In our relentless quest to help Realtors pinpoint their social media challenges and how to overcome them, we published a Real Estate marketing quiz last week.

Today, I will discuss the “right” answers in depth, offering actionable tips to help you boost your social influence and attract actual clients on social media.

For maximum benefit, please make sure to read the quiz article and answer the questions on your own before proceeding: Garious SMM Quiz: What is Your Real Estate Marketing Style?

Ready? Set? Here goes…

Q1: How many social networks are you a member of?

(A.) None
(B.) 1- 5
(C.) 5+

Surprisingly, there is no “right” answer to this question! In most cases, it is enough to have select few social networks in order to focus on creating powerful presence there. However, if you have enough resources to be effectively present in a multitude of social networks, then by all means; Go for it!

(By resources here, I mean outsourcing social media marketing to an agency or hiring social media professionals to take care of your SMM activities.)

The bottom line is that you need to be active in wherever you decided to create a social media profile because mediocre social presence is as useless as having no presence at all!

Q2: Why did you choose these particular social networks?

(A.) They are popular.
(B.) I know that my target clients are active there.
(C.) They are fun!

I am sure that you guessed that “B” is definitely the correct answer to this question. Still, you may be asking: “How can I know for certain if my target clients are active on these networks?”

Aaron Eden, Garious founder, answered this critical question in details in this article: On-Ramp: Your Digital Mirror.

If you wish to tweak your target client definition using social media, the following presentation can be very helpful.

Q3: How frequently do you use social media?

(A.) I am active on social media at least 3 times a week.
(B.) Whenever I have time for it!
(C.) Rarely

Here is the deal: If you believe that social media marketing is essential for your business success, then you need to dedicate enough time for it and schedule it on your calendar.

I recently watched a video interview with a successful Realtor who explained that the secret to her social media success is promptly attending to the questions of online prospective buyers.

She also noted that many people tell her that they have sent the same questions to other Realtors who didn’t care enough to answer!

Would you miss an appointment with an important client?

Social media can be a goldmine of clients if used intelligently. Fish where the fish are!

Q4: What type of content do you publish on social media?

(A.) My listings and Real Estate market trends only.
(B.) Any information that is relevant to my target clients.
(C.) Foursquare notifications only!

Again, “B” is the right answer to this question. Establishing yourself as trusted Real Estate agent on social media does not mean keeping your social media updates exclusive to Real Estate!

Share some fun, personal facts and information about major attractions in your neighborhood. In fact, I have seen a Realtor who created a trivia quiz about her neighborhood on Twitter.

It goes without saying that publishing content that your target market would love to read requires understanding their problems and offering viable solutions to them.

Q5: Do you use social media automation tools such as HootSuite?

(A.) Yes
(B.) No

I highly recommend using social media automation tools that save time and allow you to target potential clients. You will find more details in the next question.

Q6: How do you use social media automation tools?

(A.) To schedule my social updates
(B.) To “listen” to prospective home-buyers questions about my neighborhood
(C.) Both!

Leveraging social media automation tools can help you in two ways:

1. Prescheduling your social updates to make sure you are always visible to your network
2. Proactively listening to potential clients’ questions

In a previous article about Jay Thompson’s Twitter success story, we indicated that using HootSuite allowed him to initiate a conversation with a potential home buyer. Do NOT underestimate the importance of adding intelligent automation to your social media marketing mix!

Q7: When you find a question from a cold prospect on social media, how do you react?

(A.) Directly offer your services to them.
(B.) Offer them prompt and in-depth response to their questions and stop there.
(C.) Answer their questions promptly and thoroughly but keep the conversation going by asking clarifying questions and offering your phone number.

In plain English, A cold prospect is potential client that you do not know well. When cold prospects approach you with a question, they are probably putting you on an initial “screening test”.

If you were alert enough to answer their questions thoroughly and promptly, you have won half the battle as some of your competition could have done the same.

That’s why; you need to do more! Take your newly born relationship to the next level by asking clarifying questions to prove that you are so keen on offering them a superior service. Even better, include your phone number in your reply and encourage prospects to call you for more information. According to Tom Ferry, this tip works like charm in converting cold leads into warm leads (and hopefully customers).

Q8: How do you react when a warm online lead (email list subscriber) asks you a question?

(A.) You answer when you have time!
(B.) You answer promptly and thoroughly via email.
(C.) You answer promptly and thoroughly via email but also give my cell number and offer to answer more questions by phone if they wish.
(D.) You answer their questions publicly via blog post and credit them for inspiring you to offer great value to the rest of the readers.
(E.) C. and D.

I guess the “right” answer is self-explanatory here. The key is that you try to make the most out of a private question that can showcase your expertise.

Instead of taking the easy route of hitting the reply button, answer their question via blog post for the benefit of your blog readers.

On the one hand, you will shine like a pro. On the other hand, other readers will feel encouraged to ask you more questions.

Q9: Which of the following does your blog (and social profiles) include today?

(A.) Your phone number and mailing address
(B.) A Recent photo of yourself
(C.) Testimonials
(D.) About me page
(E.) None
(F.) At least two of the above
(G.) All of the above

Again, the right answer here is crystal clear. The more trust-inviting your social profiles are, the better!
Check out the following article for more details on this very important issue.

How To Create “Smart Trust” On Social Media The Stephen M. R. Covey Way?

Q10: How are you incorporating video into your overall social media marketing strategy?

(A.) You create house-tour videos and create personal videos to discuss Real Estate trends and answer reader’s questions
(B.) You do not have time for videos!
(C.) You have few house-tour videos only.

I firmly believe that videos are the ultimate ice-breakers that a Realtor can use to create a bond of trust with his target clients. The following articles discuss how you can create a profitable Real Estate business using video.

• 23+ Tweetable Tips For A Real Estate Blog That Sells!
• 25 Tweetable YouTube Marketing Tips For Real Estate Professionals

Where Do You Stand?

Here is what I recommend you do to make the most out of the eye-opening quiz:

• List all the tips you are already applying but need more tweaking
• List the ones you are not applying but wish to implement
• Decide on the most important one and make a plan to work on it starting today
• Save this article so you can come back and check the next item on the list

That’s it for me! I can’t wait to know your thoughts on our quiz in the comments.To your success!

I am very excited to present our top 20 social media picks for April 2012. The social scene is brimming with great content that we assimilated from several resources for your reading pleasure.

~*~ Feel free to nominate your favorite posts for our May top picks by commenting below. You can also reach us on Twitter (@garious1) ~*~

(Posts are presented in descending chronological order)

1. WE LOVE JAY THOMPSON [Pinterest Board]
Board Designed By: Kelly Mitchell

2. Google Adds a ‘Share’ Button for Google+
Publisher: Mashable.com Author: Sam Laird

3. 5 Facebook “Posts” You Are Sorry You Missed [Real Estate Pros]
Author and Publisher: InmanNext Agent

4. YouTube For Real Estate: Step By Step [VIDEO]
Publisher: Author: Brian Ray

5. Real Estate Content. Creating Engaging Real Estate Content [VIDEO]
Publisher: MyTitleGuy.com Author:

6. Twitter Is Not Easier Than Blogging 20
Publisher: TwistImage.com Author: Mitch Joel

7. The 7 Bad Habits of Insanely Productive People
Publisher: copyblogger.com Author: Sonia Simone

8. 7 Creative Social Media Marketing Mini Case Studies
Publisher: SocialMediaExaminer.com Author: Phil Mershon

9. Social Media Time Savers: 4 New Productivity Tools and How to Use Them
Publisher: ConvinceandConvert.com Author: Jess Ostroff

10. 5 Creative Marketing Concepts That Will Reset Your Thinking
Publisher: SocialFresh.com Author: Rosie Siman

11. Social Media Marketing for Real Estate [Infographic]
Publisher: DailySeoTip.com Author: Kate

12. Trulia vs Zillow – Home Page Design Differences [Real Estate Pros]
Publisher: GeekEstateBlog.com Author: Drew Meyers

13. 30 Things to Tweet About Your Brand
Publisher: SocialMediaToday.com Author: Sorav Jain

14. RETSO 2012 Presentation: Internet Prospecting with WordPress [RE]
Author and Publisher: Jay Thompson – PhoenixRealEstateGuy

15. 21 Warning Signs You Chose the Wrong Topic for Your Blog
Publisher: BoostBlogTraffic.com Author: Jon Morrow

16. Take Your Online Identity With You Anywhere You Go
Publisher: Inman Next Agent Author: Debra Trappen

17. How To Build Brand Advocates Using Social Media [Video]
Publisher: SoftwareAdvice.com Author: Lauren Carlson

18. How to Get More Pins and Repins on Pinterest [Infographic]
Author and Publisher: DanZarrella.com

19. Social Media Marketing So Simple Even Grandma Can Do It! [Real Estate Pros Video Interview]
Author and Publisher: Michael Krisa (that interview guy)

20. How Much is That Tweet Really Worth? [Infographic]
Publisher: ReadWriteWeb.com Author: David Storm

This article is a guest blogging contribution by: Andrew Potter

No doubt you will have seen these weird looking icons popping up in a variety marketing strategies, but do QR codes really have a place in the property market? For those that don’t know, QR codes are the new tech savvy way for users to be redirected to your website by simply scanning their mobile device over the icon.

Before you start plastering these little codes over all of your advertising it is worth considering some vital points. QR codes are aimed at the Smartphone audience. So for this to work efficiently, your site must be optimized for viewing on a mobile device. Furthermore, despite their rapid growth, some of your audience may not know how these icons work. Be sure to include some small text that clearly explains that this will require them to download a free reader from their app store.

Top 5 Ways Real Estate Agents Can Use QR Codes

1. Sale Board

This is the most obvious starting point. By placing these on your board, anyone passing by can quickly and easily scan the QR Code and be redirected to the details page for that specific property. Another major perk is that all of these scans are tracked, meaning you can easily detect ROI (return on investment) for every board.

2. Direct Mail

It has always been a major issue tracking success from mail out advertising. In the same way as we discussed previously, all transactions through a QR code are automatically tracked. Not only that, but you can tailor your campaigns to suit your local audience, meaning different areas can be redirected to a tailored experience just for them.

3. Business Cards

In this day and age where we are seeing a major shift to all things digital, so you would right to ask if business cards still have a place. In my opinion they do, but how we perceive and interact with them is changing. QR codes allow users to quickly scan your card, automatically saving all of your details to their Smartphone device.

Try and think outside the box when setting the page your card will redirect to, this is your opportunity to really stand out. Consider a bespoke page that includes a video and clear message detailing how you are aware they have came via a QR Code – they will be sure to take more notice.

4. Property Detail Print Outs

This is another opportunity to really harness the power of QR codes. By scanning the icon on the print out users can be redirected to a page including video tours and interactive floor plans. This is a much more compelling experience and could be the deciding factor when converting a sale.

5. Your Transport

Probably not the first place you will think of placing the icon but ask yourself, how many people actually see your vehicle? The answer is simple, a lot! This is a valuable advertising opportunity, by adding a QR code anyone passing by can quickly scan your QR code and instantly see a list of all of the properties currently for sale or to let in their local area, as well as your contact details.

QR Codes are here to stay and are fast becoming a major influence in marketing campaigns. If you are already using these icons as part of your advertising strategies then we would love to hear how you have got on and if they have been effective.

About the author: Andrew Potter regularly contributes interesting and insightful articles to both UK and overseas property forums. He runs his Online Estate Agent one of the UK’s leading online estate agents where you can find a range of useful tools and guides to assist in the sale or rental process.

We have interviewed many Realtors over the past months. Some of them are happy with their social media marketing outcomes; while others feel that social media is time-consuming and unpredictable.

There is a very specific marketing style that is common to Real Estate agents who are acquiring actual clients on social media. On the other hand, there is an opposite marketing style associated with the second group.

What is YOUR Real Estate marketing style? This is what answering our quiz will help you discover.

I love Anthony Robbins’ timeless tip: “Questions are the answer”. In other words, asking the right questions can lead to life-changing revelations.

Instead of taking the easy route of dictating how you should use social media marketing to create a thriving Real Estate business, today, I decided to put you on the path of self-discovery and self-correction.

Introducing Garious’ ultimate social media marketing quiz for Real Estate professionals. Enjoy!

Q1: How many social networks are you a member of?

(A.) None (B.) 1- 5 (C.) 5+

Q2: Why did you choose these particular social networks?

(A.) They are popular.

(B.) I know that my target clients are active there.

(C.) They are fun!

Q3: How frequently do you use social media?

(A.) I am active on social media at least 3 times a week.

(B.) Whenever I have time for it!

(C.) Rarely

Q4: What type of content do you publish on social media?

(A.) My listings and Real Estate market trends only.

(B.) Any information that is relevant to my target clients.

(C.) Foursquare notifications only! ( I have seen several Realtors’ Twitter profiles that include nothing (and I mean nothing!) but Foursquare notifications and the screenshot below says it all! I sincerely hope you are NOT one of them. I had to spill the beans on this one. That’s a WRONG answer!)

Q5: Do you use social media automation tools such as HootSuite?

(A.) Yes (B.) No

Q6: How do you use social media automation tools?

(A.) To schedule my social updates

(B.) To “listen” to prospective home-buyers questions about my neighborhood

(C.) Both!

Q7: When you find a question from a cold prospect on social media, how do you react?

(A.) Directly offer your services to them.

(B.) Offer them prompt and in-depth response to their questions and stop there.

(C.) Answer their questions promptly and thoroughly but keep the conversation going by asking clarifying questions and offering your phone number.

Q8: How do you react when a warm online lead (email list subscriber) asks you a question?

(A.) You answer when you have time!

(B.) You answer promptly and thoroughly via email.

(C.) You answer promptly and thoroughly via email but also give my cell number and offer to answer more questions by phone if they wish.

(D.) You answer their questions publicly via blog post and credit them for inspiring your to offer great value to the rest of the readers.

(E.) C. and D.

Q9: Which of the following does your blog (and social profiles) include today?

(A.) Your phone number and mailing address

(B.) A Recent photo of yourself

(C.) Testimonials

(D.) About me page

(E.) None

(F.) At least two of the above

(G.) All of the above

Q10: How are you incorporating video into your overall social media marketing strategy?

(A.) You create house-tour videos and create personal videos to discuss Real Estate trends and answer reader’s questions

(B.) You do not have time for videos!

(C.) You have few house-tour videos only.

How To Make The Most Out of The Quiz?

A problem is defined as the gap between the current situation and the desired situation. If you are unhappy with some answers, come up with a plan to rectify the situation within your own time and budget.

For example, if you are unhappy with your video presence, you can take a “baby step” of say creating 2-minute video blog posts bi-weekly. This is very doable for most people.

In other words, I urging you to get as close as you can to the ideal answers in order to make the most out of your social media presence.

Stay tuned for next week’s post as I will be elaborate on the “right” answers with practical tips and examples. Until then, feel free to share your thoughts on the quiz and the insights you gained by solving it. To your success!

Suppose we have two imaginary Realtors: Realtor “A” and Realtor “B”.

“A” closes many Real Estate deals with different clients who are never contacted after closing the sale.

“B” has ongoing relationship with select few clients who bring repeat business via referrals.

“A” exemplifies quantity sales; while “B” exemplifies quality sales. Which method would you prefer?

No Pain No Gain!

As the saying goes “No pain no gain”. Cultivating quality sales takes time but it pays off as you start getting massive referrals effortlessly.

So how can you become a quality Real Estate salesperson?

Become A One-Stop-Shop For Your Clients!

As you get to build a relationship with your prospects, try to have a crystal clear understanding of their problems and concerns. In fact, there are some problem defining questionsthat you can use in order to ensure you are on the right track.

Being a one-stop-shop for your customers means offering holistic solutions to their problems, even the ones beyond your specialization as a Realtor.

For example, if after conversing with a home-buyer, you felt they are having financial issues, you may recommend a financial advisor to them. They will be grateful for your selfless act and you will instantly become their trusted advisor.

Pay It Forward!

You can also get quality sales by building relationships with businesses that offer services to your target market.

Going back to the example above, financial advisors can refer quality customers to you. In fact, you can have a cross-referral agreement with them.

However, I always recommend people who want to create these types of partnerships to pay it forward.

In other words, start by sending a referral to a lawyer or a financial advisor. Then (and only then!), you may ask them to send clients your way. They will be more than happy to reciprocate.

Stay Memorable To Your Customers

Social media is a great place to stay in touch with clients in a subtle, non-intrusive way.

Strengthen your bond with customers/prospects by sending them greetings on special occasions and be readily available to answer any questions they raise via social media.

Here is a great tip for you: create a private Twitter list for your customers and check it on regular basis. When the time is right, jump in and show them that you care!

I was so deeply touched and moved when I saw a blog post by a Realtor who visited her recently widowed client last Christmas and brought her homemade cookies. That’s the kind of customer relationship you should strive to cultivate.

Dig For Commonalities!

In his outstanding article Determining Your Market Segment Aaron Eden, Garious founder, recommended defining your ideal customers based on the things you enjoy doing.

If you look for clients who have the same passions and hobbies as you do, then striking a conversation with them will be easy and maintaining an after-sales relationship will be easier!

For example, if both of you enjoy playing tennis, you can play together regularly.
This way, you ensure staying memorable to your customers and they will be happy to refer new clients to you.

Testimonials! Testimonials! Testimonials!

As an added bonus, having solid relationships with customers makes asking for a written testimonial super-easy.

Even better, your tennis partner wouldn’t mind giving a video testimonial to his pal. Are you starting to see the value of aiming for quality sales?

Garious on-Ramp free e-book touches upon these issues in full details. Make sure to sign up and contact us to be featured in the book and/or blog.To your success!