7. Marketing Tools: Web 2.0
S econd generation of web technology, services, and tools Communication, creativity, collaboration, and information sharing Conversational marketing EB
Blogs for Real Estate Professionals Tremendous marketing opportunity 18% of REBAC members have a blog Growing rapidly 90-91
Why Blog? Web presence Networking Remain top of mind Demonstrate expertise Build your brand Improve search results Showcase personality Provide valuable information New clients & referrals Media exposure Answer questions 92
Who Should Blog? Anyone! Need desire, dedicated time, and something to say Integrate into overall prospecting strategy Allocate time How often? 2-3 hours weekly 95-96
How Do I Get Started? >Review variety of other blogs >Select blog software >Populate site >Make site available for others >Review “Your Toolbox” and “Bright Idea” take-away tips 96-97
Beginner’s Checklist Subscribe to blogs Define the audience Web address Select a platform Write and post frequently Brevity, targeted Provide valuable info Photos, video Key search terms Encourage comments, questions and respond Use a disclaimer RSS availability Set up for sharing Promote your blog Professional web design Have fun and be creative! 97
What Should I Blog About? Industry trends Home buying tips Common mistakes Local activities Restaurants Guest bloggers Weekly features Community events Personal stories and anecdotes local news commentary Home warranty overview Buyers and FSBO Foreclosure issues Blog roundup 99
Exercise: 6-Minute Brainstorming: Blog Topics >What topics would you like to blog about? >What would be of interest to your buyers? 100
Social Media Statistics 101
102
Ask buyers to add a testimonial Contacts are recommended Establishes a baseline of trust >Professional social network >Find, meet, and connect with qualified professionals >Receive recommendations >Invite others to be part of your network 102
Readers are followers Tweets Handles >Microblogging site—140 character limit >Exchange “tweets” >Asks, “What are you doing?” >Readers are “followers” twitter 102
>Share photos and videos—educational, entertainment, and marketing >Link to your blog or Web site >Publish to the world or restrict access to a viewer list 102
>Collaborative photo management and sharing site >Upload and tag photos and link to your blog or Web site >Used as a photo repository for bloggers Flickr 102
>Personal social networking tool >Create private communities >Share photos, journals, interests, music, status, Web sites and more >Used mostly by teenagers, college students, and young adults 102
Real Estate Sites >Active Rain >Active Rain-Localism >Trulia Voices >RealTown >Talk.Realtor.com >Zillow Communities >Inman >RE Bar Camps >Real EstateVoice >Zolve >WannaNetwork
Social Media Best Practices >Use sites for intended purposes >Connection requests to those you know >Create groups and customize settings >Include links >Complete profiles >Use key words >Schedule time and set time limits >Actively participate >Don’t get overwhelmed >Focus on the sites you enjoy
Social Media Best Practices >Ask clients to write recommendations on LinkedIn >Send a Facebook “friend request” after meeting potential clients >Post house-hunting photos to Flockr >Post testimonials on YouTube, link to Facebook and LinkedIn® >Tweet open house alerts to followers >Use TweetLocal.com >Who is twittering about houses?