All REALTORS® have skills they are particularly good at or enjoy. Maybe it’s time to think about rounding out your digital skill set with courses that can either deepen your existing knowledge or expand your abilities in something that is not your forte.
Tech for tech’s sake
Because so many potential clients are tech-savvy themselves, they expect their agent to understand the ins and outs of using technology to benefit them. Proficiency in real estate listing platforms like Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com is a must. These are the go-to resources for many house hunters, and being adept at using them can significantly enhance an agent’s efficiency. Familiarizing oneself with virtual tour software, such as Matterport, can provide an edge in today’s market where virtual property viewing is becoming increasingly prevalent. And learning the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) can dramatically increase the visibility of an agent’s listings on search engines like Google, making it easier for potential buyers to discover them.
Skills for marketing your business
Videos
With platforms like YouTube becoming popular among homebuyers for property walkthroughs and virtual tours, it’s becoming increasingly important for agents to know how to create and edit high-quality videos. Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro and iMovie are powerful video editing software that can help you produce professional-grade videos. You can find video editing tips, as well as full courses on developing your own YouTube channel, on sites like Skillshare.com and on YouTube itself—as you can imagine, the latter has scores of videos directed specifically to real estate pros.
Be strategic
When it comes to investing time and money in courses to enhance tech skills, you should be selective and strategic. Udemy offers a comprehensive Google Ads course for beginners, providing an in-depth understanding of how to set up and manage Google Ad campaigns. For those interested in mastering Facebook Advertising, the Meta Social Media Marketing Professional Certificate has a full-blown training program that covers everything from the basics to advanced strategies.
Consider other platforms
While a strong command of Google Ads or Facebook Advertising is important, REALTORS® should also consider exploring other digital marketing platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn. With its focus on visual content, Instagram is an ideal platform for showcasing properties through high-resolution photos and videos. Meanwhile, LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for networking with other real estate professionals and prospective clients. Email marketing tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact can also be effective for distributing newsletters or updates to a list of potential leads.
Targeted Googling
Don’t be afraid to do some targeted Googling on your own. You might find a good introduction for a specific task like blogging or designing an e-newsletter that can lead you to a course or training website that suits your needs, style and level of interest.
Photo: iStock.com/andresr
