In this three-minute read,
we look at the critical role social media plays in reaching out to potential
buyers.

When choosing an estate agent, it pays to channel
your inner Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes and do a little online sleuthing.

As we all know, many estate agents are known for
having the ‘gift of the gab’. You’d be hard-pressed to find one who doesn’t
claim to have a strong community standing, good track record, and proven
marketing formula.

But how do you know if they’re telling the truth?
Social media is a good place to start.

We’re not suggesting you believe everything you
see on the internet. But a quick online snoop will provide plenty of clues as
to how proactive an agent is, and whether their claims marry up to reality.

Top tips for online sleuthing

Step into a buyer’s shoes

Even if you’re not a big Facebook or Instagram user,
many people – including potential buyers – are, so peruse the social media of local
agents and analyse what you see. The best agents are dynamic, professional,
consistent, and personable – qualities that should come across on their social
media channels.

Presentation of properties

Compare how different agents market properties.Look
for an agent who uses high-quality images or video footage of clutter-free
rooms and informative and engaging property descriptions. Steer clear of agents
who use grainy snaps of darkened rooms. In our image-focused culture, dodgy
pictures are a huge turn-off for buyers.

Engaging content

Top agents do more than just market properties on
social media – they engage with the local community about a range of issues.
Look for content about the area, shout-outs to sports clubs and charities, and
articles about important topics of the day (these might cover property-related
matters or more general talking points). Savvy agents use social media to build
a following so that when they have a property to market, they have a ready-made
audience.

Testimonials

Reviews and testimonials can give you an idea of an
agent’s strengths and weaknesses. Feedback from sellers, buyers, and other
professionals involved in the property chain, such as conveyancing solicitors,
can provide useful insight.

Do they have personality?

Ideally, an agent’s social media will give you some
idea of what motivates and drives their business. Why does this matter? Selling
your home is one of the biggest (and possibly most stressful) transactions of
your life. Better to go through the experience with someone you feel
comfortable talking to and whom you trust.

For an example of how an experienced agent uses
social media effectively, go ahead and follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/cwbproperty
& https://www.instagram.com/cwbproperty/