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 it’s 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?!
I’d 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
