The number of Realtors® using social media continues to go up exponentially every year. In a 2014 technology survey by NAR: 91% of REALTORS® use social media to some extent.
Most of us use social media either to stay in touch with friends, network with other professionals, or to generate business/referrals. Therefore it is important to keep in mind that there are things that we must NEVER post on social media because of legal or professional ramifications. There are other things won’t get you in legal trouble but your should think twice about.
Most of us use social media either to stay in touch with friends, network with other professionals, or to generate business/referrals. Therefore it is important to keep in mind that there are things that we must NEVER post on social media because of legal or professional ramifications. There are other things won’t get you in legal trouble but your should think twice about.
No matter if you are posting to a business branded or personal social media page, it is important that you are aware that the public is watching. This can include past and future clients, other professionals in the industry, as well as other Realtors® in your office.
We’ve published a social media guide below to specifically help Realtors® avoid costly mistakes and can kill their business.
Keep in mind, this is not a comprehensive list. Your broker may have additional rules of what is ok and not okay to post. In addition, your state may have its own regulations for social media and advertising that you should adhere to at all times.
NEVER ON A REAL ESTATE AGENT BUSINESS OR PERSONAL SOCIAL PLATFORM
NEVER ON A REAL ESTATE AGENT BUSINESS OR PERSONAL SOCIAL PLATFORM
- Any confidential client information - name, income, personally identifiable information, SSN, dependents. In addition, if you post a picture with a client, make sure to get permission to both take a make the picture public.
- Anything related to your client's finances. I’m sure you don’t do this, but it never hurts to be reminded. This includes statues of loans, conditions, rates, and life situations (marital status, religion, past events etc.) Do not talk about your own compensation from a deal (or lack thereof).
- Passive-aggressive attacks. So, your office assistant forgot to clean up her crumbs in the office kitchen? Passive-aggressively posting about it on Facebook or Twitter doesn’t exhibit maturity on your part.
- Specifics on loan programs or rates without proper disclosures.
- Articles and/or stats that are old (i.e. over a year ago). Make sure to double check the dates of all the stats and articles you promote on social media. In this case, oldies aren’t goodies.
- Any investment advice or forecasting. I know this is your passion, but you may be held liable for require a special license when doing so
- Complaints about work or colleagues. Always a no-no. This includes affiliate partners, office staff, and other Realtors® It’s safest to keep it offline altogether.
BELOW IS A LIST OF ITEMS NEVER TO POST ON BUSINESS RELATED PLATFORMS AND YOU SHOULD THINK TWICE ABOUT POSTING THESE ON YOUR PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA
- Questionable photos. If you wouldn’t want a prospective client, your pastor or your mother to see it, don’t post it.
- Photos of you taking grave risks. As a real estate professional, you want to be perceived as levelheaded and rational. While your jumping off the roof into your pool at your last BBQ may have been epic it might give the subtle impression that you are impulsive. (NEVER ON BUSINESS PAGE)
- Personal conversations. On social media, people are watching, whether you realize it or not. If a public conversation becomes too personal, take it to a private setting.
- App activity. Do you really want everyone to know how much time you spend on Slots, Farmville or Texas Hold ‘Em Poker?
- Your personal grievances/complaints. You had a bad day. It happens. Instead of announcing it to the world, brush off your shoulders and get right back up. No one likes negativity or a pity party.
- Hints about passwords like pet names, street names, etc.
- Radical views on religion, politics or race. You might have a strong view on certain issues, but this could backfire when it comes to prospecting and generating leads. Be as tactful and respectful as possible.
The above goes for video platforms like YouTube and interactive platforms like Periscope.
Do you have any to add to the list? Let me know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
This article was wriiten by me: Noah Mandel, and was originally featured on my Real Estate Marketing site : Winning Agent Mastermind
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