Do you want to generate more business as a real estate agent? That’s like asking if you’d like more than one french fry. The answer is a resounding YES. Using social media to engage with your followers, clients, and real estate leads is paramount in today’s world. Let’s look at what engages followers the most and what helps you garner more business as a real estate agent.
"The thing that makes social media work is you." Tristan Ahumada, Labcoat Agents
Posting on social media is more than sharing photos of your latest real estate listings and sales. If you want to get more out of social media, treat it like a social CRM (customer relationship management) and get personal.
To gain more traction on social media, answer the following questions, then, create social media posts and videos. Remember the power of photos and videos; they stop the scrolling.
"Bet you didn't know this about me, but I love to photograph nature, landscapes, and wildlife in my free time. It's relaxing, and I enjoy getting out in nature. Check out this photo I took of a doe and twin fawns. I live in the city, and they live in my neighborhood! Do you have wildlife living near you?"
"I can't remember when I didn't own a pet. My husband and I love animals and adopted this lab mix about four years ago. He's like nothing we've ever owned before! Quirky, playful, rarely barks and is quite protective. As you can see from the photo, he curls up like a husky when he sleeps. Can you guess other breeds that were revealed in his DNA test?"
"Although our growing season isn't long in the north, I love gardening! This year I grew onions for the first time. I'm quite proud of them, and they were delicious! Are you a gardener? What kind of vegetables do you grow?"
"Living in Montana, I'm surrounded by mountains and lakes. You might have heard of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Both parks are just a few hours away. Big Sky ski resort is another beautiful place to visit. This photo was taken at the base of one of the mountains at the resort. Such a beautiful day! I enjoyed downhill and cross-country skiing with my family. Where do you ski?"
Notice how I asked a question at the end of each social media post? Questions at the end of your posts open the door for engagement, prompting your followers to comment on your posts. The more activity you get on your posts, the more people will see them on their social media platforms (algorithm mumbo-jumbo magic).
Posts like these let people into your life without being too personal (go all in if you like!). Share photos of activities you enjoy, places you've visited, sunsets (always popular), and pictures of yourself out in the community. Your followers will engage more with your posts, and you will start to grow a more tight-knit community online.
Treat social media as a business and means of prospecting, something you work on daily.
Hop on your favorite social media platforms and start sharing your personal side. Sure, you'll continue to share posts about real estate, but your posts about your life will humanize your feed, build trust with your audience, and they will find you more relatable, which could generate more business. Remember to engage with your followers' posts by liking, commenting, and then direct messaging (DM) them; yes, all three. With these tips, you'll grow your real estate business through social media and have fun doing it!