In an earlier post I asked the question, "Which is better for your real estate business--Facebook or Twitter." I posted the question on this blog, in my newsletter, on Facebook, and on Twitter. The overwhelming response was that Facebook (at least at this time) has been a much more productive way to generate leads.
I received a number of comments from real estate agents who said they had generated client leads from Facebook. Only one person said that he had generated a real estate client lead from Twitter. Part of the difference seems to stem from the fact that it is easier to follow a conversation on Facebook. The comments are aggregated in the same place. On Twitter, individual conversations can be quite difficult to follow.
Another reason that Facebook may be more effective at generating real estate leads is that people you have known in the past can locate you there. An old high school chum might find you on Facebook, see that you are selling real estate, and then reach out to you for two reasons--the first, because they want to reconnect and the second because they need to sell a house.
A key point to keep in mind when it comes to the social media is to avoid using marketing messages. "Social" means "not business." If you use the social media to blast people about your listings and your achievements, you are doomed to failure. If you engage in social media in order to connect with those who share your interests outside of real estate, you will find new friends and followers. Give back to them and they will end up giving back to you, both personally and often times in your business.
I recently had a conversation with Julie Escobar and she summed up the social media space in a single sentence: "Make a friend now, make a sale later."
Have fun on social media sites, reach out to help others, and watch your real estate business grow.
Posted by Bernice Ross If you liked this post, please subscribe to our free real estate newsletter for the latest tips and strategies for building your real estate business.
