While building a strong social presence is important for all businesses, it’s an absolute non-negotiable for real estate professionals.
With endless potential for engagement and a constant flow of communication, realtors should be making the most of social media, not only for building relationships but growing their business.
Don’t just take my word for it, either.
According to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors:
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77% of realtors actively use social media for real estate in some way
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47% of real estate businesses note that social media results in the highest quality leads versus other sources
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99% of millennials (and 90% of baby boomers) begin their home search online (as opposed to in-person referrals)
Those are some major statistics that translate into a very clear message: If you’re not using social media as an integral part of your real-estate business, you’re missing out on a HUGE opportunity.
10 Tips for a Strong Social Media Strategy
Making the most of your social media platforms does take time and work, but it’s worth the effort.
By optimizing digital tools like Facebook Groups, Instagram hashtags, LinkedIn articles, and more, you can reach a huge amount of new leads. Plus, social media has a much longer shelf life than those direct-mail postcards you receive in the mail or even a sign staked on the side of the road.
While other types of marketing can be overlooked or tossed in the trash, social media keeps your brand in front of potential clients on a constant and consistent basis — an invaluable resource for growing your business.
So, what should you be posting to grow your real-estate business online? Here are 10 types of content to build into your social media schedule.
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Property Photos
Show pictures of your current listings, the homes that are under contract, the ones that have already sold — all of it! People love to see before/after staging or renovation photos and home-improvement jobs, too. -
Success Stories + Client Testimonials
People are always more likely to use a realtor or agency when they’ve seen proof of their success. Use your positive reviews from Google, Zillow, Facebook, etc. and turn them into stand-alone social media posts. If you can, always try to include a photo of you with your clients! -
Awards
Every once in a while, remind your followers just how great YOU are by sharing an industry award or recognition you’ve received. Don’t forget: Make sure to always thank your clients who helped you get there. -
Industry News
The real estate market is always changing, so use your social media platforms to share your thoughts on the subject. (You are an industry expert after all!) Don’t just share an article from Realtor.com; instead, talk about each topic in your own words. Jump on Stories (yes, this means you talking to the camera) to tell your followers what’s going on in the market and how it affects them directly. -
Personal + Real Life
People buy from people. Period. Show your viewers who YOU are when you’re not selling houses. If someone can relate to you in another way — as a working mom, a fellow neighbor, someone who shares a hobby, etc. — they are far more likely to contact you. -
Design Tips + Renovation Ideas
As a realtor, you have your finger on the pulse of the latest home trends. Tap into this knowledge and share a few DIY projects, home updates, and design tips. This will keep people interested in your feed, even if they’re not currently in the market for a new home.
In addition to creating engaging content, here are four bonus tips to take your social media presence to “next level” status.
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Stick to a Strategy
Create a social media plan and try to stick to it. This helps you switch up your content, so you’re not only posting listings, photos of your kids, etc. Mix it up so your followers stay interested and keep coming back for more! -
Use Videos as Much as Possible
There’s no way around it: People want to see your face. So, when you’re giving them a virtual tour of a house, show your face once or twice. When you want to update them on a new neighborhood or a business you visited, do a LIVE video or a Story instead of just posting a picture. -
Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose!
Remember: Good content can be used over and over again, as long as you repackage it. For example, if you once sold a property with an incredible backyard, save the photos and post a picture six months later with the wording: ‘Who wouldn’t love to spend their afternoons here? What a beautiful backyard oasis!’ And don’t worry too much about people viewing the same content twice — between the algorithm and your ever-changing audience, it’s not an issue. -
Make the Most of Stories
Instagram Stories are a great way to show people little snippets of your day and give them an idea of what it’s like to work with you. Plus, Stories are viewed way more often than posts, so make sure you always share your posts to your Stories as well.
Social media is a long-term game, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t generate quality leads right off the bat.
Remember: You’re building up a larger audience, filled with people who would not otherwise see you. You’re also keeping your name in front of past and current clients, so they’ll be more likely to refer you to a friend or family member.
Using social media for your real estate business is a no-brainer. It’s free, it doesn’t take long (once you’ve got it down), and there are countless ways it can help you reach new people and build relationships.
You know what else is FREE? My Social Media Tip Sheet! Download it HERE, print it, keep it close by, and use it to plan out your posts.
If you’re still feeling stuck, or simply don’t have the time to invest in social media, send me a message or give me a call. I’m happy to chat about ways I can help!
