OK, so you are a busy real estate agent, running around showing houses, dealing with clients and lenders and appraisers. And now you are supposed to learn all of these new sites, figure out what social media is and even write blog posts? Who has the time? And what is the point? I completely understand all of the reasons you have for not trying social media. But, think about all of the reasons TO use social media!
Like, your web presence for example. You most likely have a website, which is a must have, and that is great! But, that is no longer enough. Your website is giving a potential client 1 chance to find you. But, if you add a blog, a Facebook fan page, a You Tube Channel, a Twitter stream (all indexed by the search engines, by the way) – you now have many ways for a client to find you! Each blog post, twitter update and video is a new chance to be found online! With over 80% of home buyers using the internet to start their search, you need to maximize your presence so you can be found!
Another benefit of social media is building new relationships and strengthening current ones. Facebook and Twitter are great tools to check in with your network, keep up with their life, and get to know them better. This just builds a stronger relationship and when they are ready to buy or sell a house, who will come to mind – you! You also build trust with your fans and followers – as you share information and a little about you, they begin to trust you. And we all know, people buy from, hire and work with people they know, like and trust.
Social media offers another way for you to provide customer service to your current clients. It offers clients multiple ways to contact you and you can easily update them on their status. It also offers an easy opportunity to get questions answered and to share those answers with you whole network. So you are continuing to provide value.
Social media is also a great way to easily share your new listings with your whole network. A quick status update and link and you have now let everyone know you have a new listing!
So, even though social media may seem like a time waster at first, it ultimately can be huge for your business (and even save you some time in other areas). There is a wonderful opportunity to share information, connect with potential clients, and to build your reputation and your business. You just have to jump in and the possibilities are endless!
Now, if you would like some help getting started using social media, check out my Quick Start to Social Media Program and Social Media Assistance Packages.
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I echo your points in this post Devon. I preach it to my clients as well. The possibilities are definitely endless when it comes to building a relationship with prospective buyers and seller of real estate. For such a big transaction like buying a house, if real estate agents take the time to build relationships, clients will be attracted to them like a long lost friend.