Happy New Year Realtors!

Get ready for THE Year of Social Network Ads!

It’s happening whether you like it or not, fight it or not, deny it or not – Social Networking (and advertising) and the Real Estate industry are a perfect match and it’s here to stay and growing like a wildfire!

Last month (November 2009), Facebook had over 350 MILLION users and primed to move ahead of rival Myspace in their advertisement revenue this coming year, according to a report from research firm, eMarketer. The same research firm anticipates that Facebook will net $605 MILLION in ad spending next year!

As more Realtors look to increasing their online presence and revenue through social networking avenues such as Facebook Fan Pages, so will their social network ad spending. Alternate online ad spending within the real estate industry declined this year, setting the stage for Realtor’s increase in social network ad budgets for 2010.

Since now is the time that many Realtors are looking at their budget for 2010, I would highly recommend that you leave room for your social media marketing expenses. These can include:

Facebook Fan Page Customization & Maintenance
Facebook Pay-Per-Click Advertisement(s)
Creation and Maintenance of such Social Networking sites as LinkedIN, Plaxo, etc.,
Integration of Social Networking Sites (making them work together as one)

When it comes to social networking and how it has advanced small businesses (such as Real Estate brokers and their Realtors), the following is what Ad-ology (known as “the science of customer insights for strategic advertising and marketing“), found from a survey they recently conducted:

According to the “Small Business Marketing Forecast 2010”, lead generation is the biggest benefit of social networking for US small businesses, cited by one-half of respondents.

The number 1 roadblock, however, was the perception that “our customers do not use social networks,” claimed by 31% of small businesses. Nearly as many complained that they did not have the time or staff available to do a good job with social network marketing.

Don’t let time or available staff hold you back from putting your stamp on the most dynamic, business generating tool out there. I am your time and staff (better known as a real estate virtual assistant) when you need it the most! Being cognizant of the evolution of social media and social networking within the Real Estate industry, I have equipped myself with the tools and know-how to make your Real Estate presence be known where it matters. Social Media and Social Networking, along with other real estate marketing projects, are my specialty. Find out how I can make your business better, virtually!