by In real estate we are constantly searching for more effective ways to meet the needs of our clients. This means trying methods that gain new customers as well as methods that increase your referral business. With social networking continuing to gain momentum many real estate professionals are struggling with why they should even start.
Social networking sounds like a good idea, but really, why would someone want to connect with or even follow me? After a recent seminar that my brother and I hosted a real estate agent approached me with a question on social networking. She asked one of the best questions when she simply asked the question:
“Why would someone use Twitter?”
I thought it was an awesome question. For many, especially in real estate, they are jumping onto social networks, like twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, etc. . with little thought of “why”. Let’s take a look at a few items to consider for those who have jumped into twitter and maybe those who haven’t yet got on board yet.
- Why would someone want to follow your updates on Twitter?
- How can you add value to those in your network with your updates?
- Who are you going to follow?
I really don’t think that social networking will be for every real estate agent, especially for those that don’t answer the above questions. Or more specifically, it won’t be successful for every agent if they can’t answer the above questions. When considering the option of diving into social networks like Twitter (or any of the others for that matter) it’s important to consider your approach to social networking.
Is a Particular Social Media Platform Right For You?
While Twitter is just one example there are other platforms that might align closer to your personality. As you evaluate the different social networks try to find one that excites you as when you are excited you will stick with it. For example Instagram is known for the ability to share engaging photos and with the increased adoption of Reels on Instagram this might be a better match for you. Would you consider doing the following on Instagram:
- Creating a content plan that would cover 3 months of posts to ensure you have a clear path of content creation
- Share engaging neighborhood photos (not just listings)
- Record Reels to help people understand the market
- Educate through video and photos your audience to help them see if your neighborhood are right for them
- Focus on hashtags that are relevant to your local neighborhoods
- Comment back to anyone who posts a comment to keep discussions going
These are just a few items to consider with Instagram. You can take this approach to any platform and leverage the specific aspects to ensure you have on-going success.
Leveraging Social Media Means Implementing a Social Media Strategy
After all, you wouldn’t create a real estate website without a strategy would you? Just because getting onto social networks is easy doesn’t mean it’s something that you should do. It’s important to consider your approach to social networking for real estate before you ever start.
In addition to the above three questions consider the following:
- How much time can you dedicate to your network?
- How are you going to grow your network/audience?
- What do you want to get from your network?
When you consider doing social networking for real estate it’s important to set goals and consider how you can add value to your network and how your network can help you. Even though it is incredibly easy to get started, take a few moments to consider how you can maximize your activities.
As real estate professionals we often have 100’s of things to do each and every day. Adding 1 more activity that isn’t going to bring us business or improve our business is just a waste of time. So really, what’s your plan with your social network?
