Every year, on December 31, I reflect on the year that has passed and set goals for the year ahead. 2020 was a year of reflection, change and transformation (last year’s reflection can be found here). It injected new meaning into our business, our value and our industry as a whole. It set us on the path for 2021: the year we got to apply what we learned from 2020.
As I reflect on the year, there are some very crucial lessons we learned:
Agility Things were not consistent in 2021.
Between 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves of Covid, schools opening, closing down, re-opening, vaccine mandates introduced, working from home, going back to office a few days a week, back at home, etc., we learned a new skill set: staying agile. It became more important than ever to be able to roll with the punches and adapt to adverse circumstances with understanding, patience and persistence.
Company Culture The key to a successful business, is the team they grow and nurture. Remote work has challenges both when it comes to creating a strong and loyal team, but more so, when it comes to collaboration and company culture.
Company culture matters – making sure our team feels aligned, comfortable, passionate, and driven became even more important at a distant.
This year we had virtual show and tells, reel contests and two in-person events: our summer holiday picnic, and our holiday dinner.
Our Value We have come to truly know our value – we know our competitive edge, we know what we bring to the table, we know our differentiator. We are a boutique service – we are performance and results oriented and we offer a level of service focused on quality.
These 3 lessons remained dominant in every accomplishment achieved in 2021; and for the sake of reflecting on those accomplishments, here goes:
Our Team Over the last 12 months, we have grown our team to 13 full time employees and have been able to recruit fantastic talent. The pandemic allowed us to broaden the geographical barriers of hiring locally– this was a very advantageous as we are now able to recruit talent outside of Toronto. We have brought onboard team members in New Brunswick, Gravenhurst, Milton, Hamilton and Windsor.
Our team is our greatest asset. Not only are they talented and invested in their own growth and ability, they truly go to the wall for our clients and have developed fantastic client relationships that we value whole-heartedly.
US Clients In 2021, SocialEyes penetrated markets south of the border.
We are proud to say that we are now bringing our skill set in to the USA and working with various clients in professional services (realtors, law firms and brokerages) in the following states: Chicago, New Jersey, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, Maryland and Colorado.
SEC In-Person Gatherings This one feels like a huge achievement! We got to meet (most) of our team in person twice this year for social events! Some of our team members have never met in person because we have been operating virtually since March 2020.
We had our summer picnic and our holiday dinner in person – and it was so nice to be together, laugh, joke and see each other (not over a screen!).
Below is a list of other articles contributed to various publications including a few new publications: New York Weekly, YFS Magazine, Attorney at Law Magazine and Day Law Library:
Team Charity Initiative Every year around the holidays, we like to support a charity. In 2019, we threw our first charity gala in support of Sick Kids Hospital. In 2020, we launched Eli’s (Market) Place, an online holiday shopping platform to shop for a cause for the holiday season, donating proceeds to Eli’s Place.
This year, our team launched the SEC Holiday Toy Drive -every team member went on a little shopping spree to find toys to donate to their local toy drives – and we were able to donate toys and spread some joy in Toronto, Etobicoke, Thornhill, Richmond Hill, New Brunswick, Milton, Windsor, Mississauga and Gravenhurst.
2021 was a precedent-setting year. It was a year of goal-setting, growth and implementation. It was a year of learning to be patient and understanding, while focusing on what’s ahead.
Instagram is one of the best social platforms for realtors to use to advance their businesses, find new clients, and grow their networks. Its many visual features are perfect for showcasing listings, from posts to Stories to IGTV to Reels.
Specifically, Reels are an incredible asset for realtors to showcase their listings in an alluring, fun, and strategic way. Here’s why.
What Are Instagram Reels?
Instagram Reels are short videos (up to 30 seconds) that can include clips from multiple different videos spliced into one. You can edit video clips in-app, add music and add on-screen text.
Comparable to TikTok, Instagram Reels are considered permanent content. They don’t disappear after 24 hours like Stories do, and they’re less produced and formal than IGTV.
Why Realtors Should Use Reels for Their Listings
Reach
Instagram pushes Reels to the Reels Explore page. This is a big deal because it means anyone in the world browsing their Explore Page can find your Reel. The reach you can garner through Reels is farther-reaching than other in-app video features.
Creative
Reels also allow for incredible creativity. You can add filters to your videos, interactive backgrounds, stickers and more. This is not the place for highly edited, professional videos. Realtors can be successful with Reels by letting them be more informal, less edited, and more authentic.
Easy to Share
Instagram users who see your Reel can easily share it with their friends and followers. When users watch your Reel, they can simply click the Share button and either select the name of the person they want to send the Reel to in a direct message or they can add it to their Stories.
Ways to Use Instagram Reels for Listings
Since Reels are only 30 seconds or less, their uses in realty are specific. You won’t give a full, in-depth home tour with a Reel, that would be better suited to IGTV or even Stories.
However, those 30 seconds can pack a punch and quickly give people an idea of who you are, your personality, your authenticity, and your expertise.
Here are some ideas for using Reels to promote listings:
Tease an upcoming listing with alluring and quick clips of the home
Create a neighbourhood spotlight highlighting the best features of the area
Talk about a unique feature of a listing, such as the architecture or amenities
You can also use Reels to grow your brand and demonstrate your expertise:
Create a before and after Reel showing the power of staging
Create a buyer or seller checklist for things they need to know
List your top tips for preparing for an open house
Share your favourite landscaping tips and ideas
Create a Reel poking fun at realtors and real estate humour
Interested in Learning More About Social Media Marketing for Realtors?
The uses for Reels in showcasing your listings and growing your online presence are endless. But they’re not the only amazing tool on social media you should be utilizing. Reach out to us today to learn more about building your network through social media.
With 2021 coming to a close, marketers and business owners everywhere are getting ready to start 2022 with a bang. Will the same trends we saw emerge in 2021 be effective next year? Where should you focus your marketing budget next year?
To help you answer these questions, we’ve compiled five of the top predicted digital marketing trends for 2022.
Short-Form Video Content
It’s no surprise that online users will still prefer shorter content over long content in 2022. If you haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, what are you waiting for?
According to HubSpot’s 2022 Marketing Trends Survey, 51 per cent of marketers plan on increasing their investment in creating short-form video content next year.
Short video content is considered any length under 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Some ideas for short-form video content include user-generated content, influencer ads, and educational videos like product demos.
Stronger Focus on Permanent Content
There are two main types of social media content: ephemeral and permanent.
Ephemeral content is any content that disappears after 24 hours unless saved or archived by the user. For example, Snapchat and Instagram Stories.
Permanent content lives forever on your feed or profile.
In 2022, expect to see an emphasis on permanent content creation because marketers are seeing more ROI on this type of content over ephemeral.
Prioritizing Social Impact
After nearly two years in the COVID-19 pandemic, social governance and charity are at the top of people’s minds. It should also be a part of your 2022 marketing plan.
When your business chooses a cause to support, online users get to know you better. They get a deeper sense of your brand’s personality and what you care about.
Expect to see both virtual and in-person events taking place in 2022. Some consumers still prefer to attend events from the comfort and safety of their homes, while others are ready to venture out to attend events live.
80 per cent of marketers plan on investing the same budget they used last year on virtual events on in-person events.
Depending on your business and your customers’ preferences, you should consider which types of events will bring you the best return next year.
Podcasts and Audio Content
Podcasts and audio content platforms like Clubhouse don’t have great monetizing features. They are, however, optimal arenas to grow brand awareness and engagement.
While you could start your own podcast or create a strategy to land guest spots on other podcasts, you can also create audio content on social media platforms.
Realtors everywhere are wondering how to continue business as usual when the climate is anything but normal. How can people buy houses if they’re in isolation? How can I best serve my clients right now? These are great questions that can be answered with technology. Specifically, through leveraging social media.
Social media has long been aiding in realtors’ marketing plans. Right now, more homebuyers/sellers are spending time on social media and the internet in general. This is the best place to communicate, connect, and engage with your clients.
Let’s start with one of the main tasks of being a realtor: showing your clients new listings through open houses and tours.
You can still provide these services through technology. Consider filming a tour of the listing and then posting it to your Instagram feed. It’s best to film it as a story so it can be watched later. File the story in a highlights reel for current listings. Your clients can see every aspect of the home from the safety of their current dwelling.
If your client is trying to sell their home, guide them on filming a tour. Take their video and edit it. Then, send it to your network of realtors. Collaboration with other agents has never been so important. Make sure you’re connected to other realtors on social media so you can see their new listings quickly and send their videos to your clients.
It’s also important for realtors to connect with fellow agents and both current and potential customers on a personal level through their social media channels. The good news is, there are various ways you can do this. Toronto realtor Adam Weiner + Associates for example utilizes Twitter and Instagram to share “meet the team” infographics that allow all followers to get to know different team members’ interests, specialties, and more.
Should you still focus on database building right now?
Absolutely! Email was important before Covid-19 and it’s still important now. People are spending more time on their laptops and computers, many working from home, so they have more access to their email than usual. Take advantage of this by creating email campaigns that cater to your clients’ needs. One campaign could be for buyers and another for sellers. Give them tips that pertain to their goals in the current climate.
Remember, not addressing the current climate can make you seem tone-deaf and insensitive. Don’t avoid talking about the situation, be authentic and real about it.
How can you continue building your reputation?
Again, through social media marketing. Your profiles are still great places to build authority and credibility in the industry. Plus, now is the perfect time to get authentic with your audience. Show your community that you’re also being affected and that we’re all in this together. You could do this by filming a live video on Instagram or Facebook. Share how you’ve been coping with the situation and any tips you can give others.
If you can come through with effective tips and real solutions to their problems, your reputation will grow. Consider all the different ways you can be of service to your clients right now.
Can you really sell houses online?
Totally. The reasons people want to sell their homes or buy new ones haven’t changed. The process of doing the selling and buying has. Being adaptable and proactive as a realtor is key in a time like this. Use technology and social media to your advantage and support your network of realtors. If you need some guidance when it comes to social media marketing during this pandemic, we can help. Contact us today to get started!
As a lawyer, you spent years in higher education learning to be the best attorney you could be. But all those years of schooling likely didn’t teach you how to market your firm or your services.
We specialize in creating and expanding the digital presence of lawyers, firms, and other professional service providers. From our many years of experience and expertise, these are the best practices for digital marketing for lawyers.
Set Goals
Everything about digital marketing is measurable. This means that you can set very specific goals and know exactly what is working and what isn’t. So, before you start creating content, set some goals.
Do you want to find new clients?
Do you want to improve your firm’s credibility in the field?
Do you want to shift niches into a different area of law?
What is your reason for wanting to market online? Once you can nail that down, you can create an effective path to get you there.
Plan Your Content
The most common platform for lawyers to promote themselves on is LinkedIn, followed by Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. If you are new to social media, choose one platform to master before adding in others.
Consider who your target audience is online. If you are a family lawyer, you will likely be targeting parents and couples.
Think about when parents typically spend time online and post your content at those times. Create a mix of image and text posts as well as short-form video content to grow your online presence.
Measure Your Progress
Once you have a plan in place, track the metrics that matter most to your goal.
For example, if you want to generate leads to your law firm’s website, it’s important to track the click-thru-rate from your social media profile to your site.
If you want to boost your industry reputation, content marketing is key. Measure how often other professionals are interacting with your content and sharing it with their followers.
When you start to see the traction of your strategies take off, you know that what you’re doing is working. If you aren’t getting closer to your goal, it may be time to switch up your strategy or hire a professional.
Add Value
The most important aspect of digital marketing is the value you add to your followers’ lives. The people who see your Facebook ads, Instagram Stories, or LinkedIn posts could one day be your clients.
Some examples of ways you can add value are by sharing non-specific advice, tips for working with an attorney, and your ideas for handling a messy divorce.
The more value you provide them through your online content, the more they learn to trust you and remember your brand.
Interested in Getting Help with Your Online Marketing
SocialEyes Communications is here to take your firm’s online presence to the next level and help you grow your business. Reach out to us today to learn how we can help.
The holiday season is the perfect time of year to spread both festive cheer and brand awareness. It’s a time for giving back, showing gratitude, and nurturing your client relationships. Holiday marketing campaigns are starting to take off, and whether you’re a realtor, lawyer, or another professional service provider, you don’t want to miss out on the fun.
If you need some peppermint-fresh ideas for holiday marketing campaigns, keep reading.
Get Philanthropic
Is there a cause you and your team deeply care about? People are excited to give and donate this time of year, so fundraising or promoting a charity can easily be tied into your marketing campaign.
Consider fundraising with your team for the charity of your choice. Share your progress on social media through posts, stories, and Reels. For each fundraising milestone, share a post of team members doing a festive activity like snow angels or dressing up like Santa.
Getting philanthropic through your marketing campaign is not only fun for your team, but it shows potential clients your business’s caring personality which helps them build trust.
Collaborate with Small Businesses
Professional service providers and small retail businesses can lean on each other through their holiday campaigns. By promoting small businesses in your community, you build relationships with those business owners and their supporters.
Consider planning a “12 Days of Small Business Support” campaign. On each day, share a business you love, what they sell, and why your followers should shop with them. Coordinate with each business owner to promote you on their page too. They could post a simple photo of you visiting their store, thanking you for the business, and letting people know how to contact you if they need your services.
Make the Most of Short-Form Videos
Instagram and other platforms have expanded their short-form video features allowing you to share more with your audience and for potential clients to learn more about you.
Make the most of these features by recording and sharing holiday-themed videos. You could use one of the many festive filters available on each platform or create a branded one of your own.
Another idea is to record a 10-second clip of each team member saying what they’re most looking forward to this holiday season. String the clips together in one video and post it as an Instagram Reel.
Make sure you’re sharing user-generated content on your profiles as well. If a user commends you for your philanthropic fundraising in their Stories, share their Story to your profile and spread the love.
Share the Love
Are you able to offer a discount on any of your services this time of year? Can you host a contest for your social media followers to win a gift basket of goodies from your favourite local businesses? These are two ideas to share the love this season through your social media marketing campaigns.
Social media is all about connecting with people and building relationships with them. Why? Because each unique user could become your next client.
Need Help with Your Holiday Marketing Campaign?
If you have a lot on your plate this holiday season, allow the SocialEyes Communications team to handle your holiday campaigns. Contact us today to learn more.
