It could be said that a real estate agent is only as good as her marketing. Today, more homebuyers are going online than ever before. According to research from the National Association of Realtors, 90 percent of home buyers will search online at some point during the buying process, and 42 percent will begin their search online.
That’s why it’s critical for real estate agents to define their digital marketing presence. Getting your properties in front of the right people requires the use of online strategies. If you’re not already, incorporate some of these tried and true marketing strategies into your real estate campaign.
1. Use Facebook
Social media is a huge tool for real estate agents, but Facebook is the most successful. It’s the largest social network there is, which means your properties are more likely to reach a wide variety of people.
“You can use Facebook to create highly targeted advertisements, or simply ask friends to share properties on their profiles,” advises an article from the realty team at Green Residential in Houston. “This is an easy way to get people talking about your listings. Facebook is currently the most conducive social media platform for marketing rentals.”
2. Make Contact Info Clear
On your website, blog posts, social media, and listings, your contact information should be very easy to find. It’s fine to post your contact information more than once on a webpage. Specifically, your website should have a “Contact Us” page to grab potential clients’ attention.
3. Leverage Images
Imagery is your biggest asset in marketing. Contactually research shows that 83 percent of homebuyers look for high quality photos of a property online before they’ll consider booking a showing.
Smartphone photos can be used, but you’re more likely to get a high volume of inquiries if you hire a professional photographer. They can show the home in the best light without unsightly shadows or blurred edges, which will entice more showings.
4. Use Video
Video is an incredible resource for showing off the true value of the home online. Our culture has become truly visual, and more and more buyers look for virtual tours and videos of the home to get a sense of the property.
About 85 percent of buyers and sellers today say they would prefer a real estate agent who uses videos, according to Inman research. This is largely due to the fact that videos get four times more inquiries, double the click-through rates, and reduce opt-outs by 75 percent.
5. Utilize Email Marketing
If you’re looking to build client relationships, create an email newsletter including notices about opens houses, new houses up for sale, and announcements about special seminars and services.
Email is also the best way to follow up on leads. You can share more information with potential clients and end with a call to action to close the deal.
6. Host a Webinar
Potential clients are unlikely to drive across town to attend a one-hour seminar on what to look for when buying a house, but they will sit at their computer in the comfort of their own home and watch a webinar. You can use this online forum to answer FAQ’s, cover popular topics, and generate more leads.
7. Use Testimonials
Word of mouth marketing is considered the most effective form of marketing in any industry. In fact, two thirds of consumers say they use the recommendations of others, even complete strangers, when making a purchase. Testimonials posted to your website will serve as word-of-mouth marketing for your business.
When a client has a great experience, ask them to write down a few thoughts. Get their permission to post their testimonial on your website and share them on your social networks.
This is just a small sampling of the many ways you can use digital marketing to your advantage. With a great website and some excellent marketing tactics to back it up, you’ll rapidly generate leads and grow your clientele.
Originally posted on May 23, 2017 @ 9:03 pm