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Does Social Media Bridge The Gap In Internet Leads?

By
Real Estate Agent with Virtual Properties - Atlanta Real Estate 255736

Gap I've been specializing in Internet Leads for 6 years now.  I've generated a lot of them myself but I've also tried every company under the sun.  From Homegain and Househunt to RECR.  Some good and some bad.

Internet leads tend to have one thing in common that just perplexes me.  No matter how much time I spend on the phone and through e-mail, the rapport or the bond was just never strong enough.

To put it in other words, the gap was sometime to wide.

I'm not really sure why.  I've closed 100's of transactions from the internet, but if I close 100, I may end up with 10 folks that I can call "Referral Partners" and the rest saw it more as a transaction.

How's that for a slap in the face?  It's the CLIENTS in a Real Estate Transaction that saw it as just a transaction and not the AGENT! 

ENTER Social Media

A funny thing happened when I joined Active Rain. That's right, I got a closing but more importantly I met one of my best, most loyal, awesome clients! We'll call him Sam.  I've been able to help Sam buy a home and sell a home. He calls me out when I'm being lazy - which means he's read my blog - and he just a fun client.

Social media seems to be bridging that gap, building that bridge so to speak.  By being involved with customers online, I am able to become the Realtor they want.

Someone they:

  1. Like
  2. Know
  3. Trust

Notice, I didn't say Someone they:

  1. Thinks has the most internet marketing presence
  2. Believe is the best
  3. Believe has the most knowledge
  4. Think has the most listings
  5. Think does the best marketing... 

At the end of the day it comes down to relationships.  The phone is a great tool when a client is warmed up and EXPECTING it to ring.  A cold call is turning out to be a colder endeavor for sure.

As a side note, I've also learned the value of becoming more social with Realtors.  Please visit Blitztime and sign up for the Free Active Rain Speed Networking Call!

 

Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

I have had quite the opposite true for me. Some of my best clients that send me buisness was originally a net customer.

Jan 19, 2009 11:42 PM
Tom Bates
Austin Modern Living - Austin, TX

I do a ton of online generation and I'm in a similar boat with respect to the gap.  while social networking hasn't really closed the gap yet, I expect it could if I did it differently.  good post.

Jan 19, 2009 11:51 PM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't know about the social media bringing leads in.  But it will definitely help with reputation and background as well as some SEO benefits as well.

Jan 19, 2009 11:52 PM
Gordon Sloan
Group1 Real Estate, selling houses in Salt Lake City Utah - Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake Homes For Sale, Salt Lake Real Estate

Joshua, There is a gap in the relationship between Realtor & Client when the Internet is the method of communication. I spend hours trying to tighten that bond. At best I am only modestly successful. therefor I need a lot of prospects as they can be very fickle.

I have not made a very good effort at the social media thing, it seems I haven't the time.

Jan 20, 2009 12:49 AM
Sabrina Kelley
ERA Herman Group Real Estate - Woodland Park, CO
Woodland Park Colorado Mountain Homes and Land

The cold cold seems to be freezing if not frost biting. At least with the internet the initial reception seems to be warm even when it may cool with time and the current economy.

Jan 20, 2009 09:44 AM
Christine McInerney
Great Life RE - Knoxville, TN
The McInerney Team, Knoxville TN Homes For Sale

Thanks for the info on Blitztime...I have never heard of that before.

Jan 20, 2009 01:44 PM
Sonja Adams
Keller Williams Realty - Purcellville, VA

I hope my online presence works for me the way it seems to work for you!

Jan 24, 2009 01:05 PM
Kathy Torline
ERA Herman Group Real Estate - Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog 719-287-1049

I have found that my social media presence has helped me immensely; definitely helps me get business and close business

Jan 25, 2009 10:22 PM
Client Care
HomeGuideColorado.com - Loveland, CO

Couldn't agree more. Social Media is here to Stay!

Jan 27, 2009 11:35 AM
Ryan Hanley
The Murray Group Insurance Services Inc - Albany, NY

Social media is here to stay but its still all about relationships...

Jan 28, 2009 11:53 AM
Erelopro Out of Business
erelopro - Encinitas, CA
Relocation Professionals are out of business

I would assumme social networking and internet leads would, in most cases, be the same. You receive a valid phone number, email, and strong home buying comments. Although social networking and/or internet leads are very strong... nothing is a strong as face-2-face meetings.

Jan 29, 2009 08:39 AM