Social media is no longer just a trend, now it’s a way of life and it’s essential to business. Younger generations have grown up with social media, and these consumers likely follow their favorite businesses. For REALTORS®, social media is a tool to reach new clients and keep up with former clients, too.
However, there are many benefits to social media beyond client contact and communications. Here are five reasons why REALTORS need to get social:
- Social media increases visibility
- Platforms can expand marketing outreach
- Social media helps REALTORS find community opportunities.
- Social media can be free advertising
- The competition might be active on social media
Which Social Media Platform is Best for REALTORS
Those who are new to the social realm might wonder if one social media platform is better than others for REALTORS. Facebook is the dominant platform; it has more than 2.9 billion monthly active users. Instagram, Twitter and YouTube also are popular social sites.
Instagram is owned by Meta—the parent company of Facebook. Instagram is a visual social platform. Users post pictures and videos to their accounts. While text can accompany videos and pictures, the stories from users are typically told through visual communications. REALTORS can use Instagram to feature new listings; post a photo slideshow for a new home or post a photo to promote a home that’s about to be listed.
Twitter requires users to be brief in their posts. Character counts are limited. However, many users break up longer thoughts or posts into multiple tweets. It’s not uncommon to see a tweet expanded over three or more posts. Tweets also can include a link to a story on another site or a picture, too.
YouTube is only for video content. However, it is an incredibly popular platform. According to stats posted by GMI, “YouTube accounts for around 25% of global mobile traffic.” How can REALTORS use YouTube? Post video tours of homes or create a video to tease upcoming listings.
TikTok is a newer social media platform. The site focuses on short video content. REALTORS might use TikTok to offer home buying or selling tips and to reach out to a younger buyer.
How Social Media Can Benefit REALTORS
REALTORS who aren’t on social media might be missing out on key opportunities to reach out to potential buyers and sellers. Social media is now a common communication tool, and many use it for networking, too.
REALTORS might consider starting a Facebook account or even just a Twitter account to begin exploring the social media realm. Start an account and begin following people who are friends or colleagues; send individuals messages to let them know about a new account.
Here’s how social media can help REALTORS and even help them expand their business:
Social Media Increases Visibility
If a REALTOR isn’t on social media, younger buyers might not know they exist. Many younger consumers are active on social media. In addition, if a buyer has an REALTOR’S business card, they might look them up on social media channels.
Use social media as a means to increase visibility and to appear on the radar of younger buyers (and even older buyers, too).
Platforms Can Expand Marketing Outreach
With social media, REALTORS can expand their marketing outreach potential. Post a new listing and market it to followers or the general public. There are so many ways to utilize social media to boost business. REALTORS can post home tours or photo slideshows.
Social Media Helps REALTORS Connect with the Community
With social media, REALTORS can follow other local businesses and connect with community members, too. This can help agents find volunteer opportunities.
Plus, connecting to local businesses shows support. These businesses also might follow the REALTOR’s page, too.
Social media accounts also let REALTORS reach out to followers and the community. These accounts don’t have to just focus on new listings or ‘just sold’ homes. Instead, ask followers about a favorite holiday tradition or post motivational content.
Social media can be used for a variety of communications. Some businesses even start polls to find out things about their followers.
Social Media can be Free Advertising
Facebook and other social media platforms offer advertising opportunities. However, a social media account is a bit like free advertising. This is the place to promote new listings and create content that’s relevant to followers.
Again, YouTube could be an ideal place for posting video tours of homes. Instagram could feature a slideshow of photos for a new listing.
The Competition Might be Social
Social media sites have billions of users, and some of those users might be the competition. Being active on social media might level the playing field; if the competition is on social media, it might be time to join.
Social Media Updates and How Often to Post
REALTORS often have a hectic schedule and some might perceive social media as another item on their ‘to-do’ list. While it’s true that social media accounts should be updated regularly, REALTORS don’t have to post every day.
A few posts a week could be enough to ensure that followers understand that the account is active. However, REALTORS should try to update as often as possible. In addition, if followers are leaving comments, REALTORS should respond.
The fun of social media is the interaction. Try to interact and respond to followers. In addition, try to include content that encourages engagement from followers.
Again, posts don’t have to always focus on listings. Wish followers a Happy Fourth of July. Include some facts or stats about current home trends. Post a link to relevant articles that followers might enjoy.
REALTORS also can use HomeSelfe for social media content. With HomeSelfe, REALTORS can have 16 monthly automated social media posts. This means that agents can worry less about content. In addition, HomeSelfe provides access to hundreds of articles that REALTORS also can link to on social media.
What is the Easiest Social Media Platform for REALTORS?
REALTORS who have not entered the social media realm might wonder if one platform is a better option than the others. REALTORS can explore all the options to find the best social media platform.
One site isn’t better than the others. Each platform has its own design and function. Facebook has the most users, and YouTube is ideal for video content. REALTORS also could join LinkedIn, which is geared toward professional networking.
Find a platform and create an account to begin using the different features. It might take some time to adjust to the online social sphere, but social media offers many advantages to businesses. Start reaching out to friends and colleagues; REALTORS also can include their social media information on their website or even on their business cards.
Soon, being active on social media will feel like part of the routine. Many REALTORS use social media to stay connected to clients and to promote new listings. In addition, these platforms help users connect within their community and increase their visibility, too.
