The use of computers, tablets, and smartphones has taken over this generation with the help of a new and exciting trend known as social media. Through social media, real estate agents can easily generate buzz about their companies and interact with their customers. An increase in sales and ROI is easily just “one click away.”
Social networking as a real estate agent is a powerful tool to communicate information about properties and promote your real estate business. The abundance of users participating on social media sites has resulted in an opportunity for real estate agents to reach their target markets easily. Social networking enhances your brand and provides great exposure.
Are you interested in increasing your social media presence? Take a look at ColibriRealEstate.com’s five favorite applications for agents using social media in today’s market.
1] Facebook– If you are just starting out in the social media world Facebook is a great stepping stone. Not only is the site easy to navigate, a Facebook page can help promote your listings as well as your business. Grow your audience by posting interesting content such as tips, news stories, and photos, in addition to listings and promotions
One great component Facebook offers its users is an “event feature”. Creating open house events is an ample way to invite specific people whom you think may be interested in viewing properties. You can even share the event on your personal page or post a link on your “friends” wall to encourage further engagement.
2] Twitter– If an agent is looking to engage with potential customers locally, nationally, or even internationally we recommend Twitter. Twitter is one of the newest and fastest-growing networks in the social media craze. It is not only a way to promote listings but it also has the potential to direct traffic to your website. Unlike Facebook, Twitter only allows users to post 140 characters at a time, so it is crucial to partake in conversations your consumers are interested in to achieve retweets. A retweet is when one individual shares the content you have posted to their entire following. Getting retweeted may make your name and business spread virally.
3] Blogging- Blogging is posting regular articles or opinion-editorial pieces online. Having a strong online presence allows a company to stand out amongst its competitors. Real estate agents who have constant flowing content rise in ranks in search engine optimization, a key factor when someone Googles real estate topics. An important tip to follow is to write a minimum of 2,000 words per week. Either post as one blog or break into several mini blogs.
ColibriRealEstate.com recommends blog topics geared towards your listings in addition to the local community such as; describing listings more in-depth than what an MLS might provide, talking about the variety of neighborhoods, schools, community, and events in your listing area. Give advice on staging, doing upgrades, or even maintaining your lawn.
4] Instagram- Like Twitter, Instagram is a great way to broaden your audience; the catch is it is strictly photos with a space to provide a description. Use this application to market homes. Posts should include pictures of the listing such as pools, spacious garage, walkout basement, etc. A way to increase your audience is to incorporate “hashtags” (#) into your descriptions I.E. #Sundeck, #SpaciousYard, #NewListing, #RealEstate. A “hashtag” groups photos together in one location allowing users to easily search what they are looking for.
5) Youtube- Youtube is a video-sharing website where users can upload, view, and share videos. Youtube boasts more than 3 billion video views daily, making it an excellent site for marketers to reach out to their consumers. Video is a fundamental part of marketing a home and giving consumers a realistic view when they’re in the real estate shopping process. Create video tours of listings or neighborhoods which you post on Youtube then link the videos you have created to your website.
Incorporating these online marketing strategies will strengthen your business’s interaction with its customers. Social Media is built on the concept of building a community where visitors can be informed, engage in conversations with one another, and feel involved in the products you offer. With creativity, passion and consistency start building your social media brand today!
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About Tom Davidson — Tom Davidson is Vice President of Colibri Real Estate, LLC. which operates online education providers Colibri Real Estate, Insurance License Express and License Tutor. Follow him on Twitter.
