura County, most of which touches the western section of Thousand Oaks.

Egbert Starr Newbury established the modern Newbury Park as a ranch in the 1870s. He’s considered the Conejo Valley’s first postmaster, and his ranch was a lush green grassland supporting cattle pastures and wheat. The rolling hills and breathtaking views are a luxury nature lovers can’t resist. 

Newbury Park is home to about 45,000 residents and has grown into one of the most affluent communities in California without sacrificing its friendly atmosphere. It’s about 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles, 26 miles from Oxnard Beach,  and 22 miles from Malibu (the closest coastal city). It’s accessible from outside via U.S. Route 101, and Rancho Conejo Airport is also within its borders. 

Newbury Park, CA, is a paradise for sun worshippers, offering 273 days of sunshine annually, 68 more than the US average. Hardly ever snows here either—and if you’re coming from somewhere else where there are regular snowstorms, that’ll be such a tremendous change.

Newbury Park real estate market offers diverse options for potential buyers: from luxury homes on sprawling estates to cozy starter homes to condos that provide stunning views of the mountains.

Newbury Park, CA, Real Estate Market Trends

Newbury Park real estate comes in many shapes and sizes but mainly comprises owner-occupied single-family homes. The bulk dates between 1970 and 1999, but you’ll find options built between 1940 and 1960.

It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about finding a place where your family feels at home. With 65% of houses for sale in Newbury Park being single-family homes, there are plenty of options for families looking for more space or a larger yard.

Newbury Park, CA, real estate prices

Real estate market prices in Newbury Park have been trending upward since the recession and are unlikely to slow down anytime soon. As of February 2023 (the most recent data available), Newbury Park homes for sale record a median list price of $995K, representing a gain of 4.5% compared to February 2023. That makes it one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Ventura County. However, it’s still affordable compared to other areas in California, such as San Francisco, where the median home price is 1.3 million dollars.

Newbury Park real estate is still much in the seller’s territory, where the inventory is substantially less than the potential buyers. But a sale-to-list price ratio of 90.45% means that buyers are getting good deals on most occasions. On average, it takes 55 days for houses to sell in Newbury Park.

Single-family homes for sale in Newbury Park, CA, range between $699K and $16.5m. In comparison, the same units in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, vary from $1.4 to $4.4m.

     Newbury Park rental market trends

The rental market in Newbury Park has been stable over the past few years, with Apartments.com estimating an increase of 7.8% in prices within the past 12 months. As of October 2022, rent in Newbury Park averages $2,691, meaning you’ll likely be paying about $195 more rent than you would have in the same month last year.

Apartments for rent in Newbury Park, CA, offer different options for varying budgets. From luxury apartments with pools and gyms to more affordable options with basic amenities like laundry facilities and parking. The average square footage is 899, and prices range from $1,950-$16,500 per month.

While a studio apartment will set you back an average of $2,221 per month, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom options average $2,379, $2,485, and $3,229, respectively. Newbury Park houses for rent ($3K-$6.9K per month) perfectly suit families looking for added privacy and larger yards.

Things to Do in Newbury Park, CA 

If nature is your thing or you’re looking for a day trip that’s a little more off-the-beaten-path, check out Point Mugu State Park, a 70-mile stretch of scenic trails through towering peaks and 5 miles of ocean. The park is open year-round and offers excellent hiking, camping, and swimming opportunities. Else, embark on some scenic strolls at Knoll Open Space, better known as Rabbit Hill. 

Stagecoach Inn Museum in Thousand Oaks is an excellent bet for individuals looking for something more historical. This museum was established in 1876 and is also home to one of the largest and oldest California Sycamores trees—Ventura County Historical Landmark #44. Also present in this site is a Chumash Village, Newbury Pioneer House, and a replica of Timber School.

Horseback riding at Rancho Potrero Community Equestrian Center is an excellent way to spend an afternoon with your family or friends. You’ll have access to around 100 horses at this 20-acre facility, where you can enjoy an hour-long guided trail ride for just $65 per person.

Lake Eleanor Dam along Westlake Boulevard is another excellent choice for some sightseeing. It’s considered among the earliest concrete arc dams ever built and surrounds an 8-acre lake in 529 acres of open space.

While still in Thousand Oak, please visit the Hunt Olive Tree. It’s a living link to Conejo Valley history lauded as the only surviving olive tree from Richard Orville’s orchard—not to mention that this 140+ years old jewel is Thousand Oaks’s Historical Landmark #4. 

Hillcrest Drive Civic Center is a pleasant walk through history. It was home to Thousand Oaks’ first permanent City Hall and is currently occupied by the National Park Service, Conejo Recreation and Park District, and Hillcrest Center for the Arts. 

More Leisure Opportunities?

Additional places to visit near Newbury Park, CA:

• Case Study House No. 28
• Janss House
• Historic Norwegian Grade
• Pederson House and Water Tower
• Angel Vista Peak
• Mike Malamut Vintage Car Museum
• Thousand Oaks Community Gallery

Cost of Living in Newbury Park, CA

According to LivingCost.org, the cost of living in Newbury Park, CA, is about $1,938 per month, making it among the top 16% of the most expensive cities worldwide. However, a median monthly salary after tax of $3,716 should cater to the basics for about 1.9 months. The average hourly wage is $33, more than double California’s minimum limit. 

The cost of groceries depends on where you shop and how much time you spend shopping around for deals—but if we stick with local markets, the bill should be about $1,381 per month for a family of four. Utilities for a family of four will run around $165 per month, while a monthly ticket for local transport costs about $56 per individual. 

Other costs that might pique your interest:

• Daycare: $942
• International primary school: $13,245 (per year)
• Simple haircut: $16.5
• Cinema ticket: $11.5
• Gym membership: $38.2

Shopping and Dining

Shopping and dining in Newbury Park, CA, is a dream come true, with plenty of options from grocery to clothing stores and everything in between. 

If you’re gasping for some indoor retail therapy—or maybe even something more specific like electronics or home goods—you can always try malls like Kimber Plaza or Hillcrest Plaza (and if these aren’t enough, Times Square has you covered).

For an impressive selection of name brands and high-quality clothing options, check out Ross Dress for Less, Kohl’s, or T.J. Max. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to where to pick up your weekly groceries, but the following come highly recommended: 

• Ralphs
• Trader Joe’s
• Albertsons
• Smart & Final Extra
• Village Trade

Dining options are equally varied—some places serve up casual fare like burgers and fries, while others offer more upscale meals with an international flair. There’s a Chinese place called Sesame Inn with amazing crispy shrimp, moo shu pork, and Kung Pao chicken, as well as a sushi place called Sushi Oaks that serves up some tasty rolls.  The list of other best restaurants in Newbury Park, CA, is inexhaustible, but these are worth mentioning:

• The Local Table
• Stella’s Gourmet Restaurant
• Sumo Japanese Restaurant
• Baba’s Kitchen Mediterranean
• Mama’s Hummus
• Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood

Newbury Park, CA, Neighborhoods

Below are the four popular neighborhoods in Newbury Park, CA: 

• Rancho Conejo: You’ve heard of Rancho Conejo, right? The one with above-average schools and more affordable condos and 2-bedroom apartments in Newbury Park, California? And you know what else is true? Its higher sales-to-list-price ratio means homes sell at or above the asking price. The median list price is $1m. 

• Dos Vientos: If you want to live in a neighborhood with low crime risk and great schools, this neighborhood fits the bill. Houses for sale in Dos Viento, Newbury Park, have a median list price of $1.5m, with a square foot selling for around $493. 

• Potrero Valley: This neighborhood boasts below-average crime rates, average high school scores, and a 100%+ sales-to-list-price ratio. The median list price and cost per square foot are $1.3m and $544, respectively. 

• Ventu Park: If over-the-average education, a larger yard, and low crime risk matter to you most when choosing a Newbury Park, CA, neighborhood, Ventu Park may be right up your alley. Plus, homes sell fast here. It has a median list price of $980K. 

Newbury Park Schools

No doubt, the prices of Newbury Park, CA homes for sale are sky-high, but what about education? Will your child get an excellent education in this beautiful community? Let’s find out.

Newbury Park schools fall under the Conejo Valley Unified School District (CVUSD), hailed for its strong academics and college readiness. Based on GreatSchools Org’s analysis, 95% of CVUSD students graduate from high school on time, and the ACT score averages 26 out of 36. Not to mention that 80% of high-school graduates pursue college or a vocational program, 16% higher than the national average. 

There are several top-rated elementary schools in Newbury Park: 

• Sycamore Canyon School
• Cypress Elementary School
• Environmental Academy of Research Technology and Earth Sciences
• Banyan Elementary School
• Madrona Elementary School

There are three primary choices for middle schools in Newbury Park: Sycamore Canyon School, Redwood Middle School, and Sequoia Middle School. Newbury Park High School and Thousand Oaks High School are two of the best high schools in the area.

Bottom Line

The city of Newbury Park is a great choice to make your California home. Not only is it a nice place, but it’s also safe and family-friendly, with a lot to offer in every area of your life and family. 

The real estate here is attractive enough to lure prospective investors, new residents, retirees, and young families alike, with a wide variety of housing options. Its sense of community is strong, and schools have greatly improved. 

Outdoors, you’ll have plenty to explore in the area’s acres of parks and open space, from equestrian trails to hiking and mountain biking. Or, if you prefer, you can visit nearby beaches or embark on a shopping spree in the numerous outlets in and near the city. 

And with travel times averaging 45 minutes to downtown Los Angeles and 38 minutes to Hollywood, it turns out that Newbury Park is an excellent option for those who want a suburban feel while still enjoying all that nearby bustling locations have to offer.

Email marketing helps you target your audience and create a personalized experience for prospective and existing customers. You can use it to foster actions (such as signing up for your newsletter or purchasing an item) or keep subscribers updated on the current happenings in your industry.

However, knowing which actions will be most impactful on your sales can be tricky. This post will guide you on an email marketing formula that will engage prospects and convert them into paying customers, even when your competitor’s strategy feels intimidating.

What Are Conversions in Email Marketing?

Conversions are the results of your email campaign—in other words, a visitor’s action on your email campaign. That includes signing up for a newsletter, downloading an ebook, or completing an order.

How to Increase Email Marketing Conversions

1. Set Goals

Knowing what you want to accomplish helps ensures every action taken during the campaign supports the objectives.

Email marketing goals vary from brand awareness and lead generation to customer acquisition and sales.

Brand awareness is about drawing consumers’ attention to your brand and building awareness of your products and services. You achieve this by creating a favorable impression in customers’ minds without necessarily prompting them to act immediately.

Lead generation summarizes the efforts to convert potential customers into leads — contacts representing opportunities to sell products or services. If an individual has filled out a form on your website, downloaded an eBook, or asked for more information by phone, they’re already halfway towards becoming a customer.

Customer acquisition focuses on nurturing leads into sales.

2. Segment Your Email List

Segmentation is a common practice in content marketing that involves dividing your contact list into groups based on particular criteria. That helps you create a more personalized experience for each subscriber, leading to better engagement and higher ROI for your marketing efforts.

There are two main types of segmentation in email marketing:

• Demographic segmentation: This type of segmentation uses information about the recipient’s age, gender, location, and other demographic factors to divide your list into groups based on shared traits. For example, if you want to send a holiday promotion to women between the ages of 25 and 35 who live in New York City, you can create a demographic segment for this group.
• Behavioral segmentation: This entails identifying, understanding, and classifying your contacts based on their interaction with your brand. It’s different from demographic or geographic segmentation in that it focuses on what people have done rather than who they are—for example, whether they’ve visited your website recently or made purchases from you.

3. Craft Catchy Subject Lines

Your email subject line is the first thing people see when they open your message. It’s what gets them to open it and makes them decide whether or not your email is worth reading.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing effective subject lines. Your audience, business goals, and industry all play a role in what makes for a compelling subject line.

Generally, you want to get straight to the point. If you have an announcement, announce it; if you’re promoting an event, tell people where and when; if you’re asking for feedback or responses, mention that.

Plus, no one wants to read a long wordy email, so don’t make them do it in your subject line either. Eliminate words that aren’t helping the message. Also, try not to use all caps—that isn’t polite.

More than anything, your subject line should be relevant. For example, if you’re a real estate agent, “5 Ways to Cut Your Mortgage Payment” makes more sense than “5 Ways to Lose Weight.”

4. Keep Your Emails Short and Straightforward

A well-written email will get more clicks and shares than an email with a bunch of text and links.

The shorter, the better. Don’t overwhelm people with too much information at one time — break up every section with subheadings so people can easily find what they’re looking for without scrolling through the whole thing first.

Bullet points or numbered lists make it easier for readers to scan your content. Images help break up text-heavy emails and provide visual interest (and sometimes entertainment).

5. Include a Compelling Call to Action

Every content you send out must have some call-to-action built into it. It’s the part of your email that tells visitors what you want them to do, whether signing up for your newsletter, downloading something, signing up for an event, or entering a contest.

Ensure your CTAs match what people need from you and how they feel about doing it at this point. For example, suppose you received an email with the headline “Get these shoes now at 10% discount!” But you just bought shoes yesterday, so you’re probably not in the market for more today. You’ll likely ignore or delete that email without clicking the integrated CTA because it doesn’t align with your current needs (nor does its timing).

On the other hand: imagine a fashion outlet promoting something like “Looking for new outfits?” It’s likely to go after someone who has recently been browsing fashion blogs but hasn’t purchased anything yet, making this an ideal time frame for them before moving on to another brand.

Don’t be afraid of testing with multiple emails with different CTAs. Each may appeal best at different times depending on the segmentations used and how much time has passed since the last contact (which could mean someone might be ready now vs. later). But again, you don’t want to cram your email with CTAs; else, you leave the recipient confused. One or two should be enough.

6. Use A/B Testing

This simple process involves sending two different versions of an email to a small percentage of your audience and comparing how they respond. Which version gets more opens? Which one gets more clicks? It’s a great way to see what works and what doesn’t in your emails, so you can continue optimizing them over time.

Think about the subject lines, content, and call-to-action buttons in each version of your email. If you’re unsure which option will perform the best for your business or product, try out some variations until you find something that sticks!

7. Track Your Email Marketing Results

Tracking conversions is essential to understanding your email marketing efforts. You want to know where actions occur, what they mean, and when.

You must first understand how users interact with your campaigns. That can take the form of an exit-intent popup or a signup form on your site’s landing page—whatever gets users interested enough to take your desired action.

You can use tools like Google Analytics to see how many people open your email and click through and when. If you’re using a marketing automation platform—and you should be—it will also track the number of people who went from being subscribers to buyers (or vice versa).

Keep tabs on these stats:

• Open rates. This is the percentage of recipients who opened an email campaign. A good open rate runs between 17-28%. The average is, however, 21.5%.
• Click-through rate. It’s the percentage of recipients who click on any link or image in an email. A good CTR ranges between 2-5%, with the average across all industries currently at 2.3%.

Conclusion

Email marketing is a powerful way to convert more customers. It’s not just easy to set up and manage; it’s also highly effective at getting people to take action. But that doesn’t mean you can start blasting out emails willy-nilly. Email marketing requires careful planning and execution if you want it to be successful, and we hope the above strategies will help.

Do you have a little corner of the internet that offers valuable information about your niche or industry? Whether it’s an e-commerce site, blog, or forum — generating content is a great way to develop relationships, establish yourself as an expert, increase traffic and sales, and stay in front of your target audience. However, when going into content marketing, it’s easy to make a few mistakes. And when you’re a small business, the stakes are even higher.

Don’t let your potential online slip away from you due to a lack of knowledge. Below are the common mistakes that could be preventing you from getting the most out of your marketing dollar.

Not Having a Solid Content Marketing Strategy

A content marketing strategy is a plan for how you will create and distribute content. Without one, it will be challenging to determine what type of content you produce, who your audience is, and how often you should share the information with them.

When creating a content marketing strategy, your objective should be to align your business goals with the needs of your target market by providing valuable information that will help them solve problems or answer questions. It’s not necessarily to sell products directly; instead, it’s about establishing trust with potential customers, so they are more likely to purchase something from your company down the road.

Not Identifying Your Target Audience

This is a critical part of content marketing that many small businesses don’t get right. You need to know who you are talking to, what they want to hear, and what they need to know about your niche topic.

Once you’ve identified your target audience—including specifics about their age range, gender identity/expression preference(s), socioeconomic status level(s), etc.—you can better tailor your message to their needs or interests.

For example, if you run a travel blog and want to attract travelers planning their next trip, that’s who your target audience should be. They may not all be millennials, and they may not all be affluent, but they will all have one thing in common: they love traveling.

The more specific you can get with your target audience, the better equipped you will be to deliver relevant content that benefits them personally.

Not Investing in High-Quality Content

Content is a significant part of your business’s online presence—whether used to build a blog, create social media posts, or shared on LinkedIn and other platforms.

If you’re new to the game, it can be tempting just to throw some words onto a page and call it good. But that won’t get you very far. Your target readers anticipate something meaningful.

The first step toward creating quality content is having a good understanding of what constitutes “quality.” That means more than just getting your facts right; it means ensuring your posts are helpful and engaging for your readers. Don’t try to imitate other people’s style — instead, focus on making sure that your voice comes through loud and clear.

Sure, you want to prioritize quality over quantity, and you might think that producing one post per week or month is enough. But if you want to drive commendable traction with your new blog, please commit to putting out at least two pieces of content per week.

Ignoring the 80/20 Rule of Content Marketing

Content marketing is mainly about creating valuable content that informs and educates your audience. But you also want to convert those readers into customers by promoting your products or services. Finding the perfect balance is where most companies fall short: They spend so much time trying to sell that they forget the importance of educating potential customers first (or at least in addition). It’s wrong, and that’s where the 80/20 rule of content marketing comes in.

The 80/20 rule of content marketing suggests that 80% of your content should be educational, and only 20% should promote your products and services.

It’s a great way to approach content marketing because it helps you build trust with your prospects. They will learn about who you are and what you do, making it easier for them to trust your brand and buy from you. That’s why the best-performing landing pages have a lot more content than just a form to fill out.

People visiting your website don’t want to see an advertisement or sales pitch immediately; they want to learn more about what makes your brand special. And the more information you give them, the more likely they will buy from you.

Underestimating SEO

When it comes to content marketing, it’s easy to focus on the creative side of things and forget about the technical aspects. However, good SEO is essential for any website, especially if you want to attract traffic through search engines.

But you can’t optimize your content for SEO if you don’t understand how it works. Plus, Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, and if you don’t stay on top of it, it can negatively affect your rankings.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of creating content that is easily found by search engines like Google and Bing. In other words, it’s the art of making your site more accessible to people looking for the information you provide. This sounds simple enough, but in practice, many things can go wrong when writing content for SEO purposes. These mistakes can lead to pages that rank poorly or not at all in search results, which means fewer eyeballs on your business’ website and less awareness of what you have to offer online customers.

The most common issue? Creating thin or duplicate over-optimized pages with low-quality information that doesn’t provide any value outside of ranking well in Google searches—a blackhat SEO practice known as “keyword stuffing.” While this may provide short-term gains in ranking, people quickly become frustrated with seeing these types of sites appear when searching for relevant information on specific topics. They’ll move on to another website instead! Also, Google and other search engines penalize this technique by dipping your ranks.

Below are some ways to get your content discovered by more people:

• Target keywords with high search volumes
• Create rich media content (videos, images) with keyword-rich titles and descriptions
• Create linkable assets (eBooks, infographics)
• Optimize your website for mobile devices
• Build links between your content channels

Creating Random Content on any Subject

Your target audience is likely composed of people with a need or problem they’re looking to solve. So, make sure your content offers value, not just information that’s interesting or different from what everyone else is saying.

If you can’t think of anything valuable about your product/service, then don’t say it! Relevant content means sticking with topics related to your products/services (i.e., if you own a coffee shop, don’t write about dog grooming) and providing information that solves problems for potential customers. If no one has ever asked, “Where can I get great coffee nearby?” it’s probably not worth writing about.

Not Measuring the Results of Your Efforts

While it’s essential to have a marketing strategy for content, it’s also vital that you track the results of your efforts. If you can’t measure what’s working and what isn’t, it will be tricky to know if you need to change course or continue with what has been working so far.

So, how do you measure content marketing performance?

It depends on your goals for the campaign. If you want to increase website traffic and leads, then you need to measure those things. If your goal is to raise brand awareness, then brand lift should be part of the equation.

The good news is that there are many tools available to help you measure performance. Some are free, and some require a small investment. Google Analytics is one of the most popular analytics tools on the market. It includes real-time tracking of traffic, engagement, and conversions. You can also use it to track sales conversions based on whether or not they came from social media or other online sources like blogs or newsletters.

A few simple metrics will help you gauge the effectiveness of your content marketing efforts:

• Traffic: The number of website visitors is essential for measuring content marketing success. You want to see steady growth in site traffic over time, which means new people are finding value in your brand and engaging with your content.
• Engagement: Engagement metrics tell you how many people interact with your content — sharing it on social media or commenting on it in forums, etc. The goal is to get users involved in the conversation around your brand to feel like part of the community.

Bottom Line

We know that it can be hard to change your routine or reevaluate what you’re doing regarding content marketing. But we hope that by reading through these points again, you’ll identify where your business could make improvements and better serve customers looking for more information about your niche, products, and services.

Your search engine optimization (SEO) may not be up to par, but you have several options to reclaim its glory. A few minor changes can make your website more successful, especially if you want to attract more qualified customers and gain a competitive edge in today’s fast-growing digital world. Here are our top 3 suggestions.

Optimize your website for mobile devices

Search engines have been steadily moving toward a mobile-first index. Numbers don’t lie – according to Statista, 47.28% of the web traffic in the U.S in the last quarter of 2021. And that number will only increase as more people get smartphones and tablets.

The most important step in optimizing your website for mobile users is to ensure it’s responsive, which automatically adjusts its layout to fit any screen size.

You’ll also want to ensure your site loads quickly on mobile devices, as people are less likely to wait around for it to load when they’re on the go. Make sure its text is easily read on small screens and underpinned by plenty of white spaces.

Create Relevant and Quality Content

Content is the foundation of any SEO strategy for small businesses. Create pages where readers can quickly and easily find the information they want. As such, visitors spend more time on your website while providing you with the opportunity to cash in on superior user experiences. 

Good content will get people talking about your business because they trust you as an authority on the subject matter. With trust comes action, such as subscribing to your blogs, downloading your e-book, or buying your product. 

Start with conducting comprehensive keyword research—finding popular terms in your niche. Next, create keyword-rich copy targeting the people looking for products and services like yours. But again, use the keywords naturally throughout the copy.

As for the quality, make your content informative. Include lots of valuable information that people can use daily, not just vague descriptions of what your company does. Your content should also be accurate, easy to read, and up-to-date. You can always use the help of a reputable content writing service.

Use Videos

Google cares about videos, and so should you. Blending text and videos gives Google the impression that your site is informative, boosting your search rankings. You can use videos as a traffic generator, as there are high chances of people visiting your site after watching your video on YouTube or other social media channels. 

Videos are an important asset for any business website, especially if you sell products or services that are hard to explain with text or simple graphics. An Orbelo study found that 54% of customers anticipate more video content from their favorite brands, and over 86% of marketing pros consistently use video as a marketing tool. 

Incorporate video in product descriptions, on your homepage, and anywhere else you can embed it into your pages. You can use them for tutorials and other educative material that can benefit customers who may not be tech-savvy or find written instructions difficult to follow.

Bottom Line

If you want your target audience to find your small business website, you must pay attention to your SEO strategy. As you dive deeper into the SEO world, there’s much to learn and implement. Get started with the above recommendations.

Thinking about Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, CA, real estate? Wondering what types of properties are available here and at what price? You also want to know the kind of amenities and leisure opportunities this neighborhood offers, whether you’re looking for your next real estate investment opportunity or dream home for your family. This guide has covered the essentials so you make informed decisions.

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard is a beautiful neighborhood designed with the comfort and convenience of the residents in mind. While it’s accessible to all, its mile-long, sandy beach surprisingly remains peaceful even during the busier holiday seasons. It’s unsurprising that the quiet vibe ranks among the selling points of this economical alternative to Malibu.

Read on to learn more about Hollywood Beach, CA, real estate, neighborhoods, schools, shopping and dining locations, and more.

Where is Hollywood Beach, California?

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard sits between the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands Harbor, making it an ideal location for water sports enthusiasts and beachgoers. It’s a 1.3-hour drive from Los Angeles, about 30 miles from Thousand Oaks, a 36-min drive from Santa Barbara, and 31.7 miles from Malibu.

Developer Fred J. Cutting dubbed this serene coastal community “Hollywood-by-the-sea” in 1926, following its early appearance in films such as Bound in Morocco (1918) and The Sheikh (1921).  He leveled the dunes and laid out 100 individual lots originally featuring beach cottages. The establishment evolved into the 60s when the introduction of a waterway and jetties separated the seamless beach into two neighborhoods—Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand. Over time, the smaller dwellings expanded into larger luxury homes.

When exploring the available options for Hollywood Beach homes for sale or rental properties, we recommend engaging a competent local real estate agent committed to turning your vision into a reality.

Hollywood Beach Homes Overview

Hollywood Beach, CA, homes for sale are ideal for families, retirees, and seasoned investors looking for luxury living at a lower price than in Malibu. They range from large estates to cozy cottages – some built with traditional Mediterranean-style architecture, which blends nicely with the stunning ocean views. 

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard homes are thoughtfully designed with California-casual comfort in mind. They typically feature two to five bedrooms and 1-5 bathrooms, and range in size from 925 to 3,810 square feet.

Architectural details and designer touches include granite countertops, custom wood cabinets, walk-in closets, crown moldings, washer/dryer connections, air conditioning window units, and skylights. Most units include a 2-car garage with direct access to the living spaces. 

Typical Homes for Sale in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, CA

The Hollywood Beach Oxnard real estate primarily comprises small to medium-sized single-family homes and apartment complexes. These units start in the upper $500’s.

The possibilities are endless with Hollywood Beach homes in Oxnard. An oceanfront deck gives you a whole new perspective of the beauty surrounding you. You enjoy the luxury of taking in the fresh air from your open concept downstairs and watching the waves crash against the rocks below your private deck. 

The floor plans vary, including homes with oversized master bedrooms. Also available are homes with three-car garages, sprawling backyards, and luxury features like swimming pools, tennis courts, spas, and an RV storage area. 

Most individuals exploring homes for sale in Hollywood Beach, CA will want a well-designed kitchen with ample cooking and storage spaces. Built-in cabinets with pull-out drawers are a common highlight here. You might also consider a custom kitchen island—an excellent solution for maximizing floor space or when you want to spend time with your loved ones in the kitchen

While we may not discuss every feature and amenity in Hollywood Beach Oxnard properties, we highly recommend starting with listing the key qualities you desire. After which, consult with an experienced local real estate agent.

Real Estate Prices and Overview

According to NeighborhoodScout, Hollywood Beach real estate is costlier than over 78% of California communities and about 95% of US neighborhoods. But this is not too surprising considering the community sits near the ocean and has low crime rates.

Most housing units here date back to between 1970 and 1999, but you will find a smaller inventory constructed between 1940 and 1969. 

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, houses for sale range from single-family units, condos to townhomes. They vary in prices, too, with most options falling in the $500K- $950K range. A more luxurious option could set you back over $1.2m. 

As of February 2023, the median list price of Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, homes for sale is $867K, a 13.2% drop from last year. The median list price per square foot is around $722 and homes stay on the market for about 64 days.

Despite the drop in median list price and the <100% sales–to-list ratio, Hollywood Beach real estate remains a seller’s market. It’s where the available homes for sale cannot meet the current demand for housing. The opposite is the buyer market, where homes for sale exceed the interested buyers.  

Based on Realtor.com’s February 2023 data, 3 of the listed homes for sale in Hollywood Beach, CA, are single-family homes ranging between $1.4 and $4.4m. For comparison purposes, the inventory of single-family homes for sale in Newbury Park, CA, exceeds 40, with prices starting from $699K to $16.5m.

Hollywood Beach Apartments for Rent

Averaging $3,113 per month, Hollywood Beach rentals are costlier than 71.3% of their California counterparts. The average size of an apartment in this neighborhood is 928 square feet, with specific sizes varying with the unit types.

 Things To Do in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard

Tranquil and fashionable, Hollywood Beach is a perfect place to start or end your day with an ocean swim or walk along the sandy beaches of Ventura County. 

While the weekdays are the quietest, weekends are synonymous with families longing for a beach day, residents cruising on golf carts and bikes, and visitors enjoying a moment away from the hustle and bustles of their cities. 

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, caters to the active and social lifestyle, with many activities for the young and old alike. You can embark on a fishing trip or sign up for a whale-watching expedition at the Channel Islands. Or you can stroll down the famous Port Hueneme Pier, which offers many family-friendly leisure opportunities, including BBQ and picnic spots, volley nets, and swings.

Hollywood Beach

Image source

Popular activities at Hollywood Beach include:

• Surfing
• Swimming
• Suntanning
• Building sandcastles
• Beachcombing
• Beach volleyball

Amenities include public restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and free parking. Dogs are permitted before 9 am and after 5 pm, provided they are on a leash and under control. However, open flames are prohibited, including portable grills and fire pits. 

The beach is also abundant in wildlife, including dolphins. When you see seals and sea lions on the beach, usually they are resting. They often come out of the water to shake off and sunbathe for a while. And while they are not usually dangerous to humans, remember these are pretty unpredictable wild animals. So, keep your distance.

Nearby Oxnard beaches include Oxnard State Beach and Park, Mandalay State Beach, McGrath State Beach, and Silver Strand Beach. 

Nearby Attractions

Hollywood Beach homes offer easy access to some of the most impressive golf courses in Oxnard, including:

• River Ridge Golf Club
• Sterling Hills Golf Club
• Las Posas Country Club

A twelve-minute drive from Hollywood Beach and nestled on 800 Obson Way is Oxnard Performing Arts Center— a 1,604-seat complex that offers numerous cultural and entertainment opportunities. 

 If live performances do not tickle your fancy, consider the Mullin Automotive Museum at 1421 Emerson Avenue, Oxnard. This privately owned facility specializes in classic French automobiles and grand Prix race cars manufactured in the 1930s and 1940s. Also on display at the Mullin are contemporary paintings and Art-Deco furniture.

The Murphy Auto Museum on Eastman Avenue is a great alternative for car enthusiasts, offering an impressive collection of American vintage cars, including a 1932 Buick Town Car and a 1914 Model T. 

In Historic Downtown Oxnard is a special section known as Heritage Square. It is a lushly landscaped square block harboring 15 renovated, historic structures, including 11 Craftsman and Victorian-style homes owned by Oxnard pioneer families. The selection also includes a pump house, water tower, and church. 

Additional attraction sites near Hollywood Beach, Oxnard include:

• Carnegie Art Museum
• Marine Emporium Landing
• Magnavino Wine Cellars
• Channel Islands Maritime Museum
• Herzog Wine Cellars

Does it Snow in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard?

It’s rare for Southern California neighborhoods, including Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, to snow. But it’s not unheard of. The turn of events on February 2023 shocked many residents who have called the area home for decades. A significant amount of snow blanketed Hollywood Beach (as seen here), with some neighborhoods, such as Calistoga, seeing snowbanks as deep as 8 inches.

Shopping and Dining in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard

Near Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, homes for sale are dining options for every taste. From simple American cuisine to regional ethnic foods. And while fresh seafood dominates the local menus, plenty of international cuisines are also available. Top-rated eateries in and near Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, include:

• Hollywood Beach Cafe
• Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut
• The Lookout Bar & Grill
• Sea Fresh Channel Islands
• Waterside
• Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine
• HC Seafood
• Fishermen’s Catch

The shopping scenes around Hollywood Beach include local supermarkets, renowned department stores, and small boutiques stocking the best of Oxnard’s local products. Nearby shopping malls include:

• The Collection at RiverPark
• Fremont Square Shopping Center
• Esplanade Shopping Center
• Seabridge Marketplace
• Shopping at the Rose

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard Schools

Hollywood Beach schools fall under two school districts: Hueneme Elementary School District and Oxnard Union High School District. Notable education institutions include:

• Hollywood Beach Elementary School
• Hueneme Elementary
• Oxnard High School

Find Your Home in Hollywood Beach, Oxnard

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, is a sentimental favorite for many families looking for an affordable alternative to Malibu. This neighborhood enjoys a pleasant year-round climate and offers a tranquil alternative to the more crowded beaches in Santa Monica. The beach amenities and nearby recreational facilities offer residents plenty of options to explore during their leisure time.

If you’re interested in living in Hollywood Beach, CA, work with a local real estate agent to find a home that matches your needs and budget. But don’t wait too long – it’s a hot market, and the sooner you start looking for your next home, the better.

When I talk with business owners about their biggest frustrations, one aspect always ranks high in the list: email outreach. But despite the endless rumors against this strategy, frustrations, and social media craze, email still works. A Barriliance report estimates that the average ROI for email is a whopping 3800%. 

Cold email outreach could be the silver bullet to elevating your lead generation. It’s how you get in front of potential customers, partners, and influencers to share your story and inspire growth.

Outreach marketing centers around building genuine relationships that mutually benefit both parties. But if you’re going about it all wrong, your emails are more likely to get buried and ignored. Consider also that the average response rate for cold outreach emails is 1%. So, tread carefully with this digital marketing strategy.

This post will shed some light on the most common mistakes business owners make in email outreach campaigns. Use the mechanics provided to get better results.

1. Using Long, Un-Targeted Subject Lines

The first impression people get of your email will be the subject line. Treat your subject line as if it were an advertisement, making sure it’s clear and precise right off the bat. If there’s anything negative or confusing about your email, chances are you’ll lose the customer right there.

The best cold email subject lines provide details! Don’t just say “great offers” or “special discounts.” Tell your prospects why they should care! What’s in it for them?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to include the recipient’s name in the subject line. Highlighting a subject of deepest interest to the recipient, instead, can work. And that will depend on your research’s thoroughness.

Avoid sales jargon or slang. An influencer or decision-maker probably knows what to expect when they open your email. Save the “special offer” or “limited-time offer” language for your body copy.

Avoid all caps unless yelling is what you want to do. If you feel like yelling at people in your subject line to get their attention, that will only come off as a desperate attempt to draw attention to a weak offer.

As with all written communication, shorter is better in subject lines. Be succinct — keep your cold email subject line at 35 characters or less — and use action words that convey what’s happening. (“Save $100 on our new model!”) instead of vague statements (“We have exciting news”).

Once you’ve done all of this, you can feel free to add some flair with emojis- don’t go overboard, though.

2. Indicating You Aren’t Familiar With the Recipient

I recently received an email from a company I’ve never heard of about an unfamiliar product. It was targeted to someone named Robert, married to someone with the last name Jordin and has kids who have the first names, Ryan and Nick. The trouble is, I’m single and don’t have any kids. The email was sent to me by mistake, and I knew it. I doubt you would reply to let the sender know they erred.

One of the surest ways to get an email deleted is to address the recipient by the wrong name. It’s not only impolite, but it’s also a strong indicator that you aren’t familiar with the prospect.

If you want to be sure that your letter is read and taken seriously, take the time to familiarize yourself with the recipient. At least do a quick Google search or check out their website or LinkedIn profile and learn about them and their business/field/niche first.

Ensure you capture the prospect’s correct name and title, as well as their correct email address when reaching out via email. Don’t worry about knowing the recipient’s company in-depth — if you get the name or title wrong, your outreach efforts will likely flop regardless of how compelling your offer is.

3. No Introduction

No introduction is a mistake? That’s a little harsh. Maybe not. In my experience, this is among the gravest email outreach mistakes.

Here’s how it looks: I get an email from “Sender” (or “Company”) with a salutation that reads “Hello,” The email includes a brief message about something I wrote on my blog and why they liked it. The email concludes with two or three sentences asking me to check out their site and consider writing about them as well. I re-read the email to identify the sender, realize there’s no introduction.

Wouldn’t you move on to the next email?

The initial sentences of your cold email should highlight who you are and what you do. You may include how you know the recipient and why you’re reaching out right now. 2-3 lines are enough to get right to the point.

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph:

My name is ______ (your name) and I’m working with/for ______ (company). We’re interested in finding someone who can help us promote our business through content marketing. We’ve seen some of your work in ___________ (blog topic), and we thought you might be the person for us.

4. Reaching Out to the Wrong Person

Let’s start with a disclaimer: there’s no magic email for reaching out to anyone. The most important thing is to be genuine and make the recipient feel like you’re reaching out because you have something to offer, not because you want something from them.

But there are plenty of ways to screw it up. Prominent among these email outreach mistakes is trying to get the attention of the wrong person. This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how many people do it.

If you’re sending a cold email to someone who doesn’t directly influence decisions in your target company, they probably won’t take your desired action.

I recently received an email from an emerging writer who wanted me to read their book (and provide feedback). I’m not a literary agent, and I have never worked in publishing, so I had no idea why they sent me this email. They could’ve avoided the mistake if they had taken some time to research my background.

Emailing someone who doesn’t even need your product is detrimental to both sides. You waste your and their time by sending irrelevant information, jeopardizing your chances of getting an effective response. Still, you come off as spammy, and the recipient will have no choice to ditch your email in the trash.

5. Formatting Your Outreach Copy Wrongly

No doubt, outreach emails are a great way to attract prospects’ attention and start a conversation about your product or service. But how you format your outreach copies can mean the difference between someone caring about your product and being turned off by your email.

Follow this outreach email structure to ensure your correspondences are readable and aren’t sent straight to the trash:

Subject line

Craft catchy (not clickbaity) subject lines that pique interest and demonstrate you know the prospect in some way.

Email introduction

 Write a brief and personalized introduction that builds trust between you and the recipient. Start with a friendly, casual greeting. It could be something like “Hi {First Name}.”

Don’t be too formal, though. So avoid things like “Dear” and “Sir/Madam”. Next, introduce yourself and mention a referral right away (if you have one).

Opening line

Personalize your opening line with everything you know about the recipient, including their recent blogs, achievements, and social media activity. Blend creativity and humor to trigger a quick and positive response.

Email body

The body of your cold outreach email should be brief, include a pitch that provides value, and encourage recipients to take action.

Because the prospect has no idea who you are, build credibility by highlighting your niche expertise, actual results, achievements, or professional credentials. 

Call to action (CTA)

Getting prospects interested in your offer is only half the battle. A well-crafted email should always include a clear call to action so that recipients know precisely what they need to do next.

It could be a simple question like, “Do you have 10 minutes for a video call next week?”. Use only one CTA as too many requests will confuse the recipient. Feel free to incorporate urgency in your CTA by assigning exclusivity or deadline to your offer.

Signature

Use this real estate to lend more personality and credibility to your cold emails. You can choose between simple and elaborate signatures. 

A simple signature will include your full name, company name, and role. An intricate signature may include your:

• Picture
• Website URL
• Phone number
• Social icons and links

Opt-out

Your outreach emails should include a straightforward way for recipients to unsubscribe from your emails. It’s common courtesy, but more importantly, it’s a simple way to keep your cold emails compliant and sustain an excellent sender reputation. We recommend formatting your opt-out in a text line as links/buttons make emails appear computer-generated.

6. Missing a Personal Touch

Another major email outreach mistake is sending generic emails to everyone. You see, every day, tens of sales representatives send out cold emails requesting a favor from your target prospect. And considering that the average professional receives over 120 emails daily, generic influencer outreach email templates will hardly get you noticed.

Understand that cold email campaigns don’t operate like sales funnels. This is because cold emailing has low response rates (1-3%). So, you must use the most effective techniques to get a response and build relationships.

Whether you are a marketing person, a salesperson, or an entrepreneur hoping to get your business off the ground, it’s critical to learn how to write an outreach email that appeals to the prospect’s needs and desires. If you send a marketing strategist in your target company a pitch about dog-shaped pasta forks, they aren’t going to care — so how are they going to care about the rest of your product line?

A cold email will only work if your pitch is relevant. That means conducting thorough research on the folks you’re targeting and ensuring that your email content addresses their unique needs and interests.

How to Personalize Cold Emails

Below are the best ways to personalize outreach emails: 

• Building buyer personas that summarize the key characteristics of your ideal customer (demographics, interests, business goals, pain points, etc.)
• Mentioning the prospect’s name in the subject line and salutation
• Focusing on the prospect’s interests and pain points
• Highlighting a mutual connection
• Including visuals (like GIFs and screenshots of your recipient’s website)
• Using compliments (touch on their award, blog posts, achievements, etc.)

7. Not Being Clear Enough About Your Intent

We’ve all experienced it.

You’re in the middle of a hectic day at the office or home when an email pops into your inbox. It’s from a sender you don’t recognize, and the subject line reads “Hello.” Who is this person? And more importantly, what do they want?

The sender’s intent isn’t clear. Your first instinct will likely be to delete the email immediately. However, if you could identify their specific need, crafting a response that speaks directly to their underlying problem couldn’t be easier.

There’s no substitute for knowing how to communicate well when reaching out to someone who has no idea who you are. Whether you are conducting email outreach for backlinks or social mentions, let recipients know right away what you want and what you’re offering in return. If you want an introduction, say so explicitly.

Don’t make it too broad — instead, be as specific as possible. The more detailed your message, the better clarity you provide about your most wanted response.

Incorporate this tip in your subject lines, too. So instead of “Book Proposal,” try “Book Proposal (on x topic).” This way, the recipient knows what they’re getting into without ever having to open your email.

Pro Tip: 1) know your most wanted response for every cold email you intend to send, and 2) don’t waste time asking prospects if I’m interested in working with you — show them why they should be!

8. Writing Long Emails

I used to blast professionals’ inboxes with long emails every day. Often it didn’t work, and I took the lessons seriously. Nowadays, I write a few paragraphs and wait for a reply or follow-up later. 

Prospects will hardly read or reply to long-winded messages that ramble on about how great you and your business are. You want to get right to the point and let the interest come from your prospects instead of you trying to sell it.

However, many cold emails out there make business owners look unprofessional and lazy- like they just dashed off a quick email and hit the send button. Much as we insist on keeping it short and sweet, never rush your emails. Taking your time with an outreach email is easier than having to regret sending a bad one.

What’s the ideal length of a cold email? 

In 2015, Constant Contact (a digital marketing tools provider) analyzed over 2.1 million customer emails to determine how email images and length impact email click-through rate (CTR). The study found that emails under 20 lines of text generated the highest CTRs from subscribers. That translates into roughly 200 words. 

Boomerang data suggests that emails between 50 and 125 words generate over 50% response rate. Generally, 125-200 words are enough to pique a prospect’s interest and begin a conversation. 

Here are some tips for writing snappy outreach emails:

• Have one goal per cold email
• Use bullet points
• Use a question format rather than a statement format
•  Use simple, easy-to-understand language
• Edit like Hemingway would

9. Straight-up Solicitation

I receive a lot of emails. I have had to sign up for newsletters to keep track of what’s going on in the world (and also because I like free stuff). The thing is, unsolicited emails are often unwelcome.

There are only two reasons a company should send you an email: 1) they’re adding value, or 2) you signed up for it. Email outreach campaigns are no different. 

Treating your cold email list like a begging avenue will only get you lousy results. Instead, let prospects know what’s in it for them. Put another way, provide value before soliciting for favors.

Your lead magnet should be something your target customer will want and appreciate— not just something you want them to have.

So, before you ask a prospect if they want something or tell them about something great happening at your company, think about this one question: Would anyone care if that email never arrived? Then ask yourself: Why would they care? Only send an email only if it’s valuable or necessary.

10. Not Following Up

There is a common misconception that recipients aren’t interested if they don’t reply to the first email. However, this isn’t necessarily true.

There are many other reasons why someone might not respond to your email. Perhaps they are too swamped with tasks to craft a response. Or they simply forgot.

When building the foundation of a valuable business relationship, the first email is only part of the equation. The follow-up is vital!

According to WoodPecker, a single follow-up can elevate your initial response rate by 40%. For example, if your first email scored a 6% response rate, a follow-up email could increase the score to 8.5%. A Propeller CRM study revealed that campaigns with 4-7 emails per sequence generated 3X more responses than sequences with 1-3 emails. 

It’s essential to track when you send an email and follow up if you don’t hear back from your recipient within a reasonable amount of time. The rule of thumb is to wait 2-3 days before following up on your initial email, then extend the waiting period by a few days for the subsequent emails.

Don’t use follow-up emails as constant reminders that your recipients should respond to your original email. Always provide additional value with each subsequent email. That could be a link to a case study, customer testimonial, or anything else that builds value or credibility.

Experts recommend sending up to 6 follow-up emails within 3-4 weeks. If you don’t receive a response within this timeframe, move on to new (and possibly interested) prospects.

11. Doing Email Outreach Manually

You wear many hats as an entrepreneur. You have duties to delegate, clients to contact, deals to close, and possibly a startup idea that will revolutionize your industry if only you can find the time.

You might get some free time on your hands, but rather than relax or catch up on some reading; you might use that time to set up an email outreach campaign. Maybe it’s for your current business. Maybe it’s for a product or service you want to launch soon. Whatever the reason, this is probably a bad idea.

Here’s why: it’s labor-intensive and time-consuming. 

You’ll need to build an email list and research your prospects. You must craft compelling subject lines and relevant email body copy that distinguishes you from your competition while still being useful and interesting enough to prompt a response. This takes time and practice—time you spend on other important matters.

Outreach email automation comes in here. 

Most email outreach platforms are freemium models, where basic features are free, and advanced features come at a cost. But all of them can save you hours and hours of manual work while helping you build meaningful relationships with influencers and decision-makers.

The best email outreach tool takes care of all the hard work associated with your outreach marketing campaigns under one roof. That includes:

• Building a list of verified email addresses
• Customizing outreach email templates
• Scheduling emails
• Setting up sequences, and
• Tracking vital metrics

All within one window and a few clicks. 

How to choose an email outreach tool

Below are critical features to look for in email outreach software:

• Customizability: Most tools, including Postaga, can automatically insert unique data for every recipient. 
• Email scheduling: Look for a platform that allows you to schedule outreach emails and follow-ups. 
• Integrations: The best cold email outreach platform integrates several email providers, productivity tools, CRMs, and other vital apps. 
• Analytics: A good outreach tool should provide insight into critical email metrics, including delivery rates, open rates, CTR,  and bounce rates. It becomes easy to adjust your campaigns to be more effective. 
• Scalability: Look for a platform that can grow with your business needs. 
• Compliant: Spam is not only impolite, but it’s also illegal. A reputable outreach marketing tool ensures all your emails are compliant to keep you off the spam denylist.

That’s All, Folks

When done right, outreach marketing is a terrific way to grow your business. However, there are plenty of ways it can go wrong—or right, as the case may be. 

Most of these email outreach mistakes are fixable with some thought and preparation. Put forth the effort, and you’ll have an easier time attracting the attention of valuable influencers and decision-makers to your business. Ultimately, you grow your business’s exposure and sales. 

Many people barely understand home insulation because of its technicalities and myths. The misinformation has significantly impacted home improvement decisions, preventing homeowners from enjoying the full benefits of insulation. This post will help you gain some clarity by cracking three infamous insulation misconceptions.

1. Fiberglass Insulation is Carcinogenic

Fiberglass insulation is made by spinning molten glass into tiny fibers. But is it really carcinogenic? The answer is simply…no!

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) emphasizes that no conclusive research associates fiberglass with cancer in humans. Additionally, a 2000 study by the US National Academy of Sciences and other health organizations found no link between fiberglass exposure and lung cancer.

But fiberglass can irritate your nose, eyes, lungs, and skin. Use proper PPE when handling the material or working near it for an extended period. The wearables include goggles, loose-fitting, long-legged, long-sleeved clothing, gloves, and a dust mask.

2. Homes Don’t Need Insulation in Summer

Many people assume insulation is only helpful during winter. The truth is proper insulation keeps your home comfortable all year round. During summer, it stops heat from penetrating your home. In winter, it prevents warm air from escaping to the outside of your home. Your home gets cozier, and you spend less on energy bills.

By keeping conditioned air indoors, insulation prevents your HVAC units from overworking to keep your home comfortable. This translates into fewer equipment repairs and an extended system lifespan.

3. Home Insulation R-Values Are Ideal

R-value measures thermal resistance. It’s the industry standard for comparing the effectiveness of insulation products. However, R-values are quite unreliable due to the differences between lab figures and insulation’s real-world performance.

Lab analyses assume zero air movement. But some insulation materials (like fiberglass and cellulose) are not as effective at home air sealing. As such, they may perform poorly in spaces with constant air currents.

Consider air-impervious insulation products (like spray foam and rigid foam boards) that insulate almost identically as the lab values. They’re expensive compared to their standard counterparts, but they soon pay for themselves with more cost savings.

Bottom Line

Proper insulation will keep your home cozy and energy-efficient throughout. But you can only reap these benefits if you make informed decisions. Start with dispelling these insulation myths, and you’ll come closer to maximizing your home improvement project’s efficiency–and cost savings.