If you are looking to use social media for more than just fun (read: to stay top of mind in the real estate business), then you’ll probably want to hatch a plan. Continuing the metaphor, you don’t want to run around like a chicken without a head when it comes to your social media marketing.
To create a social media marketing plan, the first thing you need to do is sit down in a quiet space and take pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Make a list of the groups of people in your online social spheres: 1) other agents, 2) past clients, 3) family members, 4) business partners, and even perhaps 5) yoga buddies. After you have made your list and checked it twice, carefully consider the types of posts and interactions preferred by each sphere in your audience. Your family members might like to see photos of your vacation, and your past clients might enjoy hearing about a really great product that washes fingerprints off the walls.
“The key here is to mindfully consider each audience.”
It’s not about you.
Although a great deal of your purpose as an agent is to earn a living, your social media posts should not appear self-serving like humblebrags.
Instead, they should follow the E – E – C: educational, entertaining, and conversational. Posts do not have to be all three, but if they are written or the item shared addresses one of those three points, you’re much more likely to get some decent engagement.
3 Kinds of Posts that Get Lots of Likes
- Memes. (In case you don’t know what a meme is: it’s a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied—often with slight variations—and spread rapidly by Internet users.) If you see a meme that you like on someone else’s page, share it if you believe your audience will find it humorous as well. Memes get a ton of engagement.
- Personal photos. While it is not about bragging on the Internet, prospective clients and referral partners do want to see that you are human. In fact, in this way you demonstrate that you have something in common with your audience and you are transparent and relatable. A recent post of my son’s photo in a popular magazine garnished 100+ likes and some family ski escapades received nearly that many as well.
- Puppies and kittens. When all else fails, there are always puppies and kittens. Cute animal gifs and photos are always appreciated, especially right now in a nation divided.
Be a Copy Cat
Clarification: Do not plagiarize. But, it is okay to share great ideas and engaging things you see that are posted by other people. And, by all means, if someone turns you on to an article or item you want to share, give credit where credit is due.
One easy thing to do is to follow people who are already doing a really great job with their social media posting. Those folks may give you tons of ideas for the kinds of posts you might like to try. Check out Sheldon Neal, a top-producing East Coast agent on Facebook. He does a great job of making the real estate gig look fun. I’m also enjoying local North San Diego County agent, Laz Castillo’s (@lazcastle) snaps on Snapchat. He’s doing a nice job mixing real estate and real life.
Have anyone else for me to add to the list? If so, please do not hesitate to let me know!
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