It has been well reported that many agents struggle with social media. While some successfully manage their social networks to create opportunities, most feel they do not have the time nor expertise to make social media part of their day-to-day routine. Tackling this head-on, Coldwell Banker Hearthside, REALTORS® recently partnered with Lumentus Social to build a solution that would effectively connect agents with prospective buyers through their social media channels with innovative technology and a customized rollout program.
The program, initiated in September 2013, has not only been instrumental in helping agents build relationships with today’s buyers and sellers, but it has also brought an increase in the number of sales opportunities to the 100+ agents within the company who are actively utilizing the system.
“Having a strong, yet calculated, online presence is truly essential to staying relevant in this business,” said Cheyenne Reiman, one of many agents who has seen an increase when it comes to maintaining and furthering relationships with long-standing clients. She attributes the quality of the content that’s consistently posted on her social media outlets—such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter—as a major factor in her overall social media success. “I receive at least five organic, real estate-related inquiries via Facebook per week,” Reiman said.
Whether it’s staying in touch with past or present clients, or even engaging with potential new clients and referrals, social media is one area that real estate professionals can’t afford to overlook. And consumers are taking notice, opening the door for further communication with their real estate agents. “The articles provided by Lumentus Social are well-received and have opened up the dialogue with my social media friends,” said Pam O’Neill, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Hearthside, REALTORS®. In addition, O’Neill said that the Lumentus Social program, for her, is an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to referrals.
As consumers continue to turn to the Internet for their housing needs, social media’s role in the process isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. It is more important than ever to have a social media plan in place, a notion not lost on real estate professional Cliff Lewis. “Clients have told me how helpful some of the articles posted on my Facebook page have been,” he said, “especially those that deal with getting their home ready for showings.”
For Coldwell Banker Hearthside, REALTORS®, the decision to partner with Lumentus Social has been a boon for increasing the overall quality and effectiveness of social media activity for the company’s agents. In fact, significant improvement has been seen in the areas of consistency, reach, audience growth and content quality among all agents utilizing the program.
“My overall sales volume has increased 43.75 percent in the year since we started using social media,” concludes Joe Cenchitz, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Hearthside. “It’s a great way for my clients and customers to interact and stay in touch with my business.”
For more information, visit www.cbhearthside.com and www.lumentussocial.com
