One form of branding many agents are currently attempting on social media is to create an image as a thought leader. This is one of the lead generation ideas that has catapulted several agents to significant status and helped grow their client base. Thought leadership is described as the expression of ideas that demonstrate expertise in a certain field.
Essentially, agents are using their knowledge of real estate topics to brand themselves as real estate experts online, giving them the ability to reach new clients more effectively. This is one of the lead generation techniques that are most effective, whether you are running Facebook real estate ads or trying to grow a YouTube channel.
If you are looking for ways to come across as a real estate thought leader, let’s look at seven different content ideas that can help you do this.
1. How-To
This type of thought leadership content is an extremely common tool used by those wondering how to generate buyer and seller leads. What many agents do is they will create anything from a blog post to a video explaining how to do something pertaining to real estate.
This can be any number of things, ranging from finding home listings faster, going about the pre-approval process, or how to stage an open house. These should be helpful and instructive.
2. Explainers
Explainers are a form of content circulated by major companies around the world. Their role is to explain something in a punchy and appealing way. Typically, these are in the form of short animated videos. Most agents don’t have experience with animation, but you can find services online that make the creation of these videos simple.
An explainer video will explain either a concept, like low inventory causes and their impact on the market, or a service, such as what you would provide your prospective customers. They’re meant to be colorful, digestible, and interesting.
3. Market Information
The American and Canadian real estate markets have experienced endless upheaval over the past several years. Many are inevitably going to be confused about the general state of the market. If you want an opportunity to show your real estate expertise, create content that breaks down the market for your viewers or readers.
You can choose whether you want to do this in a regional or more general way. Breaking down the market in a specific city or neighborhood will help you stand out in that area, but breaking down broader trends can also highlight your knowledge.
4. Community Guides
Selling a home isn’t about just selling the property; it is about selling people on a whole place. If you are an agent looking to spotlight a certain region, creating content about that area can make you appeal to more residents within that region. Community guides are a great way for an agent to better connect with a community and bring positive attention to it.
These can be done in various ways. Agents can mention recent real estate trends in the community, talk about its highlights, or even showcase its history. This content format allows agents to call attention to their knowledge of an area.
5. Insider Tips
Real estate agents are supposed to be knowledgeable. That is why people work with them rather than go about the real estate process independently. Agents should have inside information that makes the process simpler for home buyers or sellers. Show your prospective clients the level of insider knowledge you possess with this content style.
These can be videos or blogs but should be instructional and informative. They can be things like five tips for those looking to downsize, five need-to-know facts for first-time buyers, and more. Get creative, and use your experience.
6. Opinions on Major Real Estate News
There’s always something going on in the world of real estate, whether it is major federal decisions or regional news. As an agent, people are interested in your opinion on significant real estate news, so share it with them!
For example, it was recently announced that Canada’s Prime Minister is planning a two-year freeze on foreign real estate investment. What might this mean for the market? Who will be impacted? People want to know these things, and an agent’s opinion has a significant impact!
7. About the Agent Content
If you want to become a thought leader, it isn’t enough to just provide information to people. You’ll have to bring yourself to the forefront. There has to be a person attached to the knowledge you’re sharing. You can put yourself in the spotlight by creating about the agent content.
About the agent content should center around what makes you an expert. What experience do you have in the real estate industry? What are your qualifications? Talk about your significant achievements and skillsets, highlight your past home sales and other career results, and show readers or viewers why you are equipped to offer them guidance.