They said WHAT about me?

Note: This article originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of the REAL Trends Newsletter and is reprinted with permission of REAL Trends Inc. Copyright 2015

TIPS TO MANAGE YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION

Successful businesses make it a priority to build, manage and maintain a positive reputation for their brand

Studies show that 90 percent of homebuyers begin a search for their dream home online. That means that nine out of every 10 prospects learn about you through your online presence before they even consider working with you. If they aren’t searching your website, perhaps they’ve come across your listings on an IDX site or viewed your profile on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or your blog.

Remember, you are your own business and a positive brand reputation can help you grow even further to achieve your goals. How are your online and social pages showcasing your reputation?

Here are some tips to help you manage your online reputation:

1. DON’T SKIMP ON YOUR WEBSITE BUDGET. Your business is being found first online so make sure your online presence attracts new clients. Your website is one of the most important investments you’ll make and will help you grow your business.

2. UPDATE YOUR WEBSITE CONTENT REGULARLY TO SHOW ENGAGEMENT AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRY AND TRENDING TOPICS. Listen to the questions your prospects and clients are asking most often; provide Q&As on your website covering these common questions and highlight these topics through your website, social and blog content.

3. PROVIDE INFORMATION ON YOUR WEBSITE AND YOUR SOCIAL FEEDS THAT YOUR PROSPECTS AND CLIENTS CAN PUT TO GOOD USE. This can also include sharing blog and social content from other trusted sources. This is an effective way of providing useful information without taking up a lot of your time.

4. MAINTAIN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE. Update your Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn frequently. While you’re at it, interact on blogs and with your followers on social channels. This encourages a positive, two-way conversation and shows your engagement with your audience.

5. STAY POSITIVE ON YOUR WEBSITE, SOCIAL AND BLOG. Your social presence is an introduction to your brand for prospective clients. Be optimistic and supportive in order to win over skeptics and attract new clients.
If you’re unsure of how your online reputation ranks, evaluate it. Search your name and your company’s name on the top search engines to see the results and where you rank on the page. Review your website and your social media profiles to see how up-to-date the information is, how active you’ve been on your social feeds and how consistent your profiles are across your online and social channels. You may find that you need to spruce things up a little.

The best part is that there are website and social media support services available to real estate professionals. They range from website providers who will manage your entire website, with updates and SEO management to ensure your website is found online first, to social media support that will post to your social channels so you can focus on serving your clients and selling houses.

Take a look at the new Agent Marketing Platform (AMP) from Lone Wolf Real Estate Technologies. It offers a variety of agent services including simple and effective online marketing strategies and coaching, as well as websites and support to get your website up and running. If you need help keeping your social presence active, there are services for that too. Visit WWW.AGENTWOLF.COM to learn more.

This article originally appeared in the May 2015 issue of the REAL Trends Newsletter and is reprinted with permission of REAL Trends Inc. Copyright 2015

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