by: John Gianniosis, Team Leader "The John & Tonic Group"
Everyone knows that people follow you and get to know you first via various social media sites. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram to YouTube to LinkdIn - and now most recently to Snapchat - you are almost required to have an online presence to be relevant in today's noisy online world. We are well aware of this phenomenon and we are on the front lines of competing for our fair share of the consumer's attention. In my experience, the only way social media works is if it's done consistently and with a clear direction that interests the viewer.
You need to understand your brand and your niche first before you get on social media and expect people to trust you with buying your specific product. And, in some ways, you have to get past your fears of looking or sounding stupid and take a chance on letting your personality shine through the different sites. No one is perfect and people want to see the human element of your personality not the fake filtered one you think they want to see.
Videos are the number one thing you can do, pictures are obviously second. You also shouldn't post the same exact picture or video on every social media site. Spread the information to different sites and people will enjoy following you.
Here are few ideas on what to post and what sites to post on:
- Facebook Business Page - business related topics about your brand,product or profession.
- Facebook Personal Page - fun pictures of friends,family outings, pets, health and fitness adventures, etc.
- Twitter - business professional topics and quick clever commentary about your business
- Instagram - pictures, pictures, pictures, and some quick videos all with well executed #hashtags
- YouTube - upload videos on YouTube and then share the link to the social media sites for the best "Google Juice"
- SnapChat - my personal favorite where you combine quick snapshots of your day through pictures & videos in story format...the more clever & engaging the better! This site allows you to not only filter pictures and videos but it only gives you 10 seconds to say what needs to be said. With such short time allotted, it forces the person viewing to pay close attention to what you are saying because after all, you are you and you bring value!
The implementation of social media for real estate is integral. It helps the consumer know you and your personality in a unique way. Most importantly it has the side effect of allowing someone who has never met you to get to know you, like you, and relate to you. This only strengthens the possibility of them becoming a client now or in the future!
We love comments!
Comment below about how YOU use social media in a fun and engaging way in your business!
Do you agree with how to use each platform?
Do you know of any new social media sites real estate agents should use in their business?
