John Alexandrov's Blog

REIC Creates the Simplest Home Search Website Since Google

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:01:10 -0700

Imagine the 2 different reactions we get when we show people the simplest home search website we've created:

1. Wow! That is amazing...my clients will love it!

2. I just don't get it.

Which one are you?

Visit http://melissagarlisi.com/ to try it for yourself!

Benefits of using this simple website format include:

1. Simple look and feel that exactly matches Google Search layout.

2. Custom Google real estate search right on your home page.

3. 1-time set-up fee and low low low monthly fee.

4. 5 other pages with your listings, bio, testimonials, and more.

5. Integration with your social media accounts.

6. Google optimization.

If you are interested in one for your real estate business, please call 978-399-8192 and speak with Jackie about the details!

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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REIC Now Converting Facebook Pages to Timelines

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 08:23:27 -0700

REIC will convert your page for you at the rate of $97*. This includes:

Converting your page.
Redesigning your profile image.
Designing a "cover image" for your page.
Arranging your most important tabs to appear at the top of your page.
Access to my coaching webinars where we will show you how to use your new page (live and recorded).
It will take us 48 hours to do the conversion.

*Price valid from March 12, 2012 through March 30th 2012.

If you have any questions please email jarred@reicconnect.com for quickest response.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Facebook Announces New Page Format Effective March 30th 2012

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:13:34 -0800

When you go to your Facebook fan/business page today you will most likely see this message at the top:

What this means is that on March 30th, your page will automatically be converted to the new look and feel. This new look and feel is meant to match the new "timeline" format of personal accounts that you probably have seen.

What Should You Do?

1. "Preview" what it will look like using the "preview" button on the top. It will show you the new look. Unless you really want to, don't "activate" the new look until you've gotten used to the new format."

2. Give yourself a tour...play around with it. Like anything on Facebook, when there is a major change, it will take some time to get used to. The more you get used to it now, the faster you'll be able to use the new features.

3. Be patient. It will take all of us some time to figure out the new features, best practices, and marketing applications for the new format.

4. Register for a special free webinar I am going to host on Wed. March 7th at 3pm. I will show you a tour of all the new features and take questions live for 1 hour. REGISTER HERE (limit of 50 people): http://www.anymeeting.com/PIID=EC54DC88854D

Last but not least...

Check out the REIC Facebook Page! We've activated the new format so you can take a look.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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7 Productivity Boosting Tips for REALTORS®

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:19:56 -0800

As you read the tips below, you'll be thrilled to discover that implementing just a few of them will have a dramatic impact on your productivity.

We've tested these techniques with the top agents from around the country and are glad to share them with you below!

7 Productivity Boosting Tips for REALTORS®

1. Evaluate your effectiveness.

Write down EVERYTHING you do and how long it takes. Don’t skimp on the details. Then categorize your tasks into the following areas: Income generating activities, Administrative, Health and Wellness, Family, Fun, Other. What percentage of your day is spent on income productive activities? The results may scare you!

2. Schedule income producing tasks first.

Never have enough time for prospecting? Schedule it every day. Generating new business is one of the most important jobs for a real estate agent and yet it is often the first item that slips off the daily schedule. Prospecting earlier in the day is better while you are fresh and before your day gets away from you.

3. Outsource Non Dollar Productive tasks.

Outsource unproductive tasks so you can focus on items that will make you money. Virtual assistants can be a cost effective solution for agents looking to outsource administrative tasks. Listing management, transaction management and marketing are just a few of the tasks a skilled assistant can take off your plate to make you more productive.

4. Delete non income-producing tasks from your day.

Go ahead, delete them- I’m not kidding. There are some tasks that we should simply just delete – they have no value. If it can be deleted – do it and don’t feel guilty.

5. Manage your Inbox and your Smart Phone.

Don’t let them manage you. It’s important to be responsive to clients but many emails and phone messages are unimportant. Use filters to help you focus on the important and delete the rest. Control your schedule by setting expectations as to when you will check messages and respond. Set pre-established times to update clients that fit your schedule. Close your email when you are doing your most important tasks to make sure you don’t get distracted.

6. Don’t multi-task.

We used to think multi-tasking was a productivity booster yet studies have shown that multi-tasking actually decreases concentration and productivity. Focus on your task at hand, finish it and move on to the next item on the list. TIP: Do your least favorite dollar productive tasks first and get them off your plate. You’ll save time by not having to worry about them later and the rest of your day will feel easier.

7. Systematize.

Without systems, we spend time reinventing the wheel time and again. Repetitive tasks can be simplified to save you time. Create document templates for questions you frequently get asked. You can save all of your frequently used phrases, pages, scripts and more in evernote.com and easily pull them up later.

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Steve Gutstein

Certified Real Estate Coach @ REIC

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Sneak Peak at Two Exclusive CSMA Materials™

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:04:45 -0800

Below you will discover a sneak peak at two of the hand-outs agents receive as part of completing the Certified Social Media Agent™ designation.

These materials are only available to agents who have attended a CSMA™ event and passed the course test.

1. Online Reputation Management Step-by-Step checklist only for the accounts you are required to be on.

2. Step-by-step instructions for how to correctly post a listing on Facebook and how to ensure it gains maximum exposure with qualified buyers within 24 hours.

If you are interested in accessing these full documents please register for an upcoming CSMA event or contact us to schedule an event exclusively for your office.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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10 Ways to Make Prospecting Emails More Effective

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:37:23 -0800

The object of an e-mail is NOT to get it opened and read. The object is to get a response.

As you probably already know, most decisions we make are based on “EMOTION”. Use specific words, sequences, and phrases in your email copy to dramatically improve your response rate.

10 Ways to Make Prospecting Emails More Effective:

Start your e-mails with the words: “As you are reading this, you will discover ___________ (then fill in the blank with your message). That sets the emotional lure for what is to follow.
Start by giving the recipient no choice but to read it by catching their interest with the subject line.
Ask provocative questions.
Make the reader curious.
Include “value-driven” engagement – perceived value to the reader.
Include a free “hook” offer that promises “value first.”
Avoid any reader obligation.
Offer new information.
It should have the lure of an answer about something the reader wants.
It meets a “now need” that the reader has (great timing).

In today’s business world, you have no choice but to be seen, known and perceived as a professional of value if you want to differentiate yourself, make the sale and build lasting relationships.

Every sales oriented e-mail that you send should answer this question for the reader: “WHERE’S THE VALUE?”

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Steve Gutstein

Certified Real Estate Coach @ REIC

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Second Group of Agents Complete CSMA™ Certification

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:42:53 -0800

For Immediate Release

Second Group of Real Estate Agents Complete Certified Social Media Agent™ Certification

Boston, MA January 30th 2012: CSMA™ = Certified Social Media Agent™

Imagine being among the real estate agents in the country who properly uses social media to get more listings and sell more homes.

On January 26th, 8 real estate agents were certified as Certified Social Media Agents™ in Westborough, MA. The CSMA™ designation is offered only to real estate professionals who want to showcase how their social media skills directly affect their ability to better serve their clients.

Here are the names of the new Certified Social Media Agents™:

- Mary Ann Figoni, Centre Realty Group - Jill Kelly Crawley, Vogt Realty Group

- Maura Campbell, Century 21 - Rose Manni, Showcase of Homes

- Joanna Schlansky, Showcase of Homes - Debbie Brosseau, RE/MAX

- Karen Kirstel

The CSMA™ Course Covers:

The professional standards and ethics for using social media for real estate.

The scripts, materials, and accounts you need to be successful as a CSMA™.

How to be in control of your online reputation to capture more online leads.

What to say to buyers and sellers about using social media in the home buying process.

During the certification event, the agents learned how to effectively manage their online reputation in as little time as possible, how to get more views to their listings using Facebook fan pages and LinkedIn Groups, and they were introduced to NeuroPersuasion© scripts they can use when speaking with buyers and sellers.

Each agent passed the course test and has committed to following the CSMA™ code of ethics. Last but not least, each agent must attend 6 continuing education webinars in 2012 to maintain their designation.

To register for an upcoming CSMA™ event in your area or get in contact with a Certified Social Media Agents™ visit www.socialmediareagent.com. There you can discover the full benefits of becoming a Certified Social Media Agent™.

Congratulations to the second graduating class! For the full contact info of any Certified Agent visit our Agent Database.

We also wish to thank Ross Mortgage and Westcor Title for sponsoring and hosting the event.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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5 Ways To Use Your Sphere of Influence to Double Your Income

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:15:51 -0800

All of the top real estate agents we work with use these 5 tips to maximize the referrals and revenue they generate from their sphere of influence.

5 Ways To Use Your Sphere of Influence to Double Your Income:

Tip 1: Define and Rate your Sphere of Influence:

When is the last time that you took a good look at your contact list? Do you have people you hardly know?

Do you know who in your sphere is likely to refer to you? Start deleting the inappropriate ones.

If you are unsure of how they may feel about you professionally - ask them this question: “If you were buying or selling property, do you have an agent that you would choose to help you?” If they say “yes” - consider deleting them. By keeping in touch with your sphere of influence, you’ll begin to find out who is an A,B, C, or D.

Tip 2: Give something of value to your “A”s and “B”s every 16 days.

In my years of coaching agents to double their incomes, I am amazed at the fact that their SOI rarely receive "information of value" regularly, if at all. Many never call and only mail invaluable items. I worked with a client recently who admitted that the material she was sending to her sphere was standard and boring. We brainstormed about items of value that would be interesting, fun and unique. What do you send to your sphere of influence? Is it something you would want to receive and find valuable? If so, then your sphere will like it too.

Tip 3: Overcome your blocks to calling your sphere:

Everyone I have ever worked with has resisted calling their top sphere often enough. They tell me things like

“I don’t want them to think I want something from them.”

“I’m afraid they won’t like me.”

“I don’t want to be like a telemarketer.”

The list goes on, but I think you get the idea. You want to be their "Trusted Real Estate Advisor” by providing regular information of value. When givers give to other givers, they get back. If you send something of value, you are giving; when you chat with them and listen to what’s going on in their lives, you’re giving again. Then at the end of the call, say something like, “Who do you know who needs to sell or buy real estate so I can be their trusted adviser, as well?" Then say, “I’ll be happy to send referrals to your business, as well.” Guess what? You’re giving again.

After doing these calls monthly, you’ll begin to know your sphere of influence & which ones are your As, Bs, Cs and which ones to delete. Then you’ll be "Top of Mind" with them. You will probably get referrals in the first few weeks.

Tip 4: Be in the right mindset:

Don’t make these calls if you’re feeling anxious, upset or desperate. Remember, desperation doesn’t sell. Psych yourself up with the right mindset. Think of yourself as a giver and how happy they are going to be to hear from you.

Tip 5: Make it a daily ritual:

Just like brushing your teeth, prospecting is a daily essential. Call several times a day if you want your income to rise quickly and network with people every week.

Decide when to make your calls and keep at it until you’ve reached the people you were trying to call and you book appointments. Expect that several weeks after doing this,it will feel a lot easier. An extra perk is that you’re going to be deepening some great relationships and you’ll experience the same pleasure of calling them us as you would with a good friend.

Be aware of what's important to your sphere and give to them!

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Steve Gutstein

Certified Real Estate Coach @ REIC

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5 Traits Buyers Demand of Their REALTOR®

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:07:08 -0800

When you sit down to work with a buyer, do you already know the traits that will decide whether they will hire you or not?

When you become more focused on addressing the traits below, you'll immediately increase your closing percentage when working with buyers!

5 Traits Buyers Demand of Their REALTOR®:

1 - Honesty and credibility - Just ask a new client what they liked and disliked most about their last REALTOR® and listen carefully.

2 - Area Familiarity - Do your neighborhood homework and demonstrate your past success in a particular area.

3 - Great follow through - If you commit to something - DO IT. Say what you do and do what you say.

4 - Organization and responsiveness - Keep everything in order. Use technology to help you communicate promptly and efficiently.

5 - Be a GREAT LISTENER first and then a GREAT COMMUNICATOR. Learn to ask great questions focused on the person with whom you are speaking.

Be aware of what's important to your buyers and let them know that their experience working with you will be exactly what they are looking for!

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Steve Gutstein

Certified Real Estate Coach @ REIC

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The Easy Way to Get Thousands of New Facebook Fans

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:55:43 -0800

If you're like most REALTORS and Loan Officers you're wondering how go get more Facebook fans to your fan page.

While there are many tedious ways to grow your number of fans over time, the easiest way is to get thousands of new fans by purchasing them through a reputable service provider.

Some people shy away from buying fans, but the benefits have become crystal clear to many real estate professionals using social media.

The Easy Way to Get Thousands of New Facebook Fans:

1. Buying fans is inexpensive: You can buy 1000 fans for between $40 and $50 from www.BuyRealFacebookFans.com

2. Having thousands of fans makes great first impression: When a potential clients visits your page and sees over 1,000 fans it makes them say "wow", and gives you instant credibility.**

** Your other fans cannot tell who each other are so there is no risk of people knowing that you purchased the fans.

3. Facebook rewards pages with more fans: The more fans you have, the greater the chance of your page showing up in Facebook search.

4. It will save you a huge amount of time: Suggesting that all your Facebook friends, email connections, and family become fans of your page takes a long time and usually only results in 50-100 fans.

The only real drawback to buying Facebook fans is that the chances of one of those fans wanting to buy a home or get a loan from you are very very slim.

However, if you know before hand that the real benefits are the ones listed above, you've already discovered for yourself why buying fans can be so beneficial.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions about buying fans. We've bought them for our REIC fan page, as have some of our clients. See these two pages for examples: http://www.facebook.com/antoniamonarksi and http://www.facebook.com/bestbuyrealty.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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10 Steps to a More Profitable Real Estate Business in 2012

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:34:31 -0800

Many real estate professionals measure their success by the number of sales they make each year.

When you participate in an REIC coaching program, however, you discover that success in real estate is not really about sales...it's about being more profitable.

10 Steps to a More Profitable Real Estate Business in 2012:

1 – Use a simple business plan and focus on what you do best.

2 – Understand your income producing activities and stay focused on doing them first.

3 – Understand your branding and your target markets and be consistent with your message.

4 – Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your marketing plan and make necessary improvements to pictures, web pages, blogs, resume’s, etc.

5 – Establish business and personal PROMISES rather than “goals” - review them daily and update as required.

6 – Select the most cost effective technologies and hardware/software to support your business.

7 – Learn to master your time and stick to a schedule that also gives you life balance.

8 – Learn “persuasion skills” rather than trying to “sell” people using out-dated scripts.

9 – Hire a coach because you “don’t know what you don’t know” and a great coach with inspire you, teach you and keep you accountable.

10 – Control your ego when it says “I can figure it out on my own.”

Can you already see how sticking to these 10 steps will result in a more profitable 2012 for your real estate business?

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Steve Gutstein

Certified Real Estate Coach @ REIC

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5 Ways Social Media Makes You More Referable

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:59:06 -0800

I was having a conversation with a brand new client about the role of social media in his business and he said, "Jarred, I just want social media to make me more referable."

What this client really wants is to make it easier for people to refer and recommend him. He has the foresight to realize that his online reputation and social media presence can dramatically effect the way potential new clients perceive him.

5 Ways Social Media Makes You More Referable:

1. It makes it easier for your current and past clients to give your name.

2. It makes it easier for people to find reviews and third party validation of your credibility.

3. It helps controls what shows up for you name on search engines.

4. It shows your professionalism, and your understanding of using social media to help your clients.

5. It makes it easy for people to connect with you on platforms they are comfortable using.

Now, it's important to realize that this client's referable base is typically a very tech-savvy demographic, which makes it even more important for him to have an established social media architecture.

What are some other ways social media can make you more referable?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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REIC Now Using IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:23:51 -0800

As part of our internal effort to improve our database touch, event invite, and product announcement campaigns, REIC is now using IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM.

If you're like most REALTORS©, you already realize that most of your business is going to come from past clients and referrals. However, some agents don't have a CRM system that makes it easy and affordable to stay in touch with their database on a regular basis.

At REIC, we were able to save about $500 per year by switching to IXACT Contact. Take a look at some of the features below and then sign-up for an extended free trial for REIC readers only.

Benefits of IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM:

1. It's affordable: IXACT Contact is under $35 per month and there is no annual contract required.

2. It's really easy to use: IXACT Contact's support department handles most of the technical stuff (like uploading your contacts), and your account comes with a ton of pre-formatted templates that you can use without editing.

3. It's web-based: "Web-based" means that there is no software for you to install, and that IXACT Contact can be used on any browser and on any device including your smartphone, MAC, or the iPad and iPhone.

4. They are smart people, who provide you a lot of value: When choosing any service provider for your real estate business, you want to work with good, smart people. Take a look at the IXACT Contact blog or Facebook page and you'll see they offer a huge amount of information and value to help your overall real estate business.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Where We're Heading in 2012

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:22:14 -0800

As you may already know, many of the top real estate and mortgage professionals throughout the country look to REIC for what's "next."

2011 was a great year for REIC and our clients. We expanded our staff, offices, and released new products. Most of our clients had one of their best years ever despite the overall economic climate.

If you're the type of professional who wants that extra edge then you'll want to be aware of these tools and trends in 2012:

1. Become a Certified Social Media Agent™: In 2012 many real estate agents will claim they know what they are doing on social media, but only a few will be certified by an independent 3rd part company like REIC.

2. Beware of your Online Reputation: As the world changes, so do the methods people use to hire us. If you're not using many of the free tools available to manage your online reputation, then there is a good chance you're losing business from customers who use online search find you.

Google yourself and then ask yourself: "If I were a home-buyer or home-owner would I hire me based on what I find?"

3. Facebook will change: It always does. Whether you like it or not, there are agents out there selling more homes because of their Facebook activity and more agents will do so in 2012 using a professional Facebook fan page.

4. The gap will widen between the best and the rest: If that statement makes you nervous because you're on the wrong side of the gap then you need to contact us now to talk about strategies that will catch you up to the professionals who will dominate in 2012.

Unfortunately, executive 1-on-1 coaching with John Alexandrov is sold out, but you can contact us to get on the waiting list when a space opens.

Also consider attending one of our live Continuing Education events in Massachusetts to earn your CEU credits and stay on top of the latest real estate marketing trends. You can also take advantage of the free resources available online.

We also want to thank Westcor Land Title Company who has sponsored all of events, referred us many clients, and been a steadfast endorser of our mission at REIC. Thank you to the entire Westcor New England Team!

As we close out 2011 we want to thank the hundreds of clients who hired us this past year for coaching and social media services. 2012 will be about taking you to the next level!

- The REIC Team

Online Real Estate Marketing is About Your Online Reputation

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:29:12 -0800

I wonder if you are one of the first real estate professionals who has figured out that online real estate marketing isn't really about Social Media…it's about your online reputation.

The best agents that we work with have already discovered that your social media activity is 1 of 4 main ways you can affect your online reputation...and the amount of leads you get from online marketing.

What Affects Your Online Real Estate Reputation?

Google Results: Probably the most important thing you need to take control over today is getting your real estate business on the first page of Google. If people can't find you on Google then it's possible you are missing out on a significant amount of potential business.

Social Media Presence and Professionalism: At the foundation of using social media for real estate is being signed up for the right accounts, optimizing those accounts, and using those accounts professionally. When you become more active and professional on social media, you're online reputation is dramatically improved.

Website: If you asked a stranger to describe your real estate website, how would they describe it? "Pathetic, old, and hard to use" or "Modern, pleasing, and easy-to-use"? The real estate website is still the foundation of your online reputation, which means you should take great care in how it reflects on you.

Review Sites: If you are not signed up for a free account on Trulia or Zillow right now you are missing a big opportunity! Many consumers trust these 3rd party sites for real estate information, listings, and to find the right agent. Be sure to ask your clients to write you a review on these sites!

While it is important to have a professional Facebook Fan Page for your real estate business, remember that Facebook is only one place for people to find you.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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My 1.4 Million Dollar Real Estate Sale from Facebook

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:59:28 -0800

I wonder if this story from an agent who sold a 1.4 million dollar listing from her Facebook fan page will convince you that a Facebook fan page is worthwhile investment?

While we don’t promise these type of immediate results for all of our clients, many agents are experiencing similar results from a minimal investment of time and money on their Facebook fan page.

My 1.4 Million Dollar Real Estate Sale from Facebook:

I hired REIC to design a business Facebook page for my
real estate business. I can not say enough about this company and Jarred in particular. They were professional and articulate. They walked me through every aspect of the process.

The page was up and running in a matter of days. I was looking for things to post and came across a home that was for sale for 1.4 million. It was spectacular, so up on my business page it went. One of my past clients happened to see it, and mentioned it to his parents. Next thing I knew, I was showing this home to them, and to my delight they decided to purchase it.

I had been procrastinating when it came to adding my business to Facebook and now realize I should have done this years ago. If you’re not moving ahead, you’re falling behind. Call these people today…you can’t afford not to! – Mary Murray

Now that you’ve seen more evidence that you can start selling homes via your Facebook fan page for real estate are you re-thinking your Facebook marketing strategy?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Why Facebook Will Collapse

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 09:01:39 -0800

You're about to discover the news that Facebook will collapse!

However, this is not an article about what Facebook is doing wrong, or the rise of Google Plus. Facebook is not going anywhere for a long time and should be used by most REALTORS©, loan officers and other professionals to enhance their business.

Why Facebook Will Collapse:

Facebook is going to eventually collapse because a new communications technology will replace it.

It might be 5 years...or 15 years but a new platform is going to eventually be invented that makes communication, sharing, networking, and connecting easier and more efficient.

At it's core, Facebook is a communications platform...one of the most powerful to ever exist, but something will come along that is better.

(In my opinion it will not be Google+ or anything resembling Facebook. It will be something we can't fathom today like we could not fathom Facebook 10 years ago)

However, you should still be capitalizing on the power of Facebook marketing today...just like you took advantage of the power of newspapers in the past.

Now you can stop worrying whether Facebook will fade away. Eventually it will, but the smart REALTORS© and loan officers are taking advantage of it's power today by communicating more effectively with their past clients, current clients, and referral sources.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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What is an Online Social Media Architecture?

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:11:48 -0800

Many REALTORS©, Loan Officers, managers, and brokers are overwhelmed and confused by their online social media presence. Are you?

One way to bring clarity to your online presence is to create an online social media architecture that defines the accounts, roles, and connections between your different platform.

What is a Social Media Architecture?

1. An online social media architecture lists all of your online accounts.

2. It shows how all of your accounts are connected.

3. It describes the responsibilities of each account and how they are to be used.

some are best used for lead generation
some are used as a CRM or lead management system
some are used as a lead follow-up and drip campaign

Here is an online social media architecture I recently created for a client in the Boston area:

Before you jump into creating your accounts, or if you're confused about how to use your accounts, do you think having an online social media architecture would help?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Stop Telling Me: "Now is a Great Time to Buy!"

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:38:16 -0800

As you can imagine, we track of thousands of REALTORS© on Facebook and Twitter and the most common post we see is a REALTOR© posting that "now is a great time to buy a home."

It's great that so many REALTORS© have taken to social media with a positive message, but from the consumer's perspective these posts are....wait for it....ANNOYING!

3 Reasons to Stop Telling Me "Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home":

1. Most people don't like to be told what to do: Most of your clients or future clients like to discover what's best for them on their own. Instead of telling people it is a great time to buy, engage them in a conversation about the future of real estate and let them come to the conclusion on whether or not now is a great time to buy.

2. All REALTORS© are saying the same thing: Stand-out by asking interesting questions that know one else is asking or shock people with a headline that's the opposite of what they are used to hearing. How about this for a Facebook post?

"I might be the only REALTOR© in America that says this, but right now is NOT a great time to buy a home unless you meet some very specific criteria. Want to know what that criteria is and if you're a fit? Send me a message on Facebook and we'll talk."

3. It truly turns people off: Many REALTORS© are still navigating the "unwritten rules" and nuances of Facebook so they might not yet realize that by posting "Now is a great time to buy" once a week is probably more annoying than helpful to their fans and connections.

Go deeper, be creative, be provocative, and you'll get better results.

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Why Every Successful Facebook Fan Page has a Welcome Tab

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:10:46 -0700

Have you ever wondered why just about every successful Facebook fan page has a Welcome tab?

From major brands like Starbucks, to your local real estate agent, a landing tab will immediately improve your Facebook page.

Why Every Successful Fan Page has a Welcome (or landing) Tab:

1. To immediately make an outstanding impression on the visitor - When somebody visits your Facebook fan page, they are unconsciously forming an impression about you or your business. Their immediate reaction about your professionalism, credibility, and marketing skill is important.

2. To convert more visitors to become "fans" or "likes" - Successful landing pages immediately reduce the unconscious barrier that many people have about "liking" a page. The better your landing page reduces that barrier by being professional and offering value, the more engaged your visitors will become.

3. To generate leads - Facebook fan pages that are the most advanced, have the ability to capture leads in exchange for a valuable offering. One real estate fan page allows visitors to start making offers on homes they've already researched just by filling out a form on the Facebook landing tab.

As you probably already know, installing a welcome tab for your Facebook fan page has never been easier. When you purchase your welcome tab code, you just follow the instructions for installing it on your page.

If you're not yet fully convinced of the benefits of a professional landing tab then create one and discover them for yourself!

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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How to Remove Ads on Your Facebook Fan Page

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:22:20 -0700

Many of our clients ask me how they can remove the ads that appear on the lower right of their Facebook fan page.

While you cannot completely eliminate any ads from ever appearing on your page (that's how Facebook makes money), you can use these tips to manage them.

How to Remove Ads on Your Facebook Fan Page:

1. Hide an ad: If you don't like an ad that appears on your page you can hide it by clicking the "x" on the ad and selecting "hide this ad."

Facebook then gives you the option to specify why you want to hide that specific ad so that they can show you less of those type of ads. This does help to remove ads from competitors, or ads from products you don't feel comfortable with.

**Please note that the ads YOU see on your page are different than the ads that anyone else sees since the ads are all specifically targeted to the user. For instance, you might see an ad for a dress company while I might see an ad for a sports product.

2. Use Mozilla Firefox as your primary web-browser and install a plug-in called "Ad-Block Plus" (free): I personally use this method so that I see no ads on any websites, including Facebook and Google.

This is an effective way to make it so you do not see ads, but keep in mind that others will still see them unless they also have installed Ad-Block Plus.

Now that you know how to remove ads on your Facebook fan page, what will you do?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 10:22:35 -0700

If you're like most REALTORS© trying to use social media for your real estate business then you're going to be amazed by this free webinar.

This is part 1 of a series of webinars we'll be recording on how exactly to use social media for your real estate business. You'll learn the techniques that are common sense and work (NOT internet marketing gimmicks).

Access this webinar free until November 1st by just filling out the form below!

2. How consumers are using social media to choose who they hire.

3. How social media dominates a website.

3 Ways to Improve Visibility of Your Facebook Posts

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:51:30 -0700

Many real estate professionals can dramatically increase the visibility of their Facebook posts by using these 3 tips.

We've tested these methods ourselves and they are backed-up by and understanding of Facebook's Edgerank formula.

3 Ways to Improve Visibility of Your Facebook Posts:

1. Stop any and all auto-posting your Facebook page from 3rd party sources like HootSuite, Roost, Wordpress/Posterous, etc.

You can see a full explanation of how auto-posting dramatically hurts your individual posts as well as the Edgerank of your entire Facebook page here.

2. Use more photos and video. Facebook loves to showcase photos and videos because they are interactive and are proven to generate more response from your followers.

If you can do a video walk through of the property that would be given even more "juice" by Facebook's system.

3. Post something of value consistently. Research shows that if you post once-per-week you will reach (on average) about 8% of your fans. However, if you post 5 times per week you will reach double that!

Do you have any other tips for ways to improve the visibility of your Facebook to your Facebook fan page for real estate?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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How to Remove Posts from Your Facebook Fan Page

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:13:51 -0700

Many page owners like you want to know how to remove posts from your Facebook fan page.

Usually you will only have to remove posts if you post something by mistake and don't want it to be seen, or if somebody has posted spam on your page.

This is an example of a common type of spam that is posted on Facebook

How to Remove Posts from Your Facebook Fan Page:

1. Go to your page and find the post you want to remove. Put your mouse over the post and click "gear" in the top-right hand corner.

2. If you want to remove something you posted by mistake click "Delete Post". If is a spam post you want to remove click "Report Abuse" and then select "Spam or Scam."

then

3. Click continue and your post will be removed!

Now that you know how to remove posts from your Facebook fan page for real estate is there something you are eager to remove?

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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Why You Need to Stop Auto-Posting to Facebook Now

John Alexandrov (REIC™) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:00:48 -0700

While you may be able to save 5 seconds here or there, the overwhelming evidence shows that you should NOT be auto posting to your Facebook page from an rss feed, blog, or by using Hootsuite.

Why You Need to Stop Auto-Posting to Facebook Now

Facebook penalizes 3rd party plug-ins because they want you to spend as much time as possible on Facebook.

Facebook hides or "bunches" posts that come from the same auto-posting service

Facebook knows the content is auto-posted and assumes it is generic, spam, out-dated, and not interesting.

I recently tested this using the Facebook page for The Parsons Real Estate Team, one of our best clients.

Look at the number of impressions when their blog was auto-posted from Posterous:

Even though this was GREAT content, the number of impressions was very small because it was auto-posted.

Now look at the number of impressions when I took the extra 2 seconds to copy and paste the link to their next blog post directly on to the Facebook fan page.

Though the content was better for the first post, this post received a much higher number of impressions simply because it was not autoposted.

The bottom line is you are making a huge mistake by auto-posting content to your Facebook fan page for real estate. Your content will simply not appear in your connections Facebook news feed.

You might save 2 seconds but you will are dramatically decreasing the effectiveness and reach of your Facebook fan page for real estate.

Find more evidence here: http://edgerankchecker.com/blog/2011/09/does-using-a-third-party-api-decrease-your-engagement-per-post/

Jarred Alexandrov

Social Media Architect @ REIC

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John Alexandrov's Blog

REIC Creates the Simplest Home Search Website Since Google

REIC Now Converting Facebook Pages to Timelines

REIC will convert your page for you at the rate of $97*. This includes:

If you have any questions please email jarred@reicconnect.com for quickest response.

Facebook Announces New Page Format Effective March 30th 2012

When you go to your Facebook fan/business page today you will most likely see this message at the top:

What Should You Do?

Last but not least...

7 Productivity Boosting Tips for REALTORS®

As you read the tips below, you'll be thrilled to discover that implementing just a few of them will have a dramatic impact on your productivity.

7 Productivity Boosting Tips for REALTORS®

For help implementing any of the steps above, contact Certified Real Estate Coach Steve Gutstein for some free advice and inspiration!

Sneak Peak at Two Exclusive CSMA Materials™

Below you will discover a sneak peak at two of the hand-outs agents receive as part of completing the Certified Social Media Agent™ designation.

1. Online Reputation Management Step-by-Step checklist only for the accounts you are required to be on.

2. Step-by-step instructions for how to correctly post a listing on Facebook and how to ensure it gains maximum exposure with qualified buyers within 24 hours.

10 Ways to Make Prospecting Emails More Effective

The object of an e-mail is NOT to get it opened and read. The object is to get a response.

10 Ways to Make Prospecting Emails More Effective:

Every sales oriented e-mail that you send should answer this question for the reader: “WHERE’S THE VALUE?”

Second Group of Agents Complete CSMA™ Certification

Second Group of Real Estate Agents Complete Certified Social Media Agent™ Certification

Here are the names of the new Certified Social Media Agents™:

The CSMA™ Course Covers:

We also wish to thank Ross Mortgage and Westcor Title for sponsoring and hosting the event.

5 Ways To Use Your Sphere of Influence to Double Your Income

5 Ways To Use Your Sphere of Influence to Double Your Income:

Tip 1: Define and Rate your Sphere of Influence:

Tip 2: Give something of value to your “A”s and “B”s every 16 days.

Tip 3: Overcome your blocks to calling your sphere:

Tip 4: Be in the right mindset:

Tip 5: Make it a daily ritual:

Be aware of what's important to your sphere and give to them!

5 Traits Buyers Demand of Their REALTOR®

When you sit down to work with a buyer, do you already know the traits that will decide whether they will hire you or not?

5 Traits Buyers Demand of Their REALTOR®:

Be aware of what's important to your buyers and let them know that their experience working with you will be exactly what they are looking for!

The Easy Way to Get Thousands of New Facebook Fans

If you're like most REALTORS and Loan Officers you're wondering how go get more Facebook fans to your fan page.

The Easy Way to Get Thousands of New Facebook Fans:

10 Steps to a More Profitable Real Estate Business in 2012

Many real estate professionals measure their success by the number of sales they make each year.

10 Steps to a More Profitable Real Estate Business in 2012:

Can you already see how sticking to these 10 steps will result in a more profitable 2012 for your real estate business?

5 Ways Social Media Makes You More Referable

I was having a conversation with a brand new client about the role of social media in his business and he said, "Jarred, I just want social media to make me more referable."

5 Ways Social Media Makes You More Referable:

What are some other ways social media can make you more referable?

REIC Now Using IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM

As part of our internal effort to improve our database touch, event invite, and product announcement campaigns, REIC is now using IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM.

Benefits of IXACT Contact Real Estate CRM:

Where We're Heading in 2012

As you may already know, many of the top real estate and mortgage professionals throughout the country look to REIC for what's "next."

If you're the type of professional who wants that extra edge then you'll want to be aware of these tools and trends in 2012:

As we close out 2011 we want to thank the hundreds of clients who hired us this past year for coaching and social media services. 2012 will be about taking you to the next level!

Online Real Estate Marketing is About Your Online Reputation

I wonder if you are one of the first real estate professionals who has figured out that online real estate marketing isn't really about Social Media…it's about your online reputation.

What Affects Your Online Real Estate Reputation?

While it is important to have a professional Facebook Fan Page for your real estate business, remember that Facebook is only one place for people to find you.

My 1.4 Million Dollar Real Estate Sale from Facebook

I wonder if this story from an agent who sold a 1.4 million dollar listing from her Facebook fan page will convince you that a Facebook fan page is worthwhile investment?

My 1.4 Million Dollar Real Estate Sale from Facebook:

Now that you’ve seen more evidence that you can start selling homes via your Facebook fan page for real estate are you re-thinking your Facebook marketing strategy?

Why Facebook Will Collapse

You're about to discover the news that Facebook will collapse!

Why Facebook Will Collapse:

Now you can stop worrying whether Facebook will fade away. Eventually it will, but the smart REALTORS© and loan officers are taking advantage of it's power today by communicating more effectively with their past clients, current clients, and referral sources.

What is an Online Social Media Architecture?

Many REALTORS©, Loan Officers, managers, and brokers are overwhelmed and confused by their online social media presence. Are you?

What is a Social Media Architecture?

Here is an online social media architecture I recently created for a client in the Boston area:

Before you jump into creating your accounts, or if you're confused about how to use your accounts, do you think having an online social media architecture would help?

Stop Telling Me: "Now is a Great Time to Buy!"

As you can imagine, we track of thousands of REALTORS© on Facebook and Twitter and the most common post we see is a REALTOR© posting that "now is a great time to buy a home."

3 Reasons to Stop Telling Me "Now is a Great Time to Buy a Home":

REALTORS©, do you think there are too many "Now is a great time to buy" postings on social media?

Why Every Successful Facebook Fan Page has a Welcome Tab

Have you ever wondered why just about every successful Facebook fan page has a Welcome tab?

Why Every Successful Fan Page has a Welcome (or landing) Tab: