RISMedia
Published: 07/19/2012
Posted by: RET Staff

We are living in a hyper-connected world. From blogs to Twitter, today's consumers know that they have the power to choose how and when they consume content.

Just as the effectiveness of telemarketing, trade shows and traditional marketing dwindled over time, so has online marketing. In order to remain relevant and stay top of mind, today's real estate professional must know what tools they have available and how to make the most of them.

Whether it is Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or your own real estate blog, following a few basic best practices will keep old school habits from making their way in to your online marketing efforts.

1. Stay Compliant

Always remember to stay in compliance with your state advertising laws, the Code of Ethics and Fair Housing Laws.

Using the internet to market your business also means you will need to keep your website up-to-date and in compliance. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 88 percent of home buyers searched for their new home online before enlisting the services of an agent. Ensure that you are easy to find and your credibility is supported via local and national associations.

2. Define Your Audience

Who are you trying to reach? In real estate, one size does not fit all. Make sure you understand the needs of your audience and what drives their decisions. Take this knowledge and create a streamlined look and feel across your blog, website and social media channels.