We all know that social media is a great way to communicate with potential clients. A recent study shows that nearly 1.7 billion people have active social media accounts, but capturing their attention is only half the battle. The real challenge is giving them a reason to follow you.
Since you’re in the real estate business, you’ll occasionally need to share some real estate related information on your social pages. This is where a lot of real estate professionals have difficulty, as there’s the lingering question of whether or not your audience will be interested in this type of content. Instead of posting endless details about your newest listing, use these four tips to show off your real estate expertise, while also showing a little local love and making it fun for you audience.
1. Share positive testimonials
Word-of-mouth is still the top referral source for real estate professionals and what better way to get people talking about your business than by highlighting happy clients on your social pages. Whether it’s a friend, family member or a co-worker, your followers will feel more comfortable contacting you if they see that people they know had success working with you in the past. Also, keep in mind that 80 percent of people will trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
While featuring client testimonials may be relatively simple, obtaining them can be a challenge. After a sale closes, follow up with your client immediately, asking them to post a review on your social page. Often, clients are more willing than you think to give you a testimonial. After they post, be sure to interact with them socially, thanking them for their review.
2. Create valuable content
You’re already helping people find their home. Why not offer some tips on how they can improve it, too? Sharing useful, helpful content on your website is one of the best ways to draw followers to your social pages. Post home DIY projects, the best tips for cleaning a carpet or the latest fall decoration tips.
If any of your previous or current clients have taken on a DIY project, feature them and their work on your social pages. This will allow you to lightly promote your listing, while also sharing about your own clients. And remember, featured clients are likely to be even more willing to provide a testimonial. Even if they haven’t worked with you in the past, continually offering this value through social media will keep you top-of-mind when it comes time for followers to buy or sell their home.
3. Feature local events
Taking a local approach to social media means that your posts will be relevant to those around you. In order to do this, it’s important to research what people in your local community are talking about. A great way to learn what’s trending in your area is by joining several local Facebook Groups. Find out what people in the group are talking about most and then write about it. The best way to do this is to create a blog post and then publish it on your social pages. Once it’s there, boost the post so even more local residents can see it.
Since this may seem easier says than done, here’s an example. Search through your local Facebook Groups to see if there are any events happening in your area. Is there a fall festival in the works? How about an apple pie eating contest? Try to talk with the host of the event to get the inside scoop and, in exchange, let them know you’ll be featuring them on your social pages and in your blog. Finally, mention some of the listings you may have in the area to give a subtle promotion of your properties while still keeping the main focus on sharing great local content.
4. Give your audience a breather
Adding real estate content to your social profiles doesn’t mean you can only post DIY projects and local listing promotions. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a breather and give your followers a daily dose of laughter through a popular meme or viral video. Humor is a great way to humanize your brand and it shows that you’re a regular person, just like your followers. If you find something amusing, don’t hesitate to share it, because there are plenty of people who will probably find it funny, too. If you find a funny real estate picture or video, even better.
While social media is a great way to connect with potential clients, it can be challenging for a busy real estate agent to maintain a social strategy. If you need help managing your social presence, Homes.com Social is the key. A comprehensive social media suite, Homes.com Social is designed specifically for real estate professionals who are looking to connect and engage with their audience, giving you the ability to grow your followers and your business.
For more information, visit connect.homes.com.
