Since this is the age of Social Media, there has never been a better time to engage on this topic which today re-defines how San Jose Realtors market themselves through the web and mobile devices (acting as conduit to the Web mostly).
Through my own experience as an early adopter of real estate on-line marketing, I have learnt 2-3 things which might possibly be counter-intuitive to some:
#1. Social Media might help you interact with potential clients but mostly this is not the case. It will help you get noticed by the media (
here is the evidence), your Real Estate peers, potential partners and spammers of course. In most cases, it is a component of your on-line reputation which will be checked by potential customers. The on-line selection process is usually based on the Realtor's website 'curb appeal' (namely the quality and cleanliness of his website), his/her reviews and past experience and/or specific skills (e.g neighborhood expertise, short sales and/or foreclosure specialist).
#2. Social Media is a self-centered phenomenon. You are a voice part of a gigantic on-line community who may listen to you providing you remain active and engaged. It is also very often a game and a competition to get as many followers, as many friends, post as often as possible and increase your Social Score measured by social scoring engine like Klout or PeerIndex. Make no mistake though: Influence is measured first by quality, not quantity and engagement with the right number (not necessarily large) of stakeholders equally influent in your area.
#3 Social Media will not replace Search Engine Optimization. Once again, quality of content posted and viral spreading will generate with time the critical coverage you need to reach the top of Real Estate Search Results in your area.
To wrap up, Social Media is not be discarded and is today a critical component of any comprehensive on-line real estate marketing strategy. Just like in the off-line world though, influence is measured by your level of engagement, passion (in particular your ability to engage your audience), trust and pertinence before anything else.
© Sophia Delacotte CDPE, SFR, CHS
San Jose Realtor
Cell: (408) 717-2575
Email: sophia.delacotte@cbnorcal.com
www.sophiadelacotte.com
DRE# 01873662