Is social media really effective in real estate marketing?
After 22 years of creatively marketing real estate throughout Fairfield County, I can say with certainty, social media is imperative when marketing properties at the highest level.
Realtors who are savvy with social media offer a great advantage for their clients. Some may say social media advertising is hard to track, but not if an agent has the proper know- how, strategic plan and budget.
Some post properties on their own Facebook page with no budget, which although it increases exposure, is not productive. Those who take the time to understand the dynamic and power behind utilizing a deliberate social media campaign will find the most success.
Social media allows us to reach hyper local audiences with a level of sophistication that we’ve never had access to before. We can now proactively target behaviors, interests and intentions by the simple act of utilizing social media platforms. Does it cost money? Yes. Is it effective? With a strategic approach, absolutely. Just be aware that without a proper plan, funds and professional advice, social media can be more of a time suck and false sense of security than a successful marketing campaign.
The largest demographic of home buyers in the U. S. are millennials ( Gen Y), having surpassed baby boomers this past year … and they are certainly not the only group using social media. Take a look at the top sites and the staggering numbers of their worldwide users ( I stress “world wide” as we can target countries, types of buyers, groups, patterns of behaviors, etc.)
Facebook: 2.2 billion YouTube: 1.9 billion Instagram: 1 billion LinkedIn: 500 million Twitter: 330 million Pinterest: 175 million
Keep an eye on upcoming third party community sites like www. Homesin. com ( a rapidly rising international site) and you will notice the savvy agents are early adapters. Hop on the social media train with agents who are in the know and able to employ video, creative messaging, proper targeting, animated ads and consistency.