Your Website is a Form of Social Media

Social Media is About Connecting with Your Community

There are many ways to connect with your community and your website is one of them.

As you might be aware, we were all challenged to share our social media success story, We Want to Hear Your Biggest Social Media Success Story. I began thinking about what I wanted to share and while I read other's success stories I realized mine was actually a common theme. 

I have tried the various social media sites. I have a Facebook page that I put an article on daily, yet I realize I need more personal posts vs just others. Same with my Twitter page. The others are even worse.  I try, yet just can't seem to focus on it.

Is Social Media a Rabbit Hole?

The issue I keep running into is similar to what I run into here. I LOVE ActiveRain and reading all the great stuff you folks write. I just don't have the time to spend on here that I would really want. Same with these great social media sites. Heck, I barely have time to read my personal Facebook wall never mind to post stuff.  When I do make the time, I feel like I'm sucked into a time warp. I start off promising myself only 5-10 minutes then next thing I know a half hour has passed. Grrr

So I disappear again for days not wanting to get sucked in yet again. 

Isn't Social Media About Connecting with Our Communities? 

Social media is all about the human connection. Our goal is to make relationships in our community that causes folks to think of us. Back in the day we did this door to door and through our interactions on the street and in the community. This still works for many folks. However, today's technology has turned this from face to face to an online activity.  

Is There Another Way to Connect with Our Community?

This brings me back to the common theme I'm seeing. I myself have realized this same opportunity. There is another option for those of us that are daily challenged.  Our option? Our Websites

Are You Missing an Opportunity With Your Website?

I say YES! I have discovered that so many agents don't have a website. One check in our column. The next thing I've noticed is that those that do, have such a plain website. Another check in our column. They are missing any community connection. The next group have an IDX but that is it. Yawn. Another check for us. People can search in a million places now a days. So how do we stand out?

However, after searching your area, I bet you will find there are only a few rare birds that have realized how powerful it is to add additional information about your local community.  How to connect better with our community?

How I Am Making My Website Part of My Social Media Plan

I realized after reviewing many competing websites that there was an opportunity for my business. I could create a website that not only had a great home search but one that could really become a great resources for my local community months if not years before they even needed me.  I could create a more "social" feel by talking to my community.  Figuring out their needs by listening to them. 

I'm just starting to grow this plan of attack. I've been creating dedicated pages for things people search our community for.  I'm starting to get more and more calls from folks that have found me or have been using my website to learn more about our little community.  I've even gotten a few emails with questions about odd things in our community. I use this opportunity to just be the source of the source. 

My Social Media is My Website

I will continue with this plan for the coming year and I'll share my successes.  I realize, like many of you, that the traditional social media platforms do not fit my day to day lifestyle. I do not get the same enjoyment that others do.  

However, I love creating resources for my community. I think I'm on to a great future pipeline for my business. Social media is all about creating top mind awareness so that folks think of you when they need your services. With today's online world there are many ways to do this. 

If your passion is Facebook, I Like it, Instagram, I can picture it. Want to ese Pintrest it? Pin it. Twitter?  Tweet away. Whatever floats your boat, awesome! 

For me? I think I'll stick to making the best darn website full of great content and resources for my community.  This is how I will use social media to grow my business. 

Please continue to share your success stories so I can still get some great ideas!

Tammy