Why social media matters for your real estate business
As a real estate agent, you probably already know that social media can be a powerful tool for growing your business and attracting more clients. Whether it’s been intentional or not, you’ve spent years developing your personal brand and setting yourself apart from the competition, and your social media should reflect that to continue to secure future listings. Having a strong online presence is essential for real estate agents. Why? Because that’s where your audience (and potential clients) are!
Although nearly 5 billion people participate in social media, don’t make the common mistake of assuming it’s easy to gain followers and drive engagement. Unfortunately, you can’t “set it and forget it” and see results. It’s also not free in that it does require time and a strategy. But if you post thoughtful, strategic content, social media can help you:
Build your brand
Social media provides a platform for you to establish your brand, showcase your expertise, and build trust with potential clients. By sharing your unique story, values, and personality, you can differentiate yourself from competitors and establish a distinct identity that resonates with your audience.
Reach a wider audience
Social media allows you to reach a larger audience than traditional marketing methods such as flyers or print ads. Unlike these classic channels, social media platforms offer two-way communication so users can actively engage with established clients, potential clients, and other real estate agents. Plus, keep in mind that the audience is on a platform because they want (and expect) appealing, relevant, and helpful media. If you supply that content, there is a willing audience ready to consume it.
Form and nurture relationships
Social media allows real estate agents to build and maintain relationships with clients, prospects, and industry professionals. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn enable you to connect, engage, and interact with their audiences on a regular basis. By sharing valuable content, answering questions, and regularly commenting, agents can establish trust and credibility, fostering long-term relationships with clients.
Increase engagement
Platforms use algorithms to personalize the user experience, making it more likely that users will be exposed to personalized, relevant, and tailored content. As we mentioned before, your audience is on social media specifically to consume content, which should result in higher engagement rates if you have relevant, high-quality content. For example, users on a visual-based platform like Instagram are specifically looking for visual content, making their engagement with your high-quality, visually attractive posts more likely.
Demonstrate that you’re digitally literate
95% of home buyers are looking for their next house online—without the help of their agent. And while they might have the online home search covered, they will still expect their agent to be internet-savvy. When you post meaningful content on social media that demonstrates your knowledge as a realtor and your expertise online, you’ll check off one of the boxes that most buyers and sellers want in an agent.
If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment or share this post! Be sure to check out the next part in the Social 101 series below, where we’ll be talking about how to choose the most appropriate social media platforms for you audience.
