By Jamie Reddish
As the real estate industry continues to become increasingly competitive, it is critical that real estate professionals brand themselves as local experts. Today’s homebuyers are looking for the “go to person”, the one who understands the local neighborhood and can give them the inside scoop. They are also looking for an authoritative voice that is a trustworthy reliable resource. But it’s more than just understanding the local real estate market, it includes knowing about what’s happening with local businesses, schools, clubs, government and community initiatives and delivering that information to reach as many customers as possible, in a credible consistent fashion. The more information that is shared the more likely you’ll get repeated loyal followers who will share what you know with family, friends and colleagues.
The importance of using online tools to maintain a competitive advantage
In order to break through and be thought of as an expert in a market as fiercely competitive as real estate, that is already inundate with marketing material, you need an online presence where you can clearly stand out and have a platform where your voice can be heard. “Online social signature is the new social security identity for any business, large or small; cannot survive too long without it! If you have any intentions of growing your business, you must have on line presence. Digital Media has made it possible for small businesses to reach far more audience than ever before; to socialize and to engage. It must be considered integral part of any successful strategy for sustaining and growing the business. Digital media is the primary means of communications for generation xyz; you don't have to like it, but must appreciate it to succeed”, states Tony Saleh, President & CEO of TDJ Consulting LLC.
As we are all well aware, just about anything can be found on the Internet.
In a research study done in 2010 by Nielsen Media Research, Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, Audit Bureau of Circulations it states that 46% of people said they get news online at least three times a week, surpassing newspapers (40%) for the first time.
With so much information available from various sources, it’s hard to determine what information is up-to-date and accurate. Consumers are looking for a dependable “one-stop-shop”, a central location to view information, and that includes homebuyers. Buying a home is one of the most important milestones in a person’s life. If you can establish yourself as the “online source” for your community, you can develop a following that can multiple ten-fold.
About the Author: Jamie Reddish, Web and Digital Media Manager, www.xtraxtra.com
As the Web and Digital Media Manager at xtra xtra, Ms. Reddish is responsible for managing day to day operations as well as the editorial and web team. She works collaboratively with management, staff, internal and external content managers, editors and developers to ensure the www.xtraxtra.com site aligns with the brand strategy platform. Ms. Reddish is responsible for website design, development, usability and quality assurance testing. She is proficient in HTML, CSS, PHP, Javascript, MySQL, WordPress, Symfony, Subversion, cross-browser and cross-platform compatibility, Adobe suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, Flash, InDesign and AfterEffects.
Prior to joining EBS Capstone, Ms. Reddish worked as a consultant for numerous hi-tech, retail, non-profit and healthcare organizations developing and managing their online digital strategy and presence.
Ms. Reddish holds B.F.A in Graphic Design and Technology from Emmanuel College. |