REALTOR® Blogging, Social Media and Client Engagement

Real estate agents are usually running their own businesses and often don’t have time to blog or use Social Media in a daily business plan.   Unless you have staff or the funds to pay a writer it might be difficult to write a blog that potential buyers and sellers will want to read.   Many agents are already using social media and find that those platforms are easier to use than blogging

So, how can an agent compete in the world of blogging and integrate their Social Media Platforms?

• First, I’d like to say, I was just as intimidated when it came to building and writing a blog. A few years ago I would have said, “This is way too much work”.   Now that I’ve been blogging for 3+ years I would encourage anyone that can write, to blog and anyone that is tech savvy to blog.   It’s easier than you think.
• Second, choose a platform that is easy for you to understand. Blogger by Google is pretty easy to understand.  Don’t waste too much time trying to make the blog/website perfect.  Just create the free account and start blogging.  Watch youtube videos on Blogging to learn as you go.  Trust me, a teenager has created, “How to videos” to help you learn how to build a blog.   If you try to make it perfect in the beginning you’ll never blog.    I happen to use Wordpress.  However, by using Blogger, owned by Google, you will find that your blog will be pushed higher in SEO when others search using Google.
• Third, download the app for your blogging platform to your smartphone, iPad or Tablet. Now you can blog from anywhere.   When you get an idea for blogging use the app, save the draft or publish the blog from your mobile device.
• Lastly, if you are using social media add your social media links to your blogs so your readers can find you. Use your social media platforms to share your blogs and the content you’re writing.   Re-direct your Fans to your blogs.

Check out great blogs when you start with the National Association of REALTORS®.  You’ll find many blogs on the NAR Blogs Directory.  Not sure what to write about, NAR’s blog is a great place to start.  If you want to see what Successful Real Estate agents are doing on their blogs check out Jamey & Ognjen Prezzi.  These agents are blogging and using social media to attract leads.   Anyone that wants to follow them can subscribe to their RSS Feeds or join them on social media.   In addition to the social platforms they are using video as a way to engage the client.    These are agents that have taken advantage of Digital marketing.  What an easy way to dominate in CEM (Customer Engagement Marketing) and SEO (Search Engine Optimization).

Feeling overwhelmed?  You don’t have to use every platform when you are integrating these platforms into your business plan.   I encourage you to start somewhere.  Add one of the platforms to your business plan every month, quarter or annually.  By adding these digital marketing tools to your business competing with the best agents will be a breeze.  Don’t become listless because you didn’t integrate the new technology into your business plan.