I downloaded Snapchat in college for the same reason that every person my age did: nude pictures. Since the app's inception in 2011, Snapchat has evolved from a fun flirtation method to a full-blown social platform. With the recent additions to the Story and Discover features, Snapchat has become a key marketing tool for brands and businesses to reach consumers on an entirely different level. Following its traditional core, the real estate industry seems to be hesitant to adopt the technology. So, the question lies: why should real estate agents get on Snapchat? How can it help your business?
Using new technologies and downloading new apps gives consumers anxiety. Every time I hear about a new app like Vine or Periscope, I think to myself, "shit, another one?" I remember not even wanting to make the transition from MySpace to Facebook. I liked the way my Top 8 was organized and I didn't want Tracy to think I liked her less than Micaela. But, you have to go to where your consumers are or will be in the future. Think about this. Like the demographic of Snapchat, Facebook started as a hub for teenage girls. Now, your distant aunt is uploading videos and commenting on every single one of your photos. The "age-ificaiton" process is already happening to Snapchat. Be ahead of the trend.
HOW CAN THIS HELP ME IN REAL ESTATE?
All anyone cares about is how new technologies can help them get business. First, I believe that you should download Snapchat because it is free and because it is fun. But, it is also a fantastic way to record videos and give home tours to your clients. It is quick and simple to upload a walk through to your followers with the touch of your thumb. My favorite aspect of Snapchat is the candid ability to show who you are. It is the most authentic way to reach your followers without blasting them with phone calls, texts, or emails. Your clients want to see the other side of you that is not the mythological perfectionist real estate agent. Record entertaining videos not just of your homes, but of your daily activities to reach consumers on a much more intimate level. Give them market updates while you are sitting on the couch drinking whiskey. Tell them about a new home you saw on caravan or send them a photo of your fat, festering cat. It doesn't matter. Keep people engaged. Also, the new filters on Snapchat allow you to be extremely funny without any effort at all. Everyone likes funny. Also, you don't even have to record videos to use the app. So, if you think your life is just too boring you can follow other people and be forever entertained at a dead open house. You can watch Kylie Jenner make lip faces to rap music all day. You can follow inspirational speakers and real estate coaches to get your daily motivation. You can send nudes to your friends! Either way, it's free and Gary Vaynerchuk said it will be huge for business. Get on it right now and start gaining the following that you are already missing out on.