I imagine personal branding began when the second real estate agent come on the scene. It was certainly around long before the internet was thought of.
I remember seeing other real estate agents’ cards with their photo on them – WHAT? What a great idea. Pretty soon, For Sale signs with their photos on them. Brochures with their photo and WHAT? their own personal logo? With their broker’s logo below that? What chutzpah. In case you’re wondering, yes, I followed suit and did all of the above.
Image is important and really important in sales. You can be smart as a whip, but if you don’t look the part, most customers will never give you the chance to prove it. Sad but true.
Let’s dust off 1980 from our shoulders and step into present day. With social media and it’s many wonderful platforms, branding yourself has never been easier. And more interestingly, without having any of Jason Bourne’s skills, you could actually totally re-invent yourself.
The fact is, your social media is already painting a picture of you. #realestatemarketing Click To Tweet
The fact is, your social media is painting a picture of you to all you come across any of your platforms already Do you appear social – savvy? Or more like a fly-by-night not-quite-sure-who-you-are individual?
Let’s look at your online branding and decide if that’s the image you want to project.
There are several parts to branding.
- Your name
- Your image
- Your online name
- Your reputation
- Your network
This is all part of the brand that is you. What your potential customers see online, on various platforms, the picture of who you are in their mind (read that last part again), that’s your brand.
Before you get online, it’s a good idea to go to a graphic artist and a photographer and put together a professional logo and professional headshot. You should also get cover photos customized for you for each of the social media platforms you’re on. They need to be consistent across the board.
With some good graphics and some marketing sense, there’s no reason you can’t look as good online as the most successful real estate agent in town.
When you’re posting, post as if you are directing that piece of information to a real live client standing right in front of you. Describe your new listing like your describing your first date to your best friend (within limits). What I’m trying to say is be enthusiastic online. Be social online. The response you’ll get back will surprise you.
Remember these tips:
- Be consistent in your posting schedule
- Be consistent in your tone
- Be consistent with your graphic styles
- Be helpful
- Be social!
- And always find a a way to flatter your customers online, where the whole world can see.
Do you need some help in presenting a more professional image on your social platform? Send me a note and let’s find a few minutes to talk about your needs.
Do you have specific questions about branding? Leave your questions in the comment area below.