Home : Blogs : Brian Brady- America's VA Home Loan Broker : America's #1 Mortgage Broker

Another Way To Find Home Buyers on Facebook

Can real estate agents benefit from Facebook Quizzes? I think so and the good folks who attended the BloodhoundBlog Unchained Online Marketing Conference helped me realize this.

Facebook Quizzes have often been considered the frivolous indulgence of the bored. Witness Karen Parsons-Fiddler's observations from last April:

I admit it....long night, not bored exactly, but spare time? I'd like to say I have been busy writing offers and needed a break....truth? I've had a good week....but frankly I'm just goofing around..and yes, I've shared a bottle of wine with a couple of friends! :) Interested in the results?...too bad, here they are!

good idea I was completely in Karen's camp. I even shared the wary thought commenter Gabe Sanders had:

I'm actually very leery of who runs these quizzes and what information they may be gathering.

That's when it hit me. I want to be one of the information gatherers Gabe Sanders feared so...

I created a Facebook Quiz to test people's mortgage knowledge. To date, over 100 people have taken the quiz and I know all of their answers (along with their identities). People with whom I have a common interest.

The big A-HA moment came at Unchained:

It didn’t hit me until my Unchained Omega Session; Facebook quizzes, long held to be a novelty, could start the right kind of conversations for real estate agents. I played around with one a few months ago and over 100 people took my quiz. The lightbulb went off for RuthAnn Macklin, a Virtual Real Estate Assistant and member of CyberProfessionals. RuthAnn figures that she can demonstrate the need for her services by pointing out how difficult it is to “go it alone” as a REALTOR, through a Facebook quiz.

I gave some great examples of how Facebook Quizzes could be useful for real estate marketers. Check it out and see if you might have that same epiphany.

Posted by Brian Brady- America's VA Home Loan Broker on 05/03/2009 01:35 PM

Comments (25)

Facebook in the Online Marketing Channel

bloodhound blog unchained social media marketing conference, bloodhound blog

Originally posted at: America's #1 Mortgage Broker: Another Way To Find Home Buyers on Facebook

Post is included in group: Online Marketing Help Center

25 Comments on Another Way To Find Home Buyers on Facebook

MAY

Hi Brian, I'm still waiting on an answer from you.... However, regarding FB, I would have to admit that it is not a favorite for me even though I do participate on a daily basis, usually automatically except for things I post individually to avoid spammy repitition. Using it as part of my on-line presence in itself is fine, but until it is easy to get around, able to be searched reasonably well, and isn't confined, it's like me and marriage... get me outta here! The games make me crazy... I don't have time! However, don't think I am oblivious to the beneficial aspects of FB. ;-)

Something I hadn't considered, but intriguing... I'll have to give it a try. Thanks, Brian!

I've always quickly avoided the Facebook quizzes. Knowing that we can create our own puts them in a whole new light. I'll be taking a look at these this week for their content as well as how the overall page layout allows for other marketing option such as links to an IDX search, a Facebook page, a blog, or a preferred lender in San Diego. :)

This reminds me a little of Randy Pausch's head-fake concept. Where the quiz participants may feel they're just having a little fun on Facebook, a well-written quiz could not only educate them but also lay the foundation for a potential business relationship. It's a great opportunity for REALTORS® to portray themselves as counselors and educators rather than commission-focused salespeople.

It's a great opportunity for REALTORS® to portray themselves as counselors and educators rather than commission-focused salespeople

Bingo. John, imagine if you wrote a quiz called "Which Vegas Suburb Are You? and people who are in your IDX, and are connected to you, took it. They'd be TELLING you where they might like to live.

Hi Brian, I'm still waiting on an answer from you....

I'm not following you, Susie.

Brian,

Thanks for the post and a different twist on maximizing your Facebook presence. I hadn't thought of it, and of course it makes perfect sense.

I merely treat Facebook as if I am at a cocktail party and ask myself, would I do or say this at a cocktail party? Creating a separate business page is a great means of separating your business conversation from building deeper relationships.

I sent you a message a couple of days ago asking a question re one of my new sites ... will send another one when I get a minute.

Brian,

Thanks for the tip. It is a different approach. Facebook users seem to love quizzes. Haven't yet tested my IQ, although 7 of my friends think they are smarter than me.

Richard

HI Brian - Always thinking! This is a great idea, although I don't know if I can figure out how to do it. I do have a business page. Maybe I'll have to work on this.

This is a great idea, although I don't know if I can figure out how to do it. I do have a business page

I'm happy to show you, Susan. It's quite easy.

I sent you a message a couple of days ago asking a question

Ahh, okay. Wjhy don't I call you tomorrow, Susie?

Brian: What an awesome way to maximize Facebook. There are so many creative ways to connect with people if you keep your eyes open. Great job.

MAY

Hmmm. Something to think about integrating into our on-line marketing campaigns.

Hi Brian - Thanks for the call today. I'm working on some questions and answer choices for my quiz tonight.

MAY

I'm working on some questions and answer choices for my quiz tonight.

Excellent, Susan. Let me know when it's finished so I can refence it on Bloodhound (and link to you, of course)

MAY

Brian... I did see one of your mortgage quizzes.. just never took it. But you make an excellent point and this sounds very creative. Just another way to market yourself, to make friends, and to stimulate conversations. Great job and example. Just like your blog articles in one binder, displayed at barber shops... you are the marketeer, that's for sure.

jeff belonger

MAY

Brian, you're full of great ideas, new twists on old ones and reminders. I may not be giving Facebook the credit due. I get the quizzes, am invited to the parties, etc. and am not very active. Coincidentally I was talking to someone yesterday about Facebook and they said they had received 2 leads and 3 referrals inside of a week. OK...its time to be a little rethink my use of ths social opportunity.

MAY

Very interesting indeed. I just don't know enough about Facebook to get it cranked up. I just now managed to put the dumb in twitter. See even my attempt to make a joke don't work.