2020 was a year of many firsts. Regardless of the industry, we were all forced to rethink the way we conduct our business. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the way of real estate as we know it.
Suddenly open houses, meeting with potential buyers, signing paperwork among many other things became much more difficult. REALTORS® had to shift their focus and develop new marketing strategies. Here is what we learned and what we can take with us into the new year.
Social Media Marketing is a Must
If you thought the way of real estate was going digital before, consider relying on technology even more now. As physical interactions dwindle, it’s important to look to social media and find new ways to connect with current and prospective clients.
Be sure to leverage all social media platforms to the best of your ability. Whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, among other things, develop a marketing plan that works for you. Take time at the beginning of the week to schedule your content for the week and make sure you are keeping your audience engaged.
With social distancing and quarantining still in effect, it’s crucial that we turn all our efforts to maintain a strong digital presence.
Take Advantage of Virtual Tours
The days of home walk–throughs are changing as we try to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Of course, a monumental part of the home buying experience includes walking through potential homes. As open houses and home walkthroughs became more and more limited, it was time to rethink things.
Virtual tours are a safe alternative for clients to view homes from the safety and comfort of their own current home. This trend is expected to carry over into 2021 as it does make viewing more homes in a short amount of time, more realistic. Especially for clients who don’t currently live in the area they are looking to buy in.
Give Back to the Community
Of course, it’s always important to give back to your community. This year, however, there has been an increased demand for helping hands. The rise of COVID-19 has caused many people and businesses to fall on hard times.
Consider getting involved with a local charity or give back by helping with food drives, volunteering at your animal local shelter, make masks, do whatever you have the capability of doing to be of service to others. Not only is this the right thing to do for those in need, but it is also a great way to showcase your values and morals. Showing the public what kind of a person you are, may increase the chances of people wanting to work with you.
People want to work with REALTORS® who are genuine and will look out for their best interest. Seeing that you are the type of person who helps serve others, will help you look more appealing.
Get in Front of the Camera
We all know that social media is our best marketing tool during this increasingly digital time. However, we need to be thinking beyond just your average Facebook ads and Instagram posts. Consider actually getting in front of your camera and talking directly to your audience! They may not have the chance to get to know you face-to-face which is why it’s so important you take advantage of technology to help get a taste of your personality across to your audience.
With a decision as big as buying or selling a home, people want to feel as though they trust the person they work with. The better they can get to know you, the better chance you have at a strong relationship with the client.
Leverage Drone Footage
This year more than ever, we had to learn how to adapt to doing things from afar. Whether this is in the form of online grocery shopping, remote schooling, or viewing a property, we have found ways to do what were once in-person things, from the comfort of our homes.
This is no different from using drone footage to view a property. We all know there is more to consider than just the inside of a home. Many people want to walk the property, see what the houses around them are like, and get an overall sense of the neighborhood. Aerial drone footage is a great resource to take advantage of to give your clients the most realistic idea of a property they are interested in.
2020 pushed many of us out of our comfort zones. Despite all the challenges, this year strengthened many of our digital skills and taught us new and creative ways to work as REALTORS®. Be sure to continue working on these skills as they will help serve you into the new year!