Social Juice: Week 2
February 28, 2011
Here we go folks! Round 2 of weekly tech news from your friendly resident geek. Lots of stuff happening, as well as some general fyi that I will share (by the way, my apologies for not posting on Friday, but blog.raveis.com was having server issues). Here are 3 picks:
You Talkin Bout Me?
There are many ways to keep track of whats being said about you/your real estate business on the web and on the social universe. A few tools come to mind-socialmention (social media specific) google alerts (web specific, but also can include social media) and klout (provides a score measuring online influence from your facebook and twitter usage). And to keep track of web activity, as well as manage all your social media accounts, try using postling.
You should definitely check these out at your leisure because they are very powerful measurement tools and can give you a comprehensive view as to how effective your online growth strategy is (we all know how important that is!). However, if you would like a superquick (and pretty superthorough,
Google Real Time
might I add) view as to how much youre being yakked about, particularly on social networks, I recommend trying Googles Realtime search. Now, Im sure some of you have seen this search feature, but have you used it? If you go to google.com and run a search, you will see options to your left that say Everything, Images.Recipes. Some of you may only see up until the Shopping choice, but no worries. There is a more link you can click on that will give you all the rest of the options. Realtime is the 9th one down. If you cannot see it there, visit google.com/realtime.
I did a search for William Raveis Real Estate and got the following:
Google RealTime Search Results
As you can see, a great and very current snapshot of whats being said (and what kind of content is being shared) about William Raveis on twitter, facebook. By using the timeline, you can also measure your mentions from everyday of the month prior. There is also a top updates section that cites your most shared content on the web. In addition, there is a link right at the bottom of the page which lets you create a google alert for any search term you desire (ex. William Raveis Fairfield, or mortgage rates, or your name).
Galaxy Greatness
A rather brief update heretablet makers innovation seems to be matching the publics insatiable appetite for using these devices in business and daily life. Tablet makers have been pulling out all the stops, arguably in response to Apples enormously successful (even outdid Steve Jobs expectations) iPad. Samsung is no exception. According to Engadget, Samsung Galaxy Tab is going to be expanding with an 8.9 inch model by summer. In addition, the company announced a 10.1 inch tablet-dubbed Galaxy Tab 10.1 (for obvious reasons)- will be arriving, as well. More options, more visual power for your business!
The Defining Photo
There have been many articles confirming how vital photos are to home sales. In fact, they can make or break a deal. Late last year, the Wall Street Journal posted an article titled, In Real Estate, A Picture is Worth $1,000 or More. This article stated high quality photos can result in a significantly smaller margin between asking and final price.
So why not add dimension to listing photos?
For iPhone and Droid users, there are two really cool apps that produce beautiful panoramic images. For the iPhone, download Occipitals 360 Panorama app for $1.99 and start taking photos that look like this. When the image opens up, simply click on your mouse (or use your fingers on your smartphone) to scroll to the left or right This will help give clients a surround, crystal clear view of any room in a home!
On the Droid, download, for free, a similar app called Photaf 3D. Once youve taken your photo, you can easily share it to facebook, upload it to your blog or add it to your website (you can also do the same with 360 Panorama). Very cool!
*note-there is also a Photaf 3D Pro which gives you greater sharing capabilities and lets you view photos in HD. The cost for this app is $3.99
Thats all for this week! And, of course, please let me know if you have any comments, updates or suggestions on these or other stories in the comments section. Adios!
Posted by Supriya Anand, Public Relations/Social Media in Market Trends, Raveis.com, Social Media, Technology
Tags: bill raveis, droid apps, google realtime search, occipital, panoramic photos, raveis blog, Raveis.com, samsung galaxy tab, samsung galaxy tab release date, social media, social media and real estate, william Raveis Real Estate
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Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/28/social-juice-week/
William Raveis Receives LeadingRE WQC Award for Raveis.com
February 24, 2011
Bill Raveis, Chairman and CEO of William Raveis Real Estate, recently announced the company has received the 2010 Website Quality Certification (WQC), presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE). This prestigious award recognizes innovation, detail and quality of the company website, raveis.com. William Raveis also received this award in 2009, when LeadingRE first introduced the WQC.
We are proud to receive this honor, said Mr. Raveis. This is a testament to our continuous effort to enhance raveis.coms reputation as the best website in real estate. In a digitally charged environment where 90% of homebuyers begin searching for a home online, we believe it is imperative to deliver leading edge technology to our customers through raveis.com and all of our technology applications.
Raveis.com receives 10 million visits annually and ranks higher then 99.998% of the 5 billion websites currently ranked in the world today.*
WQC was introduced to recognize and encourage superior websites among LeadingREs 600 member firms. Every aspect of raveis.com was reviewed to ensure exacting standards were met in six key areas, ranging from design and content to human interactivity to search engine optimization.
Our thanks to LeadingRE!
WQC 2010
Posted by William Raveis Real Estate in Awards, Raveis.com, Social Media, Technology
Tags: best real estate websites, bill raveis, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, raveis blog, Raveis.com, real estate SEO, top real estate websites, William Raveis
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Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/24/william-raveis-receives-leadingre-wqc-award-for-raveis-com/
8 Important Tips for First Time Homebuyers
February 22, 2011
William Raveis agent, Miah Browne, from Wellesley, MA, provides some wonderful tips for first-time homebuyers in the post below!
Buying your first homeis a very emotional experience. A home represents security, accomplishment, a new place to create lasting memories with those you love and a sanctuary from the busy world. Knowing a first home may meet your needs for a limited period of time, it is wise to shop with several resale factors in mind. Looking for a home keeping in mind not only your needs, but also what willattract future buyers to your home, will ensure your success. Here are a few of my thoughts and tips.
1.) Take advantage of all that William Raveis has to offer (a bit of a shameless plug!) on our information-packed site, raveis.com. If youre afirst-time homebuyer, you will enjoy the ease at which you can search for properties using Find A Home, look at sold property data and area information such as schools, and assess key comparables using our local housing data feature, updated in real-time. In addition, enjoy our award-winning mortgage services and working with our skilled realtors! This will certainly give you an edge when you are buying that first, perfect home!
2.) Buy with the schools in mind even if you dont have children. You may have a choice of ten towns but purchasing in a town with a good school system is always a wise move. Read up on school rankings andtest scores and talk to parents in the town you want to live in.There are many web sites to help as well, such as www.schooldigger.com.
3.) Go for a neighborhood over a busy street or country road if possible. Buying in a great neighborhood will be a real asset when selling your home as neighborhoods appeal to a broader selection of buyers.
4.) Consider the style of the home. Classic Colonials and Capes tend to be appealing to a greater number of buyers than Ranches, Multi-levels or Split-level homes.
5.) Check to see if there are factors that will impact the resale value of your home. For example, due to all of the rain we had in 2010, more homes have been placed in flood zones. It is not the end of the world to live in a flood zone, butthe insurance can be costly and another buyer may not even look at your home because of it. There are other factors like radon that can impact the resale value. Having a great realtor who will help you navigate these issues is key.
6.) Consider new trends that add value to a home. For example, homes within walking distance of amenities such as schools, parks and shopping are worth more than homes that are located further away, according to some recent studies. This is known as walkability. You can check a homes rating by visiting www.walkscore.com.
7.) Speaking of trends, energy efficiency is another one to watch. Buying an energy efficient home (or even an Energy-Star home) can save you lots of money. Future buyers enjoy saving on utility bills too. At the very least, when you move into a new home, have a free energy audit to determine cost-cutting measures. Visit Energy Stars Home Energy Audits site for more information.
8.) Make sure your realtor recommends a very knowledgeable and skilled inspectors. Buying a home with cosmetic issues that you can live with is ok. Buying a home with uncorrected structural issues is not.
Posted by Miah Browne, Realtor, William Raveis Real Estate in Exceptional Properties, First Time Home Buyers, Local Housing Data, Market Trends, Mobile Application, Mortgage, New Homes Division, Raveis.com, Social Media, Technology
Tags: best schools in america, bill raveis, energy efficiency home, finding a school, FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER, public school rankings, raveis blog, Raveis.com, resale value, walkability, walkable communities, William Raveis
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Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/22/8-important-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers/
Fun Friday: Video Gone Viral – How the Oldest Real Estate Brokerage in the U.S. Busted Through Old-School Thinking
February 18, 2011
I am always on the hunt for marketing that is fun, unique and viral. I came across this awesome video from NP Dodge Real Estate this week that incorporates all of those themes.
They posted it on the Inman News Facebook page and I knew immediately I had to feature this on FOREM!
I interviewed Jodee Drake-Soto, Vice President of Marketing for NP Dodge Real Estate this week to get the skinny on this video. Jodee led with project with the support of the NP Dodge marketing team and Amoura Productions. NP Dodge currently has 15 offices and 500 agents and is the oldest real estate company in the United States 2010 marked NP Dodges 155th year in business.
Jodee says,
As the oldest real estate company in the United States, we can sometimes be regarded as old and conservative. This couldnt be further from the truth.
Our culture is hard to describe on paper but you feel it when you walk into any of our officesfrom the warm greeting you receive to the feeling like youre part of the family when you meet with our professionals.
The pride of the company and support for one another is contagious. We are a family growing every day.
Q: When was this video announced? What has the reaction been?
A: This video was introduced at our annual awards celebration event held on Friday, February 11, 2011. With the support of our divisions president, Mike Riedmann, we combined our awards celebration and holiday party into one event celebrating 2010.
The response has been outstanding! We believed our agents and employees would enjoy it but didnt realize how strongly they would embrace it. The anticipation and excitement leading up to the video debut was wonderful. Cheers, laughter and smiles filled the room and set the tone throughout the entire evening. As the video has been shared with others, the excitement continues to grow each day with many from our local community embracing it as well.
The positive feedback ranging from emails to even being approached as you walk by has shown how much people are enjoying it and loving NP Dodge.
Q: Who came up with the idea?
A: I enjoy pop culture and finding innovative ways to brand your organization. I thought a lip dub would not only be fun to direct, but also an opportunity to showcase our talentour agents and employeesand help others gain some insight into our amazing culture.
Q: How in the heck did you get so many Realtors on board with it?!
A: In November, I called N.P. (Nate) Dodge V and asked if he and his father, N.P. (Sandy) Dodge IV would participate in our special video to kick off our annual awards celebration. He was on board and said they would do whatever was needed to make it a success.(Please note: Nate and Sandy are the two gentlemen that high five each other in the beginning of the video.)
On December 21st, I met with our management team and introduced the video project for our awards event. Each manager received information about their section of the song along with some scene ideas.
Since this was a completely new endeavor for us, I asked the managers to embrace this project, use their creativity, and have fun with their agents. It was an opportunity for each office to shine and show off their unique personalities and help show the energy in their offices.
Dress code, props, dance moves, scene ideas etc. could all be decided by their team members. I told them its a new era for NP Dodge celebrations let us see and feel the energy in your offices.
Q: How long did it take to create?
A: The filming took four full days in early January. In June 2010 I announced to the NP Dodge marketing team we would be doing a lip dub to Ive Gotta Feeling.
We worked on concepts periodically throughout the next few months. I met with possible video production companies in October and selected Amoura Productions in November. Late December I introduced the idea to our management team and two weeks later we were filming.
Q: Where was it filmed?
A: We shot footage at ten sales offices, two corporate offices and the convention center where the event was held. The locations included Omaha, Papillion, La Vista, Fremont, and Blair, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Q: How did you select the song?
A: I selected the Black Eyed Peas song Ive Gotta Feeling to introduce our new format for our first combined celebration. As the lyrics goIve gotta feeling that tonights gonna to be a good night, that tonights gonna be a good night, that tonights gonna be a good, good night really captured the spirit of the evening. The last segment of the video shows our management team walking in the doors of the convention center and proceeding to the ballroom with our president, Mike Riedmann, opening the door of the ballroom.
Thanks Jodee for your time and for your creativity to put this together. I can only imagine the time and organization it took to pull this off. Hats off to NP Dodge for thinking outside the box and doing something new and fun!
You can find NP Dodge on Facebook and Twitter.
What do you think? Id love your feedback on this leave me a comment below!
Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News@katielance
Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFutureOfRealEstateMarketing/~3/UhiaSr7xJQE/
Social Juice: Week 1
February 18, 2011
Welcome to the first installment of Social Juice! This is your weekly needed intake of whats making headlines in social media, mobile and new technology and how it could impact you as a realtor. This is my attempt in mining myriads of twitter/facebook news feeds and tech blogs for relevant, make-your-life-easier-stuff so you dont have to!
I was feeling ambitious this week, so I decided to provide updates from this week and last week..so here we go..
Here are the 3 toppers this week:
1) JP Morgans Social Cash
Stories are swirling about JPMorgans $500-$750 million dollar fund to invest in digital and media companies. This seems to be very timely as valuation of social media giants like Facebook, Groupon and Twitter is constantly discussed amongst investors and the media at large. Social media is hot and and its very important to business
This story is also significant as it follows a private share placement by Goldman Sachs (of $1.5 bil, by the way) for facebook.
Well keep a close eye on this piece of news!
2) SocialMadeSimple
Managing different social networks can be a lot of fun, but lets face it, its kinda overwhelming sometimes. So for us non-developers/non-geeks (which is pretty much all realtors!), heres a great tool that will help you create a plan for
socialmadesimple
and provide content on various social networks. And the best part is, its tailored to real estate-meaning it helps you find content specific to the industry to share with your virtual SOI on facebook, twitter and linkedin. The tool is called SocialMadeSimple. One of the best features on SocialMadeSimple is the customized plans you can create based on your skill level and desired cadence to post content. There are also available plans for beginner, intermediate and advanced. The point is, this is a great way to track your progress while developing your business presence with social media. Some other great features on SocialMadeSimple include:
- Content suggestions feature-so you dont have to search for real estate information to post!
- Creation of groups-very helpful for those of you who want to filter out what sort of content goes to your online audience
- Unified posting-one post can cascade to facebook, twitter and linkedin
- The Stream-review a stream of posts from your sphere on facebook, twitter and linkedin
We all know having a social media presence in real estate-and really any business for that matter-has become an inescapable reality. With all the chatter on what-to-do vs. what not-to-do, SocialMadeSimple is a reliable guide through the labyrinth of social networking for realtors. Check out their website and fabulous tutorials on youtube to get started.
3) MacBook Pro Makeover
And the last golden nugget for this weekMac lovers (including yours truly) prepare yourself for the launch of Apples next generation Mac-Book Pros potentially by months end! As reported by AppleInsider, the new Pros will have a spec update, featuring Intels latest Sandy Bridge processor. This update is going to add a good deal of oomph to overall speed and efficiency. However, the processor may not be the only thing getting a pump up. Rumor has it the overall design-traditionally aluminum unibody-may be getting a shakeup, as well. Again, just a rumor, folks.
And last weeksome BIG ones here:
1) Facebook Page Updates
Login to facebook. See changes. BIG changes. For those of you (which are many!) that have a facebook page and tried to navigate there, you may have noticed a notification that said something like You are now using Facebook as (insert name of your page here). In my case, it was You are now using Facebook as William Raveis Real Estate. You may have also noticed a new layout that is much like the recent profile page makeover with a photostrip at the top. Dont fret. This is a great place to post your featured listings or images that you think accurately represent your business!
Many agents have asked me the question, Why cant I like something as my page? I can only like something from my personal profile! Well, that has just changed. Facebook has now given you the ability to interact with
Use facebook as page
content and other pages as your Page. If you have a Page, when clicking on Account in the top right corner, you have the option to Use Facebook as Page. Once that switch is made, you can experience facebook as though you were using your personal profile. Get notifications about activity on your Page (or Pages, depending on which one you switch to), see stories from Pages you Like in your news feed and comment on other pages as your own.
This change will give you much more opportunity to engage with your connections on facebook using your Like page as well as network with other pages that you may find relevant. Translation Grow your SOI and influence by interacting with other high-traffic pages!
All pages will be updated to the new layout beginning March 1. The countdown begins! For a comprehensive guide on Facebook Pages update, go here.
2) IPad 2 Rumors
The tablet world is all-a-flutter with gossip on the highly anticipated IPad 2, which should be out early spring. We all heard rumors the gadget would feature a front-facing camera and now we can now breathe a sigh of relief because, yes, they are true. According to WSJ, Apple Inc. has started manufacturing a new version of its iPad tablet computer with a built-in camera and faster processor. It will have at least one camera on the front of the device for features like video-conferencing. Although not confirmed, the camera may also be used as a recording device-which would obviously be wonderful for doing tours of listings or filming market updates for your SOI to see. More detail on this story to follow as tight-lipped Apple decides to leak more information!
3) Twitter and Video
Twitpic, Twitters fabulous image-sharing service, launched video support into its program this week. Prior to this,
twitpic
video could be shared across the networks 180 million users by posting shortened urls to youtube or other sites featuring preloaded video. However, now you can instantly upload your own video taken with your smartphone or handheld recording device with twitpics Upload an image or video option, pictured here.
If you have any tips or updates on the stories above, let me know in the comments section! Until next week!
Posted by Supriya Anand, Public Relations/Social Media in Company News, Local Housing Data, Market Trends, Mobile Application, Raveis.com, Social Media, Technology
Tags: facebook updates, ipad 2 release date, ipad version 2, jpmorgan, online technologies, real estate social media, social media, social media for business, social media for realtors, social media strategies, socialmadesimple, twitpic, video uploads
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Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/18/social-juice-week-1/
Mortgage Memo
February 18, 2011
Posted by Ryan Raveis, Senior Vice President, William Raveis Mortgage in Company News, Market Trends, Mortgage, Raveis.com, Technology
Tags: 30 year fixed mortgage rates, daily mortgage rates, fannie mae freddie mac, fha guidelines, historical mortgage rates, homeownership, loan modification guidelines, mortgage guidelines, mortgage modification, mortgage rates current, new obama mortgage plan, raveis blog, Raveis.com, ryan raveis, William Raveis
Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/17/mortgage-memo/
10 Easy Solutions to Improve Your Real Estate Website
February 17, 2011
I think its safe to say most real estate agents and brokers have a website. Unfortuntaly many of these sites look the same as they did a year ago or even worse 5 or 10 years ago.
Over the years I have seen a number of awesome real estate websites.I have also seen some that are not so great.
Here are 5 problems I see with a lot of real estate sites:
- You cant update your site without a tech guy or gal.
- You sound like everyone else.
- You dont have any customer interaction.
- Its all about you.
- Your content is stagnant
Unfortunately a lot of agents create a site and then never look back. Before you get on Facebook, Twitter or blogging, I highly recommend you look at your website. I think a lot of real estate agents are afraid of doing a website overhaul. They fear the time and money it could take. The great thing is that it is even easier than ever to create a great looking website for not that much money!
Here is your checklist of what you need to do to re-haul your site. Note Im keeping this really simple on purpose. If it becomes too complicated you wont do it I know I wouldnt!!
1. Say no to clip art and any other animated features on your site. No more twirling houses, no more cool weather or traffic updates, nothing else that screams 1996. I recommend you hire a professional graphic designer to create some unique designs for you. Not sure who to hire? Call your local design school many times students are the best and least expensive because they are building their portfolio! I recommend having a designer create a clean and simple logo nothing too complicated or cartoonish think of the Nike swoosh! SIMPLE!
2. Take a look at every link and page of content on your site. I bet you have a bunch of stock pages on your site right now. Boring!! On your new site commit to writing your own content. Many agents will say they are not writers I challenge you to take a stab at writing your pages. Why? Because you have the personal experience to make these pages relevant and in your voice. If you truly do not like writing, you can always hire a freelance writer. Craigslist is a great place to look for a freelance writer but make sure you see samples of their work.
3. Think of the process of working with a client this is how you know what content you need! Start at the beginning when someone first meets you (this is your About page and Testimonial page) walk through the whole process for buyers and sellers (including questions you always get asked, like who pays for what) those are the pages you should have on your site! Think like a client and what they really want to know about. Outline the steps your buyers and sellers go through that is a great starting point for the content on your site.
4. Have a compelling reason for everything on your site. If there is no reason to have something on your site then take it off! This is the time to clean house. No one likes a cluttered house and no one likes a cluttered website. If someone cant find what they need quickly they leave! Think of how you advise your clients to stage a home this is how your site should look.
5. On your home page and contact you button should be links to your Facebook business page and Twitter feed easy to find!
6. Take a new agent photo. If you have a really outdated photo (you know who you are!) then spend a couple hundred bucks and get a new photo taken. Not sure where to go? The Picture People have a nice business package that is affordable and easy to do!
7. Less about you more about them. You really dont need to list every class and every single home youve sold. If you ask a lot of people, the word ego comes to mind when they think of real estate agents. Tell people what you can do for them give them lots of examples and testimonials and provide them a way to communicate with you and interact with you. This is one of the main reasons Corcoran got on Twitter they realized their website was stagnant and they needed a way to connect and communicate with their clients quickly and in real time.
8. Get personal. Add some personal elements of who you are any why people should work with you. I love this video on Renee Fishmans home page that showcases her and her clients but also it lets you see who she is and her personality. Along with that, make sure you add some content about your community and why you love working in the area you do.
9. Get your site on a platform YOU can edit. You want to be able to go in and add content as needed. I highly recommend the WordPress.com platform to start its super easy to use and then you can always move to WordPress.org which is more robust. Once you are ready to make the switch you may want to hire a WordPress expert (again, check on Craigslist) to help you make the switch. Ive always helped create a ton of websites using Jimdo.com a super easy site with very professional templates and very easy to control.
10. IDX feed. I know every MLS is different but if your MLS allows it, I highly recommend you get an IDX feed to your website so people can do a property search on your site.
This is just the starting point I havent even touched on SEO or analytics or video or blogging.. but this is a easy place to start, right? And lets face it, if we dont make it easy we wont do it.
I really encourage you to have 2011 be the year that your website improves!
Need some inspiration?
Here are a few great agent sites that I feel encompass many of the things I talk about above:
What do you think? Id love your opinion leave me your comments below with a link to your site!
Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News@katielance
Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFutureOfRealEstateMarketing/~3/T9H1Z9my6RQ/
Adding Broker Exclusives on Agent Dashboard
February 16, 2011
Posted by William Raveis Real Estate in First Time Home Buyers, Local Housing Data, Market Trends, News, Raveis.com, Selling Your Home, Technology
Tags: Agent Dashboard, bill raveis, broker listings, client relationship management, houses for sale, internet real estate marketing, Raveis, raveis blog, Raveis.com, real estate marketing, real estate marketing tools, search mls listings, William Raveis
Article source: http://blog.raveis.com/2011/02/15/adding-broker-exclusives-on-agent-dashboard/
What Does the CEO of Twitter Have to Say About Its Future?
February 15, 2011
There has been a lot of buzz over the last 24 hours about Twitter.
Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter, was one of the keynote speakers yesterday at Mobile World Congress yesterday #mwc2011
Here a few of his tweets that I thought were particularly interesting:
I love what he says about the second TV screen being Twitter. If you were on Twitter during The Grammys, The Super Bowl, or any other big TV event you know what I mean. Watching the tweet stream during a live event adds a whole other element to watching TV and really anything for that matter. The same applies to events watching the conversations from events has been one of the best ways Ive been able to connect with new people and new ideas.
There is a huge opportunity here for Realtors just ask Michael McClure (@ProfessionalOne) how its transformed his business!
I also love what Costolo says about Twitter being transformative. Twitter has truly transformed our industry. Never was there a better and faster opportunity to get the word out and spread great information.
Twitter has definitely moved beyond what I am having for lunch which by the way I NEVER see that tweet but I swear, anyone not on Twitter claims that this is why they dont want to be on Twitter! Anyone else experience this?
According to Costolo, mobile is the future. He says that 40% of all tweets happen on a mobile device and 50% of all users are active on more than one platform. I know personally, I definitely fall into both of those categories. I am on Twitter in the morning on my iPhone before work, on my desktop using HootSuite during work and then again after work and on the weekends on my iPhone again and I know Im not alone.
He talked about his goal of creating a standard interface among all mobile clients. As it is right now when you use Twitter on a Blackberry, Android or iPhone you have three different experiences and the user must re-learn how to use the application all over again! This applies if you use a 3rd party application like TweetDeck or HootSuite there is a learning curve on learning the ins and outs of the application.
Of course it wouldnt be interesting if there were some rumors swirling around. The latest rumor is that Google is interested in Twitter. At MWC, The CEO of Google Eric Schmidt avoided answering the Twitter question by saying:
We love Twitter and I like to tweet.
Cute Eric, very cute.
Well see if that changes in 2011. My prediction is that as the year progresses there will be a lot of talk about the value of Twitter and Facebook and who is poised to make that purchase. Maybe AOL is interested now that they have purchased the Huffington Post?
What is really interesting to me is although there is a ton of buzz about Twitter, there are still not as many real estate agents and brokers on Twitter as youd think. I hope that 2011 is the year that changes.
What do you think? Id love to connect with you via Twitter please leave me a comment below with your Twitter handle!
Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News @katielance
Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFutureOfRealEstateMarketing/~3/Gb5KsgFEtQg/
3 Simple Ways to Showcase Your Real Estate Expertise Online
February 15, 2011
Whether you are new to real estate, or a true veteran the expertise you have is one of the key things that sets you apart.
Here are a few simple keys to help build your credibility and expertise online:
1. Consider creating a how to video.
One of the most popular phrases searched for on YouTube or Google is how to. That means that if you want your video to be found by the most people, make sure you use the words how to in the title of the video. In terms of the content for the video, think about some of the questions you most commonly get from your clients. Think of the tabs on your website I bet you have information on site such as:
- Getting your home ready for market
- Pricing your home right
- What to look for in a Realtor
- Who pays for what (closing costs, etc)
- Why you should stage your home
- When is the best time to go on the market
Any one of those topics could be quick 30-45 second videos. You could easily shoot a short video and edit it with a Flip Cam or the Kodak PlayTouch. Upload it to YouTube and then post it on your Facebook page, web site, blog, etc.
Quick Video Tips:
- When you shoot your video practice what you are going to say a couple times before you shoot it and keep it short and to to the point under a minute is best!
- Make sure you start your video with something like:
Hi this is ____ from ______ (company)
This is very important because video (especially if done right) becomes viral, so when your video gets forwarded around, you want people to know who you are and how they can reach you!
2. Answer questions online. There are tons of places where people are asking questions about real estate. Here are a few of my favorite:
- LinkedIn Answers
- Trulia Voices
- Zillow Advice
- Quora
- Your own Facebook page!
Each of these is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your expertise whether it is with 1st time home buyers, luxury listings, vacation/second homes, people downsizing, REOs/short sales, etc. You can also speak to your expertise within a certain county, city or community.
Create an account at one of these sites and then search for relevant questions. Try to make it a point to answer one to two questions per day based on your expertise. The key, just like anything else is time. I recommend starting with just one site and getting your feet wet. If its something you are comfortable with then spend more time on there or expand your expertise to the other sites I mentioned.
3. Publish content that is evergreen.
One of the best things you can do is to create a piece of content that is evergreen meaning it has a very long shelf life. Consider writing a paper on something you are the expert at something people ask you all the time. Perhaps you create a white paper, or a short PDF something that is uniquely you.
You can leverage this in many ways. You can keep it on your website or blog or use it as a carrot for people to sign up for your email newsletter. You could easily take one of the topics mentioned above and expand upon them in a 1-2 page document that becomes your evergreen content.
One last thing
Nothing turns off more people than touting I am the expert!Instead, use these tools to prove your expertise without actually having to say you are the expert. Actions speak louder than words, right?!
Id love your feedback on this subject. Have you done any of the above? Leave me a comment below!
Written by: Katie Lance, Senior Marketing Manager, Inman News @katielance
Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheFutureOfRealEstateMarketing/~3/Fud-UTc0eG0/
