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Virtual Marketing Assistance - Recommendation Question

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Strategic Digital Marketing Consultant - http://www.coleconnectmarketing.com

I haven't been a regular on Activerain lately. I had to pick and choose places to be during the day and Activerain, although a wonderful community with loads of information, was not a place I could invest in on a consistent basis. Plus, when I started here a few years ago I seemed to be the only VA (that I knew) who was providing social media assistance. That has changed and there are a lot more who are available for informational assistance. That's a good thing, in my opinion.  Most of the Rainers on here are pretty savvy with their social media and being tagged in a recent question about Virtual Marketing Assistance has brought up a lot of interesting information that has spurred me on to create this specific blog.

 

#1. Trust. There appears to be a lot of distrust of my profession and I'm not sure why, but apparently, some have had bad experiences and therefore developed this distrust of the entire industry. I have to say that my profession is no different than your real estate profession. I get up, shower, and start working. You do the same I assume? I'm no better than you and you're no better than me. Sorry, you had a bad experience, but that's not who I am. I work with integrity. I will tell you if I can't provide the results you are seeking then we'll discuss and either re-evaluate or move on. 

 

#2. Lack of "ROI." Again, just like real estate, you can't promise a home will sell in a certain time period and I can't promise your social media will produce "leads." I can promise you I will work like heck to make sure you are on the platforms that you need to be on according to your target demographic information. I can promise you I will keep up on all the latest changes and tools that will make you stand out online. I can promise you I will continue my education so that I know as much as possible to benefit my work for you.

 

#3. Buyer beware. Yes, someone said they should not recommend a VA unless they've personally worked with them. How does that pan out when Realtors© recommend other Realtors© or people do? I see it all the time. They are called referrals from people who haven't personally worked with that specific person.

 

In the end, you have to climb out of your comfort zone and take a chance. Will it be a guaranteed home run? Maybe and maybe not, but you will have learned something either way and to me, that is not a bad thing. Have a great day!!

Peter Mohylsky, Destin BeachPro
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

You make some interesting points but I am not sure your argument is convincing.  Social media is a proven method of gaining leads.  It's roi is the greatest if done correctly. 

Mar 23, 2017 03:49 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

There are definitely more VAs here who can provide all sorts of assistance. I wish you the best in increasing the number of real estate agents who utilize your services!

Mar 23, 2017 03:50 AM
Sarah Cole
Strategic Digital Marketing Consultant - http://www.coleconnectmarketing.com - Tully, NY
Strategic Social Media Consultant

Hi Peter. Social media, to me, is all about timing, targeting, relationship building and driving traffic to a website. If all the ingredients are there then leads will most likely follow. My job is not to sell homes, but to make sure that you are recognized in your area and are top of mind. Different VA's and different agencies approach this in varying ways. I'm sure you could find many who would promise you 'x' number of leads in 'x' number of days. That's not my business model. Have a great day!

 

Mar 23, 2017 03:56 AM
Sarah Cole
Strategic Digital Marketing Consultant - http://www.coleconnectmarketing.com - Tully, NY
Strategic Social Media Consultant

Hi Kat Palmiotti . Thanks for the comment. Hope you have a great day!

Mar 23, 2017 03:58 AM
Sarah Cole
Strategic Digital Marketing Consultant - http://www.coleconnectmarketing.com - Tully, NY
Strategic Social Media Consultant

One last comment about "ROI." I have had clients gain leads through Facebook, Instagram and newsletters via my work. That's awesome as that's my goal, but another goal is having them recognized as the area go-to person when one has a real estate need. I had a client in Florida who was hosting an open house. A person from the area walked in and said, "Oh you're Mary from Facebook! I feel like I already know you." That's when someone is going to refer someone to you because they feel they "know you." Social media is the tool that encourages a hug instead of a handshake upon meeting someone.

 

Mar 23, 2017 04:11 AM
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

Good article, Sarah. I think every profession gets a bad rap from the bad actors. Just do the right thing and prove your detractors wrong!

Mar 23, 2017 05:42 AM
Sarah Cole

You're right, Nathan Gesner. Thank you. Appreciate that comment. 

Mar 23, 2017 05:44 AM
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

I was happy to tag you last week as one of the experts in this field. 

Dont let the negative comments get you down, just part of the mix in any social circle.

Many of the busy people in this field would be wise to turn this over to you so that they can concentrate on selling real estate rather than blogging or anything else in the rain.

Some day I may get smart and farm this out too.

Have a great week Sarah!

bob

Mar 28, 2017 09:06 PM