If our website and social media accounts are not up to date people will go elsewhere. There it is, I said it.
I visit real estate agent websites and social media accounts all day and I come across agents who are doing a great job with them and others who are not. Top Agent Kelly Weisfield from Mercer Island, Washington has a great online presence. She consistently posts branded content on both Instagram and Facebook. She also recently started a monthly market update video blog. If another agent in your market is posting regularly to their hyper-local blog (at least once a month), and have up-to-date Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts, they may get a lead instead of you. Especially if their content is authentic, educational, and/or entertaining.
Headshots
What does your personal icon look like? You know that photo of your face that shows up every time someone gets an email from you? Is it time for a new headshot? I see some great headshots and I see many really poor ones. I had a professional photographer favorably comment on San Antonio agent Matthew Resnick’s Instagram photo I posted this week on the Top Agent Portfolio account.
Real estate agents are notorious for updating their headshots once every decade. If you haven’t hired a professional photographer to capture a portfolio of great photos of you (and your team) in the last five years, how about committing to it this year? Like it or not, we look different than we did 10 years ago and our photos need to accurately represent us. They are worth their weight in gold and the great news is — you can use them across all your social media channels.
Zillow
Do you have a Zillow profile? When I worked with buyers and sellers every day, I wasn’t a big fan of Zillow and did absolutely nothing with my profile on the platform. That was a big mistake. Buyers and sellers use the ‘Agent Finder’ search there all the time. I’ve talked to several agents who get free leads from Zillow. Why wouldn’t you use it? If you have an outdated profile, you may be losing leads to other top agents in your city. Top Agent Tilly Mezger does a good job of keeping her Zillow profile updated to capture Truckee, CA leads.
Feed it or delete it
Researching agents all day, every day has led me to several conclusions:
First, get at least one (I recommend several) updated professional headshot. I’m sure you’ve noticed, agents are creating very effective social media posts with multiple headshots.
Second, delete a social media account if you’re not using it on a regular basis, or… start using it on a regular basis.
Lastly, Google yourself and look through the first couple of pages in your search. You’ll be amazed at what you see. Then, update or delete your professionally syndicated accounts like Realtor.com. You’ll be happy you did.
You know how the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Online presence is our new first impression.
