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Marketing By Answering LOCAL Questions Thru Social Media on Zillow Advice

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Zillow

Zillow Advice launched a few months ago (a interactive place to ask and answer real estate questions) and already thousands of questions and answers have been posted. 

But who has time to sort through them all and search for the ones that apply to you?  Good question- that's why you can sign up to receive email alerts when there is a question posted in your local area.

1.  Go to Zillow and sign in.  Click on the Advice Tab and search for your topic of interest.  It could be a subject like short sales or an area like Chicago, IL or even a zip code. 

 

A search results of all related questions and answers will appear. 

2. In the left hand column of the page, in the tool box, click on Email Alerts. 

3. A window will pop up asking you to confirm your alert.  Just select your frequency option and hit save. 

Notice that in the search results of questions, you can see how many times a question has been viewed and how many answers it has.  So by answering a question, you are not only trying to impress the original poster, but also all those that view the question. 

 

Also, each time you answer a question, there will be a link back to your profile so people can find out more about you or get in contact with you.  Make sure your profile is as complete as you can make it.  You can include marketing text, links, embed video - whatever you think will sell you.

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Donna Harris
Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com - Austin, TX
Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator

I thought the Zillow Advice section would be a nice way to get my name out and such, but it seems the majority of questions are from other agents asking about the value of this house shows this and how do I change the status of this house to this... I very rarely see questions from the consumers.  Anyway you guys can filter out the agents questions that have nothing to do with anything?

Feb 06, 2009 03:01 AM
Sara Bonert
Zillow - Atlanta, GA
Real Estate Internet Marketing

Donna - There is a lot of that, but I would encourage you to use the filters in the left hand column.  A lot of those questions get filtered into the Pro to Pro.

Also, searching by your local area seems to rid a lot of more generic questions for your results.

Feb 06, 2009 03:05 AM
ama hender
Lone Tree, CO

I find the consumer questions get TONS of answers on there. I think you have to be on top of the newest questions for it to be beneficial.

Feb 06, 2009 03:06 AM
Sara Bonert
Zillow - Atlanta, GA
Real Estate Internet Marketing

Amanda - And tons of views.  Obviously being a the top helps, but being the best answer also helps too.  Also, the more good advice you give, the better the reputation you will build.  We also award our top contributors with an All Star badge to give extra creditability. 

Feb 06, 2009 03:11 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Seems like timing is everything on the net.... much the same as on AR.. if you post when everyone is posting you may quickly get swept under the rug.

Feb 06, 2009 03:19 AM
Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

Thanks for taking the time to give us this clear "script".

Feb 06, 2009 03:44 AM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

Great idea... I am signed up with Zillow, but didn't even pay attention to this.

Feb 06, 2009 03:56 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

i will have to check this out..thank you

Feb 06, 2009 05:12 AM
Fran Gatti
RE/MAX Integrity - Medford, OR
Managing Principal Broker - RE/MAX Integrity

I took a look. For my area, there doesn't seem to be much action, but when there is, I'm ready!

Feb 06, 2009 03:48 PM
Linsey Ehle
M Realty - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

I had done this for a while but had not taken the time to set up the email alerts.  Thx for the reminder.

Feb 09, 2009 11:13 AM
Spencer Rascoff
Zillow - Seattle, WA

One thing to remember about the Advice threads -- agents should be angling to impress the original consumer who asked the question, but ALSO to impress the other readers. Each thread shows how many times it has been viewed (upper right) so remember that it's really about trying to get a prospect from one fo the READERS of the thread even more so than it is about trying to get the original questioner to ping you.

 

And it's fun!

Feb 09, 2009 04:28 PM
Tom Thompson
RE/MAX North Professionals - Colchester, VT

This is certainly worth pursuing.  Thanks for the tip.

 

Tom Thompson

Feb 11, 2009 01:01 AM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

I didn't realize Zillow now had an advice section. Being in a rural area, Z hasn't gained in popularity like other sites. But... now I am signed up, so when those questions do come in, I am ready!

Mar 13, 2009 02:12 PM