By Amanda Ross
Social networking just keeps getting better, right? From Facebook (the high school reunion) to Twitter (keep it short and move on) to…drum roll…Pinterest, love for the eyeballs and the fastest growing social network.
As we have all heard, women tend to be the ones who make the home-buying decision and today there are more single women than ever. And, guess what network they love? You got it. Pinterest rules here.
Caution: Pinterest is highly addictive, especially when combined with a blank idea board and a coffee.
Here are some tips about using Pinterest:
Don’t do it yourself (unless you’re awesome): Have a new listing and were planning on saving the $100 it would cost you to hire a professional photographer? That won’t fly on Pinterest (nor should it anywhere else). Only the beautiful survive and get noticed here. So fork out the cash, bring in a pro and get some great shots!
Boards: What is a “board”? Imagine an idea board in your office or home where you have pinned articles/images for something specific. It is a great way to visually see something and a great way to keep organized. The only difference is that it’s virtual!
Repin, baby: As with all networks, people love it when others notice them. So, show your love and repin/comment on great stuff.
Lead them: While Pinterest is visual, the point is to lead them somewhere. So, be sure that your chosen photos for your listings bring them to your website for that property, or a photo of a local event takes them to a news article about that event.
Your details: Be sure that you write an interesting and relevant description of who you are and why you’re the best sales rep around. Don’t get too corporate-y though, bring in some realism and show your personality. Include your full website address and any other contact information you might want them to have so they can easily check you out and get in touch.
Keywords: Every pin has an area where the pinner can add their thoughts. Be sure you use this, not only on your own pins, but also add your thoughts when repining stuff. Be sure you use rich, true (don’t get sneaky, no one likes that) and helpful keywords so that your stuff can be found when someone does a search. For example, don’t say, “cute cottage”. Instead, say something like this: “Check out this cute cottage around the corner from Big Clear Lake in the town of Arden.”
Okay, lets get into it!
Pinterest allows you to show the visual stuff while still pushing out your vast and great knowledge like you do on the other networks. Here are some ways you could use it to boost your online real estate presence:
Get creative. Yes, sure you can build boards for your listings, but what about also creating boards for specific property features? Some ideas would be: floor plans, library/dens, patios, pools, fireplaces or a specific colour. Remember, when they click on any of these, it should take them to more details about that property on your website.
Pinterest now has “Secret Boards”. These boards would only be seen by you and whoever you add to them. Wouldn’t it be cool to create one for your new buyer so they can share their ideas on what they want in a home or area?
Showcase your knowledge. You’re the knowledge source for everything local. Why not pin great information about your community? Try local restaurants, community events, small businesses in the area, new construction, parks and schools. Just go to their website, find a great image and click your Pin It button.
Add the Pin It button to your web browser so that you can easily add great information and links as you go. While you’re researching a new construction building, why not hit that Pin It button and add it to one of your knowledge boards that you created above?
The Pinterest App for your mobile devices is so well done and easy to use that you will find yourself pinning while waiting for your clients. Download it on all your devices so you’re prepared to pin when the mood is right (which is anytime).
Don’t be afraid to be authentic too, so if you also really like doilies, then showcase that love – you never know who is going to connect with you because of your true self. And, why not work with people you have something in common with?
Follow people you dig too. You can find me at www.pinterest.com/ImAmandaR/.
Amanda Ross is the owner and CES (Creator, Educator, and Strategist) of RealtyBoost (www.RealtyBoost.ca), where she helps brokerages and sales reps build strong brands, smart strategies, and more knowledge that brings value to their clients. Follow Amanda on Twitter, @ImAmandaR and/or RealtyBoost at @RealtyBoostCA.
