Use YouTube to increase web presence

A presence on YouTube is crucial today because so many consumers visit the site, according to technology experts.

“YouTube is the second most looked at search engine on the Internet,” said Amy Chorew, real estate trainer and technology expert. “Realtors® can use videos for more than their listings. It’s a way to engage the community by showing the opening of a restaurant or talking about what’s happening in the market.”

Chorew suggests using a YouTube account for three areas:

• Listings – Post virtual tours, interact with clients
• Community – Engage the community, cover the opening of a restaurant or store
• Marketing – Talk about the local real estate market, show client testimonials

Robert “Wags” Wagner and his wife Adrienne “Abe” Wagner with Prudential Preferred Realty highlight the local real estate market report on a video they create for YouTube. The videos about the Seven Springs resort area help bring clients to them.

Nearly five years ago, Realtor® Kim Wood incorporated Internet marketing and social media into her real estate business. Now social media is her main source of leads outside of referrals.

A technology instructor, Wood, who’s with RE/MAX Main Line in West Chester, says YouTube is a must. “You need to have a presence there and you can’t underestimate that fact that it’s now the #2 searched search engine,” she added.

She regularly posts videos about a variety of topics in her community. “When you aren’t using YouTube for more than your listings, you’re missing the opportunity to become the expert on your community. I post videos of parks, schools, downtown businesses,” she said. “You’re buying and selling real estate in this community and clients want their Realtors® to know about the communities they’re working in.”

Wood said one of her most popular videos on YouTube is about a local car wash. “It’s thinking outside the box that makes you stand out. It always surprises me what videos people are watching,” she added.

“Establish a presence on YouTube and see what happens,” she said. “We’re going to see that more sellers are going to expect their Realtors® will have videos of some sort on YouTube.”