I recently read a very informative piece by Social Media Manager Lindsay Listanski, called The New Age of Real Estate Communication. The document covers the basics of social media, while offering tips for best practices and things to avoid as a Realtor. To read the entire article click here. For those of you won’t don’t have time to read this 33 page document, I found the piece so valuable that I took the liberty of summarizing the points myself. I hope you enjoy!
INTRODUCTION:
Social Media is becoming more and more relevant in the real estate industry. With 89% of home-buyers searching for agents online, it’s imperative to have a strong online presence. There are very many social media mediums out there, but this article focuses on “The Big Five” or those platforms which currently have the biggest audience.
Facebook:
Connect with your personal and business sphere of influence on an individual level allowing you to “authentically” show who you are while monitoring the lifestyle changes of others. I.E. ( new baby, relocation, new job, or LOOKING TO MOVE)
Twitter:
Ability to speak outside your sphere of influence in real time. Here you are limited to only 140 characters in each statement (a.k.a “tweet”) which means it requires very little time to create content.
Pinterest:
This platform is a traffic driver. It can direct leads to your website, blog and other social networks.
Instagram:
Here you can tell stories through pictures in a relaxed and open social environment. Consider it a “photo-driven” Facebook.
YouTube:
Talked about in length in a separate piece called Generation V.
GET STARTED: YOUR SOCIAL FOUNDATION
It’s not necessary to sign up for every social media program out there. It’s better to choose one you can be consistent on than have 6 that you never update. Chances are, your social media profiles will show up as clients “Google” you, so make sure it is polished and professional. Lindsay offers a “to-do” list on ways to get started:
1- Sign up: If this is your first time, consider starting with Facebook which currently has 67% of the adult population active.
2- Upload A Profile Picture: Who wants an “eery gray shadow” or picture of an egg (the Gravatar default) representing them? Choose a professional looking photo that will give a great first impression.
3- About Section: As you write your description, think about how you will be using the platform and who you are trying to attract. Remember this is your first impression and the first few sentences can say a lot about you.
SOCIAL MEDIA + REAL ESTATE =A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN.
Real estate continues to be a relationship business, and social media is a great way to connect because it allows a two-way conversation– something traditional marketing does not. You can use your platform to showcase your skills to a massive audience while allowing relationships to build naturally.
Remember quality over quantity. For example, the goal is not to have 2500 friends, as much as it is to make sure your audience is highly engaged.
YOUR INVITED TO THE DIGITAL COCKTAIL PARTY:
When engaging in Social Media, pretend your at a cocktail party. What would you say? What things would you mention? Your kids, sports, hobbies, last nights movie? With social media the line between marketing and authentic communication can merge. Finding the balance is key.
You would probably never walk up to someone at a party and say, ” Wow, you sure look like the perfect person for the 4 bedroom equestrian estate I just listed!” Doing so would be obnoxious and just plain weird. It’s the same way in social media. Don’t be a telemarketer. Remember social media is about sharing a story. As you share– you are marketing yourself, just in an indirect manner.
Remember, authentic relationships are built over time and through “two way” conversations. Don’t get so stuck on sharing your story that you forget to listen to those around you. Do what you can to stay in touch and engage them– timing is key in this process. People share things because they want a response, so make sure you recognize those cues and respond to important events, status updates, etc. Don’t miss an opportunity to engage in an authentic conversation. This builds trust over time.
Okay! I’ve had about enough for today, how about you? That’s some pretty interesting stuff right? Well, that’s not even half of it! If your so intrigued you want to find out more [click here]. But, if it’s going to take you a few days to process all you just learned, feel free to stop now. And don’t worry– I’ll be back next week to summarize the rest!
Nice talking to you!
Charde’
- Proof a Fish is Smarter Than Your Audience - January 29, 2015
- How to Write Successful Real Estate Headlines for Increased Sales - September 30, 2014
- 16 Blogging Mistakes Realtors Can Avoid to Improve SEO - August 21, 2014
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