If you want to generate future clients, it's important to stay relevant by posting on your social media accounts regularly. What you post and how you reply in posts says a lot about you and the way others perceive you. Let's take a look at what your social media accounts are saying about you.
Lack of Posts
If you aren't using your social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram/Stories, Snapchat, LinkedIn, etc.), visitors might think you closed your business. For example, if you started a Facebook business page, only posted a few times, then stop using it, visitors may think you've moved on to another career.
You may not have time to keep up with all social media platforms, but there are ways you can find pockets of time to post.
- Take a photo of you and your clients at a closing or in front of their new home and post on Snapchat.
- Create a Instagram story at your next open house or go on Facebook Live.
- Take a photo of the front of a new listing and post it on Facebook.
- Consider hiring a social media assistant.
Read more about the best social media platforms.
Ability to Make Contact
If you make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you on social media, you'll open up more opportunities to generate clients. These days people don't necessarily want to pick up the phone and call to make an appointment for a home evaluation, for example, so consider offering an appointment scheduler on your Facebook page. You might even post commonly asked questions to encourage visitor engagement, as seen below.
On Facebook Messenger, set it to automatically ask a question when visitors open your page (ex. "Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? I'm happy to help. What questions do you have?").
Your bio should be kept up-to-date on each platform and include your motto or mission statement (why do you love what you do?). You might include recent awards, designations, and fundraisers you regularly participate in. If you've moved to a new location or agency, you could announce it in an Instagram story and link the story to your website ("swipe up to learn more").
- Offer a variety of contact options
- Use automation to start a conversation
- Link your website to social media platforms
- Keep your bio up-to-date
Comments Say A Lot About You
Be mindful of how your comments, on your posts and others, may be perceived by viewers. If your comments are negative, defensive or argumentative, they may turn off prospects and drive future clients away. If your comments are positive, it's more likely visitors will want to follow you. Remember to follow NAR's code of ethics and remain professional as you comment on posts.
Business vs. Personal Posts
Although the majority of your posts will be business related, post a bit about your personal life too. Let people know who's behind the business by posting a photo of yourself at a dinner with your spouse, a walk with your dog on the beach, attending a concert, etc. It's important to let people see your private, human side because it helps them relate to you (ex. a viewer might have the same interests in music which instantly creates a connection). On the other hand, an excessive amount of personal posts (>20%) might lead prospects to believe you play more than work.
Conclusion
When it comes to social media, make sure you're posting regularly and be mindful of the comments you're making. As you build your professional image on social media, add glimpses of your personal life to promote an even stronger connection with followers. Prospects will want to be a part of the same experience you're portraying on your social media platforms so make it easy for followers to contact you. Use your social media platforms consistently and you may find yourself generating more new and repeat business.