By Jeremy Williams
Jeremy Williams
Depending on which real estate company you are currently operating with, there is one truth that you probably have heard expressed over and over: Lead generation is the key to a successful real estate business. Without generation, the well can dry up and the next thing you know your scrambling to find that next client.
Methods of lead generation can include farming a geographic area, prospecting a sphere of influence, pop-bys, open houses, and many other tried and true methods. With the influence of rapidly progressing technology, new methods are developing that might be outside the traditional methods of lead generation.
One of the methods at the front of the industry currently is the use of Facebook, specifically Facebook fan pages. Lead generation will always have better results when you have a connection with that person. Facebook is a tool that allows you to develop and nurture that connection. Utilizing this tool properly not only will you strengthen relationships both new and old, but you will soon realize new business opportunities to keep your lead well from drying up.
If you don’t utilize Facebook or some other social media site like ActiveRain, spend some time familiarizing yourself with applications that will allow you to develop and build mind-awareness. The only reason I mention Facebook is that the site is likely to be recognized because of worldwide exposure and the current number of users. Many of these applications are also available on your iPhone, smart phone, or Blackberry, giving you mobility and instant connectivity.
Caution: If you plan on using social media for business purposes, keep everything relevant to business. Choose pictures and content wisely as it can be seen as a reflection of the services you provide.
So don’t scramble for that next lead! Make social media a component in the lead generation portion of your business plan. Lead generation is the most important part of our businesses, but sometimes we just need to rethink the methods and the means to accomplish the same goals.
Have a great week and many successes in your business.
Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE in Kingwood, Texas specializes in the residential real estate market of Kingwood, Atascocita, and Humble, Texas. Visit his Web site at www.williams4yourhome.com.
Comments 8
With this being my first post to the Young Professional Network site, I am looking forward to the comments and discussion around how social media can be used as a legitimate lead generation tool.
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You need to be careful with the suggestion of using Social Media as far too many people assume (even with your disclaimer) that it’s just as easy as setting up a page or opening a Twitter account. As I’m sure you know it takes much more than that and most people don’t understand that. It’s like when you hear people talking about having a Website and thinking that this means they have a Web presence. The other part to Social Media suggestion is the “Social Stock” risks because most people are age have a Facebook page full of friends (including that nutty fraternity brother that still likes to reminisce about that wild night in Tijuana on your wall.
I talk quite a bit about lead generation and social media on my blog (http://voyagebranch.wordpress.com). Most of my information is and articles focus on lead generation for the mortgage professional, but Real Estate professionals can use some of the ideas and modify others.
Good first piece though. Thanks!
Ryan
Ryan,
Great points. You can’t jump into social media without having a plan in place. If you don’t have any idea where to start, try contacting someone in your market area that may utilize social media for lead generation. Yes you do have to be careful about the frat brother posting about the night in Tijuana on your wall. Great info on your WordPress blog. Thanks for the comment.
I would also agree with Ryan… Jumping into the social media space without a plan is practically guarantees that you are wasting your time. There should be goals and objectives identified BEFORE you embark on this venture. So many businesses and services professionals limp along with a generic fan page, ho hum updates and Tweets that are not relevant to their business goals.
When implemented correctly however, social media can be an extremely effective marketing tool with a very high ROI.
Jeremey – excellent post! Welcome to the YPN blog, I am looking forward to reading more of your posts.
It should be implied that you really need to have a plan before you do anything. Afterall, no plan is really just a plan to fail!
Keep up the great work!
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