While the real estate crisis has been a difficult time for many realtors,

agents are creatively overcoming this obstacle through the use of social

media and are seeing substantial, rewarding results. A survey showed that

84% of realtors and brokers are using social media as part of their marketing

strategies, reported by the National Association of Realtors’ annual

technology survey released in October. Here is some advice that can help you

get ahead in the real estate market using social media.

1. Attract potential clients

The National Association of Realtors estimates 90% of homebuyers start their

search online before contacting an agent. How are you going to stand out

from the other 84% of realtors using social media? The key to generating an

online presence is participating. Sure, you can create an account for every

social media site out there but updating and interacting with the users is

important in gaining digital credibility. However, do not blatantly

advertise yourself. No one likes being sold to – this is equivalent to a

telemarketer calling you trying to sell you a new set of knives or someone

going door to door selling glass cleaner – not interested… Interact with

the community and provide useful information. These interactions will be

noticed and clients will start coming to you. Attract with your content, not

what you’re selling. From there, you can start building relationships that

can eventually lead to sales.

2. Share your listings & showings

Social media is a great way to promote any events or showings that you might

be holding because it reaches a large market of people. As previously

stated, 90% of homebuyers are searching the web for their homes and finding

events is a great opportunity for customers to find out what they want in a

house and explore the location your property resides. Posting on your fan

page or writing about it on your blog will bring traffic to your site attract

potential clients.

Videos and photos are key features of social media that realtors especially

would find the most benefit. Streaming photos and videos of your listings is

a great way for clients to see what you have to offer and can have a first

hand account of a property. If clients like what they see, they can follow

up with you and you will develop that contact.

3. Share expert advice

Instead of spamming customers to "buy your house," offer advice that you

often give to your clients when choosing a home. The home buying process can

be a difficult task and finding ways to make it easier is what every

homebuyer looks for. Engaging in conversation on social media is pertinent

for the success of businesses using social media. Spamming your clients will

just scare them away. Search for groups or conversations on LinkedIn or

Facebook and offer your advice on the topic. Clients will notice your expert

input and trust your judgment, which could ultimately generate new leads.

Showing that you are an expert in your field is also great for

recommendations. If a social media user likes what you said in a

conversation or your Facebook fan page caught their attention, they are more

likely to pass your name along to someone they know who might be in the

market for a home.

4. Connect with other experts

The best way to expand your knowledge in your field is by learning from

others. Interact with other experts in the real estate realm and see how

they are working themselves in their area. There are a number of social

media sites designed just for realtors such as The Flipping Pad or

ActiveRain. Joining these sites will help you build contacts with other

experts who can offer great advice about what is working for them –

especially in terms of digital marketing. LinkedIn is also a valuable

networking tool when connecting with professionals and a lot of conversation

opportunities are available on this site.

Are you part of that 84% of realtors using social media? How is social media

helping you?