Using Online Social Media to Expand Your Business
Have you considered using social networking sites to promote your real estate business? If so, you’re a few steps ahead of many of your peers, because only 33% of Realtors take advantage of online social network marketing. If not, it’s simple and economical to get started. Most of the sites are FREE.
The three most effective social networking sites to take advantage of are Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Facebook –
Realtor’s can use their Facebook accounts to advertise in several different ways. One way, is to create a group or business page. You can set up a group page to connect with, for example, first time home buyers, where you provide helpful information about the buying process. Or you can create your own company page and ask others to become “fans” of your page.
Facebook also allows you to promote your business by purchasing ads along side Facebook pages. You can establish your target market criteria based on age, gender and location etc. and have your ads appear on Facebook pages that match the criteria. The ads can then be tracked to see who clicks on them.
Twitter –
Twitter is a very simple platform that’s easy to get stated on. With Twitter, you’re simply providing information about “what you’re doing” to a group of followers in 140 characters or less. You can connect with someone that you already know; a friend or past client, or even a stranger in your targeted area by inviting your prospects to use Twitter. Then they can follow your activity and you there’s. This is a great way to keep in contact with clients. You can notify them about new listings, open houses or simply exchange information and ideas. It’s a networking tool that doesn’t take a lot of time. You can also use Twitter as an educational resource by following other like minded individuals and sharing insight and information about the ways you do business.
LinkedIn -
LinkedIn is an online business profile that allows you to increase your professional network. You can connect with other real estate professionals and join groups of professionals in areas that interest you. When you connect with LinkedIn profiles in areas outside real estate, these professionals become potential clients. The goal is to network and find local people of interest to share your knowledge and expertise with.
Social media websites attack a massive amount of people. Facebook alone has over 300 million members, LinkedIn 20 million professions and Twitter has over 30 million users. This can be a creative platform to expand your real estate business. Just remember to build relationships by sharing your expertise without spamming prospects.
