Social media mistakes sellers must avoid
People use social media sites to share information more and more. Catching up with old friends on Facebook, inviting colleagues to functions via LinedIn, or making followers on Twitter aware of happenings are all ways social media help to simplify communication. But is social media the best way to advertise a house for sale, whether by a real estate agent or seller?
The following is a short list of social media marketing mistakes that can be made and some social media tips for avoiding these errors.
1) Creating an unrealistic listing
Boasting about your home will not yield any favors, especially if the written claims are found to be exaggerated or blatantly false. That does not mean that a home should not be portrayed in a very positive light with flattering pictures; just be very careful not to make false claims. Social media is very effective at getting a message out to a diverse audience, but as equally effective at causing outlandish claims to “go viral” and be used as fodder for derisive humor.
2) Publishing Inappropriate Comments
Be very careful about what you print. With the current hyper politically-correct social environment, sensitivity must be shown to all potential readers. That reality may be obvious and seem to not require comment, but there are a constantly growing number of social mores that must be heeded so as not to offend. Posting photos or comments that raise eyebrows will only result in a bad impression. Remember, once something is published online is essentially in the virtual world forever.
3) Being overly zealous
Avoid being a social media boor. Of course, family, good friends and even neighbors will want to know what is happening with your impending sale, but too much information and/or too much frequency will turn people off. That is the absolute worst consequence of being overly ambitious in your home for sale communications. Certainly, publicity is sought after if positive, but negative feedback will no doubt have a daunting effect on the subtle solicitation for home buyers. Be tactful and respectful. Saying too much, too often will cause a predictable backlash of disdain and contempt.
4) Borrowing someone else’s content
It is certainly helpful to use content from other social media site posters. Industry professionals as well as casual bloggers all have interesting news and information to share. Government agencies are additional sources for factual data that can support the information posted to a social media site. But, as has always been the case, give credit where credit is due. Blatantly ripping off someone else’s content is not only ethically wrong, but may be a copyright infringement as well. At the very least, find written information from an existing social media posting and paraphrase and/or add to the content to create a unique and original posting.