The social media site Twitter is one of the most popular social media sites, but international real estate professionals still have yet to fully grasp its potential.
Just 31% of real estate professionals taking part in the 2013-14 Realtor Technology survey used Twitter for business, compared with more than double (77%) who used Facebook and 75% who used LinkedIn.
However, Anne Wayman, a writer for leading real estate technology specialist, iHouseWeb Inc., has produced some tips on how agents can start to grow their followers on Twitter.
“Twitter is an amazing and often confusing digital platform that has grown into a must-do marketing tool for many real estate agents.”
The platform is easy to use and is an ideal marketing tool for agents and other property professionals, she says.
“Watching Twitter feeds over several weeks will show you how real estate agents are using Twitter. Check back several times a day while you’re doing your research. Click on links, even follow some people or organizations. You’ll soon get a feel for how it all works.
“You’re likely to find listings posted by agents, links to office websites, and to articles on various real estate topics that may or may not pertain to the area searched. All of these and many more are designed to inform the public about what the offices or agents are up to .
“You can do exactly the same thing or make up your own version of your Twitter marketing. Like so many things digital, Twitter is a moving target.”
The best way to grow a Twitter account is by increasing the number of followers by getting the word out by:
- Linking to your Twitter feed on your website… maybe on every page.
- Putting your Twitter address on your business cards as well as your website.
- Adding your Twitter address to every advertisement you do.
- List your Twitter address on every press release you do.
- Your For Sale sites should carry your Twitter address as well as your website and phone number.
- Remember to tell people you’re on Twitter – it’s surprising how often they will find you there if you let them know.
“Take this approach and gradually your followers on Twitter will increase. Some of those people who follow you will be potential clients, which is why you want to Tweet your new listings, changes to your website, announcements of new designations, articles that help both buyers and sellers, etc.
“You also want to use Twitter to stay current on real estate news. Follow Realtors at https://twitter.com/realtors for a solid flow of information. As you find other real estate news sources you like, follow them.
“It probably makes sense to limit the number of news sites you follow to five or ten – it’s easy to get into overwhelm with Twitter.”
For more tips on how to make the best use of Twitter, see the iHouseweb.com blog.
About the author: Adrian Bishop is editor of OPP.Today and is a national award-winning editor and journalist. He has held several senior editorial roles in the overseas property sector.
For more check out: http://www.opp.today/