Real estate agents with years of property sales experience know the intrinsic value of networking. Not only does professional networking provide connections within the real estate industry itself, but it can also be a powerful catalyst for cultivating new clients and generating qualified leads. When looking to optimize networking opportunities in 2021, agents and brokers shouldn’t overlook the power of today’s online platforms.
Why do we say online networking is key to creating and maintaining success in the real estate business? And, what are the best ways for brokers and agents to network online? To find out, keep reading.
Today, we’re sharing High Growth Life’s top tips for discovering valuable online networking opportunities.
Networking on Social Media Generates Leads
A recent study has shown that in 2020, 44% of real estate agents acquired at least one new client through social media. Social media has now become the second most effective way to generate new leads in the property business, after referrals. This goes to show how having an active presence on social media is now essential for new and established real estate agents.
Choosing the right platform to set up a healthy profile for your business is important for having success online. Real estate agents should consider the following platforms for business networking opportunities:
- Zillow
Tip: Building a presence online takes time. If you don’t have time to maintain an active presence on several platforms, choose one or two and focus your efforts on them.
Develop Local Relationships with Online Networking
Once a presence is established, being active on your selected platforms is absolutely critical. Social media platforms are where people – all people, seek out information, guidance, and relationships.
Prior to the internet, networking within your community meant getting out, getting involved, and getting to know the people in your community. For example, making eye contact with the regular coffee barista, or volunteering with a local sports organization were great strategies to network with the public. These classic networking methods embraced being social, approachable, and trustworthy. This approach still rings true today and should also be applied to behaviour while online.
Being active, connected, and responsive on local social media outlets will undoubtedly help to build trust within your community.
Local Networking Tips
Tips for online networking with your local community include:
- Join community groups, such as the many found on Facebook, and comment on relevant posts.
- Use locally sourced hashtags to find new people to connect with on Instagram, Twitter, or FaceBook.
- Follow local businesses you patronize and comment on the products or services you support.
- Post positive comments and reviews about local businesses, services, or outdoor areas you regularly visit.
Network with Other Real Estate Agents Online
Just as local, community based relationships are vital to your property business, equally so are your industry-related relationships. Developing good relationships with other agents, lawyers, mortgage lenders, tradespeople, and others is critical to developing the supportive team you need behind you.
Finding such valuable connections can be done virtually from your phone, laptop, or other electronic device. With a search engine and stable wi-fi connection, real estate agents can build relationships to increase the success and profitability of their business.
Online Networking Industry Experts: eXp Realty
Those who are connected to virtual brokerages, such as the growing brokerage eXp Realty, will have multiple professional community connections, resources, and training opportunities at their fingertips.
Other benefits of belonging to a cloud-based brokerage include:
- Fair commission splits
- Zero desk or franchise fees
- World class training opportunities
Online Networking: The New Normal
Virtual connections are growing in popularity and quality. During the COVID19 pandemic, restrictions on in-person meetings have led people to seek out new virtual communication methods.
While adapting to online communication has been interesting, one thing we’ve learned through this experience is that meaningful connections while being socially distanced are still possible. For more information on how to improve your real estate business, reach out to the team at High Growth Realty.
