Does social media really work?

Question

I'm new to doing social media ads and tactics for my real estate business and I would like to know what works best considering I don't want to hire an advertising agency. Should I only use only a profile? Do I need a Facebook page? Should I post in all the groups? Which is the best one to post?

Not long ago I got invited to a group in my area (Kansas City) called ConnectWiseKC, have you heard of it? Do you participate in this group?

Don Konipol · Answer

@Elizabeth Palma

“Just do it” is Ann effective strategy, but not an efficient one.  I went it alone for 15 years, posting on BP, FB, LinkedIn, and various real estate websites that have come and gone.  I had articles published in CCIM magazine, Real Deal, Craig’s, Houston Business Journal, etc.  I use email marketing  sent to 14,000 of my closest friends.  And I tried Google AdWords as well as paid listings in Scotsman’s Guides and other directories.

I have come to realize that their was no coordination in what I was doing, no central branding identity, and as a result I was probably leaving a lot of money on the table.

IMO the thing you don’t want to do is go with these “solutions in a bottle” online ad agencies; they’ll sign you to a 12 month program at $8,000 a month.  By the time you evaluate that their program hasn’t worked, or has worked but you weren’t ready to convert the leads to sales, you’re out $100k.

So, I’ve engaged a one person online marketer, who utilizes contractors when she needs specialist work done.  Initially engaged her to “fix”, upgrade, improve, “professionalize” our website.  After about 6 months we engaged her on an ongoing basis for SEO.  The leads we get from our website increased as we moved up the Google listing for long tail and localized key words.  Seeing these results, we’ve now engaged her services to professionalize the look and feel, and hopefully effectiveness of our email marketing program.

The cost for all these ongoing services averages about $700-800 per month, quite a lot less than the $8000 monthly my friend paid for his business to a “national” on line ad agency.  And the verifiable results are much, much better.

The thing is go slow, see what works, and build from there.  You can kick start your business by committing a rather modest amount to advertising. Much, much better than buying Zillow leads for 35% off the top line

Dan Krupa · Answer

@Elizabeth Palma that is really dependent on your end goal. Are you trying to be an agent, wholesaler, flipper, stager, designer, etc....? Each one will require you to be part of different online groups/communities and focus on different things. There will be some overlap but there isn't a one-size-fits-all for you're marketing and branding plan. Also, be very cautious about who you get contractor referrals from. I can tell you if you have been in the game a while and have good contractors you're not sharing them. We keep our guys tied up and working. I will share roofers, plumbers, etc... but crews and master electricians who do side work - good ones aren't being shared. You will need to find them and vet them yourself.  Get some mentorship on that if you don't have a ton of experience will hiring and vetting new contractors.

Alex Olson · Answer

@Elizabeth Palma Do what you have time for and do what generates business. If you don't have any prospects under contract and are needing buyers and sellers, you have time. If you are full of buyers and sellers, then you need to pick what works and stick with it. It IS that simple.

Daniel Sanchez · Answer

As a realtor, being top of mind is one of the most important aspects of growing your business passively. Social media, paid and unpaid, can harness this effect. Additionally, as the saying goes 'Any publicity is good publicity.

Jacob Trogan · Answer

I'm all ears to this one, all I can recommend his have a page separate from your personal profile

Elizabeth Palma · Answer

I have two profiles, one is personal with only friends and family and another one just for work, but my questions go more to whether I need to have also a Facebook page and if I need to be more involved in the Facebook groups in my area.  I know it's a great place to find referrals for contractors but I'm wondering if I can utilize them a lot more.

Does social media really work?

Most Popular Reply