13 Jul How Real Estate Agents Are Using Social Media
More and more agents are turning to Social Media to help sell homes.
In fact, more than half of the National Association of Realtors‘ member agents reported using social networking sites last year, compared with a little more than a third in 2009. Nearly two-thirds have a website and 1 in 10 has a Blog.
Even though online listings have been around for quite some time, many agents still prefer the in-person approach, as business has traditionally been done using agent-to-agent referrals. They are now starting to go where their clients already are: on Social Media.
Last year, 89% of buyers surfed the Web to find a house, while only 45% attended open houses and 36% looked at print ads, according to the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.
In order to make his online efforts pay off, agents must write about things that draw readers and not just regurgitate listings. Blog posts should focus on the town agents are selling in – interesting things that people will talk about and share.
When prospective buyers or sellers are looking for an agent, your blog makes it clear that you know the market, making you trustworthy and credible. It’s content, not self-promotion that attracts clients. Agents should not be afraid to have a personal take on area information.
In addition to Blogging, agents should not neglect Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Craigslist. Google AdWords campaigns are great for targeting buyers in the area, and MLS listings can be complemented using Realtor.com, Trulia, and Zillow.
Also new to the Real Estate market are the use of quick-response codes on for-sale signs so people can pull up to a house, aim a smartphone at the sign and download details right away.
Agents, are you using Social Media to its fullest to expand your business? Which mediums or channels work best for you? We’d love to hear about your struggles and successes, so feel free to comment below or post on our Facebook page to share your stories!
