And if you do tweet about a listing, offer more than the typical MLS link. Describe something interesting about the house, take a photo of something fun about the property or link to a 15-second Instagram video.
Other no-no’s are tweeting spam, constant self-promotion or having your auto messaging on, which automatically sends a generic message when someone direct messages you. Lance says that a lot of people may not even be aware they have that activated, but they should check and deactivate if on.
Lance’s biggest pet peeve with those who use Twitter is when someone doesn’t respond to a message.
“A lot of agents will re-tweet and post but forget if someone acknowledges you,” she says. “You should always respond. ‘No Tweet left behind’ I always say. If someone takes the time to tweet me, I respond. It could be a thank you, a smiley face; it’s easy to do but also easy not to do.”
Another don’t is connecting your Twitter feed to your Facebook page. While this may be tempting, it can annoy your Facebook friends who don’t want to see new posts a few times a day.
“Facebook moves slower and if you are pushing your tweets there five to 10 times a day, you are jamming the newsfeed,” she says. “Plus, with Twitter you tend to use Twitter lingo, so that may also create an annoying experience for Facebook friends.”
Twitter can be a wonderful way to grow your real estate business and client list, and with a little practice, you’ll be a #twitterpro in no time at all.
Homes.com will next feature the webinar “Peoplework: How to run a People-first business in a digital first world,” featuring Chris Smith and Austin Allison. Register here and stay behind for the Twitter Chat with Chris Smith (@Chris_Smth) on Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. To view the webinar with Katie’s best practices for Twitter, watch the recording here. For more social media marketing tips, visit the Homes.com blog dedicated to real estate professionals and send us a tweet anytime to @HomesPro!