If you don’t incorporate the Internet in your marketing strategy, you're missing out on an opportunity to increase exposure and gain more clients. Whether they’re looking for a home or a real estate agent, some buyers and sellers begin their search online.
1. Build a blog or website
A blog or website is one of the best ways to build an online presence and attract clients. With so many user-friendly templates, you don't have to be tech savvy to create a professional website for your real estate business. The idea is to provide potential clients with as much information about you and your business as possible.
Adding a blog to your site with evergreen content also draws traffic. You can provide content that buyers and sellers seek, such as how to qualify for a mortgage, home buying steps, what to look for in a property, etc. Most importantly, include local keywords and terms to lure the right audience.
An article with the title “how to find a real estate agent” will bring additional traffic, but it might not attract clients in your city. Then again, if you wrote an article titled “how to find a real estate agent in Atlanta, Georgia,” your website has a greater chance of being discovered by those who live in your area. Add a share button so those who read your blog can share their favorite posts on Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook or LinkedIn.
2. Create videos of your properties
Listing properties on the multiple-listing service (MLS) is an effective way to drum up interest for properties. On top of that, you can also increase your online presence with videos of your properties. Create simple three to four-minute video tours of your listings, and then add voiceover describing the properties. Upload videos to YouTube and include relevant keywords in the title.
3. Don’t forget about social media
Just about everyone has a Facebook or Twitter account, so take advantage of these platforms to build your business and maximize exposure. For example, you can start a Facebook page for your real estate business, and then use Facebook Ads to create targeted ad campaigns and control who sees your ads. You can choose an audience based on interest, age, location, etc. This method introduces you and your website to those in your community. And if they “like” your page, they could become future clients or recommend your services to others. Every time you update your blog with a new post or record a new video tour, include a link to the post or video on Facebook, as well as on your other social media accounts.
4. Start a newsletter
As traffic to your blog grows, and as you capture a stronger social media following, look into starting a newsletter. This is a practical and economical strategy to remain in touch with old clients, who could become repeat customers or provide quality referrals. You shouldn’t bombard subscribers with information. What you should do, however, is offer a monthly subscription with different tips and advice, such as home buying advice, mortgage advice, design tips, etc. The newsletter should be insightful, educational, accurate, and appeal to both buyers and sellers.
5. Become a columnist
If you know the real estate business inside and out and believe you can supply valuable information to those looking to buy or sell a home, contact a local magazine or newspaper about becoming a weekly columnist and share your insight.
Regardless of whether it’s a print or an online publication, you can build a reputation as a trusted real estate professional in the area. The publication will likely include information or a link to your personal website and social media profile with your author bio. The more reliable information you provide, the easier it’ll be to grow your following. Readers who follow you on Twitter or Facebook will remember you when the time comes to purchase or sell their homes.
6. Invest in promotional items
You must take advantage of every opportunity to sell yourself and maintain a continuous flow of clients. Get into the habit of having promotional items with you. These include pens, refrigerator magnets, keychains, etc. Promotional items shouldn’t only include your name and contact information, but also a link to your website. Give these items to anyone who could become a potential client.
Are you selling a house? What tactics are you using to create an online presence? Let’s discuss in the comments below.
