Gladstone: Video marketing ‘perfect platform’ for attracting clients

More than 90 percent of real estate professionals are using social media to some extent in their marketing, according to a 2011 NAR Realtor® technology survey.

With more than 100 types of social media tools available on the internet, it may be difficult to decide which ones are the best to use.

Commercial Realtor® Bill Gladstone recommends using LinkedIn and YouTube as integral parts of any online marketing plan.

“It’s important to have good communication in social media,” said Gladstone. “You should post meaningful content to these platforms in order to establish your credibility and become an expert in your field.”

Gladstone spoke Monday about the top social media tools commercial Realtors® should use during the 2011 Real Estate Symposium at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill.

“Social media should become new part of your job,” he said. “It can be very difficult but it’s important to stay committed. The more involved you become the better you will be at your business.”

He recommends using LinkedIn as a source for doing business. He says LinkedIn helps clients find a credible Realtor® through search engines.

Gladstone recommends every LinkedIn profile have the following:

• Professional profile picture
• Executive summary
• Skill sets
• Education
• Three recent positions
• Three recommendations or testimonials.

Gladstone says the real estate industry is at a crossroads when deciding how much money should be invested into video social media marketing and not other channels.

“YouTube is one of the more unique and creative social media platforms,” he said.  “It allows you to create a message of meaningful content and is entertaining. If a picture is worth 1000 words, a video message can be so much more powerful.”

Gladstone says while creating videos for YouTube can be a bit of a learning curve, it’s a perfect platform for attracting clients.  He recommends posting video’s on topics including community experts, market updates or even vacancies in the area.

“The internet is about being brief,” he said. “People are not used to longevity anymore and are looking for quicker and better ways to be entertained. If you can entertain people, it’s easier to educate them.”