Facebook Still Important

Brian Geick, Social Media Specialist at HSA Home Warranty

Real estate agents continue to rely on social media to reach out to new clients and stay close to the ones they have, but with more and more social media entries coming into the fold, it can be overwhelming at times. There’s Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+, Tumblr…the list goes on and on.
It’s important to not let all the new options take you away from your Facebook page, which is still one of the most important ways of connecting to people and highlighting your realty business.
“A Facebook page is a great way to connect with your community, clients and networks of people that could potentially become clients,” says “Outsmarting Social Media” author Evan Bailyn, a search engine optimization, social media, and crisis management expert. “You can create conversations; not only so clients or potential clients have an opportunity to acquire information, but they can also provide feedback.”
Creating a business Facebook page is as easy as going to the site, choosing a name and adding some photos and information about the business. The more you add, the more attractive it will be for those that find you. The beauty of having a Facebook page is that it’s basically free advertising and you can use it to let customers know about new listings, updates to houses and it’s a great way to get referrals.
For those who have a personal website and think that’s enough, Bailyn warns that you’re not getting as much out of the Internet as you can.
“A website can be a lot of time, maintenance, and let’s face it, money. A Facebook page is free, and instantly connects you with clients, your potential clients and your community,” she says. “There are also built-in functionalities with a Facebook page, such as commentary and discussion, and you don’t need to worry about figuring out how to add these special features or insights to your website (or pay for someone to add it for you).”
Unlike those checking you out on your website, people cannot exist on Facebook anonymously. They sign up with their personal information, so when they “like” your page, you’re automatically introduced to them by name, and given a way to communicate.
Facebook does a lot of work for you. It offers built-in expansion: when people interact with your content everyone that they are connected with can see that interaction
Not that you don’t have to do anything. Once your Facebook page is up and running, the key to making it a success is to post new messages and photos and keep it interactive. Ask questions of your clients and fans. Have a team dedicated to producing regular quality content. Post pictures and video. Create conversation. People love to be heard.
There are approximately one billion people across the globe using Facebook so your clients and potential clients are already online, you just need to meet them there and get their eyeballs on your realty business. Visit HSA Home Warranty on Facebook. www.facebook.com/hsahomewarranty
If you’re just getting started on Facebook and you want to learn more about how to use Facebook in your marketing mix, check out our FREE five part series, “Winning Listings and Converting Buyers with Facebook.” https://www.facebook.com/HSAHomeWarranty/app_115462065200508

Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved.