Introduction to Real Estate Digital Marketing

In our ever-evolving world of technology, there’s been a paradigm shift. The traditional methods of handshakes and open house signs, while still significant, have found their themselves in the vast realm of the digital landscape. For today’s real estate agent, the shift to digital marketing isn’t just recommended; it’s indispensable. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey to understand why.

Why Real Estate Agents Must Embrace Digital Marketing

1. Global Reach, Local Touch: The beauty of digital marketing lies in its vast reach. With the right strategies, a property listing can be viewed from anywhere across the globe. Yet, with tools like Local Search Engine Optimization, you can also cater to the local populace, ensuring your digital presence resonates with the “locality essence” that real estate thrives on.
2. Engage, Educate, Convert: Social Media platforms aren’t just for fun anecdotes and family photos anymore. They’re bustling marketplaces where you can engage with potential clients, educate them with informative posts about the housing market, and, ultimately, convert these digital interactions into real-world transactions.
3. Analytics – The Digital Compass: The digital world provides real estate agents with an advantage that traditional methods seldom offered – measurable results. Platforms offer analytics that can guide future campaigns, ensuring you’re always on the right path. See the episode Real Estate Web Analytics 101
4. Cost-Effective Branding: Digital marketing allows for targeted branding without breaking the bank. Whether you’re spotlighting a luxury property with a niche ad on social media or sharing client testimonials on your website, you’re continuously building and refining your brand.
5. Real-time Feedback and Adaptability: Digital platforms provide real-time feedback. From a comment on a blog post to direct messages from potential buyers, you’re always in touch, always listening, and, most importantly, always evolving based on client needs and feedback.
6. Diverse Tools, Singular Goal: From SEO to SMS marketing, the plethora of digital tools available ensures there’s something for every real estate objective. Whether it’s nurturing leads via email campaigns or showcasing virtual property tours on YouTube, the digital realm offers a mosaic of opportunities, each tile contributing to the grand image of success.

The Digital Marketing Tools of a Realtor

So what are the first steps down the digital marketing journey? Well, here are the tools that a real estate agent has in their digital marketing utility belt and that they need to have a basic understanding of:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): What do most people do when they are looking for something? They do a Google Search. SEO is the process that makes it easier for your prospects to be on the first page of that search. See episode Real Estate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101
2. Local Search Engine Optimization: Here, the spotlight shifts to your local community. By focusing on Local SEO, you’re essentially lighting up a luminous signpost on platforms like Google Business, broadcasting a clear “I’m here to serve!” to the local clientele. As real estate agents know, location is everything; and Local SEO ensures you’re seen in your prime location. See episode Real Estate Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) 101
3. Social Media Marketing: Dive into the vibrant world of social media to foster genuine connections. By engaging, sharing, and building a digital community, you set the stage to gain trust and provide value. See the episode Real Estate Social Media Marketing 101.
4. Email Marketing: Your tool for continuous engagement, email marketing is all about nurturing leads, delivering rich content, and keeping your brand at the forefront of your clients’ minds. See the episode Real Estate Email Marketing 101.
5. Text (SMS) Marketing: What’s the best way to reach your clients? It’s by text. Developing a text marketing strategy is essential. See episode Real Estate Text Marketing 101.
6. Content Marketing: Envision offering your clientele an immersive behind-the-scenes tour. Through compelling content, you not only showcase your expertise but also provide valuable insights, drawing them closer to your brand. In addition, content marketing is one of the key factors in improving your site’s SEO. See episode, Real Estate Content Marketing 101.
7. Video Marketing: Videos has become an indispensable tool for real estate agents looking to showcase their property listings and engage with potential buyers. With a large number of internet users regularly consuming online video content, the opportunity to connect with a wider audience is significant. See episode Real Estate Video Marketing 101.
8. Online Advertising: Amplify your reach with targeted paid ads on leading platforms. Harness their intricate targeting capabilities to spotlight your services to the ideal audience—those genuinely interested in what you have to offer. See episode Real Estate Online Advertising 101.
9. Real Estate Online Platforms: there are a number of platforms that realtors can leverage to enhance their business; the big three being Zillow, Realtor.com, and Trulia. Having a basic understanding of these platforms will give you a competitive advantage. See episode Real Estate Online Platforms 101.
10. Reputation Management: In business, reputation is everything. In the digital world, a good reputation can help build your business but conversely, negative feedback can make your reputation go south quickly. You need to monitor and be aware of your reputation and if needed respond accordingly. See the episode, Real Estate Online Reputation Management 101.

Harnessing these strategies is akin to equipping yourself with the ultimate toolkit, one that can transform your presence in the real estate market. Caution, there are digital marketing pitfalls that you need to avoid. Don’t have the time nor the expertise to implement and manage your digital marketing efforts? In our next episode, we’ll discuss hiring a digital marketing consultant for your real estate business.

About the Author

Larry Hales is a seasoned and multi-faceted technology professional. His passion all-things tech began with his first computer in 1984 and it has stayed with him ever since.  Larry is the CEO and Co-Founder of MarketingHero.   Previously, he served as the Marketing Technology Director at West, Williston Financial Group Company, where he coaches and guides Real Estate Agents on how to better leverage technology in their business. His 25 years of photography, design and printing, combined with his knowledge of digital advertising and brand building, gives him a unique perspective of marketing from different angles. When he isn’t busy being a proud computer geek, Larry enjoys trail running, hiking, mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, and anything else that gets him outside.