RealAgentRatings.com

Real Agent Ratings.com is a platform based solely on real estate agent Interactions and Engagement with their clients. 

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“Beware of These Termite Companies”: Week 2

“Beware of these termite companies”. This phrase is said all too much. Listed below are the reasons behind why this is so commonly spoken:

"We have honest employees"- Okay so do they background check? Did you know that not all companies background check their employees prior to hiring them. You need a pest control company that background checks every employee before putting them in your home.

"I have no bad reviews with the BBB"- What does that really mean? Are they even members of the BBB? Did you know if they are not, you may not be able to see their bad reviews. Review the BBB Termite companies in your area to see if they are accredited members.

"We are the best"- By what standards are they making that claim? You need to do your homework with the BBB, Yelp, and other sites that offer ratings and reviews.

"You will never see another bug again"- Wow that's a bold claim considering there is no way to state that pests will never come back. You need someone that offers a no hassle/ no worried return visit policy. If the bugs come back, so should they.

For more information, visit:

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite757-502-0200

Universal Pest & Termite Elite 757-967-8326

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“Beware of these termite companies”

"Beware of these termite companies". This phrase is said all too much. Listed below are the reasons behind why this is so commonly spoken:

1.) “Yes, I am licensed and certified to issue WDIR/ termite reports”

Fact: In the state of Virginia there is no certification or license needed to issue a WDIR/ termite report. The fact is, a person with no experience or background could issue you a report at any time. There is, however, a voluntary program offered through the state pest association. This program does not monitor termite companies when they issue a termite/ moisture report; nor does it have the power to regulate them. When choosing a termite company to represent you or your clients, make sure you hire a company that has been in business a minimum of 18 years and has issued a minimum of 20,000 inspections/reports.

2.) "We can issue a termite/moisture report and offer a home inspection at the same time"

According to (number 11) of the International Association of Certified Home Inspector's InterNACHI's International Standards of Practicing for Performing a General Home Inspection, "The InterNACHI member shall not preform or offer to perform, for an additional fee, any repairs or associated services to the structure for which the member or member's company has prepared a home inspection report for a period of 12 months. This provision shall not include services to components and/or systems that are not included in the InterNACHI Standards of Practice." Make sure to choose a home inspection company completely independent of a termite company.

3.) "We can treat your house for termites for $299"

Ever heard of the term 'it's too good to be true'? This one fits the bill. A proper termite treatment including the proper technique and materials used, can take up to 7 hours to complete. The materials alone could cost as much as $200 to $250 to the pest control operator. Why try to skimp on protecting your largest investment when you wouldn't think twice about spending $800 today on a new refrigerator when the average person has less than $150 worth of food in it. Makes you wonder.... 

4.) "We have over 100 years of experience"

Really? You have been in business for 2 years. Did you know that when a company states experience ,they add up all of the years from each employee they have? Yes that may seem a little misleading, but it is a common marketing technique. Years in business matters especially when you are trying to protect your largest investment and your family.

These are just four of the 20 topics we will be sending out in the next five weeks. Make sure to look for our next email, it will be controversial. 

Universal Pest & Termite 757-502-000 (Southside)

Towne & Country Property Inspections 757-639-4774

Yourpestguy.com 757-967-8326 (Peninsula)

Real Agent Ratings.com

[realagentratings]

What Not To Do On Social Media

We all read articles each day about what is good to post on social media for our business. But what we do not see much of is what not to discuss on our social media platforms in order to promote our business. Below you will find a list of the common “no no’s” for your business’s social media:

1. Do not wing it- Having a plan is essential to gaining a larger social media following. Yes, we all know we need to drive clients to our pages to see reviews, etc. But if you do not research what your clients really want to see, it will be a slow process in achieving your real goals.

2. Don’t try to fool your clients- We all want to be bigger and better than our competition. But our client’s B.S. meters are at an all time high, so don’t waste your time in trying to fool them. Be truthful; they will relate to that. Instead of trying to overpower them, let them share in your little victories as a business.

3. Don’t be too broad- Those little victories you share with your clients will give them more of a reason to relate to you. Show you are putting your blood, sweat, and tears into your business. Clients will notice that and appreciate it. To them, that means you take them seriously; that they are not just another number to you.

4. Do not spam- We no longer see spam in emails. It is all over social media sites. Do not fall into that trap. Just because you are posting each day, doesn’t mean your clients value it. Space out your posts and only post ones that have true value and meaning to your business.

5. Do not be inappropriate- This can be a very broad top as far as “do not’s”. This can relate to profanity, political views, personal issues, offensive, etc. Just don’t. You will only lose clients, not gain them.

6. Do not always self-promote- Yes, you are on social media to promote you and your business, but if all your posts are one-way, clients will begin to lose interest. Balance is key. With your four or five posts each week, a self-promoting post should be one, maybe two of those. You want to draw in your clients to make those posts all that more valuable.

What to do and not to do on social media platforms is hard. It takes planning and focus to get it right. So why worry about all the other outlets you have to update daily?

We all strive to have customer feedback to gain new clients. Word of mouth advertising is the best advertising there is. Reviews, ratings, testimonials; they all promote your business. Real Agent Ratings is here to help you in your path of self-promoting. A platform that is made to take the hard work out of advertising and optimizing you and your business is finally here. Now that you know all the don’ts, do head to Real Agent Ratings today to take the headache out of your business.

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Why Now? Why Real Agent Ratings?

We have all been there. That one Yelp or Google review we just cannot get to go away. Because, fact of the matter is, you can’t get it to go away. But what if there was another ratings platform for agents that had it all?

A platform strictly for real estate transaction ratings. A platform that has implanted an SEO plug in to make it a one stop shop for your ratings and social media advertising. A platform that has a customizable profile that allows you to add contact information, a personal bio, photos, and link to other sites. Could it be?

Best of all, these ratings you can control. Driving your customers to the site and promoting your name, will not only boost you on our agent directory page, but will get you that top hit on google we all want. Sees too good to be true right?

But it is not. Real Agent Ratings is a ratings and testimonial platform that was established in Hampton Roads, Virginia. In such a booming market, there was a need to be heard. Agents’ best way to retain new clients, is through word of mouth. What better word of mouth advertising than ratings and real life testimonials.

How is Real Agent Ratings different than Zillow reviews, Google reviews and Yelp reviews? Great question! Each day you wake up and check Zillow, Google, Yelp, Bing, Facebook etc. That’s a lot of time and money. Why not put little time and very little money into a site that is built just for you and your profession? And most importantly, Real Agent Ratings is built around making you money.

Lastly, Google, Yelp, Bing, Zillow, etc. all do not take into consideration the client. Anyone can post a review and sadly, it is there forever. These platforms make it very difficult to dispute a bad or untrustworthy review. Yelp is known for this issue. Because Real Agent Ratings is solely a real estate review site, we take the time to investigate inappropriate, untrue, or invalid reviews. You can rest assured, all reviews on Real Agent Ratings will be accurate and truthful. The algorithm embedded into the site gives you a real time star rating. And we all want those five stars!

Getting back to the basis; Real Agent Ratings is here to help you. Take yourself out of the crowd and grow your business. We live in a world of online interaction and engagements so it’s time to engage. Visit Real Agent Ratings to create your profile today!

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Five Reasons Why You Still Need  A Real Estate Agent

We now live in the days where everything we need can be found right on our phones. So, naturally you would think that you can jump online and decide to by a house right then and there. Boom, it is done. Well…. not necessarily. Buying a home is a huge financial decision. Having a professional at your side can only help not harm.

Below are five reasons why you still need a real estate agent in this booming market:

1. More convenient and better access- An agents full time job is to know what is on the market, what is just off the market, what is coming on the market, when it will sell, if it will sell, etc. The list is endless of knowledge they need to help their buyer or seller make an educated decision. So, why not use that knowledge to your advantage?

2. Negotiating skills- Having a third party with middle ground in a transaction is always best. With money, comes emotion. Taking that personal emotion our of the potential transaction will be better for all party’s present. Allow someone that knows the ropes to do most of the negotiation for you. After all, that is their job.

3. Contracts are complicated- Having someone that handles that same contracts and procedures day in and day our is a must. Contracts are meant to protect all parties. If you do not know every details such as an agent does, most likely you will miss something.

4. Agents cannot lie- Since they are licensed professionals, there are more repercussions if they do lie as opposed to a private seller or buyer. In other words, the agent is bound by law to act in their client’s best interest.

5. Not all save money- Just because you will not have to end up paying a commission does not mean you end up saving money. Without an agent your home will most likely not move off the market as fast. Usually resulting in homeowners decreasing the price. This is not good for both parties.

If you are in the market of buying or selling a home, odds are you need an agent. Look to Real Agent Ratings to fund you the best fit for you and your family. Click here today to for more info!

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When Is The Busy Season For Real Estate?

Buy or Sell Now or Later?

Now! Towards the end of April, beginning of May, many agents began to notice the shift that was happening. Yes, a seller’s market! Homes are flying on and off the market. Fielding multiple offers and above asking offers; this period is laying the ground work for a booming season. But is this good or bad?

It depends on which side of the fence you are on. As a seller, this is the best time for you to list your home. “There are 9 percent fewer homes this buying season compared with a year ago, so listing in early May until now, results in you selling your house about 18 days faster and for about 1 percent more than you would get otherwise”. As a buyer, this time in the market may be a bit of a challenge. With multiple contracts and many above asking offers, you have to move fast to get the perfect home for you.

Why has this craze gone on for so long? “The reason is because with inventory being so tight, a lot of homebuyers are having to put in multiple offers. That is extending the length of the homebuying season. Such that, later in the season, people are more eager to buy the home offering more than asking after a frustrating back and forth with multiple offers”.

Who knows when the market will start to slow up, but the point of the matter is, the current market is moving fast. So, there is no time to wait! Whether you are selling your home or searching for your dream home, an agent is what you need. Just like finding the perfect home, finding the perfect agent is hard. Click here to learn more info on how to find the perfect agent for you and your family.

Recommended Vendors:

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite

Mr. Clean Duct

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Increase The Value Of Your Home With Easy Summer Projects

1.) Pool Cleaning- Ranging from $30 to $170 per month, this is what we like to call money well spent. Everyone’s favorite hot spot in the summer is the pool/backyard. If you are in the process of a remodel or selling, this easy clean will instantly give your outdoor hang out the spruce it would need to look shinny and new. Projects such as this shower buyers they are interested in a well-kept home.

2.) Landscaping- Landscaping can make or break a home. An average of $3000 can be spent to make your home look like a whole other escape. It can get a little pricey but if you are in the process of selling this is a big-ticket item buyers deeply consider. If not and looking to stay put, you can make you and your family their own oasis.

3.) Pressure Washing- Ranging from $60 to $525, removing built up dirt, mold, mildew and algae can stop long term wear and tear on a home that can easily diminish the value. This is a project that can be done by yourself or you can easily hire a professional. No matter who, this is a necessary summer project.

4.) New Windows- Something that can easily date a home is windows. With costs between $500 to $5,500 you may end up saving a few bucks by boosting your energy efficiency. Who knows, you may save a few bucks from your heating and cooling costs. This is another great return on investment if your house is on the market.

5.) Air Duct Cleaning- Ranging from about $500 to $600, a good air duct cleaning can refresh any home. Will all the pollen, dust, and critters that flutter about in your home during the summer, this is the perfect season for a good cleaning.

6.) Deck Addition- More of a big-ticket item, ranging from $1,200 to $10,000, a deck can do wonders for a home. Having the potential to one day pay for itself, a deck addition is a great renovation idea or add on if your home is on the market. Also, circling back to our first project, the backyard is the “it” space during the summer. So why not make it just a little better?

Recommended Vendors:

Mr. Clean Duct

Universal Pest & Termite

Universal Insulation Doctor

Real Agent Ratings

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Who Do You Have Doing Your Termite Letters?

Universal Pest & Termite is a top rated home service provider partner of Real Agent Ratings.com. Finding an honest, quality company is tough. But the search is over. Family owned and operated, Universal Pest is here to help you, your family and your business. Termite letters at $69 gets you quality work and A+ customer service. Click here to view their Real Agent Ratings Home Service Provider's profile with 5 star reviews!

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Top Mistakes Made By Online Marketing Beginners:

1. There is no need to spend all of your marketing budget right away. Do not go out and buy a bill board. There are other cost-effective ways to ease into it. Take Facebook for example. Their ads are a great way to reach a specific market for a specific budget.

2. Do not assume you are above SEO. Many think this may take up a lot of your budget but in turn it doesn’t. Conquering SEO will be one of the very few primary reasons you will show up on the first page of Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

3. Do not ignore a good review! Whether it is one or one hundred, you worked hard for that five star review so use it to your advantage. Google reviews and ratings, for example, are a great way to gain new clientel. Pretty much a virtual form of word of mouth advertising, let customer experiences sell you or your business. Need help with reviews? Click here for more info!

4. Just because you have 10 posts a day does not mean everyone is looking at those 10 posts. Quality is better than quantity. Post and share what people want to see, what will draw them in; not what you want them to see.  Customer attraction can be hard at times, so taking a measure of what works best for you every now and again is a must. Just because it worked last week, does not mean it will work this week.

5. Do not ignore social media. Going back to our first point made about budget, social media can be used as an extremely inexpensive outlet for you or your company. So use it! Interaction with your customers will be appreciated and recognized. If you want to remain a company with a simple 1800 hotline, growth will be minimal for you.

6. It’s not all about you. Every now and again personal stories are a great touch customers love to read. But not on a daily basis. So with that said, have a business social media string and a personal one. Intertwining the two can get risky and unnecessary for your business.

Need more marketing advise? Stay turned on our blog for more weekly tips? Need help with online reviews and testimonials? No problem! Click here for more details.

Recommended Vendors: 

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite

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Top Rated Place To Live In VA And Why:

Top places to live in Virginia and why:

1. Best overall city- Arlington, Va.

Arlington sits right on the border of Virginia and Washington D.C. Location, location, location! The urban setting provides a nice mix of homes, apartments, and different neighborhoods right along retail spaces and restaurants. Great schools and a strong job market makes Arlington very desirable. All of this does come at a price. There is a reason it is not listed as the most cost-effective place to live in Virginia with homes averaging in the $600,000’s and above.

2. Best overall town- Charlottesville, Va.

Though a city, Charlottesville welcoming and homey feel gives this location the feel of a small town. Bordered by gorgeous mountains and countryside, this town offers all the same of a bigger city with excellent housing, shopping, dining and business. An added bonus is when it comes to history and architecture, there are not many places more beautiful.

3. Best city to raise a family- Glen Allen

This Richmond city suburb is located in Henrico county. Its overall affordability, school districts, and urban conveniences at a slower pace, makes this a great location to live.

4. Best cities for millennials- Virginia Beach and Alexandria

In your 20’s and looking for a great place to live? VA Beach and Alexandria may be for you. Though they are very different atmosphere’s you will never be bored in either location. With Virginia Beach providing a sandy place to destress and tons of activities, it a perfect location for that first condo purchase. Alexandria will not disappoint with its fast-paced urban setting and proximity to D.C. VA Beach too laid back for you, then Alexandria may be it.

5. Best city to retire- Blacksburg, VA

With a low crime rate and low cost of living, Blacksburg is a great little place to kick back and relax. This cute mountain town offers lots of activities and sites to see.

6. Safest location to live- Broadway, VA.

The small town of Broadway located in the Shenandoah Valley has been sought after as the safest place in Virginia. According to Safewise.com, you will have a 1 and 1,000 chance of being a victim to a crime.

7. Most beautiful place- Staunton, Va.

Already named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by Smithsonian Magazine, Staunton is easily looked at as the most beautiful location in Virginia. Staunton offers historic architecture, culture and a friendly home atmosphere.

8. Best quality of life- Chesapeake, VA.

With factors such as income, affordability, health benefits, local economy and work balance Chesapeake provides a very balances atmosphere. Its combination of urban amenities and beautiful nature, makes this a very relaxing and desirable location to live in Virginia.

 If you are looking to relocate or simply upgrade or downgrade, a qualified real estate agent is what you need. Navigating the real estate market can be a pain. So why not let an expert help you. Visit Real Agent Ratings today to find the perfect match for you and your family.

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How To Get One More Review: Week 11

Can Millennials be the key to your growth?

1.) Return on interaction (ROI)- In any business our goal is retaining that next customer. A big part of that is reviews and word of mouth advertising. But how do we keep the circle going? Simple. Interactions. When we say interactions are key here is what we mean. The millennial generation just wants to be heard. They want to know their opinions matter. Creating a communication circle is a great start to establish those valuable interactions. No one wants to ask a question with no answer. Write a comment without a conversation following. Or write a post with no likes or comments. We all have the desire to share, so why not use that to your advantage?

2.) Be real- As we all know, everyone’s BS meter is at an all time high. When you market to any generation, much less the millennial generation, being real and authentic is best. If you are taking a vacation, share it, if you had a good day at work share it; make yourself seem human. People respond to that in a positive manner. Customers value that human interaction. A part of those interactions are asking for reviews. Embrace the reviews.

3.) Find common ground- By 2020, the millennials will account for 40% of all consumers, which means, creating a life-long brand of loyalties is more important more than ever. The center of human relationships is a connection. Establishing that connection now could account for close to half of your future business.

4.) Something shinny- Majority of the time, customers have info thrown at them on a daily basis. Yours has to be just a little better. When we talk about the “Jab, jab ,right hook” marketing plan that means give them what they want first. Yes, maybe a picture of a cute puppy, or where to buy the latest trends. But it will ultimately draw them in. That’s when you go for the meaningful post of your latest product or property being listed. This gets them looking at you and away from others.

5.) Don’t be boring- Millennials hate plain advertising. 84% say that they do not like ads, and only 1% say that they would be influenced by an advertisement. This means that the traditional advertising plans – things like commercials, magazine ads or direct mail – is becoming less popular each year. Mix it up. Use custom email platforms, post of Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram with Gifs, etc. The list is endless to get them coming back to you.

6.) Are you an agent and need a platform for your reviews? Look no further. Real Agent Ratings is here to help. After doing the easy five steps on how to increase your customer traffic, you will need an easy to use site such as Real Agent Ratings. Invite past or current customers to leave you a kind word with a five star. Check it out!

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Finally A Blog Not About Millennials!: Week 10

Are you making the same effort to market to the older generation as you are to the millennials? Did you answer no? Well why not?

One of the biggest mistakes people and companies are making today is only selecting one group to market to. Yes, a large portion of buying happens from the millennial generation due to the current days of Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Groupon, etc. But why ignore the older generation? Do not automatically assume that they cannot be grouped in a target audience that shops online, communicates online, or reviews your business online.

Here are a few statistics that may shock you:

1.70% of the 50-65 age bracket use the internet, while 38% of those over 65 years old go online.

2. 94% of the same age bracket uses the internet for e-mail

3. 77% of the same age bracket shops online

4. For the first time, more than half of all online adults 65 and older (56%) use social media, Facebook in particular. This represents 31% of all seniors in the US.

So why ignore them in the vast majority of your marketing campaign? The truth of the matter is that the majority of people are constantly adapting. Adapting to what the new daily trend, fad, or latest technology that morning has to offer.

So, what do you do? It is not a problem to market to more than one target audience. Your business or product should not be one dimensional in the first place, so creating multiple campaigns should be easy. Take Geico for example. If you see a Geico commercial on ESPN, USA, then HGTV, they are all different commercials but still selling the same product. Do some research and see how different marketing plans can work for you.

Yes, it is maybe more work, but will pay off in the long run. Gaining a new customer may mean you gain 30 more with family, friends, co-workers, etc. But you will never know until you start to adapt too.

Recommended Vendors:

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite

Universal Duct Cleaning

Universal Insulation doctor

[realagentratings]

Top Rated Vacation Spots: Week 9

Top rated vacation spots you must see

Paris: Who hasn’t dreamed about ever going to Paris? From the Eiffel Tower to Notre Dame there is so much to do and see. The cities cafes, vibrant markets, trendy shopping and charm, are what make people truly fall in love with Paris. Ready to book your flights yet?

Bora Bora: This could easily be considered the most beautiful place on earth. Beaches, jungles, sky high volcanos; all mixed in with some upscale resorts, make for a perfect explorer experience. Not an explorer, that’s okay because the beaches are to die for.

Florence: One of the most iconic cities in the world, Florence holds some of the most valuable history on earth. Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo and the Piazza della Signoria are among some of the go to destinations in your site seeing journey. Of course we can’t forget about the Tuscan food and wine. Nothing will compare.

Tokyo: One of the most tech- centric cities in the world, Tokyo offers a wide range of attractions to make this a desired destination. Temples, to markets, to museums and beyond. This city can give you great amounts of history along with the new age of technology.

London: Anyone that has been to London can agree, there is nothing like it. The historic landmarks and the modern day attractions bring you into a life that will occupy for days. Be sure to visit the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. It is okay to roam as well. You will always find something to keep you entertained.

New York City: New York, NY; where all your dreams can come true. Okay maybe just a visit will due. This city provides the best of the best of culture, food, shopping, Broadway shows, and nightlife. There is never a time you will be bored. Each street tells a story the hustling and bustling city.

After visiting these top rated locations across the world did you decide you wanted to make it permanent? No problem at all. Visit Real Agent Ratings to help you find a top rated agent for a top rated location.

[realagentratings]

Are You Doing Tip 5?: Week 8

How can you actually stand out?

1. First things first, add value

Go above and beyond expectations of your customers. Give them something of true value they really want or need. If not, you will remain white noise in all the static. Share things that are instructional, informative, and even funny. Draw them in so they look forward to your posts, emails, etc.

2. Ask what your customers really want

Asking questions is good thing! This gives your customers the opportunity to feel valued and that they have a true voice. Take it one step further and have some weekly topics on their suggestions. This is a great way to boost customer retention.

3. Show you care

Treat your followers as friends. Kindness and gratitude and show them you care about who they are. Simply knowing their dog’s name removes them from the masses and adds a personal touch.

4. Don’t be dull, show your personality

It’s not all about content, content, content. Add some emotion and pops of personality. It does not take a lot to just share a post, picture, etc. Your followers/customers know that. Add a little more to get more.

5. Rely to all comments and questions

Back to number three, responding to your comments are a must. Interaction is what you want so why ignore it? Keep the interaction chain as long as possible. Facebook especially will begin to value your posts more with an increase of likes, comments, and shares.

6. Don’t be generic

You have to be authentically passionate about what you do and the customers you serve. True passion is contagious.

7. Be visual!

Don’t bore your customers with post after post, add some visuals. People are more likely to be drawn in to a bright, fun, and colorful picture than boring text. Mix it up, add a video, GIF, etc.

8. Always know the trends

Always know that is current in today’s media. No one is still taking about what color that dress is, we have moved on to bigger better things. Know what to post and how to post it. Again, instructional, informative, and funny.

Recommended Vendors:

Real Agent Ratings

Universal Pest & Termite

Universal Duct Cleaning

Universal Insulation Doctor

[realagentratings]

How To Really Advertise: Week 7

Which social media platform is the best for businesses to advertise on? In order to create a successful social strategy, you have to first understand how to they work. Below is a detailed explanation of which platforms are best to acquire new customers and to keep your business growing.

1. Facebook

Are we all surprised? With more than 1.59 billion users, Facebook is the largest blend of demographics of any social platform. It provides a great space for your business to connect with potential customers all around the world. From an advertising perspective, it’s the by far the easiest to manage and allows for the best possible targeting. You can use Facebook Ads to match current buyers with over two million similar prospects who possess similar characteristics.

2. Twitter

Twitter’s value lies in its ability for your posts to go viral: the more people share your posts and “retweet” your content, the more followers you will attain. You can post anything! You can post recent news, updates and articles in major media. Hashtags make a big difference in gaining momentum for your posts, so be sure to pay attention to what is trending today and include relevant hashtags. You can also retweet people who have many followers to increase the likelihood of them following us back.

3. LinkedIn

If you are working in a B2B field, this is the social media network for you to focus on. Connecting with business professionals in any industry with LinkedIn is very easy. It allows you to target them by industry, job title, etc. As with any other social media, LinkedIn prioritizes relationship building more than any other. Don’t lead with a sales pitch; start by building a connection. LinkedIn groups are a great way to do that. Businesses should establish Groups in your target industry and invite others in your target market to join.

4. Instagram

For those of you that are not familiar with Instagram, it is a popular photo sharing platform. This platform appeals more to the younger generation. This is a great way to raise your customer acquisition rate. Posting a few a week not related to you or your business draws in followers by their interests. Then sprinkle in some relevant posts using visuals. Hashtags are also a key part of Instagram. Just another way to boost post views and gain more followers.

5. Pinterest

If you are a product based company this a is a great platform for you. Quality images are likely to go viral on this site due to its visual nature. If your image is pinned (saved) by a highly-followed member, it has the potential to be viewed by millions. It’s also great for promoting new or upcoming products. Adding the links to websites or purchase locations is bound to boost sales immediately.

6. YouTube

Aside from being the second largest search engine, YouTube is owned by Google. So, when it comes to search engine optimization, videos are more likely to appear in search results than other websites. It is also another great way to appeal to the visual client with bit of information added in.

7. Real Agent Ratings

If you are an agent, you know how hard to it is to get one more client that you so desperately need. Most social media platforms that allow businesses to advertise are incorporating business reviews. Living in a business world run by ratings and reviews, why not advertise on a site dedicated to just that. Use your profile to engage current and future clients with your business. What someone says about you will make a difference. Visit www.realagentratings.com for more info.

[realagentratings]

Do They Really Like You?: Week 6

Your customer’s B.S. meter is at an all time high

Hate to break it to you, but your customer’s B.S. meter is at an all time high. The days of people believing a business’s credibility right off the bat is gone. We have fallen into the generation that relies on truth through word of mouth, reviews, testimonials, and any other “evidence” supporting this person, brand, or business.

Don’t believe me? Go to amazon and look up a new flat screen TV. One TV is advertised for $500 through the distributer. Another, the same TV, advertised through a third party seller at $350. What is your first thought? Is it broken? Is it used? What? Our next instinct is to then travel to the reviews page. Solid reviews; you bet people will buy it. Not so solid reviews; there is no chance that purchase will be made.

In any industry customers are now the distrusting “Amazon” customer. Just because something is advertised to be great and life changing; most of the time that holds no validity to the customer. How do you get around this distrust you may ask? It is very easy, be honest with your customer.

Just closed on your 5th home? That’s great! Say that. Do not claim you have sold 30 houses this month. Not many will give you a second thought from there. Just hit $500,000 in product sales? Same thing, that’s great! Own it. Do not claim $2 million in sales if it is not believable. Your customers will pick up on that.

Also, let them celebrate in your win with you. Post it on social media, email campaigns, etc. Customers knowing they contributed to your happiness is a great way to show appreciation; in turn keeping up your retention rate.

Need help with SEO services or social media advertising contact Real Agent Ratings to boost you to the first page! Your time is valuable, use it on your customers, not the computer!

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Seek First to Understand, Then To Be Understood: Week 5

In the world of marketing, how do you know you understand your customers’ wants and needs? On the flip side, how do you know that your customer understands the brand or product you are trying to sell. Most of you do not know the answers to these two questions. Throwing something against the wall and hoping that it sticks is very popular in online marketing today. FYI, it will not work. It is just unnecessary work that has no value to your brand. So what now?

First, you must understand what your customers what to see, hear, discuss, buy, etc. Unfortunately, most of the time it is not you or what you are selling. So why constantly shove it down their throat? Don’t! Start by simply listening and observing platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. See what is the popular chatter. That is what you use to pull them in: their wants and needs. They want to watch the video of the cute puppy, not the video of how your product is made. Listening and understanding is key.

Well when do I advertise my business? Good question! On social media marketing platforms, maybe once or twice at the most a week. You need to boost the value of you or your product. Overwhelming the customer will do just the opposite. Your first step of understanding the customer draws their interests and in turn, they will hopefully begin to value your meaningful posts.

View your daily marketing tasks as a circle. You post a video, pic, etc.; all irrelevant to you, but interesting to the customer. Then comes your post about the next showing you may be hosting or your next new product. That’s your value. Then we come back to step one again with posts relating to your customers’ wants. This cycle should be completed at least twice a week. This will create the interaction and engagement that is necessary to stay relevant on social media platforms.

Remember listening and understanding is key to interaction and engagement!