Why Real Estate Pros Need LinkedIn
Hey fellow AR's, check out the great post on why Real estate agents and brokers need LinkedIn. I think it is very concise and well written. It is getting really prevelant to use LinkedIn.
If you're not on LinkedIn, you're missing out on a very valuable piece of internet real estate. LinkedIn is the largest network for business professionals on the internet today as well as one of the fastest-growing social networks available online. Why do real estate pros need LinkedIn as part of their business marketing arsenal? I'm glad you asked.
First, LinkedIn allows you to increase your visibility. The more you get your name out there, the more likely a potential client will find you. Unlike Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn is strictly for business professionals. This is where you WANT to flaunt your real estate saavy in all its glory. If you only posted status updates or tweeted about business dealings on Facebook or Twitter, you are more likely to turn folks off. People visit LinkedIn specifically to find people to connect with on a business level.
Second, get connections. LinkedIn allows you to not only post your resume, describing your strengths, experience and expertise, but your business history as well. While listing your current employer is a good idea, it's even better to add your history with past employers. There may be a past client who only knows you from the previous real estate company you worked for. Or you've moved out of the area but a former colleague has a client they wish to refer to you. Providing a complete history of your work experience will allow these people to find you much more quickly and easier.
Google juice is always good for the working soul. LinkedIn profiles tend to get ranked higher on Google than others. Just make sure your real estate profile on LinkedIn is available for full view to the public and create a custom URL instead of choosing the default. To help get more juice from your profile, include a link in your signature on your blog posts, comments you make on other blog posts, your website and even your email signature (this makes it easier for people to access your profile, which helps drive traffic there).
For even more Google juice, add links to your website, blog(s) and social media accounts on your LinkedIn profile. Under your profile, there is a section that allows you to add links to up to three other websites. Instead of choosing the generic settings (ie, Personal Website, Company Website, Blog, etc), click on "Other" and type in something more personal, like "Anytown USA website", "Living in Anytown blog" or "What I Can Do For You".
Why do real estate pros need LinkedIn? Networking is still a major part of the real estate game. It's just moved online now. The internet not only opens the door to an entire world of possibilities, but it virtually kicks it down with Chuck Norris enthusiasm. If you don't hop aboard the LinkedIn train and use it to the fullest extent possible, you are going to be left in the dust by other real estate pros in your area who are already onboard. Please let me know how you use LinkedIn for your real estate business. I always love to hear from you.
Originally posted on my Real Estate Support blog here: http://real-estate-support.com/2012/04/why-real-estate-pros-need-linkedin/.
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