For your Real Estate Business in 2023

You can probably count a million reasons why you should not or just don’t want to use social media for your business. I have heard people say that they don’t believe their target audience is on social media. I have also heard that social media doesn’t get results. Others, just don’t get social media.
I would argue that each of those comments are incorrect. I am here to put those comments to rest with 10 reasons why you SHOULD use social media for your real estate business in 2023.
Keep in mind that social media is not everyone's strong-suit, but it is important to build an online presence, nonetheless. In 2023, interviewers are checking applicants' social media handles for credentials and validity so be very aware that we have entered into a transitioning era.
I believe it’s best to adapt rather than get left behind, so let’s get into it.
Reason number 1: You have access to an unlimited amount of reach. Let’s talk numbers. YouTube has 122 million active users daily. There are more than 2 BILLION active users daily on Instagram and on Facebook.
What does this mean to you as a business owner? Well, let’s put it into perspective. 20 years ago, marketing yourself meant paid advertising. But those tactics have become outdated. For example: Phone Books–obsolete. Newspapers–old fashioned. Park bench Ads–disused. Do you see what I mean?
Social media offers that same exposure (if used correctly) ultimately for free! Of course you could get more strategic reach with paid ads, but you have options here. Which brings me to my next point.
Reason number 2: It’s free. Honestly, do I need to say much more about the importance of ‘free’ in these times of inflation? And if you want to pay someone to do it for you, you have the option of using freelance apps like Fiverr, Upwork or Etsy.
Reason number 3: Your reach, engagement, actions taken, everything, are traceable. In any business, it’s vital to measure all of your efforts, in order to be able to pin-point the error if there is one. This is only possible with consistency, so keep that in mind as you track your analytics.
Next, Reason number 4: (This is probably one of the most important reasons) Your audience is buying into you, the person and not the brand. We are living in a time where all things are accessible through the internet and social media. People want access to you. The real you.
They want to know that you are relatable, that you do what you say you do and that you represent something positive. This is where you get the chance to hammer down on your brand awareness by being yourself, being creative and being strategic about how you market yourself.
Reason number 5: Marketing is a necessity. Whether personal or professional, it’s all marketing. Think of your social media platforms as PR at your fingertips. You can use your platforms to stay top of mind; Let people know that you are doing business.
That brings me to Reason number 6: You get to choose what you post. It’s all about you. On social media you can truly be whatever you want to be because you have full control over your narrative. Take some time out to think about your core values and the message you want to convey because the caveat is that everything that goes online, stays online.
*Quick tips for speaking online:
Stay away from politics.
Try not to be too opinionated.
Try not to offend anyone's religious beliefs.
Don’t spend too much time scrolling or wasting time with the entertaining side of social media.
You’ve been warned.
Reason number 7: It allows you to stay current. Of course you have access to all of the news pages in the world from CNBC, CNN to The Wall Street Journal. But the most important thing you want to stay privy to, is your audience.
What are they interested in? Are they messaging you about any customer service issues? Use this as a tool to understand the concerns and interests of your audience.
Reason number 8: You can engage directly with your audience. This gives you the opportunity to not only understand their concerns and issues but provide value and build a community by becoming a resource. Stay connected with your audience, give information on your market or any special programs you have.
Next, Reason number 9: (I hope you’re still with me) It’s easy to set up and maintain. Again, technology is not everyones’ strong-suit but YouTube has hours and hours of videos walking you through, step by step on how to create each of the platforms.
There are also tons of automations that make posting easier for entrepreneurs. There are apps that allow you to pre-post and plan your content in advance like HootSuite or Buffer.
There are countless other apps you can use like Canva, (look it up when you have time, it’s worth it) Calendly, Unum and more. You’ll have to do your due-diligence but there are many ways to make social media less abrasive.
Reason number 10: I believe it’s here to stay. I am a millennial. Growing up, phones and the internet and FaceBook weren’t as popular as they are today. Me and most of my friends didn’t get our phones until around high school.--As opposed to now, kids get phones at 6 or younger) So, I can remember a time where things were very different. But I do not foresee times going back to low technology use.
Think about it, when you make a reservation anywhere (a hotel, airbnb, restaurant, an NBA game) don’t you look up the company online? Don’t you check to see if they are real or if the reviews are good, bad or nonexistent or visit the social media pages?
Take it from me, don’t be a secret agent. Not to sound redundant, but it’s better to adapt than to get left behind. Take my advice, set up your social media pages and at the very least post once a month. Your presence online matters in 2023.
Click this link if you are interested in having a conversation about being a Realtor.
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