How to Deal
There’s nothing you can do to reverse this change, but you can find ways to counteract its impact on your social media presence:
• Pay: We know it’s exactly what they want you to do, but – done strategically and in moderation – we have to agree that it’s a good idea. For just $5, your posts can reach hundreds of additional people who could become fans and clients. The “Boost Post” feature isn’t limited to new posts; you can also boost post you have recently written. Try boosting a post that has a few likes or comments already and see how it works to engage a larger audience. If you do this just twice a month, your business can expand its reach to thousands of new people for less than the cost of lunch!
• Make the most of it: Are you maximizing the Facebook interaction you actually do see on your business page? When someone comments on one of your posts, do you respond kindly and quickly? You should. If someone you know in real life likes or comments on one of your posts, use it as an opportunity to connect with that person offline. Give your friend or family member a call, use the subject of the post as an icebreaker and schedule a time to meet or call again soon. You never know when a friendly chat will lead to a referral or other business prospects.
• Focus on other networks: Although many social networks are gradually making the transition to pay-to-play platforms, there are still plenty of free social outlets that work for real estate. Divert some of the energy you usually put into Facebook into Google+, Pinterest or Twitter to make new connections without spending a penny. To see how other agents are engaging with Google+, we recommend joining an active community, like the Real Estate Community. This group is incredibly welcoming, and it’s a great place to discover new marketing tips and tricks.
Geneva Ives is the marketing writer for Point2.
To learn more about affordable online marketing solutions for real estate, visit www.Point2.com.