Special offer

Why Do Consumers 'Like' on FaceBook?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Suplari, Inc.

Just saw this article on LinkedIn discussing why consumers like web sites or fan pages on FaceBook.   Here is a link to the article analyzing why consumers like things or web sites on FaceBook.

Based on my read of the article and the below infographic, it seems like the keys to a successful FaceBook sharing strategy are:

1) Provide something of value for free (like discounts) - Classic Joe Stumpf By Referral Only kind of stuff

2) Provide free information (like local information, market reports, or other local information on family events)

3) Provide education - this may be similar to #2, but local education on an area would be useful for home owners, buyers and sellers. 

4) Brand association - show the world that you like certain items and brands.  It is unlikely that any typical real estate agent or mortgage broker would not have the "brand" that consumers are going to go out of their way to "like."  BUT there is or may be a good strategy with "hosting" a neighborhood on FaceBook that does have the association that consumers want.  Be careful of overselling yourself and alienating your consumer base.

Other thoughts?

 Why Do Consumers Like on FaceBook

Posted by

Nikesh Parekh

Add Me on Google+, Follow Me on Twitter, Connect with Me on LinkedIn:

Google+ LinkedIn Button   Twitter Logo

Mitch Claymore
RealtyPLR.com - Wolfeboro, NH

Nikesh - the popularity of the 'free' word is good for us: just about everything we do until closing is always gratis.

May 30, 2011 07:30 AM
Jerri McCombs, Broker/Owner
Dogwood Real Estate Services - Hendersonville, NC
Hendersonville Living

It really is great to show support for businesses that you like, maybe encouraging others to use their services. And if I see a large number of likes it draws me to check it out more as well. Opps, maybe I am a follower...

May 30, 2011 07:31 AM
Lori Bowers
La Quinta, CA
The Lori Bowers Group

I am surprised at the number of people who are on facebook almost 24/7.

May 30, 2011 07:32 AM
Stacey Smith
Keller Williams Realty - Aliso Viejo, CA
Your Orange County Beach Cities Realtor

People like whatever is going to hurt them less... So if there you are running promotions and specials it makes more sense that you are going to get more traffic. Great points Niki.. Look forward to meeting you at Raincamp LA! :)

May 30, 2011 07:51 AM
Kathy Schowe
California Lifestyle Realty - La Quinta, CA
La Quinta, California 760-333-8886

Interesting that many of the top reasons are discount or freebie related??  I don't think I have ever "liked" a page because of that!  Kathy

May 30, 2011 08:32 AM
Peter Pfann @ eXp Realty Pfanntastic Properties in Victoria, Since 1986.
eXp Realty, Victoria BC www.pfanntastic.com - Victoria, BC
Talk To or Text Peter 250-213-9490

Hi Nikesh,

Thanks for sharing this one, it motivates us to spend more time and attention on the Facebook side of things, which todate has been mostly linking our AR post to fB

May 30, 2011 10:30 AM
Leslie Ebersole
Swanepoel T3 Group - Saint Charles, IL
I help brokers build businesses they love.

Among others, Matthew Ferrara and Mike Mueller have written quite a bit about using FB for communicating about real estate-related services. They warn not us not to confuse consumer behavior for products with consumer behavior around high price service providers.

"Free" market analyses or home searches is outdated and people treat these offers skeptically when associated with services, as are the words "discount" or "special price".

"Brands" are very important to certain demographics, so communicating around the a high value brand is a different proposition than promoting "discount" or "free". Of course, people without a strong and positive brand identity dismiss the very notion of it's relevance.

May 30, 2011 06:51 PM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Nikesh

This is a very interesting post.  The statistics are revealing and confirm our instincts about Facebook.  I am not interested in liking companies for the sake of a discount, and I am not interested in having it broadcast to the planet either.  We recently talked to a company that has a page on Facebook, and increased their business by giving a free item to their customers and engaged their participation in getting their feedback, so we understand the value there.  Thanks for sharing this. A

May 31, 2011 03:02 AM
John Cannata
214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX
Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Im still trying to figure this out as well. My fanpage has a few likes, but I'd like to pump it up quite a bit. Thanks for the tips.

May 31, 2011 05:12 AM
Robert Bob Gilbert
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties - Katy, TX
Your Katy TX ( West of Houston) Real Estate Expert

Thanks for the data. It is hard to know where to spend time wisely when using social media. Right now I flip back and forth and have to remind myself the goal here is to find clients who buy homes... Thanks for the blog..

May 31, 2011 07:16 AM
1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

Niki,

Interesting research results..  I get a lot of requests from companies that I do business with.. "like" us to be entered to win..  blah, blah, blah..   I guess it works!

May 31, 2011 04:26 PM
CA COASTAL ESTATES Lauren Selinsky Perez CRS
California Coastal Estates - Aliso Viejo, CA
"Your Real Estate Broker" #oclauren

Since I post on FB~ AR's FB and our group here on Facebook Friday's I fall at the 39% (to show my support for other company's) Great blog and a total RE BLOG to get the info-Graph to others that are still not jumping into the Social Media~ Thanks. ;)

Jun 01, 2011 06:32 PM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

That is a great graphic, and the statistics/reasons are interesting, thanks for sharing the info.

Jun 01, 2011 08:19 PM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Very interesting Nikesh, still not sure if I understand the value of a Facebook "like"...

Jun 02, 2011 04:35 AM