There’s no denying that social media is for more than just being social. Using the various platforms to promote your real estate business is critical in this digital age. Not only can you promote and highlight your own blog posts, insights, and listings, but you can connect with fellow real estate agents, learn tips and tricks, and build relationships with your colleagues and potential clients.

According to a 2018 report, 77% of realtors were using social media. Likewise, 47% of real estate businesses received high quality leads from social media interaction. It’s likely those numbers have risen within the last two years.

It’s no secret that time spent building your social media presence is time well spent, though it may be tricky knowing where to start. We’ve put together a list of steps you can take today to help make your presence on social media more impactful, drawing in your audience and driving traffic to your website.

1. Make use of a Facebook business page

Having a business page on Facebook is a great way to reach a wider audience. While the algorithm that determines who sees your posts and who doesn’t is constantly changing on the social media giant, there’s no denying that any free advertising you can do is worth it. Optimizing your business page will allow you to direct your attention to the demographics of the user base you’re targeting. Not only that, but the business page allows you to book appointments, publish content, and talk with your audience, all in one place.

A business page also allows your current and past clients to leave reviews, which will help potential clients better understand the level of service you provide.

2. Networking

Another great aspect of social media as it allows you to network with other real estate agents. LinkedIn would be a great place to start. You can search for fellow real estate agents, or those you wish to learn from, and connect in a more personal way. You can also post informative articles and videos, comment on other posts, and engage in a meaningful way.

3. Use display images

Instagram was designed around displaying beautiful images. This is a great platform to use to showcase your current listings as well as past listings. You can use the stories feature to provide more personalized updates on your properties.

This is an ever-changing platform, so uploading new photos to your profile frequently is the best way to stay top-of-mind with your audience. Plus, if your audience is consistently seeing your content as they scroll, you’re more likely to be one of their top picks when it comes to buying or selling a home.

4. Share testimonials

Taking time to share testimonials on your various social media platforms is a great way to not only document your client’s satisfaction, but to share their experience with your audience. 93% of local consumers use reviews to determine if a local business is good or bad and 68% of Americans report positive reviews making them more likely to use a business.

Hiring a real estate agent is a big deal. People want someone they can trust. By posting your reviews, you’re giving your potential clients a glimpse into what it’s like to work with you, giving them some peace of mind and nudging them a little closer into working with you.

5. Add property updates and new listings

Even if you don’t have time to get a new listing up on your website, you can update your social media to include your latest properties. Adding a few photos, a short description, and a way to contact you is a huge step in the right direction. By letting your audience know you’ll update them when the full listing is available on your website, but that they can contact you in the meantime for more information, you’re getting your properties in front of them fast than if you waited until you could update your website..

6. Use the right hashtags

Using hashtags with your content on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram is a great way to make sure people can find your posts. People can search certain hashtags, and any post associated with that hashtag will pop up in their search. Make sure you do a little research with a tool like Hashtagify to see which hashtags make the most sense for your content, but you may end up with a list that looks a little like the following:

• #realtor
• #realestate
• #homeinspection
• #homebuyers
• #realestateinvestment
• #propertyforsale

7. Update your blog often

Utilizing your blog is a great way to reach a wide audience. You can create content not only for home buyers and sellers, but for fellow real estate agents. Create content rich, helpful posts that are going to inform and delight your audience. Ideally, most posts are going to help solve a problem your audience is having. Once you create your posts, you can use your social channels to promote that post and reach a wider audience.

8. Include easy ways to contact you

Make sure all of your social media accounts and your posts have easy contact information for your prospective clients. Your job is to get them talking to you, so make it as easy as possible for them to connect with you. Try to include an email address, location, phone number, and your website or blog details in your profiles. In your posts, include the best way to get ahold of you, whether that is through a phone call, email, or comment on the post.

Social media doesn’t have to be difficult. Start small, let your audience know you’re there and you care, and grow as you can.