5 Buzzworthy Real Estate Marketing Trends You Can Use

2018 was a tremendous year for the real estate industry, and 2019 is shaping up to be just as big! In 2018, real estate agents saw innovative digital technologies begin to change the way business is done. Customers looking for home listings have shifted their research almost entirely online.

In 2019, emerging technologies will start to transform agents' day-to-day workflow. More things that were once considered "nice to have" will become online branding necessities. Below, we predict what will be most buzzworthy in 2019.

1. Live Chat Will Be Important on Real Estate Websites

Live chat has long been one of the most effective ways to raise engagement on your website. When prospective clients see a quick way to contact you, they are more likely to reach out. More and more agents have adopted live chat as a means of meeting prospects.

The problem: Live chat usually means someone has to be on the other side running things. But that doesn't mean you need a full-time customer service rep. Artificial intelligence is now advanced enough to answer basic questions, schedule appointments, and more.

2. Hyper-Local Content Will Position Agents as THE Local Experts

No matter where you are, odds are good you're not the only real estate agent in town. Today's customers use a generic Google search as their first port-of-call when looking for a real estate agent. The glimpse they get of your digital footprint is their first impression of you.

Home buyers and sellers are asking themselves:

• Do you have a large pool of credible online reviews and testimonials?
• Is your website represented in the top Google results for your market?
• Have you taken control of local listings that verify your firm's details?
• Do you have amazing website content that shows your local expertise?

3. An Email Marketing Renaissance Will Help Agents Nurture Leads

It may take weeks, months, or even years for a contact to get involved in a real estate transaction. So, how can you build a relationship of trust with future clients who may not need you soon?

The answer is email marketing. With informative, helpful, personalized content, agents have a chance to stay "top of mind" with website visitors who won't make their big move for a while. Email marketing takes dedication and focus since you'll be forgotten if you don't contact your subscribers on a regular basis. But it's now easier than ever, and more agents are taking notice.

4. Digital Open Houses Will Continue to Grow More Mainstream

Today's listings need high-quality photographs to be successful. If you want to go a step further in attracting motivated, transaction-ready buyers, however, digital open houses are the key. Digital open houses allow participants to experience a home as if they are there. This enables them to engage with a listing and get more information even if they can't attend in person. It also makes them more likely to follow up with you and take concrete action.

5. Facebook Will Become a Cornerstone of Agent Outreach

Facebook is the perfect platform for agents to connect with their communities. Just like a home, it's where people feel free to be themselves.

To counteract shrinking reach on the Facebook newsfeed, agents can create branded social communities for prospective customers. Agents can also leverage Facebook's streaming video platform, one of the easiest ways for any small business owner to create and distribute videos. Video content is fresh, fun, and holds attention on the mobile web, where most of your site's visitors will find you.

To view the original article, visit the Delta Media Group blog.