Prepare your real estate marketing plan for the new year — RISMedia

As 2021 draws to a close, real estate professionals are wondering what to expect in the new year. From the ever-fluctuating housing market to a never-ending influx of new home buyers, finding new and better ways to do business is a top priority. When it comes to marketing, which may arguably be the most important aspect of a successful real estate business, there are certain elements and tasks that need to be reviewed, refreshed and updated as we head into a new Q1.

So as you sit down this month and put together your 2022 real estate marketing plan, remember these essentials that could lead you to your most successful year yet!

Update your photo
Portraits, especially for real estate agents, are a necessity. Because this is a face-to-face industry, it’s important for agents to put a face to their name, especially on social media, their website, and in their marketing materials. However, many people in all industries often take a professional photo and spend doing business, going years without updating.

The new year is the perfect time to update your portraits, modernized to adapt to new trends and show who you are today, rather than who you were five (or more) years ago. Be sure to have fun with your new headshots, showcasing your brand colors, niche, location, and most importantly, your personality.

Refresh your online presence
We’re heading into 2022, where most buyers and sellers begin their home and agent search online. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your website, and everywhere else you promote your business online, is fresh and ready for the new year. View your website on both your desktop and mobile device to ensure a great experience, both visually and technically, and make any necessary updates.

Test all links to make sure they lead to the correct social or news pages, and make sure your contact details (email, phone number, address) are all up to date. Check even your fiercest competitors’ websites to see how yours compares and make updates to improve your website, from images to content to features.

Evaluate your social media strategy
A solid social media strategy is a must in today’s environment, especially when it comes to business. For agents, social platforms provide a space not only to promote their business and listings, but also to educate and engage with past and current customers, as well as prospect for prospects and new customers.

Facebook offers analytics, so be sure to take a look at your performance over the past year to see where you can improve. For other platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, create a plan to use certain features, such as video, reels, and stories, to follow social trends while promoting your brand and your business. Take the time to create a social media plan for the New Year, complete with timeline, content, and campaigns, such as polls and giveaways.

Offer quality content (especially video!)
Speaking of content, whether you plan to share articles, infographics, or videos, you need to make sure it’s high quality and informative. If you have a blog, share your content on your social media accounts and in newsletters within your sphere of influence. If you don’t have a blog, you might consider starting one to boost not only your online presence, but also your reputation as an experienced and educated agent.

Running out of time to create your own content? Consider using ACESocial from RISMedia, a content solution platform that automatically posts high-quality real estate and lifestyle content to your social media pages! When it comes to video, if you haven’t been following the virtual tours, live Q&A sessions, and podcasts yet, now is the time. Step into the new year on top of trends, giving your audience the kind of content they crave, and it will help you stand out from the competition.

Paige Brown is RISMedia’s Content Editor. Email him your real estate news ideas at pbrown@rismedia.com.