Christy Hoskins, founder of Professionalpedia and LinkedIn expert shares how to leverage LinkedIn as more than just a networking tool.
In today’s world, social media is a networking, marketing and social tool used by almost everyone. The question is, which platforms will reach your audience? Believe it or not, correctly using LinkedIn may unlock more connections who turn into future clients.
Millennials and younger generations are changing the way business is done. Now, before a realtor is hired, they are researched and evaluated. What does your LinkedIn profile say about you? Hoskins gives the example of two realtors. One who does a fantastic job, is extremely thorough and gives her customers an elite experience but who’s online presence is minimal. The other may not offer great service, and lacks knowledge of the industry, but they know how to present online. Chances are, the lackluster agent is getting just as much if not more business.
Online presence and professionalism is key.
Engage Online
Share, like and comment on posts. Get your name out there by being attentive to what is going on in the community.
Hoskins suggests everyone start by customizing their URL, updating their profile, and background picture. Under “edit public profile” there are numerous ways that you can change and edit your profile to look more professional, detailed and most importantly, like you! Change your profile picture often, keep it up to date.
What to Say?
Once you are engaging and your photos are up to date, focus on your verbiage. Make sure that your contact information is accessible and accurate. Your headline should be descriptive and precise. Hoskin uses the example “selling homes in Brentwood”. Let clients and other agents know where you are and what locations you cover.
About Me:
Hoskin suggests that agents use this section to include keywords relating to the industry. What is being searched when people look for a realtor? She suggests using both “real estate agent” and “realtor” in this section. Make it easy for people to find you and know who you are. Avoid making the “about me” section seem cold by writing why you love what you do and what makes being a realtor fun!
Experience
It can be hard as humans to talk about ourselves, but here is your chance to let prospective buyers know you are the real deal. List your designations and all the amazing things you’ve accomplished in your career. Hoskin advises, “leverage the media section. You can put pictures of you winning awards. Show yourself on committees with peers, and with home buyers.”
Education and Volunteer
List any licenses, certifications or anything you do to volunteer in this section. Write about what you are doing in the community.
Skills, Endorsements and Recommendations
Bullet point your skills! LinkedIn allows up to 50 skills to be listed. Use things that are keywords in real estate. Solicit endorsements; they look great on your profile. If you know someone who is doing a great job, endorse them. They just may do the same for you.
Collaborate
Connect and collaborate with other agents doing the same exact thing as you. If you like what they’ve posted, let them know or feel free to share it on your own. Feed off other agents and build off one another.
“Be valuable; what you write about doesn’t always have to be about real estate.”
