Social media has taken over life as we know it.
It’s safe to say, every industry has been completely transformed by everything social media touches and its ability to reach such a massive audience.
Between Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, and more, it can feel almost impossible to keep up with. In 2020, there are now full-time careers created solely for social media management! The potential to not only “go viral” but to gain notoriety from a single click of a button is very possible IF you use social media effectively.
SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGED THE INDUSTRY
Social media’s effect on the real estate industry has changed the way buyers buy and sellers sell. Gone are the days spending a pretty penny on newspaper ads, and even more expensive, magazine spreads. This isn’t to say social media doesn’t require an investment to use strategically but if done correctly, the impact can be substantial!
You may recall from last week that I mentioned, according to the National Association of Realtors, 90% of home buyers searched online during their home buying process, 98% of which are Millennials, and even 75% of which are seniors.
First, Strategize - That being said, if you are selling your home, there MUST be a social media strategy in place. A 2019 report by Emarsys states that 3.5 BILLION people (about 45% of the world population, shockingly enough) utilize social media. Between all of the social media channels, the reach your home can have is endless. As of 2020, Facebook is STILL the global market leader with 2.45 billion monthly active users, which is a no brainer since the most popular social networks all have one thing in common: a high user engagement. (statista.com).
Don't forget YouTube - As far as the U.S. goes, there is only one platform that, statistically, exceeds Facebook and that is YouTube. YouTube currently has 2 billion monthly active users, according to variety.com, and 73% of U.S. adults use YouTube versus Facebook’s 69%. This is followed by a huge drop to the third most widely used online platform: Instagram, which is used by 37% of U.S. adults (pewresearch.org). I know that was a TON of numbers, but they ARE helpful in deciding WHO your audience should be when it comes to marketing to the masses.
So, how exactly do you USE these platforms in a business sense? Well, that answer can go any which way, depending on who you ask and what it’s for. What’s most important is to use it effectively.
Engage with potential buyers - 71% of consumers who have a GOOD social media service experience with a company are likely to recommend it to others. (forbes.com) This means, ENGAGE with your customers, or in the case of real estate, potential buyers. If they have questions, answer them. If they want more information, send it. It is also important to respond quickly and show your personality. Nobody wants to chat with a robot!
Make sure your content is mobile-friendly - Another important aspect to remember is that 91% of users are accessing these platforms on mobile devices (lyfemarketing.com). When creating content, ensure its “mobile-friendly”, that includes not only posting properly formatted content but also using a service that offers a mobile version of your website.
Utilize Video Marketing - My final most important tip is to utilize video marketing. The power of video is unprecedented. 96% of consumers turn to videos to learn more about a product or a service. (oberlo.com) Using video doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. In fact, perfectly crafted videos rarely are required. In today’s world, people want to know, like, and trust you, and your product. Authenticity is the new way to capture an audience. If you don’t believe me, check out the fastest rising social media platform: TikTok; you will be shocked to see what videos are trending!
If you are looking for an online marketer to transform your home’s social media potential, I am a local Realtor here in Tampa/St. Pete and I would love to help make your home “go viral”! You can reach me, Jen Wiggins, at 813-539-1678 or by searching “Let’s Talk Tampa” on Facebook & Instagram. If you are not local, I would love to connect you with a similar agent in your area.
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