Today, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2010 Survey of Home Buyers and Sellers, 94% of today’s shoppers begin online. That’s nearly all your current customers! So let me ask you a serious question? What percentage of your marketing budget are you spending online? Probably not much, right?
Most Agents do not spend money on what is now the non-traditional forms of advertising because it just doesn’t work. Print advertising is not cost-effective and is not where your potential clients are. To find them these days you need to socialize, virtually! Social networking is growing faster than ever. Every day the social network demographics are showing signs of increased use from all ages. These growing networks are the place to find your potential clients and make a name for yourself.
Social Networking can be time-consuming, without a doubt. However, it can also be the most amazing exposure you can get. So what is social networking and what’s the point?
Social Networking is the use of dedicated websites and applications to communicate informally with other users, or to find people with similar interests to oneself. (courtesy of wikipedia). In other words, social networking is talking to people on a social network: facebook, twitter, ActiveRain, LinkedIn, etc. Each network is unique in it’s own platform and how you use it.
So What’s the Point of Social Networking?
The point is to get clients, but you need to go about it the right way.
- Make intelligent posts
- Make considerate comments on other post
- It’s not about selling
- 25% business, 75% personal, local and fun
- Make friends
The efforts you make should make you likable, reliable, personal and informative. The goal is to build relationships. It’s like online-dating, except for friends. Don’t underestimate your market. Who do you appeal to? What hobbies do you have? Where do you live.
Social networking is hyper-local, typically, but don’t over-look other potential markets. Choose friends that you have a commonality with. If you have a love for dogs, network with dog lovers. Needlepoint, find those Chicks with Sticks. Sports, check out the local teams.
Have you ever gone to a party with your spouse and not had anything to say to the other party-goers? It’s the same with social networking. It’s easier to make comments and post helpful information if you have an interest the topic. Don’t talk above your head or down to your friends. You will do well.
We will help you create a Social Media plan. How often should you blog? How many tweets should you post. How do you find friends and so much more. We will develop a plan tailored to your needs and budget. Your plan should include a mix of blogging, facebook and twitter as well as commenting on other posts. A great way to get the same type of exposure is to write weekly articles to submit to the Free Article websites. These sites provide great SEO and inbound links.
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