Online marketing tools for estate agents

Expansion into the far reaches of the world, development of cable networks and connectivity speed, as well as the number of people accessing, searching and shopping online simply reinforce this statement. And as such, having an online presence and making the most of online marketing tools has become crucial in all industries. For estate agents, this is no different, and luckily there are some simple and cost-effective ways to embrace this technological shift and get the most out of it for your business.

"The web has become the main source of information for people beginning research into the property market, or for those looking for a home," explains JP Farinha, CEO of Property24. "This is a clear indication that online strategies for estate agents are vital to generating quality leads, which is why we are constantly developing new tools for estate agents to help improve the quality of their listings."

While advertising can be an expensive exercise, getting your name into the market need not be. And with information so easily accessible, it's brand awareness that can make the difference for your business. Making sure your name is visible and connected to high-quality sites and listings, lends credibility and means it will be top of mind for property buyers, sellers and investors.

Be interactive

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are fantastic for keeping people engaged with your brand, informed about your business and driving people to your own website. They offer a more informal means of communication with potential clients and a great platform to showcase intriguing images of listings that can catch potential clients' attention.

The key to maximising what social media has to offer is in relevance and consistency. Content should be short, sweet and relevant to potential property buyers and sellers, and there should be frequent and consistent engagement with clients to avoid a stagnant page.

Invite people in

With the number of online property searchers constantly on the increase, making your listings stand out can turn a browser into a lead. Uploading appealing images taken from the right angle, showcasing the best features, and taking advantage of the sunlight, instantly makes a property look appealing.

Technological developments not only allow still images to be uploaded, but you are now able to offer a potential buyer the opportunity to 'step inside' the property online. Virtual tours, such as those available on Property24.com, create a moving 360º view from a central point in a room or the garden giving valuable insight into the property and allowing the potential buyer to picture themselves in the home.

Create quality branded listings

Once the images and virtual tours have attracted a viewer, let the description and information hold their attention. Ensure your brand is associated with quality listings offering clear, well-written and error-free marketing descriptions. Also, with branded listings now being available on Property24.com, you can make sure your agency is prominent on the search landing page, linking your quality listings to your brand. Online property viewers will easily be able to identify and look at listings from a particular agency, allowing your brand awareness to generate quality leads.

Developing brand awareness is more than having an advert in a publication; it is about being visible to the right people, and in the right place. It is about using many methods and doing so consistently, together combing to form a larger strategy to bring your brand to the forefront. And with the online world gaining strength every day, embracing technology and online tools is the future of your brand and your business.