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Reach 200 million users on Facebook?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty - Global Trust Team

Minus the question mark at the end of the title and this was the subject of an e-mail that I recently received.  I wonder if anyone else here on ActiveRain received it?

Facebook and the other applications involved with Social networking are here to stay and seem to be getting some of the very same buzz and reactions that blogging received just a few years ago.  Just as with any "new" tool online it takes some consideration before jumping in and seeing how you can make it a part of your business.

Adding Facebook as a part of your business can certainly bring you balance.  Having a balanced attack for your real estate marketing strategy is essential to avoid the swings as applications and users change habits.  Balance means including everything from social networking, blogging, SEO, and your website into your total online presence.  With balance you will give yourself the best chances to reach your next customer.
Back to that e-mail that I received, here are just a few items to consider.

  • Do I need to reach that many people? - Maybe if I had a nationwide product that applied to 200 million potential buyers it could work.  For many products their niches don't apply to the entire group of users on Facebook so why spend the money to try and reach all of them.
  • They are missing the point - One of the great aspects about marketing on Facebook is you can do demographic advertising.  No longer are you tied to just marketing on a keyword, you can actually market to a specific group of people who would have a need for your product.
  • How would you use it for real estate? - I am starting to see some real estate professionals advertise on Facebook.  I am unfortunately seeing a lot of bad advertising techniques (hint: a focused landing page is still better than sending them to your home page) and not a great deal of focus.  If you are going to use Facebook advertising for your real estate business, consider advertising to a group of people that live in a city that commonly relocates to your area!

Facebook is definitely proving it is a huge application with many raving fans.  It can certainly be a strong part to a complete online real estate marketing strategy, but be careful with how you spend your advertising dollars.  Just because someone suggests that you can reach 200 million users doesn't mean it is the best thing for you.

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you want out of your advertising efforts on Facebook.

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Terri Onigkeit
Keller Williams of Northern Colorado - Fort Collins, CO
GRI

I just started on face book so thanks for the good ideas, i will put them to use

Apr 27, 2009 02:00 PM
Julie Chapman
Julie Chapman Broker - Ormond Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida

I really haven't used Facebook to its potential.....not enough time in the day.....but will keep an eye on this post.

Apr 27, 2009 02:20 PM
Shane OnullGorman
Eau Claire Realty, Inc. - Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire Wisconsin, Real Estate Agent & Realtor- Buy or Sell

I like facebook and it has a lot of value already. I like what it does for me.

Apr 27, 2009 02:23 PM
James and Joseph Bridges
Keller Williams Realty - Global Trust Team - Long Beach, CA

Terri - Glad you are getting started with Facebook.  Please add me as a "friend" :) as I would be happy to add value to your network any way I can.

Julile - It is certainly tough to add one more tool in the marketing arsenal, but I will say you can get some results with just a small amount of effort. As past co-worker just found me last week and wants to buy now, so you never know.

Shane - Agreed, I think Facebook does certainly have alot of value, especially when used correctly, I mean we just don't have any time to waste these days.

Apr 28, 2009 04:29 AM
Joe Roy
HomeBased Realty - Palmdale, CA

Just need that little extra exposure to the SOI.

Apr 29, 2009 07:01 PM
James and Joseph Bridges
Keller Williams Realty - Global Trust Team - Long Beach, CA

Joe - Absolutely. I think Facebook is a great way to connect and add value to your sphere.

Apr 30, 2009 03:13 AM
Randy Elliott
RE/MAX Gold - Lodi, CA
REALTOR : Lodi / Stockton, CA

I'm on Facebook, but haven't started an actual Fan Page yet.  It's time to stop thinking and start doing.

Aug 11, 2010 07:49 PM