Realtors who get social media marketing: Ines Hegedus-Garcia
When it comes to the use of social media tools like blogs, social networks and even Twitter for marketing purposes, Realtors get it. Well, at least some do. Let's put it this way -- those who get it really get it!
I'm starting a series of posts containing interviews done with some of real estate's cream of the crop. The first is with my dear friend and protege, Ines Hegedus-Garcia.
Ines and I have a special relationship. I was her coach for Project Blogger, a contest sponsored by Active Rain where veteran bloggers were paired with newbies.
While we didn't win, the contest provided us ample opportunity to learn from each other about how to use blogs for marketing purposes. I have to say I learned as much from Ines as she did from me.
Here's the interview...
What is your opinion on Realtors and blogging? Is it a useful tool to generate leads?
Most Realtors are not seeing the value and they are sitting back and watching those that blog get ahead. I am beginning to see a shift in my local market with top producers inquiring about the ROI and the benefits.
For us and our business it's been an incredible tool to generate leads.
How does one achieve that?
We are achieving the additional business through something you suggested to me early on - a call to action. We incorporated a lead generation tool into Miamism to capture inquiries and help us convert those into real business.
What are some practical tips you could provide on the best way to use a blog?
One of the most practical pieces of advice I can give about blogging for real estate business is to write about your niche. Blogging actually allows for Realtors to concentrate on the type of business they want. Whether it's luxury or foreclosures...focus, focus, focus!
Blogging allows Realtors to show their added value by writing about their expertise and everyday situations. It also opens up dialog with the consumer and they can feel comfortable with the Realtor's style and business ethic before they even meet them in person.
Take a look at this testimonial I received a couple of weeks ago from a reader:
"Dear friends, my name is Luis Falcon, one day and what seems like an eternity ago, I visited Miami on what was to be a weeks vacation, upon stepping off the bus (La Cubana from Jersey) I looked up at the blue skies and heard/saw parrots flying by, at that moment I realized, I would be in Miami for a while... I stayed 14 years. I worked for City of Miami Beach, News Café, Handy Van in Dade County, Miami Children's Hospital and Club Nu (back in the day.) Me quise llenar como un baso llenándose de jugo en un día caliente! I could not get enough of that place!
"I currently work in NY and spend my days dreaming of coming HOME, I happened to stumble upon your website today as I was looking for real estate info and was so impressed I had to write you. I recently got married and have plans of moving next year. Reading your blog and comments today, have made me feel like I've know you since childhood.
"NOW with every cent my wife and I save for our first home, moving forward I will anticipate the day when I contact you both and say, 'Hey guys, you think you can find us a home please?'"
What else is working so far as the Web 2.0 is concerned? Are you seeing business off Twitter, Active Rain, other social networks or apps?
I have not gotten business from Active Rain, but have made unbelievable contacts and consider it a great networking venue. The consumer may not contact me from there, but have gotten referral business through other agents I have met through AR.
I personally love Twitter. Not only do I network with other real estate professionals, but I have made great contacts with local business owners who can now look to me for their real estate needs in Miami. I know others are having great success with LinkedIn and other social networks, including Trulia.
In my opinion, the trick is about dedicating some time and testing your ROI (I learned that from you). One thing is obvious in all those social networks - if you go in to openly sell and not network, you will not achieve anything. You need to be approachable and give something in return, achieve a balance and not be too aggressive about your business and selling.
Thanks, Ines, for those wonderful responses. Very much appreciated!
Coming soon: Interviews with Andy Kaufman, Jackie Colson-Miller, Rudy Bachraty of Trulia and more.
Ning: Paul Chaney
StumbleUpon: pchaney
Wow Paul! I am truly flattered and really miss talking to you (although we do twit often). There is NO way you learned as much from me as I learned from you.
Remember the session where you walked me through the back end of a Wordpress blog? to think that now it's second nature to me but at first I was lost says a lot about the learning curve of blogging.
Thanks for all you do - I still think you are a class act.
Posted by: ines | June 19, 2008 at 02:52 PM
It's me who's flattered. You're a sweetie Ines. Thanks for the kind remarks.
Posted by: Paul Chaney | June 19, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Ines clearly "gets it". Great interview!
Posted by: Jay Thompson | June 19, 2008 at 03:01 PM
Ines was one of the first writers on Agent Genius, we snatched her up before anyone else could and AG has been better because of her. We brainstorm together in private and I always learn from her. I HEART INES!!!
Posted by: Lani Anglin-Rosales | June 19, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Those Project Blogger days were a learning curve for many of us. You guys were great and she most clearly does get it.
Posted by: monika | June 19, 2008 at 07:26 PM
Ines is indeed a model RE blogger/social media aficionado. However, she's one of many. I think Realtors can teach professionals in other industries a thing or two about how to make this stuff work. After all, Realtors don't have the time nor money to throw at things that don't. Being commissioned salespeople they have to find tools that can deliver leads and listings for a reasonable price.
I'm excited about the opportunity to share this series of interviews. I'm also very interested to hear your blog/social media success stories. Please feel free to leave a comment doing so.
Posted by: Paul Chaney | June 20, 2008 at 12:57 AM
You guys are too cool for words! Paul, what about what you told me about having an automated comment notification option to encourage participation and dialogue? (hmmmm....someone is not practicing what they preach - but I'm sure you'll have a good excuse for it)
Posted by: ines | September 16, 2008 at 05:06 PM