Industry Professionals Are Embracing Social Media
Work industries that are dependent on in-person, face-to-face contact have had to change rapidly in order to earn income this year and the near future. Among those industries are real estate and home financing.
While real estate depends greatly on internet-based platforms and social media sites, the importance of these platforms has grown significantly with more prospects not going out as much.
A recent study performed by The Close.com, revealed that 44% of agents said that they got a new client in 2020 because of posting on their social media channel. In addition, social media came in second place to referrals for getting new listings in 2020.
The most important response was when they were asked where they’ll place more emphasis on growing their business in 2021, 82% of agents said they want to “improve social media presence.” This came in by leap and bounds over email campaigns.
According to the National Association of Realtors, there are approximately 1.4 million licensed real estate agents in the U.S. with an average age of 55 years old. However, age has not been a deterrent as the newest social media channels are being embraced by all ages.
A fairly new social media app Clubhouse, that is audio only has numerous real estate clubs on the app with some large memberships. An example is the “Real Estate Club,” with 13,000 followers and 7,000 members.
There is no content that remains on the platform after you voice your comment. There are no videos, photos, or stories. The only connection to your expertise is your profile photo and your bio that can have a non clickable link.
There’s also the TikTok platform, which is dominated by people under 24, frequently feature trending and popular real estate content from young and older agents. Where real estate agents post and engage so should loan originators. Nextdoor, the hyper-local app and website for neighborhoods, offers local options specifically for real estate agents and mortgage originators.
Real estate sales professionals who are utilizing social media effectively can come out on top as leaders in their communities. Although social media real estate experts with huge followings tend to dominate much of the conversation along with brands, agents who invest in producing local content that appeals emotionally with their local audience can set themselves up as market leaders..
Having a social media presence is among the most important you can have presently as a real estate agent. Many potential client’s may get their first impression about you through social media as opposed to your website.
Whether it’s through Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. Social media is becoming the most powerful marketing tool available. It reaches out to your friends and potential future clients 24/7.
The following are what social media experts think real estate agents need to do
Another important thing is to engage with prospects—buyers, homeowners, other agents, brands, and your followers.
It’s critical that you’re always stay current with technology, trends and the market.
Make your prospects feel like they have an actual relationship rather than a transaction.
Second, make sure your name and brand are both represented in the same light. Reputation is everything! Social media can be both personal and professional.
Do not misrepresent yourself. Social media can help or hurt you.
Be real! Make yourself different. Don’t be cookie cutter and post the same old stuff other realtors or loan officers post. Create virtual tours for your clients through FaceTime showings and videos on YouTube