Before social media invaded the world of real estate, agents effectively marketed themselves through channels like cold calling, bus benches, billboards, and door knocking. Though these marketing strategies still work today, they can't compete with the global reach of social media.

Social media is non-negotiable in today's real estate market, yet many real estate professionals haven't begun to utilize it effectively.

Technology will never replace an Agent. However, an Agent with technology will replace an Agent without technology.

Today we must document the buying and selling of a house through storytelling that includes step-by-step processes, photos, and videos. Every REALTOR is an influencer with a mobile device that can capture local content in real-time.

The most important thing you need to have in all your marketing and business development is intention. Ultimately if your intentions are good and you want to help people, it will show through all of your content and social media posts. Please make sure everything you do has a strategy and is consistent. The strategy that works is the one that you follow through with.

Social media doesn't have to be difficult if we stick to a simple system. Building social media into your schedule means you'll always be consistent. Keeping track of life events gives us something to connect with people on, and using videos makes us more engaging. It's all about using social media to listen, allowing you to implement cost-effective strategies and tools that can increase your leads.

Invest 60 minutes daily on social media: listening, updating your database, and finding out what's important. 

“People are telling you all of their business in real-time about every significant life occurrence that could lead to a successful real estate transaction.” -Marki Lemons-Ryhal

Every element of real estate has a tech component; nowadays, every part of our marketing and branding has a social media aspect. So the way we utilize social media is critical. You won't make an impact if we're constantly posting content that sells to people; it won't pique their interest and doesn't authentically show who we are. The relevance and authenticity of your content are how people make a connection with you, and it makes them want to buy from you.

Outsource your routine social media practices but not your messaging.

"They used to say a picture is worth a thousand words. Today, one minute of video content is worth 1.8 million words. It would be best if you were creating those one-minute videos." -Marki Lemons-Ryhal

To get ahead using social media, video content is non-negotiable. While professional video is popular (and advisable, when possible), remember that your videos need to serve your audience's needs at the core. Create content for the people you want to attract to bring you new business; when you don't have all the answers, interview experts. You can even speak to people in your area of influence. Always be sure to keep the camera rolling whether you or you do not like how you look or sound.

Join my Free workshop, THE 6-FIGURE REALTOR® WORKSHOP. This workshop is your FREE roadmap to grow your Real Estate business Sustainably. You can also get my social media journal to elevate your business: The Social Selling Journal: A 66 Day Guide to Creating the Habits to Achieve Your Business Social Goals.

Marki Lemons Ryhal is a licensed Managing Broker, REALTOR®, avid volunteer, Major Donor, and Author of The Modern Real Estate Professionals Guide to Success. In 2019 Marki was nominated as an RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmaker and inducted into the REBAC Hall of Fame.