To Tweet or Not to Tweet: What Real Estate Agents Can Do to Benefit from Social Media

To Tweet or Not to Tweet: What Real Estate Agents Can Do to Benefit from Social Media

As we enter into the year 2014, the one thing that can’t be denied is the overwhelming presence of technology in all that we do. Smart phones, tablets, and hundreds of other convenient devices have formed an unbreakable connection between our fingertips to the outside world. It would take 30 seconds for you to stop reading this sentence, whip out a smart phone, and figure out what your sister is Sarasota cooked for dinner, because chances are it’s already posted on Facebook and Instagram. Social media and technology has changed not only our connections to our personal lives, but also our business communications as well. In the ten short years since Mark Zuckerberg launched “the Facebook”, social media has evolved from dorm room toy to boardroom tool. Last year,73 percent of Fortune 500 companies were active on Twitter, while more than 80 percent of executives believed social media engagement led to increased sales. By using social media to manage and network with business connections, Keller Williams agents can build and nurture stronger relationships with both clients and associates. 

While social media was once mainly dominated by the “tween” population, statistics are showing the fastest growing demographic on Twitter is the 55-64 year old bracket. The same age group has also jumped 46% in the last year for Facebook users. Last year, Harvard Business Review surveyed 2,100 companies and found that 79% use social media as a business tool. Twitter is not just about finding out what your favorite celebrity ate for breakfast: It can actually be a very powerful business tool and can be a great way to lead people directly to your home listings, as well as other creative and helpful content you or someone else has written.

 Keller Williams is one of those companies that has begun using Facebook and other social media sites as a virtual rolodex. Real estate is a relationship business. People do business with those they like and trust. In the old days, relationships were built face-to-face, over the back fence or in coffee shops. That still happens, but now we  nurture these connections through social sites Chances are, you are on at least two or more of the big social media sites; Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc., which means that if they want to, people can find you. Establishing a relationship through social media shows clients that Keller Williams agents are not only technology savvy, but accessible. 

 Social media presents three large benefits for real estate agents and associates alike:

1. Marketing

Free marketing is the most common reason that businesses join social media. For instance, a business can offer deals to those that like their page on Facebook and, simultaneously, run various Twitter contests to engage current followers and attract new ones. Social media marketing is so important because it gives businesses direct access to both current and potential customers, allowing them to answer questions, showcase their brand, spread information and address issues in a conversational format.

Marketing through social media also allows you to add a bit of personality to your business and let your voice come through. Through these connections, companies are able to convey their message through the tone they choose to set. 

2. Inter-office Communication

Businesses can also utilize social media as a quick and effective internal communication tool. For instance, creating a Facebook group page for employees is a great way to promote a fun company culture, as employees can announce events, upload photos and talk in an informal, yet respective manner. Google+ can be helpful for both communicating internally and with clients because it has a hangout platform that allows users to hold meetings through face to face video or voice chats. Similarly, Skype enables employees to instant message each other or host conference calls, video conferences or even webinars. Keller Williams utilizes their Facebook page as a gathering place for employees and clients where they can keep up to date on all the current events with Keller Williams nationwide. 

 3. Networking

This is definitely the biggest resource for real estate agents who utilize social media in their business. Reaching out to current or potential clients through social media takes minimal effort and very little time, and yet still establishes a relationship between agents and clients. Agents have the opportunity to use Facebook as a way to provide their clients not only with great service, but a means of connecting and inspiring one another. Customers are more likely to stay with a brand if they trust it. Social media can enhance this. If you can show that your business lives by its values, people with the same values will respond — and those photos of your office Halloween party play a role, giving a glimpse of your personality to make your company stand out.

Social media enhances the relationship with clients by establishing open lines of communication. If a customer tweets a question or complaint about a brand and is immediately answered, that actually strengthens the bond with the brand. Be present in the dialogue and customers will appreciate it.

Social media helps enhance all the basic pillars of good business, such as engaging with the public, converting on-the-fence onlookers into revenue-generating clients, and addressing customer service issues.Keller Williams agents know that the secret to successfully using any social media platform is to keep in mind that it is not like your website, meaning it’s sole purpose is not to sell homes or gain clients. Of course, that is the end goal, but social media is all about building trust and creating engagement. 

To Tweet or Not to Tweet: What Real Estate Agents Can Do to Benefit from Social Media