Welcome to Social Juice! Our 18th installment, ready to go. This week’s stories include the latest of the Facebook and Skype partnership, an iPad rumor worth listening to and a tip to increase your fan (referral) base on facebook. Read on, friends!
Facebook Gets Video Chat, A-La Skype
Ever since Google announced it’s new social network, Google +, the social media world has gone into a tizzy. In addition to the question on everyone’s mind-“how can I get an invite?” there are other questions swirling around the web. What does this mean for Google’s future? Will it impact traditional search? Will other social networks respond with additional features?
Well, one social network has responded in a big way…take a guess….Facebook. This week, social media prodigy, Mr. Zuckerberg, announced a new video-calling service parternship with Skype, essentially allowing you to video chat with your friends if they are online. Now people can share their thoughts in face to face conversation, removing a long held barrier in facebook social interaction.
What does this mean for realtors? Well, it may be a little too early to tell. From what I can see so far, the video chat could help further solidify relationships you have developed on facebook. which can incubate leads. Using the video feature, you could even take a prospective client on a quick virtual tour of a home he or she may be interested in. I’m sure many more possibilities will surface as social gurus and real estate industry leaders play around with the feature.
Have you tried Facebook Video Chat? Liked it or hated it? Let us know!
Juicy iPad Rumor
Half the fun for Apple are rumors…are getting the tech and gadget bloggers buzzing about “what could be” or “what is in the works” for the company. Many times, these rumors turn out to be true, much to the joy of the blogger who first broke the story. And this latest earful sure is a good one.
According to CNN reporter, Apple is working on a new iPad due out later this year, that will have a higher-resolution screen. “Dubbed the iPad HD…the new iPad is said to be a “pro” device that could be used for high end video-editing and photography,” said the article.
This means many good things for you, Mister and Miss realtor. Your visual tours and photographs could be presented in HD, giving an added dimension to a home. And, since projections state that one in three Americans will own a tablet PC by 2015 (Forrester Research), iPad HD could have a significant impact the way a third of the US population searches for a home.
Let’s see if this rumor has any merit.
Show Some Love to You Adoring Fans
Do you ever wonder why your fans aren’t interacting with your facebook Like page more often? Why aren’t they liking all your beautiful listing photos or commenting on how excited they are to attend your open house?
Here’s a little advice to take your facebook engagement up a notch. Talk less about you and more about them. Don’t constantly promote yourself, your listings and your open houses. Instead, engage with your community. Ask them questions. Post a funny quote or comment. Give stuff away. Run a promotion. The possibilities are endless! The goal is to present yourself in a more human light…not as a robotic realtor. If you need a little guidance, check out the William Raveis facebook page to help you get the ball rolling.
Another tidbit…make sure you always respond to comments on your page. This shows that you value your community (again, which is your referral base, your virtual SOI) and that you take the time to read what’s on their minds. Even if it’s just a simple “Thank you,” it shows you care.
Give these tips a shot if you are looking to increase your facebook following and engagement (which you should be)!
Have a great weekend!