marketing in a social age is devoting 31 posts this month to social and digital media and the real estate industry.
Who would have thought banging out 31 posts in 31 days devoted specifically to social media and the real estate industry? I sure didn’t. And I guess I learned my lesson. I’ve completed 22 of 31. And today is the 31st. That’s 9 short of 31 for those of you who are keeping score.
So, instead of writing out 9 potentially poor blog posts I thought I’d encapsulate my 9 top social media tips for those of you in the real estate industry.
- Blog. If you haven’t figured it out by now, blogging should be an important part of your marketing strategy. Your blog should be the space online where people can find out how much of an expert you are on your industry and on your neighbourhood. The ability of your blog to also help you in your search rankings should also not be ignored.
- Podcast. Although podcasting has been around for a while it is still a tactic that is seldom used. As with your blog, use the power of the spoken word to help craft your personal brand.
- Twitter. Remember not to use this as just a push marketing medium. Use Twitter to create a following and embrace the power of conversation.
- Video. The amount of time people spend online watching videos continues to grow. We watch videos not just on our desktop. We also use our netbooks, iPads and smartphones to consume video. Invest a bit into a Flip video camera and open up a YouTube account. Just like blogging and podcasting, the ability to share your thoughts on video should also not be pushed aside. Be creative and original and don’t worry about creating something that’s viral. Just be yourself.
- Facebook. Whether its Places, the Marketplace, Fan Pages or Groups. The person or brand who figures out how to properly use Facebook in the real estate industry will win. You don’t have to be first. You just have to try to see what does work. There are over 500 million users here. People are using Facebook more and more. More so than even Google. So take the time and figure this beast out.
- Location-based marketing apps. There’s Foursquare and Gowalla. And there are others. I’ve seen many real estate professionals use Foursquare as an online billboard. Other realtors use Foursquare (my LBMA of choice by the way) to highlight interesting places around their neighbourhood. I would suggest using it to show you know your neighbourhood and your expertise in real estate. Just try your best not to be too pushy.
- QR codes. This funny looking cousin of the barcode has been around longer than the term social media. But many businesses (real estate included) are still not using them. Here’s the thing: More and more people are using smartphones. And these same people also want information as fast as possible. Here’s a simple idea: Use a QR code on your business card and for sale signs to drive immediate traffic to your website and listings. Now your business is truly open 24/7 even if you’re not.
- Attend or Organize a MeetUp. The power of physically meeting potential partners, leads, and clients is powerful. In my business, lots of relationships have been strengthened as a result of meeting face to face.
- Try. Things in social media and even in real estate have the ability to change at a blink of an eye. That being said be open to trying new things often. Try a new app. Try the new social media site. Try it. You just might like it!
Happy New Year everyone! All the best in 2011.