[RussReynolds]

When it comes to Twitter, most people including real estate agents scratch their heads and wonder how they can use it to help their business.

Here is one way...

If you are unsure what Twitter does, essentially it is like a very brief blogging tool. The idea was for friends to be able to quickly let each other know what they are doing. Twitter has evolved in such a way that many thought leaders use it to market their services quickly, easily and best of all, free.

So how does that help Real Estate Agents?

Well, they key here is that Twitter lets you receive updates as they are called from chosen people via SMS or text message.

If you are a buyers agent with a list of hungry buyers, have them 'follow' you on Twitter and make sure they set it to receive text messages. When a hot new property becomes available, you simply send one text message or an email to your Twitter account and you can instantly send this message to all of your buyer prospects phones!

Imagine this scenario...you come across a great deal on a house you know will sell quickly. You send out the following text message to your prospects via Twitter: "Just listed! 3 bedroom house in x part of town. Brand new kitchen and bathrooms! This will be gone quick. Want to see it? Call now - 555-1212"

The beauty here is speed and personal contact. When people get a text message they usually check it right away and it also feels more personal than email which many people are continually ignoring.

This method also keeps you front of mind for those buyers who have cooled off. They keep seeing your messages so when they are ready to buy, your the guy or gal they think of!

Next time...how sellers agents can use Twitter to grow their business.

Care to follow me? http://www.twitter.com/russellreynolds

[Philman]

Definitely some good information here. The only thing I would be really concerned about is the idea of using Twitter in that matter. Twitter was developed for people to keep in touch with the smaller and simpler things that happen in people's lives. I'm afraid that if you use it to blatantly market properties, the people who are following you will be less likely to keep themselves updated with what is going on in your lives.

How about this for an alternative: instead of just saying something like "Just listed! 3 bedroom house in x part of town. Brand new kitchen and bathrooms! This will be gone quick. Want to see it? Call now - 555-1212", maybe phrase it in a more personal manner like "Checking out this new 3 bedroom house in x part of town. Heard it looks amazing!". That way, it sounds more personal and goes along the lines of what Twitter is designed to work.

Then again, if you just have a ton of buyer agents that are following you, your Twitter message would probably work great. I'm just thinking of all the other non-buyer agents that may be interested in following you...

[The Koitz Group]

Twitter is a tough one but it's like every other social networking platform... IMHO you really have to want to be there; write what/how you're feeling (within reason!) - so people get to know your "authentic" you. How do you get to "know" someone using 150 characters is sometimes the challenge but what articles you link to -- be it your own blog or someone else's -- reflects a little more about "you". I wouldn't scream "I'm an agent" and I'm not sure how well linking to your listings would work (I guess it depends on your audience). But again, an interesting link to a real estate related blog or article can always play as that subtle reminder of what you do.

And the mistake I've made in my first few months playing with around with Twitter around is always updating and not engaging those who were crazy enough to follow me. That is, updates are fine as long as they're mixed in with questions/thoughts/insights directed at your "followers"...just like any other conversation. That's what I've picked up so far for whatever it's worth!
- Kevin

[KNOX]

I lover Twitter - it's micro blogging. I don't always want to write a post but still want to say something so I use twitter. My last few blurbs appear on my blog. So I feel I'm talking to people without writing a post about a tasty snack... or something just as arbitrary. Does it entertain them? I don't know, but since I started doing it I do get a few more repeat visits. I know, this doesn't directly answer "how does it help real estate agents?" but it can help with the web property.

[The Koitz Group]

Originally Posted by KNOX

I lover Twitter - it's micro blogging. I don't always want to write a post but still want to say something so I use twitter. My last few blurbs appear on my blog. So I feel I'm talking to people without writing a post about a tasty snack... or something just as arbitrary. Does it entertain them? I don't know, but since I started doing it I do get a few more repeat visits. I know, this doesn't directly answer "how does it help real estate agents?" but it can help with the web property.

Knox, you hit the nail on the head. It's the balance between "what I do" and "who I am" - and how they converge. IMHO, it's okay to to put in the "arbitraries" because it's natural and authentic. Your blogs ground you as an authority and help shape "what you do" and the way you write posts builds ethos. And your updates (funny, arbitrary, maybe a good question here and there) feed further shape you. People want to know your hobbies etc...just in the right doses, right? All a balance I guess.

@ Mark - I would agree with the MLS piece unless and am with you with your "real life" encounters analogy. Exactly, behave as you would in a "real" conversation...in fact probably more subtle with the Realtor integration in an online social networking platform because people are already weary of the propaganda. The "I'm a Realtor" is in the subtleties...and should be a very small percentage of your interaction time. We on the same page?...think we are...

[Mark Z]

Yes Kevin, you got it!

[rmasse10]

Originally Posted by KNOX

I lover Twitter - it's micro blogging. I don't always want to write a post but still want to say something so I use twitter. My last few blurbs appear on my blog. So I feel I'm talking to people without writing a post about a tasty snack... or something just as arbitrary. Does it entertain them? I don't know, but since I started doing it I do get a few more repeat visits. I know, this doesn't directly answer "how does it help real estate agents?" but it can help with the web property.

I agree with Knox...whom I became aware of on Twitter and would now consider him a friend...all because of Twitter!

[The Koitz Group]

Originally Posted by rmasse10

I agree with Knox...whom I became aware of on Twitter and would now consider him a friend...all because of Twitter!

Robert - I'm with you! About Twitter and Knox! Hope you've ready his latest stuff on SAR...brilliant...

Best...

[rmasse10]

Originally Posted by The Koitz Group

Robert - I'm with you! About Twitter and Knox! Hope you've ready his latest stuff on SAR...brilliant...

Best...

I did not actualy, can you give me a link to it so I can take a look

thanks

rob

[MikeStewartRealtor]

Anyone figure out how to get Twitter tweets to show up on your blog?