Social media is one of the fastest growing methods of communication. Everyday literally thousands upon thousands of people join one of the major social media communities such as Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest among others. Using social media is the perfect opportunity for a Realtor to market to those that are interested in Real Estate.

1. How to use Social Media in Real Estate Industry
With the explosion of social media, it’s no wonder that real estate agents might be confused about what to do first. But there is an answer: SEO (search engine optimization). It’s an intimidating term, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Also Social media is all about building trust and creating engagement. In order to have any of your postings about a listing be successful, you must first prove that you are on the site to get to know your followers and give them valuable information. Even after you have gained their trust, you need to keep it by remembering that social media is about being social, not making sales (as far as they are concerned).
By using social media to direct traffic back to your site (SEO) you must first understand the specific uses of the following sites, what you can accomplish by using them and most important how.
Use Google Plus for Search Results
The main reason you need an active profile on Google Plus is because it can directly relate to how your website and blog posts are showing up in Google’s search ranks. Google ranks pages that contain links associated with Google Plus profiles, higher. Therefore, if you set it up right, you can get your picture next to your blog posts in the rankings, which means your rate will be likely higher.
Example:

2. Use Facebook for the Biggest Audience
Firstly, all you need to do is set up a Business Page. It’s pretty easy, and you can start posting right away. Facebook will be the most effective for selling homes if you can remember these few key details:
 You only want to post about something you are selling about once a week. The rest of the time should be about interesting quotes, funny anecdotes, or links to articles you think your audience will find interesting and useful.
 When you do post about your listing, use photos. They rank higher in Facebook’s algorithm and are more likely to get shared.
 If anyone comments on your post, make sure you interact with him or her. Facebook is a two-way street, and not doing so may backfire instead of help you.
 Use hashtags to make your post searchable by interested parties.
Example:
Use Twitter as a Teaser
Twitter is not just about finding out what your favorite celebrity ate for breakfast, it can actually be a very powerful business tool and can be a great way to lead people directly to your home listings. After you set up your Twitter account, you can start tweeting about your listing and not just this. Some key tips to follow for Twitter are:

3.  Each tweet only gets 140 characters, which has to include the link to your listing. You can use a URL converter to make your link short so you have more room for the part that will actually entice readers to click it.
 Get creative. Send out a tweet about interesting information, followed by the link to the listing. A simple, “Check out this beautiful home for sale!” will get you nowhere. You constantly need to engage with your readers.
 Always keep in mind that social media is about building relationships and not selling. The #1 Realtor social media blunder is posting about listings and nothing else.
Example:
Here are in my opinion some of the Best Twitter and Facebook Practices for Real Estate companies.
 Plan a messaging schedule plan working on the premise of 80% newsworthy content & 20% sales messages by directing traffic back to your social networks on all the social channels.
 Make sure you have a good quality picture and great logo.
 Make sure your description is as good as it can be for both yourself and your company.
 Set up Google alerts, RSS feeds, and subscribe to key websites for good content that you can share regularly.
 Design a background that’s colorful and compelling. This is your shop window, and first impression always counts.
 Include your Twitter and Facebook logo on your email signatures, website, and all marketing material. You need to market the fact that you have a Social Media accounts.

4.  Ask your friends/family to follow you. And certainly suggest it on any client communications and on your letterhead.
 Send an email blast to all your database contacts explaining that you are now on Social Media and encourage them to follow you.
 Ask every single client that your staff speak to, to follow you.
 Set up lists of your favorite followers and favorite subjects.
 Write down all your suppliers. Then find them on Social Media, have conversations, and recommend them. A lot of them will reciprocate.
 Follow reputable local companies and create a supportive network. There’s strength in numbers.
 When you have a new follower, mention them and thank them.
 Make sure you have an online reputation guide and use it to make sure you are following the conventions.
 Follow the top 100 bloggers on real estate. (Find these through apps like Traackr.)
 Make good use of the hashtag. This will attract more relevant followers.
 Search and follow all builders on Social Media.
 If you have a testimonials website tab, post the link. There’s nothing better than recommendations.
 Think about what a landlord/vendor would find beneficial.
 Think about what time of day is best for certain tweets.
 Listen very closely to what people search on. Set up saved search terms such as (apt Thessaloniki) (realtor Thessaloniki) (estate agent Thessaloniki).Then check daily. You will be surprised how many people tweet using these terms. Then politely ask them if they require any help. Simple but very effective.
Cross-Networking
 Post newsworthy links about regional related news. Use your own blog and put on your reporter’s hat to describe the current state of real estate in your area.
 Plan special offers/competitions that encourage followers to share and like you on Facebook/Twitter.
 See what is trending on Facebook/Twitter and get involved. Relevancy will attract more followers.

5.  “Favorite” recommendations on Facebook/Twitter.
 Strike up a conversation with a new follower or two every day.
 Take pictures of staff, office, local landmarks and sights. Followers like to put a face to a company name.
 Find quality pictures of local area and sell the lifestyle.
 Try and post amusing pictures/videos to entertain your audience. With low frequency.
 Ask questions and do not be afraid to ask for advice when necessary.
 Always re-read your tweet-post before posting.
Hashtags are very relevant in Social Media, so make sure to leave some room to add them to make it searchable
What to Tweet/Post and not to Tweet/Post
 Tweet/Post unusual properties.
 Tweet/Post a featured property of the week.
 Tweet/Post local house prices.
 Tweet/Post home improvement hints & tips (especially videos).
 Do not Tweet/Post your frustrations about a vendor/buyer etc.
 Do not Tweet/Post when you have just had a disappointment.
 Do not Tweet/Post when you are angry or having a bad day.
 Do not Tweet/Post every single property.
Use Pinterest to Approach Home Enthusiasts
Pinterest is the ideal social media platform to sell a home because it is entirely visual. Is about people pinning interesting, inspiring, or creative images to their virtual bulletin boards that get shared with all of their friends, family, and acquaintances.
If you want to reach people who are passionate about homes, home decor, and do-it- yourself projects, Pinterest is what you are looking for. Here are some things to keep in mind after your Pinterest account is set up:
 Choose photos that are likely to get re-pinned. The Pinterest audience is looking for amazing home decor, stunning architecture, or unique features, so focus on those. You want your pin to end up on someone’s “Dream Home” board.
 Make sure all of the photos from the home you are selling have links that lead directly to your website’s listing of the home.

6.  Only make one board about the homes you are selling (or you can make one for each home, and then simply delete it when it is sold). The rest of the boards on your profile should be about home decor ideas, weekend home improvement ideas, and other things a homeowner would be interested in. In order to gain a larger audience of followers you are going to need to pin articles that would have interest to a large number of people. It is what you pin, that will attract someone to choose following you or not. So for example if you have an article on top home selling tips this would be an excellent to share it on Pinterest.
Get more followers for increased exposure: One of the better things you can do on Pinterest to extend your reach is to join a good group board within. A top Realtor group board is the perfect way for your content to get seen by (Realtor is a frequently used word in many countries to describe any person or company involved in the real estate trade).
Example:
Use LinkedIn to get full access to professional network
The most popular business networking social media sites, LinkedIn is a great opportunity to connect with people looking to buy a home, sell a property, or to search for leads.
In this example, April’s profile is complete, keyword focused, and relevant. She includes:

7.  A professional photo
 “Real Estate Agent” in the title
 The geographic location for listings
 A customized LinkedIn contact URL
 A link to her website
 Keywords to help target a search, such as “New Jersey,” “Real Estate,” “Buying and Selling,” “Realtor Magazine,” “New construction specialist,” and “Coldwell Banker”
Also very useful tool for Real Estate Industry is to create a community page. Often buyers when they are getting ready to be relocated to another part of the country or even within their own city, they would like to learn more about their potential destination. This is a great opportunity for a local Realtor to show his expertise. A successful example was created by Bill Gassett of RE/MAX executive Realty in Massachusetts.
Examples of topics:
 How good is the city’s-municipality’s school system.
 How easily accessible is the highway or the major routes.
 What is the communities crime rate.
 Is there public transportation such as a bus or train.
In conclusion social media in my opinion must be based in the next quote: Built your network before you need it. I hope you enjoyed it and I am looking forward for your feedback.