Tag: Real estate marketing

5 Steps to Creating an Instagram Account that Will Attract Clients

Marci Sepulveda Leave a comment

Are you using the power of Instagram to attract qualified clients and leads, or are you relying on MLS listings and your website to take care of that for you? If you or your team of brokers are not active on Instagram, then you’re missing out on a great opportunity.

After reading this blog you’ll understand why it’s beneficial for every agent to have an Instagram presence, and how you can build a profile that will enhance your brand and attract leads.

Reasons to Create an Instagram Business Profile

To Separate Personal from Professional

Even if you have a personal Instagram account, you need to create one for your professional self. Your personal and professional Instagram accounts should be separate. Your professional Instagram account shouldn’t contain pics of your trip to Cancun or your Sunday tailgate at the Bears game, for example. You wouldn’t post that content to your business’s website, and you shouldn’t do so on your Instagram business page either.

To Create an Interactive Portfolio

If you’re unfamiliar with Instagram and how it can help businesses, think of it as an interactive portfolio that can visually showcase your listings, projects and accomplishments. It’s the perfect place to upload photos or videos of your listings. If you’re only posting photos to your MLS listing or company website, then there’s a good chance potential buyers will not be engaging with these pages on a regular basis. But with Instagram, your newest posts will appear in the news feed the next time a follower logs on to Instagram.

To Get Access to Data

With an Instagram Business account, you will also get access to Instagram Insights. These insights show such data as visitor traffic, clicks and user demographics. This is a feature not offered to general accounts, and can help you determine which posts are most popular, what time(s) of day are best to post and if you’re reaching your target audiences.

How to Build Your Instagram Business Account

Step 1: Download the App

If you’re currently without an Instagram account, you will need to set one up. You must download the app directly to your phone using Google Play, the Apple app store or the Windows app store, depending on which mobile device you use. Simply head to your app store, type “Instagram” in the search field and begin downloading.

Step 2: Create a Bio

After installing the Instagram app on your phone, you must first create a bio. This is going to be the first impression many potential clients have of you and your business. You’ll need to make sure that it is short, compelling and informative. Make sure you include such details as your location/area, contact information, link to your website and your areas of expertise. Feel free to use this example by substituting your own details.

“I’m John of Oak Park, and I specialize in helping families find the single-family home of their dreams, as well as helping homeowners with their sale. You can reach me by phone at 555-123-4567 or email at John@OakPark.com when you’re ready to start living your dream.” www.OakParkHomes.com

Step 3: Your Professional Photo

A professional photo is also key. This will help display trustworthiness to followers and make your profile more personable. This photo should have high resolution and convey a professional image.

Example: Izabela Sloma (@SlomaRealEstate), senior vice president of sales at Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, has an excellent bio and professional, high-quality photo. Her bio sums up her role, her career aspirations, and includes a website where you can learn more about her and her causes.

Step 4: Posting

Just like with your professional website and promotional materials, your Instagram page must be consistent with your brand. You’ll want to come across as reliable, well connected, knowledgeable and capable. Remember, this page will be a visual sales pitch for potential clients. All photos should be clear and high resolution.

When posting images and videos of new listings, remember to include details about the home and your contact information in the caption. If your post catches the eye of a potential client, they’ll want to know further details about the home and how to get in touch with you.

Example: @MattLaricyGroup does a great job of highlighting recent successful sales and new listings in a way that is visually engaging and consistent with his brand.

Step 5: Maintain and Grow Your Audience

The ultimate goal is to grow your audience and utilize Instagram to get your listings and professional brand in front of potential clients. That can’t be accomplished if you aren’t active on Instagram. You need to stay active by posting multiple times per week.

Here are a list of types of pictures and videos you can create that are appropriate and will amplify your brand:

  • New and current listings
  • Updates to a previously listed home
  • Recent sales
  • Testimonials from satisfied clients
  • News and information related to your market
  • Community involvement
  • Team-building activities

Now that you’ve built your Instagram page and planned out your first few posts, you’re ready to start Instagramming! Remember, building a large following won’t happen overnight. You need to stay consistent. To learn more about marketing yourself, sign up for AgentEDU and receive a free seven-day trial to check out our eight-course Advertising track.

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AgentEDU® is a platform where agents at every level can come to watch 10-minute video courses for the many situations that successful agents must master. From essential to advanced level and everything in between, AgentEDU® courses help agents become top producers with increased earnings and a plan for continued growth. For a 7-day free trial sign up here.

AgentEDU® is an Agent Publishing brand. For nearly two decades, Agent Publishing has been committed to providing residential real estate professionals with the information and training required to build successful and meaningful careers in their local markets. Agent Publishing’s influence extends to every career stage and reaches agents across print, digital, events and online learning.

How to Become a Great Communicator

Marci Sepulveda Leave a comment

The best agents establish a communication plan that will help them bond with clients, establish loyalty and build a relationship that lasts. Some agents underestimate the powerful effect that a reliable communication plan can have on a relationship.

In this blog post, we’ll cover the steps required to build the foundation of a communication plan that will keep clients happy and keep you top of mind for all things real estate long after the transaction is completed.

A Solid Communication Plan is Key

A solid communication plan includes the following four elements:

#1. Regular and Predictable Contact

Set clear expectations around how and when you’ll communicate with your client, and then do what you’ve said you’ll do. There are many ways to do this, but the goal here is to win your client’s trust. Maybe you’ll check in every Tuesday morning, or every other Saturday afternoon. Find out when they want to hear from you, and always follow through.

#2. Flexibility

Some people like to talk on the phone, and some only want to communicate via email. A great communication plan takes the needs and preferences of each individual client into account. By accommodating your clients, you show them that you know them well and respect their choices.

#3. A Method for Getting Feedback

An important aspect of maintaining effective communication is giving your clients a way to get in touch with you and ask you questions. Make sure they have an easy way to give you feedback, and be ready to alter your plan to their preferences at any time.

#4. Written Documentation

Even if your client prefers to conduct all discussions verbally, write a summary email after each call to make sure everyone’s on the same page. You are the client’s only agent, but the client is one of many for you. Having things in writing will help you keep track of important details.

A Communication Calendar Helps, Too

Your next step is to create a communication calendar. One easy way to do this is to create a free Google calendar dedicated to your clients. Include birthdays, holidays and special occasions, as well as your marketing schedule.

The calendar will help you stay on top of both your tasks and your client communications. Your brokerage may also offer software options to help you stay in touch, and there are a number of products out there you can use to set up your system.

#1. Have a Plan of Action

Prepare anything you’ll need before contacting the client, and have all details related to their sale or purchase at hand. Also, be ready to update your client on what you’ve done since you last communicated, and what you plan to do next.

#2. Don’t Just Check In

Share news they can use. The more you explain what’s happening, the less they will have to guess. If you don’t have anything to share, it’s still better to check in then to let your client wait.

#3. Give as Much Detail as Possible

Let the client know what you’ve done since you last spoke and what your next steps will be. Even if you have a regular call set up, end each communication with a reminder of when you’ll be in touch again, and always ask if the client has any questions.

#4. Communication Works Two Ways

Remember, communication works two ways: Let your clients know that they can contact you anytime. When they do, be responsive and get back to them quickly. If you miss a call, always offer some kind of a response so they know you’ve received their message. If you don’t, they’ll be left wondering.

For more details about how to build a comprehensive client communication plan, sign up for a free seven-day trial of AgentEDU and check out our course titled How to Create the Most Effective Client Communication Plan.

AgentEDU® is a platform where agents at every level can come to watch 10-minute video courses for the many situations that successful agents must master. From essential to advanced level and everything in between, AgentEDU® courses help agents become top producers with increased earnings and a plan for continued growth.

AgentEDU® is an Agent Publishing brand. For nearly two decades, Agent Publishing has been committed to providing residential real estate professionals with the information and training required to build successful and meaningful careers in their local markets. Agent Publishing’s influence extends to every career stage and reaches agents across print, digital, events and online learning.