What Do You Want From Social Media in 2017?
Back in 2008 I remember our 20-year-old administrative assistant telling me I needed to be on Facebook. My answer was, “No, I don’t need Facebook, I am already on Myspace against my will.” My goal for MySpace was to watch my 17-year-old son. At that time, I only wanted to make sure he wasn’t posting anything that would keep him from getting a job. So, what did I want out of social media? in 2008, I wanted to protect my son.
Our office admin insisted that I try it. Facebook provided the ability to post listings on a personal page. It was the coolest way to advertise with out spending a dime. Back then, I didn’t know what I wanted out of social media. What I did know was my friends were on social media and it was a great way to connect. I signed up for Facebook in 2008 and it was the best decision I ever made. Even if you’re not sure what you want from social media, I can help you think about what you might want.
Let’s answer the question, what do you want out of social media today? Not sure? Let’s look at a few ways to determine what you want.
- Do you have social media accounts?
- Are you a producing real estate agent?
- Do you have time to post and engage on social media?
- How many connections do you have on social media?
- Are you actively using social media?
- What are your social media goals?
- Are you an influencer on any of your social media pages?
Depending on how you answered is how you will determine what you want out of social media. If you don’t have social media accounts, your goal is to open Facebook, LinkedIn or both. Facebook is the #1 social media platform where you can connect with friends, family, your network, clients and businesses. Once you’ve created your Facebook account build a Facebook Business Page. LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network and gives you the ability to build your online professional identity.
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If you are a producing real estate agent your goal is to build your social media presence, use advertisement, create your own content and add live video to your marketing campaign. If you are not social savvy start with posting content 4 to 6 times a week. Building a presence is the 1st step. The 2nd step is to focus on creating video content.
When will you add social media management to your business plan? No time to post? Consider using Hootsuite to schedule your social media. Or take 30 minutes each week and schedule your social media posts on your Facebook business page. Business pages have a social scheduler.
Connections are the key to your social success. If you are well connected on social media the likelihood that you’ll generate a lead is stronger. If you aren’t well connected you have homework. Consider adding your social media platforms to your business cards, direct mail and website. Start by inviting your sphere of influence to follow you on social media. Add social planning to your week. New connections on Facebook is a great place to start.
Active users on social media will build a stronger digital footprint. The more active you are on social media the stronger your footprint. When you engage with your network and the more they engage with you pushes your posts to the top of the newsfeed. The more you share and communicate the longer you’ll sit at the top of your networks newsfeeds on Facebook. Those that comment, share, create videos and “Go Live” dominate Facebook.
Social media goals are easier to achieve than you think. There are so many ways to build a social media presence in real estate. Real Estate have always had the ability to have conversation in person and social media isn’t much different. Think about what you really want from social media. Is it to:
- Build an audience
- Generate leads
- Share your listings
- Re-direct potential clients and current clients to your website
- Create content that encourages someone to act?
- How about all the above?
Look at the first five and build them into a marketing action plan for social media. As real estate professionals we must building an audience. Download my free checklist for social media marketing today.
Influencers on social media are those that are able influence others online. Getting someone click, share or respond online. Your goal is to become an influencer on social media. Create short videos showing your expertise in real estate. Are you an expert with 1st time buyers, luxury, market stats, etc? Whatever your expertise start building that content today. Be the go to person on real estate education for the consumer.
What you want from social media will be different from your competition. Don’t try to do whatever one else does on social media. Create a plan that works for you. Get started today.
