Top 10 Articles by Austin Allison in 2011

We noticed that some of the bloggers we follow have been publishing “Top 10” lists. And we loved them! So we decided to do this for some of our regular contributors. Right now, let’s focus on Austin Allison of DotLoop. These are in no particular order:

1) Social Media Penalties for the Real Estate Game
There are penalties in football to keep the game as fair as possible. Players and coaches follow the rules and avoid penalties or they might end up losing yards and even games. Social media also has its own set of unwritten rules and realtors that break them can be held from advancing towards their goals or even end up losing clients. Pay close attention to and avoid these costly penalties.

2) What Does Your Website Say About You?
If you're an agent working today, then you already know the importance of a good web presence. What you may not know, however, is what constitutes 'good'. If you have a website, take a look at this list to make sure you're not falling victim to technology. After all, having a megaphone is one thing; using it wisely is another.

3) You Know You're Working with a Good REALTOR® if...
Buying real estate is always a major investment. Even if the property in question is relatively inexpensive, the buyer needs to consider factors such as property taxes, restrictions on development, how much it will increase in value and whether they’ll be able to sell it in the future. This major investment is highlighted by the fact that many people buy property just once or twice in their lifetime. For these reasons, finding a good REALTOR® becomes just as important as finding the right property. Here are three signs to look for when searching for a REALTOR®.

4) 4 Simple Tips to Be More Efficient with Your iPhone
To take full advantage of your iPhone, you should know how to make use of its features. Take the time to look over the manual, regularly update it with new applications and make sure to incorporate the tips mentioned below.

5) How Social Media Dashboards Boost Your Online Presence
Good, solid communication is vital to success in the real estate industry. However, It can be tough to establish and nurture relationships with lots of potential clients. That’s why many REALTORS® have begun leveraging social media dashboards to aggregate their contacts for more effective and efficient way to direct their communication activities.

6) Leveraging YouTube to Connect with Customers
With nearly 500 million unique visitors per month, YouTube™ frequently ranks among the most highly trafficked websites in the world. Many REATLORS® are using YouTube™ for the same reason any other businesses do: millions of people use it every day! It’s a fantastic platform to showcase properties, introduce yourself, boost your brand and inspire people contact you immediately. Here are a few tips on how to use YouTube™ to your advantage.

7) When Is Your Office Going Paperless?
Using digital materials for marketing, advertising and other purposes has a number of benefits compared to using printed materials. Digital files are much easier to transport, distribute and can save a company thousands of dollars in printing costs. The cost-effective nature of digital documents has been a strong incentive for many large companies to cease using printed materials. One such company, Lockheed Martin, switched from using printed materials for policy manuals to emailing an electronic version to employees that saved the company $250,000!

8) Is Your Online Security Up to Par?
Maintaining our security online is of the utmost importance these days.  With a recent wave of cyber attacks that have targeted larger networks (and succeeded), people are reevaluating their online habits and the information they release. In an effort to beef up your online security, these are a few simple tips.

9) Is Your Web Presence Going Unnoticed?
The Internet is a crucial component of most businesses.  Society’s rapid adoption of technology increases demand for interactive transactions. That’s why so many businesses take specific measures to maximize their presence on the web. With the potential to reach virtually anyone online, it’s important to take time and examine possible strategies to increase traffic to a site.

10) Organize, Simplify, and Exceed Expectations by Demonstrating Your Worth
Albert Einstein once said, "Try not to be a man of success, but a man of value". Quotes made by one of the biggest brains of all time are invaluable for their wisdom and this one is no exception. What Einstein is getting at is that success doesn’t necessarily come from actually trying to be successful. It’s more likely to happen when you strive to be a person of value; someone who actually demonstrates their merit to others by their words, actions, and accomplishments.