Until a few years ago, the real estate industry relied heavily on traditional marketing methods such as billboards, print advertisements, and open houses. Its audience, however, had moved online. The digital revolution has taken over and reshaped the way real estate brands buy, sell, and promote properties. Content has methodically seeped in and established its importance with conviction, so much so that even real estate brands have begun completely falling back on it.
What can content marketers do to elevate real estate marketing as per the current content consumption habits of the audience?
The real estate industry has witnessed an undeniable paradigm shift, so much so, that 63% of real estate agents use social media channels to promote their listings. This is driven by the fact that their audience, i.e., the buyers and sellers are no longer dependent solely on realtors or brokers for property information. Instead, they turn to the internet, social media platforms, and online listing portals to research, compare and make informed decisions. Stats suggest that 41% of homebuyers begin their search from online listings and base their decisions on the finds. This digital transformation has empowered individuals to become more discerning, demanding a new approach to marketing making digital content marketing an essential tool for real estate professionals to engage, educate, and convert prospects.
The Role Of Content Marketing In The Real Estate Industry
For starters, it enables you to tell compelling stories, establish expertise through thought leadership, and build lasting relationships with your target audience. By providing valuable and informative content, you can position yourselves as trusted advisors, enhancing your brand reputation and ultimately driving business growth.
Leveraging Content Marketing To Promote Your Real Estate Brand
Crafting Engaging Blog Posts
A well-crafted blog can be a game-changer for real estate marketers. What matters is sharing relevant and insightful content on topics that will intrigue your audience and position you as an industry leader. Some topics you can always explore are - property trends, home improvement tips, or local community highlights, and engage your target audience. Blogs create scope for storytelling, enabling you to connect with potential buyers and sellers on a personal level.
Creating Captivating Video Tours
Videos have become a dominant force in content marketing, and the real estate industry is no exception. Research says that video content encourages 1200% more shares on social media than text and static content. It’s a hint that you need to elevate your content presentation from static images and descriptions to showcasing properties through immersive video tours. Videos are always a great format to tackle your audience's diminishing attention span. Additionally, these virtual experiences not only save time but also allow potential buyers to envision themselves living in the space. Some creative ways you can create video content are - incorporating aerial shots, 360-degree views, and professional editing. Video content helps you evoke emotions and drive deeper connections with your audience.
Leveraging Social Media Platforms
Social media is a gateway to connections and leads for real estate professionals. Harnessing the power of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can help you reach a broader audience and engage with potential clients. In fact, as per a report by the National Association of Realtors, about 46% agreed that social media was the best tool for lead generation. The key to acing social media content marketing is - Quality, Consistency, and Awareness. By regularly posting high-quality visuals, valuable insights, and interactive content, you can generate buzz, drive traffic to their websites, and cultivate a vibrant online community.
Developing Informative E-books and Guides
In the real estate industry, knowledge is power. Armour yourself with the power by creating comprehensive e-books and guides that address common questions and concerns of buyers and sellers. This will additionally help you position yourself as an expert in your field. These resources can cover a range of topics, from navigating the home-buying process to investment strategies. Sharing valuable insights and practical advice allows you to establish credibility, build trust, and attract a loyal following for your brand.
Embracing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies have transformed the way properties are showcased and content is consumed. The idea is to create an unforgettable and interactive experience, making the buying process more engaging and convenient. By embracing VR and AR, you can provide immersive experiences to potential buyers, enabling them to virtually walk through properties and visualise the various design options offered.
Check out this sample VR ground tour of an area built by SmartTek Solutions, a software company, for a real estate client:
The key to perfecting your strategy is to draft it balancing your goals, insights, and research in mind. Additionally, make sure to stay relevant, updated, and true to your brand image with every piece of content you create. While you’re not the only one aiming to attract the same pool of audience, the quality of your along with the distribution plans can help you stand out from the crowd. If you’re new to social media marketing, check out what other marketers think the challenges are. Drop us a hello, and we’ll give you the big picture of where your real estate brand stands today, and what it needs.