Get Real on Using Social Media
Many different industries have come to find in recent years how beneficial social media can be to their respective needs.
Whether you sell vehicles, insurance, beauty products or real estate, you should definitely have your hands in the social media cookie jar. If you don’t, you could find yourself going hungry when it comes to landing more sales.
Speaking of real estate, how many agents out there are actively involved in social media? If that show of hands was low, you may want to reconsider avoiding social media, instead listening to all the good things it can mean for your business.
According to a 2011 report from Postling.com, 84 percent of real estate agents nationwide had delved into social media. Of that percentage, 55 percent report being “comfortable” in using social media, with 10 percent reporting they are “uncomfortable” using it. Lastly, nine percent claim to not use it at all.
For those last two groups, that being the uncomfortable group and those not using it, perhaps 2013 is the year you find out how much social media can mean to your business?
If you have been hesitant to get more social, keep the following in mind:
* Time is of the essence – One of the best reasons to partake in social media is it improves your chances of meeting new clients. By being on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and some of the other notable social sites, you can meet and engage with the public (both those looking for a rental or purchase for their personal or professional needs) in real-time. Unlike meeting potential customers in your office or on the road, there are obviously no time restrictions when it comes to social media;
* What’s my competition up to? – Social media also offers a great opportunity to see what other real estate agents are up to. Whether it is your competition right here in town or other pros nationwide, you can pick up some pointers by seeing how they interact on SM with current and potential customers. Especially for younger agents, it never hurts to see how other agents market their business to consumers, meaning you can see what approaches work and which may not. If you end up befriending and/or following other agents and vice-versa, more consumers will come to see you as a central figure in the industry (see below);
* The need to be an authority – One of the best ways to rise to the top of the real estate charts is if buyers and sellers see you as an authoritative figure in the industry. By using social media, you not only engage with buyers and sellers, but you provide them with useful links to trends in the market overall that can impact when and where they buy. You also educate them on how to go about buying or selling a home, the importance of finding the right title companies to secure title insurance, and what possible legal glitches could thwart their efforts to buy or sell a property, this through YouTube videos and other online channels. Finally, you keep their interest in you and your services by uploading daily photos of places for sale to sites such as Pinterest. In all, more people will see you as the go-to agent when it comes to their real estate needs;
* Speak with your own voice – Lastly, there may be the urge on your part to outsource your social media and promotional needs. Before you do such a thing, think about the voice that will come across to current and potential customers. One of the many advantages to using social media is having your own voice. If the shares, tweets, and other posts seem to be too generic, you may lose touch with a number of consumers on social media. Yes, social media does take time and effort, but the rewards of being social can be very beneficial to your business.
If you have been hesitant to close the deal on an active social media presence, you should really think about buying into it this year.
Photo credit: unitededucational.com
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