As January comes to a close, I’ve been reminiscing on how wonderful the first month of 2023 has been!

It has been a fantastic whirlwind of friends, family, Real Estate, Leadership, Volunteering… and I’m feeling INSPIRED!

And this week, I was feeling even extra inspired to share a message with YOU, my dear, sweet Real Estate friends…

It is time.

To get SERIOUS.

About Social Media.

I know, you’ve heard me talk about this subject a lot! But what can I say… it has PROVEN to be one of the most efficient and FREE ways to grow your business.

And in 2023? We’re all about growing our businesses.

But this week, I wanted to focus on one particular avenue of Social Media that I know for a fact, most Agents are NOT prioritizing.

Video Content.

Don’t be scared! It’s okay. I’m not going to tell you you need to start learning Tik Tok dances and keeping up with the #trends.

I’m just here to tell you that is a FACT that Video Content is the #1 way to grow your reach on Social Media.

Both Instagram and Facebook… whichever platform you choose, are all prioritizing Video Content. Specifically SHORT FORM Video Content. Even YouTube has added their own version called Shorts… Every platform is trying to keep up with the new kid on the block, Tik Tok.

And like I said above, we’re not here to talk about the #dancingtrends.

I’m here to share that YOUR Clients? Are on Social Media. And if you aren’t showing up in front of them… Another Real Estate Agent is.

The top complaint I hear when I talk about utilizing Video more in your Marketing Mix is “But Barb, I don’t like the way I look, or how my voice sounds”.

I hear it so much I even made my own Reel about it this week!
And friends! I’m here to change your mind about that.

If you had a new client, who has never met you in person before, but wants to meet you at a listing appointment? Or maybe a client on a Sunday morning wants to go look at an Open House?

Would you tell them “I’m so sorry, I can’t today! I don’t like the way my voice sounds.” Or “Actually, my hair doesn’t look good today, I don’t think I can talk to you”.

NO! So why are you using those excuses online?

It’s time to stop hiding behind the story you’re telling yourself, that you just don’t look good on camera – because I promise, we KNOW what you look like. And we LOVE you for it!

The information and value you can provide to your current and potential clients online, far outweigh any fear of showing up on camera.

But just in case you still are a little nervous, I’m giving you permission to use filters! YES, filters are totally FINE to use – in moderation!

Don’t use the silly dog ears, or the filters that distort your face so much that you don’t even look like you anymore…

These are distracting, and the insight you can provide to people who are confused about the market or want to hear your “behind the scenes” story about the day in the life of an Agent – don’t want to be focused on the bunny ears!

But the bright, and airy filters that make you feel just a little bit more “awake” or confident?!

USE THEM! (My personal favorite is Subtle on Instagram, you can thank me later)

And last but not least… Show up on Video as YOU.

You ARE good at what you do. You KNOW Real Estate and the ways you can help people. You provide VALUE.

And if you’re speaking confidently on the topic you know most about? You’re going to show up Authentic, Informative and Motivational – and that’s what people want to SEE.

So, my friends. I urge you to start prioritizing Video. Whether you start on Stories, or Reels or go big and create a YouTube account – just start.

In 2023 we’re all going to have to do MORE to maintain and grow our businesses. Our market is not the same as it was a couple of years ago, and we need to be focusing on what ELSE we can be doing to not only survive, but thrive this year.

And trust me, if you take anything from this Saturday morning note from me – We LOVE who you are, what you know and what you look like…

And it’s time that you start doing that TOO.

About The Author

Barb betts

Barb Betts is a successful REALTOR®, Broker and CEO, Educator, Speaker, and Trainer with a passion for all things Real Estate.

She is known as an influencer in the Real Estate industry and is consistently known for impacting everyone that she speaks to.  She has a passion for her industry and is highly involved at a local, state, and national level.