How can Realtors improve their Digital Presence?

Technology is giving real estate agents easier and more efficient ways to communicate with prospective buyers, as such it’s an ideal platform to create and build a process to generate leads and sell more homes.  By taking action and building an online brand, you can separate your business from your competitors’. 

Here are some proven ways to grow your brand and your business.

Make an impression with your website

• Fresh Design:  The average user will spend 88 % more time on a website, than other outlets. Go a step further than posting photos of available homes! Invest in a custom design that will ‘WOW’ home buyers while showcasing your brand and who you are.
• Dynamic: Make sure your design is responsive; the user experience should be seamless and consistent on mobile devices. Buyers may be directed to your website via mobile home buying apps, once there, they will expect the same level of functionality and sophistication experienced on a computer. If a mobile-responsive design isn’t possible, you might consider designing an app for your business.      
• Call-to-Action:  Your website is made in the content.  During development, always have a call-to-action in mind.  If you are asking visitors to do something, be specific.  Remember to answer the question “Why do you want me to call you.”  Make it a direct action, such as “Call me for a free home consultation” or “Sign up for my newsletter for home buying tips”.  
• Be active: If you are going to add social media to your website make sure you are active on these sites. Post blogs regularly, update your status, and interact with those who connect. You can’t expect people to want to connect with your business if you are not creating a presence on your sites. 
• Video Customer testimonials:  Video is a new and powerful medium, as it provides a real source, while making visitors feel connected to your brand. These testimonials can draw in new clients who might not otherwise be swayed to you by your site alone. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility to ask satisfied home buyers to share their stories by making a video to be uploaded to your site. Note: This process must be streamlined and require little effort to be successful.

Create New Opportunities                                 

According to a study done by the National Association of Realtors, 92% of people turn to the internet as the first step in the home buying process, this makes providing these seekers with information on the networks they are using most frequently.

A savvy realtor understands that the usual social networking platforms, like Facebook or LinkedIn are not enough to generate leads. Real estate oriented sites like Trulia and Zillow provide comprehensive information about homes, neighbourhoods, and other insights you can’t find elsewhere. For realtors, these sites have the capability to group potential buyers into targeted and specific communities you can engage in. These sites are also mobile-friendly and have apps that can make the whole home buying process streamlined.

Building a profile on industry specific sites that allow this interaction has enormous potential to generate leads by allowing sellers to start discussions with buyers early in the process. This can be particularly helpful if you are just starting your business or if the marketing budget is limited.  Treat these sites just as you do your social media pages, with regard to being consistent and active. 

Trulia, Real Estate 

Use Social Media to Connect with Prospects

In order to build a sustainable online business brand you must engage your visitors and potential buyers on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram without being too aggressive or pushy.  Use these platforms to gain insights into the needs and expectations of buyers in more personal and casual manner. Some ways to do this are: 

• Ask questions: Where they are located?  What are your home buying concerns? How is your day going?  Start a discussion and ask for feedback. 
• Offer something of value:  Give them information they can use, such as the latest home loan rates in their area. Give free online home buying seminars, or tips about home repair.
• Be Personable: Use platforms such as Facebook or Instagram to show who you are on a level outside of real estate. Prospective buyers may share common interests or hobbies, which increases the level of connection and trust. Remember, buying a home is a very personal purchase, and people buy property from realtors they trust and respect. 

Final Thoughts

Today there are many avenues for real estate agents to generate leads and market themselves, the key to success is finding a way to merge all the elements together to build your brand. A digital presence will inevitably set you apart. Don’t forget to use these social platforms to nurture communication throughout the home searching/buying process and even after the deal is completed.