| BUSINESS TIPS AVOID SAYING THESE WORDS WHEN NEGOTIATING |
| The goal of a real estate negotiation is to keep it going until both parties come to an agreement. Unfortunately, one wrong word can shut down a negotiation and kill the deal. Here are 15 words to avoid to keep things moving forward. Always: This word says something is unchangeable and makes the other party feel their needs aren’t being considered. Instead, use phrases such as “in most cases,” or “typically.” But: This word negates what comes before it. Use “and” or “however” instead. Can’t: This word is ambiguous. It can mean something is physically impossible, or illegal, or simply not a person’s preference. Instead, offer some choices. Fair: The meaning of this word is purely subjective, so using it can become an issue. Instead, stick to the facts, and use words such as “reasonable” and “carefully considered.” Final: This word usually means that one of the parties has made their last offer before ending the negotiation. Instead, use phrases such as “for now,” or “at this point,” to leave an opening for further discussion. Honestly: This word implies you haven’t been honest up to this point. It also implies the opposite meaning—that you’re about to say something that may not be completely truthful. Instead, give your opinion without introducing it with “honestly.” Hope: While this word sounds polite, it is not as strong as clearly stating what you will do. If: To sound more sure and confident, say “when” instead. Impossible: This word makes the other party feel their needs are being dismissed without consideration. It typically ends the negotiation. Maybe: This word could make you appear indecisive and unsure, and can make the other party uncertain about your position. Just delete it from your vocabulary. Never: This word says a final position has been taken and there’s no room for compromise. Instead, use phrases such as “let’s explore some options,” or “let’s look for a solution that works for both parties.” No, Not: Other than when refusing to break the law or to do something unethical, you can easily avoid using these words. Instead of focusing on things that can’t be done, say what you will do, and perhaps provide alternatives. Problem: This negative-sounding word can seem like you’re blaming the other party, which makes them defensive and less willing to get to a solution. Instead, use “issue,” or “challenge.” Should: This word is weak: “They should accept an offer at this number.” Instead say: “Given how long the house has been listed, let’s see if they’ll be willing to accept an offer at this price.” Try: This word indicates uncertainty. Instead, say what you will definitely get done. |
| TECHNOLOGY 7 TACTICS FOR MARKETING ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS |
| People live a lot of their lives today on smartphones, tablets, and computers. So, if you want to grow your business, you have to increase your online visibility. That means you should be using a variety of social media platforms to effectively market to the folks you need to reach. Here’s how to proceed to cover your widest audience. Set platform-specific goals. Each social media platform appeals to different user behaviors and preferences. Instagram is visual, so it’s great for showcasing properties with images and stories. Facebook offers communities you can share news with. X (formerly Twitter) is great for real-time updates and engaging with community events. YouTube is great for virtual tours and videos offering your market insights and buyer and seller tips. LinkedIn is good for demonstrating your expertise and connecting with industry peers and referral partners. Clearly state what your goal is on each platform—brand awareness, leads, community engagement, etc. Tailor your content to each platform. Don’t post the same thing everywhere. Adapt your content to each platform’s special environment: a captivating image and story on Instagram, an industry analysis on LinkedIn. Keep messages concise and engaging on X. Do virtual tours on YouTube. Understanding the character of each platform will help you post the kinds of content users expect. Pay attention to SEO. Search engine optimization (SEO) tactics aren’t just for your website. Take the same approach on your social media content and profiles. Use relevant keywords sellers and buyers may use searching for properties and agent services in your area. Optimize your bio, property descriptions, and posts with local and real estate terms. Regularly update content and engage with users to improve your visibility in search results. Use organic and paid tactics. This maximizes your impact and reach. Organic efforts include posting regularly, engaging with followers, and sharing valuable content with them. Paid tactics involve ads targeted at specific seller and buyer demographics or interests, and ones that feature listings or posts to reach a wider audience. Experiment to find the right mix to increase your brand’s visibility and engagement with its audience. Use a variety of content formats. These could include market analyses, client testimonials, property photos, hot-to guides, virtual tours, interviews with locals, and more. Videos can range from property walkthroughs to market updates, to Q&As. Use infographics and blog posts to dispense information. A mix of content caters to different preferences, increasing engagement and shares. Seek out verification status. Get verification on platforms that offer it. This authenticates your brand and infuses trust in your audience. The verification badge (typically a blue checkmark) denotes authority and legitimacy, so important in real estate. This is especially beneficial when trying to stand out in a crowded market, as it assures prospects of your professional credibility. Schedule posts strategically. To keep your audience engaged and informed, you need to post consistently. Set up a content calendar of what you’re posting, where, and when. Determine the best times to post based on when your audience is most active on the platform. Tools such as Hootsuite or Buffer can automate this process. Start with mastering one platform, then extend your tactics across others. |
| MARKET TIP WHY VIDEO IS SO IMPORTANT TO YOUR MARKETING |
| It’s been reported that videos are fast overtaking all other forms of content on social media. Here’s why: 87% of marketers report a direct increase in sales through video 9 out of 10 businesses are using video for marketing in 2024 Short-form video delivers the highest ROI compared to other marketing trends, and this year will receive more investment than any other format Users will retain 95% of a message watched on video, as opposed to only 10% of a message read in text In 2024, 81% of consumers want to see more short-form videos from brands 66% of viewers will watch the entirety of a video if it’s less than 60 seconds long This year, U.S. adults will spend almost 60% of their time on social media watching videos 84% of people said they visited a brand’s website after watching a video ad about its products or services In 2023, users watched an average of 17 hours of video content per week Videos are more than a marketing trend. They’re the tactic that will keep delivering success to agents now, and for years to come. |
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