Be Known for Who You are Before What You Do

Suzanne Fuqua

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There is so much information available for social media marketing. Figuring out where to begin could be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be.

When becoming a licensed real estate agent or starting a business, your contact information becomes public information. Numerous businesses will reach out claiming they can help you with social media. Social media marketing isn’t something you throw money at and hope for the best. There are businesses and paid tools that can help grow your business, but let’s first take a look at what you can do for yourself.

The first thing you’ll do is establish your brand. As an artist, I like to think of building a brand as painting a picture of who you are and what your business stands for. This can be done with your logo, tagline, and voice within your marketing. Your brand should engage a certain feeling from your audience; your voice or tone should carry on that feeling with consistency. If you aren’t the creative type, this is a fine area to ask a professional for assistance.

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or a full time job. Identify which regular activities you’d like to implement, set aside specific times to do so, check them off your list, and you won’t feel overwhelmed.

You don’t have to be active on every social media platform; pick 2-3 platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. Consider picking 2-3 days that will carry consistent themes, like Marketing Mondays or Trendy Tuesdays, etc. Keep people returning to your social media platforms to view fun, but relevant, information.

Stand out! Take some direction from great, engaging marketing in your competitor’s posts, but make it your own version. People want to work with people they can relate to, so be relatable! In social media there is the 80/20 rule; on your personal Facebook, let your audience see you and non-business-related content 80% of the time and 20% can be business related. If you like art, hiking, sports, animals, cooking, etc. share the things you love, and occasionally share business content.

Video is currently the most impactful element in social media marketing but it takes more than just tapping the record button. We have all seen terrible videos where people stumble over their words, say “um” dozens of times, and fumble the camera. Before you press record: think about who the audience is and the message you want to deliver, develop an outline, create a script that is true to the way you communicate and PRACTICE. You want to appear very comfortable, knowledgeable, and engaging in front of the camera.

Another fun way to create more interest is interviewing someone on a topic to create a dialog. Think of yourself as the “mayor of your town,” and interview someone who is hosting a local community event or new restaurant owner. Doing this on a regular basis can build your reputation as the go-to person who knows everything going on in your area from the housing market and community events, to the best places for dining and entertaining.

You’ll also want to close your videos with a call to action such as register for an event, call/email you, subscribe to a YouTube Channel /Newsletter, or click the link below. If your goal is to send them to a specific webpage or form, you can create a customizable link using bitly.com, where you can track analytics. Always try to get them to further engage.

Engagement is an integral part of marketing. When people comment on your posts, reply to them even if they are negative because people want to see that you’re responsive. When you’re in a group page, provide genuine feedback to others that post, as well. Tell someone when they have a great idea or product. A little appreciation can go a long way.

Research and adaptation will always be a part of marketing. If you are working with a real estate company, utilize their resources, like templates and websites. Continue to keep your eyes open to what people are doing, not only in real estate but other industries, as well. Follow social media gurus, watch videos, and always be a student of marketing. The most important element to social media marketing is to always be your true self.