Many of us are online more than we are watching t.v. We are all searching different topics on Google and making buying choices based upon our online searches. We are also connecting with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. Many of us are dedicated to specific sites and blogs that capture the essence of our love of a hobby or serve as a reliable resource for us. 

Real estate is one of the most complex industries and processes and most everyone I meet loves to have a conversation about it. What a lost opportunity if we do not offer our expertise through some online presence, whether it be a blog, facebook posts or a website. We have a chance to serve as a trusted resource and to interact with those most interested in our information. Building trust by giving information is the first step in developing a business relationship. So, as an agent, are you offering your expertise online to your clients and prosects? Or, are you missing the opportunity to be seen as the local expert? With any business endeavor, it takes knowledge, a plan and implementation. So, the first step is acknowledging the things you are currently doing that are not getting a return (everyone has them) and scheduling the time. Add an internet strategy to your business plan and find the time to connect online. Without it, you will have plenty of time on your hands as your business floats away to other agents who are busy connecting online with your past clients and future prospects.

“…Melissa Riley`s seminar was on “Promoting Yourself on the Internet”. I kid you not when I say that in the 22 years I`ve been in the business, I have never attended a more comprehensive, better paced, better documented course. She shared valuable, useful information with us in an entertaining and highly pragmatic format. I know that I`m prejudiced in that I`ve adored Melissa for the past decade, but normally being a very critical participant, this program was really exceptional. I look forward to taking her “Blogging” class in the middle of February, and would gladly join any other session she would offer.” Karen Iuliano

I think QR codes will play an interesting role in real estate, especially because they utilize mobile technology and bring information rapidly to the user. Since we are all focused on getting content online, being able to direct a consumer from a small printed QR code to an online presence is fascinating.  We are finding so many different ways to utilize them including business cards, advertising, and direct mail.

So, if you are new to QR codes and would like to test them out: Google “QR Code Readers” for the smart phone you are currently using. Download the “app” for it. It will appear as an icon. Find a QR code in print, and click on your QR code icon, snap the photo and wait a few seconds. You will be directed to the website for that QR code.  For those of us who grew up in the sixties, it may be a reminder of all of the futurist things that George and Judy Jetson had. Maybe, we are actually living in the times that generations before us could only dream of.

In February 2009, I posted http://inktolinks.wordpress.com/2009/02/11/have-a-social-media-plan-man/ which covered the need for a social media strategy. There has been an explosion in usage of social media sites by everyone, crossing all generations. It’s an opportunity to engage potential clients by providing resources and information that they would find helpful in their search for a home, or for the home sale process. Social media is also a perfect tool to generate interest and traffic back to  your website focal point: Your website or blog. For a real estate professional, it’s also a great tool to listen to what our consumers are saying and thinking about. That should also be a consideration in the content you provide on the internet. What consumers are asking about has to align with your internet strategy.

Getting found on the internet and through Google, takes an intentional, and constant strategy. Your personality has to shine through in your internet presence, so your direct involvement and understanding of the internet is a must. By varying your strategy with key word-laden profiles on real estate-related sites, adding to other popular blogs and forums and by contributing in creative ways, you will be indexed on Google with the tie-in to real estate in your area. It doesn’t happen magically, so you will need a plan, and to set up a “Google alert” to track your effectiveness. Google will continue to be the driving force of search and how consumers will find you OR your competition. By keeping up with where you are found on Google, you will begin to see what works effectively for you on the internet, what to repeat and what to stop doing.

Last night, I had a hour long “conversation” with about ten people under the hashtag #REChat. We talked about blogging and developing our client base. It was very fast-paced and interesting. It’s obvious that people approach things differently, so we can learn from others. Some of the greatest contributions are made from people outside the real estate industry. In fact, I find those people the most fascinating.

I would encourage you to set up a Twitter account and engage in conversation. Follow people first and they will follow you. That provides “tweets” in your “twitterstream”. By following people, you will see hashtags with topics that may interest you. Pick a hashtag and jump into the conversation. Growing your online community will help you learn, build your resources and your business. It takes a life of its own and adds so many different dimensions to your thinking. Make it part of your internet plan for 2011.